Quasar Expeditions Launches 8-Day, 4×4 Jeep Driving Adventure in Patagonia

Quasar Expeditions (www.quasarexpeditions.com), a luxury South American tour operator best known for operating small yacht expeditions in the Galapagos Islands, is launching the brand’s next exploratory adventure featuring Jeep_® brand vehicles – a luxurious eight day / seven night 4×4 overland adventure throughout both Chilean and Argentinean Patagonia.

Beginning on December 8,  and running Saturday through Saturday  through the end of May each week, aspiring pioneers will retrace the steps of those centuries before them to discover the natural wonders of the region including among them, famed Torres del Paine National Park, Los Glaciares National Park and the mighty Perito Moreno Glacier.

Modern day Vespucci’s will start their journey in Puerto Natales, Chile (after flying from either Santiago, Chile or driving from El Calafate, Argentina) where they will be met by the Quasar team and handed the keys to a road ready 2013 Jeep_Ò Wrangler Rubicon complete with both a built-in Garmin GPS and an external, innovative GPS Ranger®, which acts as a tour-guide of sorts calling out points of interest along the route and ensuring the pre-programmed hotels and destinations are reached each day. Guests have the option of driving themselves relying on their instincts and the provided technology; driving themselves but accompanied by a dedicated tour guide; or having a dedicated tour guide drive while they just sit back and enjoy.

Regardless of who is in the driver’s seat, Quasar has assembled an exciting and adventurous, yet comfortable and luxurious, eight-day / seven-night driving itinerary where guests spend the days exploring the awe-inspiring surroundings with activities such as light hikes, sightseeing catamaran cruises, horseback riding and bird watching, while at night they relax in the utmost comfort of the chosen hotels and indulge in the various food, wine and spa offerings each boasts. No stretch of driving is more than 3-4 hours on average with most only taking an hour or two. Also, Quasar maintains their dedication to social responsibility by ensuring these are 100% carbon-free adventures through collaboration with the Carbon Fund, as well as having 100 tree forests in Patagonia through a partnership with Reforest Patagonia.

Guests start their journey with welcome drinks and a full program briefing at the award-winning Singular Patagonia, a 100-year old former Cold Storage Plant now restored and renovated into a 57-room luxury retreat along the shores of the Fjord of Last Hope. After settling in and relaxing at the spa, guests will relish in local cuisine like guanaco, conger eel and a variety of pisco sours, before retiring for the night. The next morning guests set out in their Jeep_® Wrangler SUVs across the Argentinean border to the town of El Calafate and then northward across the Patagonian Pampa to the day’s final destination, Hosteria Helsingfors. The next two days will be spent at this rustic retreat located at the edge of beautiful Lake Viedma and across from the mighty Mt. Fitz Roy. Activities include horseback riding or hiking to a secluded blue lagoon at the edge of a glacier.

A full day of marveling at the Perito Glacier and ‘Iceberg Channel’ is in store after departing Helsingfors, followed by a visit to the Glaciarum museum before settling in for a delicious local meal and fourth’s night sleep at Eolo Lodge, cut in the cloth of the true Argentine Estancia tradition. On the fifth day guests can enjoy Eolo’s spa in the morning or venture into town for some souvenir shopping in El Calafate. Later in the afternoon, guests head back west to Chile to the heart of Torres del Paine National Park. The destination for the night is Patagonia Camp, Chile’s first luxury tented camp located at the edge of stunning Lake Toro.

The next day is spent on a light hike up the French Valley, among lenga tree forests, rivers and bridges to reach the hanging glaciers of the Paine Grande Massif. Guests are welcomed that night at dinner with roasted Patagonia lamb, prepared the true gaucho way. The following day guests do a full day driving tour around the park, stopping at several points to view vibrant Chilean flamingos and black-faced Ibis, overlooks of the three towers after which the National Park was named and finally lunch along the shore of the breathtaking blue lagoon. Guests settle in to their final night at Tierra Patagonia for a relaxing spa afternoon and an exquisite dinner. The voyage comes to an end the following day as guests transfer to the airport for their flights home or where their next adventure may be.

