Active Journeys Compendium by Smithsonian Enterprises

Smithsonian Active Journeys

NEW JOURNEYS!

2020 ADVENTURES

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ANNOUNCING

7 NEW

ACTIVE JOURNEYS!

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ACTIVE

Be inspired and energized Smithsonian Active Journeys with MT Sobek Smithsonian Active Journeys is our collection of small-group adventures that get you outside and into the landscape and towns and cities in an active way. If you have an interest or passion for hiking, rafting, or cycling, these are the journeys for you! All Active Journeys adventures share the Smithsonian hallmark of quality and educational enrichment—and by working with MT Sobek, top adventure specialists, you can feel confident in top-notch arrangements and knowledgeable Adventure Guides. In collaboration with them, we have created this collection of active journeys, including seven new adventures, all of which are exclusive to Smithsonian Journeys. Leave the beaten path with your small group of fellow travelers and Adventure Guides. With groups of no more than 18 people, experience destinations up close as you hike, bike, or go rafting. Gain new insights as you meet with local people, savor regional cuisine, and stay in cozy lodges and upscale inns that reflect the cultural traditions of your destinations. Read more about this collection here and find detailed information on our website, including downloadable brochures. Then contact our dedicated team of Active Journeys specialists who will help you find the ideal trip to match your interests and experience.

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Six reasons to choose an active journey 1. Blend Active and Cultural Ambitions Enjoy leisurely hikes along peaceful roads of Provence or Tuscany, landscapes that evoke the paintings of Cézanne or Leonardo, making stops along the way at historic sites, lively markets, and producers of fine wine, olive oils, and cheeses. 2. Have Fun Active Journeys really bring people together! Who wouldn’t want the chance to play outside every day in some of the world’s most beautiful places? You’ll quickly become fast friends with your small group. Plus, your guides are more than leaders—they’re storytellers, musicians, poets, or jokers. Traveling with them and your fellow guests is a ton of fun! 3. Attain Inner Insight As you complete nearly 40 miles along the Camino de Santiago across northern Spain, reflect on the many pilgrims who made this spiritual journey, as well as your own personal discoveries. 4. Get to Know the Local People Chat with a weaver of Harris tweed and sip a dram of whisky in the Scottish Highlands or enjoy the warm hospitality of lively music, a tasty pint, and genuine Irish craic after a day’s hike on Ireland’s west coast. (And with only 18 group members, it’s easy to relax and enjoy the conversation!) 5. Go Off the Beaten Path Take vigorous treks in Switzerland, Italy, and France, stopping along the way for breathtaking views of snowcapped Mont Blanc, the highest peak in the Alps. 6. Challenge Yourself Climb that mountain! Take a 12-day trek to summit Mount Kilimanjaro—the challenge of a lifetime!

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Adventure Guides and Local Experts Our Adventure Guides are highly accomplished professionals who know their regions like the back of their hands and are key to the success of every trip. Among this enthusiastic, resourceful, and highly competent team are naturalists, conservationists, photographers, mountaineers, rafters, and intrepid explorers. While their talents are varied, all share the same qualities of a superb cultural liaison, skilled adventurer, and translator. You will also find that each is a strong leader, cheerleader, problem-solver, and safety nut, plus a fun co-traveler and newfound friend. Most are locals who live in-country year-round, and others are so in love with the place that it has become their second home. Along the way you’ll meet with local people who are specialists in their area of expertise. Their contributions give additional insight into the culture and traditions, history, and natural world of your destination and provide the opportunity for real immersion. For example, you may spend time with a paleontologist as you visit caves in Patagonia that have yielded important finds. Or learn about wines and cheeses of Tuscany or Provence as you meet with local producers and savor their culinary favorites. These are just a few of the specialists who will further enhance your journey and provide a deeper understanding of your destination.

Small Groups With a small group of no more than 18 travelers, you’ll quickly develop a strong sense of camaraderie with your Adventure Guides and fellow travelers—resulting in a more interesting and enjoyable time! You’ll have the flexibility to take advantage of spontaneous events when they occur. And of course, when you’re not hiking, rafting, or cycling, you’ll travel more nimbly, usually by small coach or vans.

