New Galapagos Diving Cruises for 2009

Posted on April 1, 2009 by Adventures Within Reach
Galapagos Diving aboard the Alta

Galapagos Diving aboard the Alta

The luxury M/S ALTA is now offering diving cruises to Wolf and Darwin Islands starting select Saturdays June-September 2009.

$4245 – $4445/person

For all diving departures there will be 2 dive masters / naturalists onboard the ALTA to take the group out to the dive sites in two dinghies. Crew members on-board the vessel during these weeks are trained for diving cruises and there will also be first aid equipment and emergency equipment on-board.  Nitrox will be available in limited quantities.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Saturday
Morning: Arrive San Cristobal Island:
Afternoon: San Cristobal: Isla Lobos (check dive)

Day 2: Sunday
Morning: North Seymour Island (diving)
Afternoon: Cousins Rock (diving)

Day 3: Monday
Morning: Wolf Island (diving)
Afternoon: Wolf Island (diving)

Day 4: Tuesday
Morning: Darwin Island (diving)
Afternoon: Darwin Island (diving)

Day 5: Wednesday
Morning: Wolf Island (diving)
Afternoon: Wolf Island (diving)

Day 6: Thursday
Morning: Isabela Island: Cape Marshall (diving)
Afternoon: Santiago Island: James Bay

Day 7: Friday
Morning: Santa Cruz: Gordon Rocks (diving)
Afternoon: Santa Cruz: Charles Darwin Research Station

Day 8: Saturday
Morning: San Cristobal:  Depart for Mainland Ecuador

Contact AWR to book >>

DIVING ON SKY DANCER

Diving Galapagos aboard the Sky Dancer

Diving Galapagos aboard the Sky Dancer

There is still availability on the Sky Dancer for these 2009 departures:

  • November 1-8
  • December 13-20
  • December 20-27
  • December 27 – January 3

Contact AWR to book >>

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High Altitude Prep at the Free AWR Condo

Posted on March 30, 2009 by Adventures Within Reach
Breckenridge is a great place to train for altitude trekking.

Breckenridge is a great place to train for altitude trekking.

Customers who book a trip with Adventures Within Reach are eligible to stay at a condo in Breckenridge, Colorado for FREE (restrictions apply) for up to 4 nights during the summer months (mid-April to mid-November).

The condo has 2 bedrooms plus loft, so it sleeps 6-8 people comfortably.

The altitude at Breckenridge is 9600 feet. There are dozens of mountains in the area over 14,000 feet, which can be hiked in a day. In addition, there are many lovely hikes that are not as strenuous, great biking, world-class fishing, and a beautiful mining town with shopping and restaurants.

Prepare for your high-altitude tour or trek with a visit to the Rocky Mountains!

Free AWR Breckenridge Condo >>

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New Kilimanjaro Charity Climbs for 2009

Posted on March 17, 2009 by Adventures Within Reach

Thanks to Cheryl Cole and eight other British celebrities, who raised million of dollars through their Comic Relief charity climb, climbing Kilimanjaro for charity is the new hot travel activity!

2009 Kilimanjaro Charity Climbs

Shalom Orphanage in Karatu

Shalom Orphanage in Karatu

In honor of their incredible achievement, Adventures Within Reach (AWR) has created five new charity climbs in 2009 to support local Tanzania charities.  AWR will donate $50/climber to the charity.  A visit to the charity is also possible, or volunteer for a day, a week, or longer.  Get your friends and family together to support these great causes!

$1590/person for the trek

Add a 5-day safari starting at $1400/person, or add 5 days on Zanzibar starting at $350/person plus flights.

Climb for Your Favorite Charity

If you would rather climb for a charity of your choice, we can arrange your trek on any day of the year, and AWR will donate $50/climber to your charity.  We can help your charity climb with group rates, providing detailed information on raising funds, sponsoring t-shirts, and helping with your travel plans.  A fund-raising trek is an adventurous once-in-a-lifetime experience for participants while serving a humanitarian or environmental cause.

Here are examples of past charity climbs:

Posted in Kilimanjaro, Safari, Tanzania | Leave a comment

Last Chance for the Tibet Looking Glass

Posted on March 16, 2009 by Adventures Within Reach

There are only a few spots left for the Tibet Looking Glass trip with John Bellezza May 14-31, 2009!

About the Trip

Tibetan Village

Tibetan Village

The Tibet Looking Glass trip is an unique opportunity to see Tibetan civilization in all its splendor with John Vincent Bellezza, one of the world’s leading authorities. From Buddhist monasteries to Eurasian animal art, this journey reveals Tibet in all her depth.

We are thoroughly excited to be working with John to make this dream trip to Tibet a reality. This is a unique opportunity to experience the beauty of the Tibetan landscape and culture. Sally Walkerman, another Tibet expert, will be co-leading the trip.  With a small intimate group, in a magical land, this trip is sure to be an experience of a lifetime!