Aspiring explorers have various options when booking Quasar’s 4×4 adventure. Pricing starts at $5200 per person per trip, based on four people in one vehicle driving themselves and increases from there depending on whether a driver or guide is required and how many people are in the vehicle. For a couple, it is $5600 per person based on two people self driving in one vehicle. Children 12 and under receive a 15%discount.

Included in the trip cost is hotel accommodations, meals as noted in, all ground transportation within Chile and Argentina as noted in itinerary, airport transfers to / from Puerto Natales and entrance to the Glaciarum Museum. The services of a Quasar Expeditions tour leader are also included for those choosing that option. Items not included in the above pricing include: international and domestic airfare, park and glacier entrance fees, beverages (with the exception of those included at specific hotels) and fuel for the Jeep_® brand vehicles.

Quasar Expeditions is a leading South American tour operator that has become synonymous with luxury travel in the Galapagos Islands since introducing smaller yacht expeditions to the area in 1986. Born out of founders (and Ecuadorian natives) Eduardo and Dolores Diez’s passion for the untouched natural beauty of the islands, which they first discovered in the 70’s, Quasar has grown into one of the region’s preeminent exclusive travel companies. Quasar’s offerings  include two luxury yachts in the Galapagos, high-end expeditions through Peru,  Amazon jungle adventures and now expeditions through Patagonia.

For reservations, more information and to watch a video of the adventure, visit www.jeeppatagoniaexpeditions.com.

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Limited Space Left on Explore Bhutan Trip with G Adventures & David Suzuki; Proceeds to benefit Planeterra & David Suzuki Foundation

Tiger’s Nest, Bhutan

G Adventures, a leading small-group adventure tour operator based in Toronto, Ontario, is hosting an exclusive tour to the Kingdom of Bhutan with award-winning scientist, environmentalist and broadcaster David Suzuki. Departing March 23, 2013, travelers on the 12-day journey will have the unique opportunity to celebrate the spiritual festival of Tsechu, putting them face-to-face with the colorful mask dances and religious art forms of the country.

Led by a local CEO (Chief Experience Officer), guests on the Bhutan Festival with David Suzuki adventure will explore Paro, Thimpu and Punakha, learn about Buddhism, visit ancient monasteries and shrines, and stroll through valleys, forests and mountains trails in the pristine and peaceful landscapes of the Himalayan kingdom. Nature lovers, photographers and cultural junkies will uncover a purity of culture, traditions and kindness.

“Bhutan remains at the top of many bucket lists with its majestic natural beauty and fascinating culture. We’re excited to be partnering with David Suzuki to host the once-in-a-lifetime experience,” says Bruce Poon Tip, G Adventures founder. “Proceeds from the trip that’s sure to be memorable and life-changing will benefit Planeterra and the David Suzuki Foundation.”

“Bhutan is playing a huge role in changing the traditional notion of how to measure a country’s wealth and prosperity. The Bhutanese reject the idea that governments should simply measure national wealth through metrics like GDP, income and consumption. Instead they insist that the role of leaders should be to ensure the well-being and happiness of people,” says Suzuki. “I think this trip will offer a fascinating view of the global leadership role the tiny nation is playing.”

Twenty spaces for the limited departure are available for auction with a starting bid of $6,000 CAD per person. Proceeds will benefit Planeterra and the David Suzuki Foundation. Interested travellers may place their bid by emailing their full name, contact info, number of desired seats and their bid to silentauction@gadventures.com. Auction closes midnight EST on November 16, 2012.

For more information,  visit http://www.gadventures.com/bhutanwithdavidsuzuki.

G Adventures is an adventure travel pioneer offering the widest selection of affordable small group tours, safaris and expeditions to more than 100 countries on all continents. It is the only adventure travel company to offer 100% guaranteed departures in 2013. Powered by an international team of passionate travelers, the award-winning trips embrace authentic accommodation, exotic cuisine and local transport to put travelers on a first-name basis with the planet’s people, cultures, landscapes and wildlife. The intimate, authentic and sustainable approach to small-group travel introduces travelers to the highlights of a destination while offering the freedom to explore it on their own. Whatever age, interest, ability or budget, G Adventures has a genuine life-changing experience. For more information please visit http://www.gadventures.com.

Established in 2003 by adventure travel tour operator G Adventures, Planeterra Foundation is a non‐profit organization that supports social and environmental solutions in destinations around the world via its global network of travllers. The foundation focuses on local education and health, small-business development, emergency relief and conservation work. For more information please visit http://www.planeterra.org.