Accommodations Another advantage of your small group is the opportunity to stay in boutique hotels, lodges, guest houses, and traditional lodgings that reflect the culture of your destination. For example, accommodations in Tuscany feature a restored Capuchin convent located on the outskirts of San Gimignano and a 13th-century fortress in the countryside near Siena. By staying at historic village coaching inns and an urban Georgian townhouse while in the Cotswolds, you’ll engage more deeply with local cultural traditions. And from a stay in a traditional Chilean estancia (ranch) set in the middle of Torres del Paine National Park to a historic boutique mountain inn in the Alps, you’ll feel even closer to the landscape that you came to experience!

Activity Levels You don’t need to be a top athlete to enjoy our Active Journeys. Our trips fall into three different activity levels. Almost everyone should be comfortable on a Moderate/Active (Level 3) tour, which features daily walks or hikes (of three to five hours) through spectacular landscapes and charming European towns, with destinations that feature historic or culinary sites. Our Active (Level 4) adventures are designed for travelers who love outdoor physical activities with some challenges. These journeys feature very full days (of five to seven hours) either hiking, biking, kayaking, or rafting (or sometimes a combination). And our Challenging (Level 5) adventures are best for travelers who seek the ultimate challenge—such as ascending Tanzania’s mighty Kilimanjaro! 5

Hiking and History Along El Camino de Santiago 11 days from $5,995 May 14–24, Aug. 31–Sept. 10, Oct. 22–Nov. 1, 2020 For over a thousand years, pilgrims have hiked the Camino de Santiago across northern Spain. Whether you’re on a spiritual journey or simply want to enjoy the thrill of hiking this famous pilgrimage route, join us on this new Active Journey. Along the way, enjoy traditional cuisine, historic accommodations, and guided tours of important cities and towns. You’ll also have the expertise of a local historian and guide who provides insight into the history and culture of the region. (Hikes of 3 to 6 miles most days)

Highlights Include

Pilgrimage Route: Begin your walk to Santiago de Compostela from Pamplona and

Roncesvalles, charming cities nestled in the foothills of the Pyrenees. You’ll hike nearly 40 miles of the legendary Camino, focusing on the most scenic sections and bypassing others by small vans. Along the way, explore historic sites and savor impeccable meals in charming towns.

Historic Sites: Throughout your journey, explore historic cities and towns that pilgrims

entered hundreds of years ago. Enjoy walking tours of Pamplona, known for its running of the bulls; Burgos, the 19th-century capital of Castille; León, with its many cathedrals and churches; and small villages in Galicia. You’ll also savor local wines during a tasting at La Rioja.

Santiago de Compostela: Hike into this legendary city, arriving at the cathedral in the same way as countless pilgrims before you. Meditate on your experience, explore the cathedral and the city’s old quarter, and if you wish, attend a Pilgrims Mass as well. You’ll also visit Cabo Finisterre, an extension of the route that overlooks the Atlantic Ocean. Lodging: Each evening, settle into upscale historic properties or luxury paradores such as restored medieval monasteries and Santiago’s Parador Nacional de Los Reyes Catolicos. 6

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A Literary Hike Through the Cotswolds 8 days from $5,995 June 5–12, July 3–10, Aug. 7–14, 2020 Soft rolling green countryside and honey-colored buildings mingle with a rich history in the Cotswolds, making for the quintessential English landscape. Designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Cotswolds is an idyllic region that remains true to its medieval character and way of life. So too, it was home to literary giants such as Shakespeare and Austen. Become immersed in the region’s history and literature as you hike through its charming villages and storybook landscapes. (Daily hikes of 4 to 8 miles)

Highlights Include

Countryside Hikes: During daily hikes, follow country lanes and overgrown carriage ways as you gaze upon grassy meadows with flowers, small birds, and the sheep that once enriched the wool trade of yesteryear. Enjoy exploring charming villages, such as Stow-on-the-Wold, Bourton-on-theWater, Bibury, Chipping Campden, and Broadway. Literature and History: Spend an afternoon in Stratford-upon-Avon, visiting sites associated with Shakespeare and attend one of his plays at the Royal Shakespeare Company. In the World Heritage designated city of Bath, visit the Jane Austen Centre, where you’ll learn about her work and the Georgian era in which she lived, plus explore the Roman baths. You’ll also tour Blenheim Palace, birthplace of Winston Churchill, and walk the famous grounds of Highclere Castle. Lodging: Immerse yourself in the most charming of settings and most comfortable of amenities at historic boutique properties ranging from 17th-century village coaching inns to an urban property comprised of four beautiful Georgian terrace buildings that exude an understated opulence. 7