Full itinerary and registration form:

John Bellezza

Dear Adventurous Ones,

John Bellezza in Tibet

John Bellezza in Tibet

The adventure to Tibet to see its ancient wonders draws tantalizingly near. This is a wonderful opportunity to join me and see large swathes of Tibetan culture and history that few others have seen. The scenery is a joy to behold and the people a real delight. It is a challenging journey but one with many rewards for those who are willing to make the effort. If you can, I encourage you to sign up and be a part of this unique odyssey to Tibet.

Warm Regards,

John Bellezza

John Vincent Bellezza is a visiting scholar at the University of Virginia where he specializes in the pre-Buddhist phase of Tibetan civilization. Bellezza, a fellow of the American Council of Learned Societies and Explorer’s Club, has spent 25 years exploring the most remote parts of the Great Western Himalaya and Tibet. No ordinary academic, John is a great story teller and entertainer, skills he developed during his long years of wandering around the Himalaya. His latest book, “Zhang Zhung: Foundations of Civilization in Tibet”, provides comprehensive treatment of the pre-Buddhist civilization he discovered single-handedly.

“I was really very impressed with him as a guide. John is totally professional, but fun and flexible. He knows everyone in Nepal and Tibet and showed us things we would have never seen on most trips. He always watched out for every person, coming up the rear of treks, negotiating for people, and giving frequent informational talks. I’ve been on many pilgrimages and treks and John’s pilgrimages still stand out as the most special.”
Dr. Lynne Heckert, Founder, Philadelphia Meditation Center

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Group Trekking

Posted on March 15, 2009 by Adventures Within Reach
Summit of Kilimanjaro

Summit of Kilimanjaro

Interesting in joining a group for an amazing trek?  We have dozens of confirmed treks for 2009.  Remember you can also start a trek on any day of the year and customize it to meet your interests!

Inca Trail Trek, Peru

  • June 3
  • June 14
  • June 24
  • July 5
  • August 2
  • August 5
  • August 12
  • September 13

Cordillera Blanca, Peru

  • October 11

Best of the Huayhuash, Peru

  • October 18

Kilimanjaro Trek, Tanzania

  • April 19
  • June 1
  • June 8
  • June 9
  • June 9
  • June 15
  • June 22
  • June 26
  • June 29
  • June 30
  • July 6
  • July 13
  • July 20
  • July 27
  • August 1
  • August 3
  • August 10
  • August 17
  • August 24
  • August 31
  • September 7
  • September 14
  • September 21
  • September 28
  • September 10
  • September 18
  • October 5
  • October 12
  • October 19
  • December 22

Everest Base Camp Trek, Nepal

  • April 7
  • Apriil 25

Contact us to join a group trek >>

Posted in Inca Trail, Kilimanjaro, Nepal, Peru, Tanzania | Leave a comment

Multisport Cotopaxi Adventure

Posted on March 14, 2009 by Adventures Within Reach

AWR is offering a new 3-day multisport tour near Cotopaxi National Park in Ecuador.  This is a great extension after a Galapagos trip and is great for families!

Starting at $370/person

DAY 1: El Cañón del Salto Canopy Tour

Your bilingual guide will pick you up at your hotel in Quito for the 2 hour drive to the Hacienda Santa Rita. El Cañon del Salto Canopy is a transportation system based on harnesses and pulleys attached to an inclined cable, taking advantage of gravity. This system was used by scientists who were doing research in the forest canopy. This is an environmentally low-impact adventure, and it gives people with no climbing experience a safe way to enjoy high mountain forest from a unique point of view. After 3 hours, transfer to Hacienda El Porvenir for lunch, and enjoy the afternoon at this traditional Andean farm. (LD)

DAY 2: Horseback riding and hiking

A brief lesson is given in the morning at Hacienda El Porvenir teaching how to ride and get acquainted with the horses. Wearing the typical “Chagra” attire, you will ride to the foothills of the Rumiñahui volcano side by side with herds of wild horses and bulls. ­­The ride takes about 3 hours. Afterwards, enjoy a delicious lunch of local dishes at the farmhouse. In the afternoon, hike to Manto Blanco waterfall. (BLD)

DAY 3: Cotopaxi National Park

Drive 20 minutes to Cotopaxi National Park and begin with a visit to the interpretation center where descriptions of the local flora and fauna as well as the history of the major eruptions of the world’s highest active volcano are provided. Drive up to the refuge (4,800 m /15,744 ft.) where climber begin their summit attempt and enjoy the views. Next, drive on to Limpiopungo Lake for a leisurely hike passing streams and large rocks where volcanic remains are still evident. You will also see Pucará del Salitre, a strategic military fortress of the Inca Empire. In the afternoon we will return to the farmhouse in Hacienda El Porvenir and then drive back to Quito. (BL)

  • Included: Lodging, transportation, driver/guide, meals as detailed, equipment, national park fees, activities as detailed.
  • Not included: Cotopaxi entrance fee ($10/person), drinks and meals not specified, tips, personal expenses.