The David Suzuki Foundation is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to finding solutions for living within the limits of nature and mobilizing Canadians to make their communities healthy and green. http://www.davidsuzuki.org
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Death Valley Tours From Las Vegas offered by TourGuy, Eco-Touring Company

Las Vegas adventure and eco touring company TourGuy.com, LLC is now offering a special one day Death Valley Tours From Las Vegas featuring complimentary hotel pick up and return. The tour features several famous Death Valley locations including the infamous Ghost Town of Rhyolite and panoramic vista known as Hell’s Gate. All guests are picked up at their respective hotels starting at 7:00 am with the tour ending at 5:30 that evening. Guests tour Death Valley in a luxury 4×4 or custom VIP touring class mini coach. The tour includes a full lunch and complimentary snacks.

James Hoke, Founder and President of TourGuy.com, LLC says, “This is the perfect time of year to visit Death Valley. The weather is mild making it a great day visiting all of the sights and locations Death Valley has to offer. All of our tour guides are extremely knowledgeable about the history and topography of Death Valley.”

The one-day sightseeing tour features stops at:
• Historical Rhyolite, one of the most photographed Ghost Towns in the American “Old West” and featured in several films and documentaries
• Furnace Creek Museum – the main visitor center of the park
• Artists Pallet, formed during one of Death Valley’s most explosive volcanic periods
• Zabriskie’s Point, an elevated overlook located at the edge of the Funeral Mountains
• Badwater, the lowest point in the Western Hemisphere at 282 ft. below sea level
• Devil’s Golf Course, a large salt pan with a rough surface formed of large salt crystals
• Hell’s Gate, a panoramic vista point along the eastern edge of central Death Valley

The tour runs Monday’s and Wednesday’s only or by reservation for parties of 4 or more. The tour is being offered at a discounted price of $179 per adult and $159 for children 12 and under. Prices are all inclusive with no extra fees.

For more information in the Death Valley tour visit: http://www.tourguy.com/las-vegas/death-valley-one-day-ground-tour-pid50.html
TourGuy.com, LLC is an adventure and ecotourism company featuring all types of excursions including helicopter, airplane, jeep, bus, horseback, All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV), kayak and raft tours at discounted prices. Tours include Las Vegas, Hoover Dam, Grand Canyon, Death Valley and more.

Contact TourGuy.com:
Contact Name: James Hoke
Contact Phone: 702-664-2599
Email: tourslasvegas11@gmail.com
Website: http://www.tourguy.com

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Cuba, Congo, Namibia Among 8 Trailblazing Adventures for 2013 Added by GeoEx

GeoEx (Geographic Expeditions) announced today that it will offer eight trailblazing new trips as part of its 2013 portfolio of more than 150 journeys to all seven continents.

The award-winning adventure travel company, recently named Best Travel Company by Outside magazine, has crafted new itineraries in Cuba, Congo, Namibia, Japan, China, Georgia, Turkey, and Iraq.

GeoEx’s Connecting with Cuba’s Living History, a US government-sanctioned educational exchange program, focuses on history and culture, arranging insightful exchanges with a spectrum of local Cubans, including artists, dancers, historians, and students. One highlight: GeoEx travelers will talk with enterprising restaurateurs and sample delicious homemade specialties.

Perfect for ahead-of-the-curve adventure travelers, Heart of Diversity: Gorilla Tracking in the Congo, explores the fantastic wildlife and undisturbed tropical landscapes in this Central African country, overnighting in two new eco-friendly camps. Outings by boat, foot, and four-by-four are all led by professional wildlife guides.

Namibia: A Celebration of the Vast and Luminous offers a diversity of experiences unavailable in any other single African destination. Among much else there are river trips on the wildlife-rich Kunene in the country’s far northeastern reaches, ATV riding on Namib dunes, safari drives in search of elusive black rhino, wine tasting at what must be the world’s driest vineyard, and rare moments to share with semi-nomadic Himba tribespeople.