Hiking the Emerald Isle 11 days from $5,995 July 4–14, Aug. 8–18, 2020

Blend vigorous tramps with insightful cultural visits along Ireland’s west coast—on the Dingle Peninsula, Killarney, the Aran Isles, and Connemara—where the traditional Irish language is still spoken and the music is ever present. With your small group, hike along pristine beaches, dramatic coastal cliffs, and rugged mountainous areas and along the way explore historic sites and meet with local people. In the evenings you’ll fit right in at the local pub, where warm Irish hospitality, lively music, a tasty pint, and genuine Irish craic await. (Daily hikes of 3 to 7 miles)

Highlights Include

Hiking Dramatic Landscapes: Hike along the windswept Gap of Dunloe and climb narrow mountain passes in Killarney National Park. Spend two days on the Dingle Peninsula and hike the Dingle Way, one of the most beautiful walks in the world. On the Aran Isle of Inis Mor, you’ll walk to a stone fort situated on a 325-foot cliff overlooking the Atlantic, offering spectacular views. Farther north, hike the quartzite mountain of Diamond Hill in Connemara National Park and learn about the flora and fauna of the coastline. Historic Sites and Local People:

During your hikes, see prehistoric orgham stones, an ancient fort, Kylemore Abbey and its Victorian walled gardens, and castles in Kilkenny and Killarney. You’ll also stop at quaint fishing villages and old abandoned cottages, spend some time with a goat farmer, and sample local spirits at a distillery.

Lodging: Your overnight stays range from delightful hotels in Dublin and Killarney to an 18th-century rustic B&B on the Aran Isles and a 19th-century country house sited on 30 acres of woodland near Connemara.

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Hiking Scotland’s Hebrides and Highlands 10 days from $5,895 May 21–30, July 9–18, Sept. 17–26, 2020 Embrace mountain hikes and leisurely coastal walks in the Hebrides and Highlands amid landscapes that evoke poignant stories and clan history. Step back in time as you walk up to ancient standing stones and iconic castles, meet weavers and distillers, and take in breathtaking views of the Isle of Lewis and Harris, the Isle of Skye, and the Cairngorm Mountains. Each day brings new discoveries as you experience the country’s rugged beauty up close, meet the people, and learn about its traditions and culture. (Daily hikes of 2 to 7 miles)

Highlights Include

The Hebrides: On the Isle of Lewis and Harris, a coastal walk links the Callanish Standing Stones with a broch house and the Blackhouse village. Among other hikes, travel a historic coast-to-coast trail from the rocky east to the sandy western beaches and enjoy glorious coastal views in all directions. Along the way, meet a local weaver of Harris tweed, learn about the island’s cultural history, and watch for Golden Eagles, otters, seals, and whales. On the Isle of Skye, experience the dramatic Red and Black Cuillin mountain ranges up close during a hike through Glen Sligachan. The Highlands: Take a leisurely cruise of Loch Ness and explore the remains of Urquhart Castle, situated along its shore. Later, visit the iconic Eilean Donan Castle and sip some Scotch at a historic distillery. In Cairngorms National Park, hike trails that take you through ancient Caledonian pinewood forests and offer views of castles and wildlife. During your rambles you’ll also discover historic sites, a sculpture trail, and an outdoor folk museum that traces Highland life through the centuries. Lodging: Enjoy stays in upscale historic properties and a family-run boutique hotel, each featuring a lovely location.