3-day Multisport Cotopaxi Adventure >>

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Galapagos Island Hopping

Posted on March 13, 2009 by Adventures Within Reach
Red Footed Booby

Red Footed Booby

AWR is offering a new 7-day Galapagos island hopping itinerary!  On this tour, you can experience the highlights of the Galapagos without having to live on a boat, including Santa Cruz, San Cristobal, and Isabella Islands.

  • Daily departures
  • Customize your itinerary
  • Scuba diving option available
  • Add 2-3 day extention to Floreana Island or extra days on Santa Cruz, Isabella, or San Cristobal Islands
  • We recommend at least one extra day in Quito the day before going to the Galapagos.

Starting at $880/person!

Itinerary

  • DAY 1: Arrival in Quito or Guayaquil, transfer to hotel and overnight
  • DAY 2: Transfer to airport, fly to Baltra, visit the Highlands of Santa Cruz and Charles Darwin Station, overnight hotel (L)
  • DAY 3: Trip to Isabella: Giant Tortoises Breeding Center – Flamingos Lagoon, overnight hotel (BL)
  • DAY 4: Sierra Negra Volcano (4 hours trekking) – Campo Duro Farm – Concha y Perla Bay, overnight hotel (BL)
  • DAY 5: The Tunnels of Cape Rosa- Tintoreras – Wall of Tears – Isabella Paths, overnight hotel (BL)
  • DAY 6: Isabella Island – Puerto Ayora – Twins Craters, transfer to Baltra, fly to Quito or Guayaquil, overnight hotel (B)
  • DAY 7: Transfer to airport, depart

7-day Galapagos Island Hopping Tour >>

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Luxury Tanzania Discounted through 2009

Posted on March 10, 2009 by Adventures Within Reach

Swala and Kusini Camps

Swala Luxury Tented Camp in Tarangire

Swala Luxury Tented Camp in Tarangire

These intimate luxury camps are in amazing locations within the parks: Swala in Tarangire and Kusini in the Serengeti.  Each tent has ensuite bathroom and terrace.  Enjoy a sundowner cocktail overlooking the park followed by an elegant candlelit dinner.

With new special pricing, a 6-day luxury safari is only $2130/person (based on 4 people).  Prices valid for travel through December 15, 2009

  • DAY 1: Drive to Tarangire, afternoon game drive,  overnight Swala Tented Camp
  • DAY 2: Tarangire, full day game drive, overnight Swala Tented Camp
  • DAY 3: Drive to Serengeti, afternoon game drive, overnight Kusini Tented Camp
  • DAY 4: Serengeti, full day game drive, overnight Kusini Tented Camp
  • DAY 5: Drive to Ngorongoro via Olduvai Gorge and Maasai village, overnight Ngorongoro Serena Lodge
  • DAY 6: Ngorongoro, half day game drive, afternoon drive to Arusha/Moshi/Kilimanjaro Airport

Asilia Lodges and Camps

Sayari Tented Camp

Sayari Tented Camp

The Asilia Lodges & Camps in Tanzania are discounted for all travel in 2009.

  • Stay 5-7 nights, save 5%
  • Stay 8 nights or more, save 10%

The Asilia offers luxury accommodations at these incredible locations:

  • Sayari Camp is in the far northern Serengeti just across the border from the Masai Mara
  • Olikira Camp is a mobile camp that moves between the southern and central Serengeti
  • Suyan Camp is in the Loliondo Game Controlled Area east of the Serengeti and offers night game drives and walking safaris
  • Olivers Camp is in Tarangire National Park and offers open vehicles and walking safaris
  • Matemwe Retreat is located on Zanzibar Island and offers relaxation and amazing diving
Posted in Safari, Tanzania | Leave a comment

Beluga Yacht Discounted (Galapagos)

Posted on March 9, 2009 by Adventures Within Reach
Beluga Galapagos Cruise

Beluga Galapagos Cruise

The Beluga is discounted for regular departures through August 2009.

The discounted 8-day rate is $3370/person double occupancy, which includes the fuel surcharge.

For cabins 6 and 7, which have upper and lower berths, the discounted price is $3290/person double occupancy.

More Galapagos Special Deals >>

Posted in Galapagos, News | Leave a comment

Mt. Meru Game Lodge – A great option in Arusha

Posted on March 8, 2009 by Adventures Within Reach
Mt. Meru Game Lodge

Mt. Meru Game Lodge

The Mt. Meru Game Lodge and Sanctuary is located just outside of the town of Arusha.  Set in a quiet and beautiful wooded area, you will be visited by monkeys, zebras, ostrich, storks, and other amazing safari animals.  This is a great option for before and/or after your Tanzania safari.

Double rooms are $174-275/room/night B&B.

Honeymoon Special

  • Complimentary room upgrade
  • Fruits and flowers in room
  • Bottle of sparkling wine with dinner
  • Special dinner in private location
Posted in Safari | Leave a comment