On Journey through Ancient Japan: Shikoku and Kyoto with Don George,  award-winning travel writer and Japan expert Don George leads GeoEx travelers into the heart of ancient Japan. Highlights include a stay at author Alex Kerr’s remarkably preserved 300-year-old thatched-roof farmhouse in the gorgeous and isolated Iya Valley, a soak in an idyllic onsen (outdoor hot spring), and off-the-beaten-path encounters with artisans, priests, and pilgrims along Shikoku’s 88-temple pilgrimage trail.

GeoEx’s new trips in China, Eastern Turkey, Georgia, and Iraqi Kurdistan trips explore richly historic and eye-poppingly scenic regions that are far off the tourist track.

For information, call 415-922-0448, 888-570-7108, visit http://www.geoex.com.

 

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Australia Tops Zegrahm Expeditions’ Survey of Adventure Travelers’ Favorite Destinations for 2013

Australia is the most popular place for adventure travelers for 2013, according to a survey by Zegrahm Expeditions, a leading adventure travel company for the past 20 years, When asked to share regions of most interest, 63 percent of survey participants listed Australia, making the island-continent the top adventure travel destination for 2013.

“Based on the findings of our travel trends survey, we introduced a number of new itineraries to Australia and the Pacific regions for 2013,” stated Jon Nicholson, President of Zegrahm Expeditions. “I am pleased to report that pre-reservations for these itineraries are selling exceptionally well, and overall pre-bookings are equal to or exceeding our most popular itineraries in 2012.”

The survey also revealed a number of other areas of interest for travel in 2013. Adventure travelers reported that 57 percent would like to visit Asia and 49 percent listed Central and South America as a top choice. In contrast, the Middle East was the area of least interest with only 34 percent expressing interest to visit the region. (Respondents were asked to check all areas of interest so percentages don’t add up to 100%.)

Featured Itineraries in 2013 Include:

• Rain Forests & Reefs – Belize to Costa Rica: 15-day journey departing March 8, 2013, aboard the Island Sky

• Australia’s Kimberley: 15-day journey departing September 12, 2013, aboard the Caledonian Sky

• Tasmania, Sub-Antarctic Islands & New Zealand: 20-day journey departing November 25, 2013, aboard the Caledonian Sky

• Wild Mongolia: 18-day overland adventure departing August 20, 2013

• Circumnavigation of Sumatra: 19-day journey departing January 2, 2013, aboard the Clipper Odyssey

• Vietnam & Cambodia by Ship: 19-day journey departing January 27, 2013, aboard the Clipper Odyssey

In addition to the destination findings, Zegrahm learned that 20 percent of adventure travelers usually travel solo. Zegrahm is offering lower single rates in 2013 on all ship-based itineraries.

For the complete 2013 expedition schedule, or to learn more about Zegrahm Expeditions, visit www.zeco.com or call 800-628-8747.

Seattle-based Zegrahm Expeditions Inc., founded in 1990, is a leading adventure travel company specializing in small-ship expedition cruises, tours, and safaris to remote and intriguing destinations around the world. Led by expert guides and lecturers, Zegrahm itineraries are carefully crafted and all-inclusive, feature deluxe accommodations, and operate in all seven continents. For more information, visit www.zeco.com.

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Malaysia Emerges as a Leading Ecotourism Haven

“Going green” is a phenomenon that has been permeating in all aspects of life – including travel. A consistent growing percentage of travelers are looking for destinations and activities that offer nature-based activities with minimum impact to the earth. Thus, ecotourism has become the fastest growing sector of the tourism industry and it is expected to grow at an annual rate of 4.3% until 2017.

For this reason, Malaysia is growing in appeal as it emerges as a major ecotourism destination. Tourists can experience a range of ecotourism activities in Malaysia, such as caving, hiking, jungle trekking, white water rafting, river cruising, bird watching, and diving.

Mega-Biologically Diverse Country

Malaysia offers a wide range of natural and cultural assets that makes ecotourism a highly beneficial, sustainable and long-term form of tourism. The country, located in Southeast Asia, is one of the 12 most mega-biologically diverse countries in the world. It boasts more than 15,000 species of flowering plants, 286 species of mammals, 150,000 species of invertebrates, and 4,000 species of fish, in addition to countless micro-organisms.

Covering almost 60% of its landmass, Malaysia’s ancient tropical rainforests are millions of years old and are home to an incredibly diverse array of flora and fauna. Experts believe that many animals, plants, flowers, and trees living beneath its lush canopy have yet to be discovered.