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Hikes and Cuisine of Tuscany 9 days from $5,995 May 9–17, Sept. 12–20, Sept. 25–Oct. 3, 2020 Celebrate Tuscany’s timeless beauty and luscious culinary traditions during our hiking tour of this evocative region. Here, groves of silvery olive trees, swaths of vineyards, and rows of stately cypress are set amid a breathtaking landscape of gentle, undulating hills. Feel the warmth of the sun and the joy of hiking through the countryside and hill towns and discover the rhythms of Tuscan life, which still revolve around its agricultural and culinary heritage. Hikes are balanced with visits to historic and cultural sites as well as vineyards and wine cellars, farms, and other traditional culinary purveyors. (Daily hikes of 3 to 6 miles)

Highlights Include

Hiking and Culinary Highlights: Ascend to the 13th-century hill town of Monteriggioni, with its circle of walls and 14 towers. Hiking to the 11thcentury Castello di Brolio, home to the Ricasoli family, you’ll explore the wine cellars of prized Chianti Classico. Walk near Montalcino, home of Brunello, and along the ridgetops near the ancient fortified hill town of San Gimignano, surrounded by vineyards renowned for its Vernaccia. Along the way, sample a variety of wines, cheeses, pressed oils, and local honey where they are produced. Plus, savor Tuscan flavors during gourmet meals with local specialties. Historic Sites: Enjoy a tour of Siena’s Piazza del

Campo and the distinctive black-and-white striped cathedral. View the interesting collection of Volterra’s Etruscan Museum and beautiful frescoes at the Benedictine abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore.

Lodgings: Step back in time during stays in

superbly appointed historic properties—in the center of ancient hill towns and in the countryside—that reflect a well-preserved medieval reality.

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Hikes and Cuisine of Provence

9 days from $5,895 May 1–9, Sept. 25–Oct. 3, Oct. 16–24, 2020

Fields of brilliant spring poppies or vineyards with ripened grapes, stark mountain beauty, and an indescribable light that falls from soft blue skies have drawn artists and country walkers to Provence for centuries. Join us to hike the iconic landscapes of this enchanting region and explore the culinary highlights of the Rhône River and Luberon Valley. (Daily hikes of 2 to 3 miles)

Highlights Include

Hiking and Culinary Highlights: During a walking tour of Avignon, climb up to the city’s gardens and explore the gourmand’s Market Les Halles. Continue to the region renowned as the unrivaled king of the Rhône Valley wines—Châteauneuf du Pape, Gigondas, and Beaumes de Venise. Learn about the secrets of terroir, the untranslatable French word that has governed French wine-making for a century. And of course, visit some of the most celebrated estates and savor the tastings. Hike between villages and develop your palate as you learn about and sample superb red wines, explore local markets, and meet with a truffle expert. In the Luberon region, take a breathtaking trail from the monastery of Sénanque to the hill town of Gordes and go off the beaten path to small villages, stopping to sample local olive oils and cheeses. Historic Sites: Tour the immense Palais des Papes

in Avignon, one of the most important medieval sites in France, and the famed 12th-century abbey in Sénanque, and explore the lesser known town of Vaison la Romaine, with its complex history from Roman to present times.

Lodgings: Enjoy stays at boutique properties that include a family-run château and a 17th-century farmhouse.

Alaska Adventure 7 days from $4,895 June 7–13, June 21–27, 2020 Experience the rugged beauty, rich wildlife, and fascinating history of Southeast Alaska. Our new Active Journeys adventure showcases the glacial geology of Glacier Bay National Park and the natural and cultural gems of Juneau and Sitka. Explore vast icy glaciers; take nature walks; see eagles up close; and learn about the people who have lived here. (Daily hikes of 3 to 6 miles)

Highlights Include

Glacier Bay National Park: During a full-day catamaran cruise through Glacier Bay, watch for whales, sea lions, and myriad birds as well as calving glaciers as a park ranger provides commentary.

Juneau: Ride a tram to the top of Mt. Roberts for spectacular vistas of Juneau and a hike focused on the state capital’s early mining history. Plus, learn about the area’s geology during a thrilling day hike to Mendenhall Glacier. Sitka: Conclude your journey in charming

Sitka. Learn about the traditions of the Tlingit people, from historic totem poles to extensive collections at the Sheldon Jackson Museum, and the impact of the Russian American Company at the Russian Bishop’s House and Baranof Castle. Plus, get an up-close look at bald eagles at the Alaska Raptor Center.

Lodging and Flights: Enjoy stays in a

national park lodge and comfortable hotels. Flights are aboard regularly scheduled commercial airlines between sites (at an additional cost).

Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve

Mendenhall

Gustavus Glacier Juneau

CANADA

Sitka

Alaska

 Overnight  Featured Site

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Rafting Cataract Canyon on the Colorado River 5 days from $3,195 July 14–18, Sept. 1–5, 2020 Take an exciting 100-mile white water rafting trip of Utah’s Colorado River through Cataract Canyon, one of the river’s most spectacular stretches with towering walls and exhilarating rapids. Ideal for rafting novices, this journey features three and a half days of riding an oar boat with our expert raft guides as you make your way down the mighty Colorado from Canyonlands National Park. Throughout your trip, your river guides provide expertise about the region’s geologic history, flora and fauna, and early Native American presence and describe John Wesley Powell’s full-length canyon expedition from the Green River to Lake Powell. Your guides also ensure the ideal campsite each evening—from selecting the perfect site to creating scrumptious dinners and fun evenings. Feel the camaraderie created by running the rapids and evening campfires and take home memories from an exciting active journey. (Daily river rafting of 3 hours, Class II to IV rapids)

Highlights Include

Active Adventures: With your river guide at the helm, maneuver “big water” rapids that are similar to those found in the Grand Canyon. Enjoy a traditional swim in the warm water found at the confluence of the Colorado and Green rivers, plus stop along the way to take easy hikes and try kayaks and stand-up paddle boards. Canyonlands National Park: Return to the town of Moab, Utah, by charter plane and enjoy panoramic views of the park’s towering cliffs, buttes, and plateaus. Tent Camping: For three nights, enjoy deluxe tent camping, set up with assistance by your river guides, which includes a tent, cot, sleeping pad and bag, and pillow.

Hiking Through Patagonia 14 days from $7,495 Feb. 9–22, March 1–14, April 5–18, 2020 Join us for an exciting trip in world-renowned Patagonia to hike the dramatic mountainous landscapes of Torres del Paine and Los Glaciares national parks, both World Heritage sites. You’ll follow trails that provide breathtaking up-close views of snowcapped peaks, pristine glacial lakes, and dramatic glaciers and along the way learn about the region’s natural wonders. (Daily hikes of 5 to 14 miles)

Highlights Include

Hiking Torres del Paine: In Chile’s magnificent park, hike through one of the most unspoiled and beautiful nature preserves on Earth. From two different lodge locations, choose from hikes that provide incredible views of the Paine Massif and Cerro Paine Grande, Grey Glacier, and turquoise Pehoé Lake, while guanaco and condors dot the grasslands. Hiking Los Glaciares: Explore Argentina’s largest national park (from lodges in both the northern and southern sections), and choose from strenuous or more leisurely hikes to explore the impressive Monte Fitz Roy, Cerro Torre, Perito Moreno Glacier, and other spectacular sites. Historic Sites: Hike with a paleontologist across the valley from Cueva del Mylodon and Cueva del Medio and learn about the caves that have yielded important prehistoric finds. Explore the valleys of Sierra Baguales, a recently discovered fossil site, and learn about the land bridge between South America and Antarctica and its ecological implications. Examine ancient fossils and tree trunks at La Leona Petrified Forest with an expert by your side. Lodgings: At night enjoy the comforts of a traditional

estancia (ranch), modern lodgings within the park, and an upscale mountain lodge.

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Hikes and Cuisine of Peru’s Sacred Valley 9 days from $4,695 June 13–21, July 25–Aug. 2, Sept. 3–11, 2020 The mystical ruins of the Incas have lured travelers to Machu Picchu and other sites for centuries. During this new hiking trip to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley, you’ll begin your journey in Cusco, home to well-preserved Inca and Spanish colonial architecture. Explore important Inca sites near Cusco, including Sacsayhuaman and Puka Pukara, and venture out to the Sacred Valley to visit sites from Pisac to Ollantaytambo. Plus, go off the beaten path to explore more remote archaeological sites and villages and enjoy hikes amid turquoise blue lakes and towering Andean peaks. Throughout your journey, you’ll also discover the region’s cuisine and arts. (Daily hikes of 2 to 4 hours, altitude up to 12,600 feet)

Highlights Include

Hiking: Go off the beaten path to hike ancient

Inca trails in the Lares Valley and visit lesser known Inca archaeological sites such as Ancasmarca and Pumamarca.

Traditional Peruvian Villages: Spend time in remote villages where you’ll meet local people and traditional artisans, including a renowned Andean textile artist who brought her workshop and artisans to the Smithsonian Folklife Festival. The Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu: Spend

time visiting imporant sites in the Sacred Valley, from Pisac to Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes. Your journey culminates with a full day exploring the mistshrouded sanctuary of Machu Picchu, the “Lost City of the Incas.”

Regional Cuisine: Discover the region’s cuisine during market visits, cooking demonstrations, and traditional Peruvian meals.

 Choquecancha

 Aguas Calientes  Machu Picchu

 Huacahuasi Lodge  Pumamarca  Ollantaytambo

 Ancasmarca

 Kuychi Rumi

 Chinchero  Cusco

Luxury Lodging: End each day at upscale historic

properties such as the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel and well-appointed mountain lodges featuring excellent food.

 Lamay Pisac 

 Overnight  Featured Site

Hiking Norway’s Fjords 8 days from $5,695 May 22–29, July 3–10, Aug. 28–Sept. 4, 2020 Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the spectacular beauty of Norway’s dramatic fjords up close as you cruise through Sognefjord, hike on a glacier, and summit your own mountaintop of Mount Molden. A stay in the coastal town of Bergen showcases the historic port of Bryggen and other cultural sites, while delightful hikes above the city provide sweeping views of its dramatic setting. (Daily hikes of 2 to 5 miles)

Highlights Include

Bergen: Explore the waterfront area of Bryggen, a World Heritage site renowned for its

role in the Hanseatic League, and visit the Edvard Grieg Museum, the famous composer and Bergen native. You’ll also hike amid the mountaintops that surround the city, including Mount Floyen, and admire the panoramic views of its fjords.

Hiking: In the Sogndal region, travel to the stunning Nigardsbreen glacier for a fascinating hike on the blue ice of its surface. You’ll also climb to the top of Mount Molden. While at the summit, savor the personal accomplishment as you take in incredible views of fjords and mountains.

Norwegian Fjords and Dramatic Landscapes: Enjoy the majestic beauty

of Sognefjorden, Norway’s longest and deepest fjord, during an afternoon ferry ride to Sogndal. Conclude your Norwegian adventure with a thrilling ride on the Flåm Railway, which hurtles along the stunning Aurlandsdalen Valley through mountainside tunnels and along the Flåm River to Myrdal, then continue by train to Bergen.

Lodging: Your overnight stays include a modern, centrally located property in Bergen and a sophisticated fourth-generation familyrun hotel overlooking the Sognefjord.

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Mont Blanc Hiking 7 days from $3,995 June 15–21, July 11–17, Sept. 12–18, 2020 The iconic Mont Blanc has drawn hikers and mountain lovers to the Alps throughout history. This new hiking trip features exhilarating day hikes in France, Switzerland, and Italy from your base in the lovely resort town of Chamonix. Each day you’ll take vigorous treks through breathtaking scenery framed by serrated mountain peaks and glittering glaciers, stopping along the way to admire the majestic vistas of Mont Blanc, the highest peak in the Alps. In the evenings, discover cozy Alpine hospitality and the lively nightlife and restaurants of Chamonix with fellow hikers. (Hikes of 3 to 6 hours, maximum ascent/ descent of 2,100 feet)

Highlights Include

Alpine Trekking: During day hikes near Chamonix, enjoy the vistas of the French Aiguille

du Midi-Montenvers and the lakes of the Aiguilles Rouges, utilizing the aerial tram and bright red cog railway. Traveling to Courmayeur, hike from the Veny Valley to the Bertone Refuge for views of Italy’s Aosta Valley, then descend into the beautiful Val Ferret. And from nearby Trient, hike a portion of Switzerland’s famous Tour du Mont Blanc route.

Expedition Leaders: MT Sobek’s

professional guides have been leading treks in the Alps for nearly 50 years, and are truly the best. Each is qualified by the prestigious Compagnie des Guides de Chamonix and they often descend from generations of mountaineers.

Lodging: Enjoy the many Old World

charms and gracious hospitality of the Grand Hôtel des Alpes for your five-night stay. Dating to 1840 and located in the center of Chamonix, your hotel exudes warmth and elegance and features upscale accommodations, delightful public rooms, and a luxurious spa and pool.

 Geneva

FRANCE

SWITZERLAND  Trient

Val Ferret

 Chamonix

 Mont Blanc  Courmayeur  Overnight  Featured Site

I TA LY

Vietnam Cycling Adventure 11 days from $4,395 Oct.1–11, Oct.15–25, Nov. 8–18, 2020 Explore the great beauty and uniquely rich cultural heritage of Vietnam by foot and bike. During this new Active Journey you’ll experience the lush Vietnamese countryside by bicycle, making stops in small villages to meet with local people in their homes and tea shops and to visit their museums and temples. From ancient tombs to delightful gardens and from historic imperial citadels to modern cities and World Heritage sites, you’ll gain a deeper insight as you experience the sites and people of Vietnam by a slower, more deliberate pace. (Daily cycling of 10 to 25 miles)

Highlights Include

Hanoi: Enjoy a bike ride through villages and lush countryside outside Hanoi, plus a walking tour of the city’s historic quarter and Sword Lake.

Ha Long Bay: Spend two days in breathtaking Ha Long Bay, a World Heritage site. Board a traditional-style boat and enjoy sunsets and early mornings in the bay. The more adventurous can hop into kayaks to paddle out for closer island views. Hué and Hoi An: In the imperial city of Hué, take a full-day cycling adventure featuring historic sites in the city and in the countryside beyond the Perfume River. Drive along the scenic Hai Van Pass and stop in Da Nang to see the impressive collection of Cham civilization artifacts. Then explore the World Heritage site of Hoi An by foot, followed by another memorable cycling ride through the countryside to My Son. Ho Chi Minh City: Conclude your

adventure in the former Saigon with a walking tour of its historic sites.

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Climbing Kilimanjaro 12 days from $6,695 Feb. 15–26, June 22–July 3, 2020 For the true challenge of a lifetime, join us to reach the summit of Kilimanjaro! Our trek to the “roof of Africa” in Tanzania follows a less traveled route that offers spectacular beauty and maximum acclimatization time. MT Sobek was the first U.S. company to lead commercial treks up Kilimanjaro nearly 40 years ago, and the highly experienced guides and this well-paced itinerary have resulted in the highest summit success rate in the business—nearly 98%! (Hikes of 5 to 14 hours, altitude up to 19,340 feet)

Highlights Include

The Climb: Hike from an equatorial montane forest through magnificent alpine scenery,

gazing at Kili’s southern glaciers from the hauntingly beautiful Great Barranco Valley. Then, after a few days of strenuous hiking, start your ascent to Uhuru Peak very early in the morning to arrive near the crater rim at sunrise.

Acclimatization: On this itinerary hikers spend a full day and two nights acclimatizing at a private camp at 6,400 feet on the slopes of Mt. Meru. Then, traveling to Mount Kilimanjaro National Park, the group camps for two nights at 9,000–11,000 feet, followed by three nights at 14,000–16,000 feet and one night at 18,500 feet for full acclimatization prior to ascending to the peak at 19,340 feet. Expedition Leaders: Your highly qualified and trained local expedition leaders are all Wilderness First Responder (WFR) and NOLS trained. These are the same leaders who organize WFR training courses in Tanzania and run the first aid and rescue training courses for the national parks. Special additional staff training ensures that they are the most experienced and prepared leaders on the mountain. This expedition also has one of the highest guide-to-client ratios, plus ample porter and cooking staff to support the expedition. 19

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Call our travel specialists. You donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need to be a top athlete to enjoy our Active Journeys! If you have questions, call our Active Journeys specialists to discuss the trip details. Our specialists can provide you with in-depth information so that you can choose the best trip for you.

Go online to find itinerary and detailed activity level descriptions for each trip.

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