The ocean and seas surrounding Malaysia shelter various marine life that rely on the delicate balance of an undamaged ecosystem. Turtles from the other side of the world migrate thousands of miles to nest on Malaysian shores.

Listed as a World Heritage Site

Malaysia’s reputation as a premier ecotourism destination is further strengthened by the inclusion of the Gunung Mulu National Park (Sarawak) and Kinabalu Park (Sabah) in UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites List. Langkawi Island, located in the northern part of Peninsular Malaysia, has also been recognized by UNESCO as a geopark, a title given to outstanding geological landscapes in the world.

Malaysian Government Promotes Sustainable Tourism

While promoting natural attractions in the country to tourists, the Malaysian Government also recognizes the importance of sustainable tourism and the balance of conservation and development. As such, the Ministry of Tourism, Malaysia, has adopted the National Ecotourism Plan (NEP) to provide policies and guidelines for the conscientious development of ecotourism.

Malaysia will continue to protect its environment, to ensure that travelers from across the world will be able to enjoy the country’s unique and natural wonders.

For more information on Malaysia, visit http://www.tourism.gov.my.

Adventure travel leader Gap Adventures offers discounts on tours exploring SE Asia, West Africa, Ecuador, Morocco & Costa Rica

Adventure travel leader Gap Adventures is offering discounts on tours exploring South East Asia, West Africa, Ecuador, Morocco & Costa Rica, but you need to book soon:

South East Asia (ATBH, AVRL, ATCM, ATPC): Book by July 12 and receive 15% off a variety of South East Asia 12 to 15-day excursions, exploring Vietnam, Thailand, Laos and Cambodia. Experience contrasting landscapes and cultures, visiting temples, caves, waterfalls, markets, and more, with opportunities to enjoy homestays in Mekong or Don Khong. (Promo Code: SEASIA15A, Travel by December 31, 2011)

West Africa (DGGU, DGWA, DVVT): Book by July 12 and receive 15% off a selection of 13 to 29-day tours exploring the captivating region of West Africa. Get really off the beaten track as you witness authentic voodoo ceremonies, come face-to-face with witches, and experience the Tonga Oracle. The Ghana Untouched tour was recently selected as one of National Geographic Traveler’s Top Tours of a Lifetime (Promo Code: WESTAFRICA15A, Travel by December 31, 2011).

Costa Rica Quest (CRQ): Book by July 12 and receive 10% off this best-selling Gap Adventures trip. Soak in the warm waters of local hot springs surrounded by a tropical canopy, search for the elusive quetzal bird in the cloud forest, and watch the sun set over the Pacific during this action-packed, nine-day tour of Costa Rica’s highlights. This 9-day trip is perfect for adventurers with limited time who want to explore active volcanoes, follow a trail to the base of a waterfall, melt away in thermal springs or bliss out on a beach (Promo code: CRQ10A, Travel by December 31, 2011).

Highlights of Morocco (DCHM): Book by July 12 and receive 20% off this amazing 14-day journey from Casablanca to Marrakech. Hit Morocco’s highlights even if time’s a little tight. Wander through kasbahs, ancient medinas, spice markets, and cities pulsing with energy on this comprehensive trip. Climb onto a camel and explore the edge of the Sahara before admiring the views from the heights of the Atlas Mountains. Experience the energy of Imperial cities as you explore souks stuffed with exotic wares. Then take a moment to appreciate this amazing adventure as you camp under the stars among some of the world’s biggest sand dunes (Promo code: DCHM20A, Travel by December 31, 2011)

The Ecuador Experience (REE): Book by July 12 and receive 15% off Gap Adventures’ Ecuador Experience. For travelers who want to sample the region’s highlights without sacrificing some of its lesser-known gems, this adventure offers a great combination of must-see highlights and free time to explore. Travel from the Avenue of the Volcanoes to relaxing Pacific beaches and mountain hot springs in Ecuador. Visit the Amazon and a shaman for an incredible introduction to indigenous culture and witness lush jungles and exotic wildlife on this 18-day adventure in nature. Feel like a local during an Amazon homestay, and relax on Ecuador’s sun-kissed beaches (Promo code: REE15A, Travel by December 31, 2011).

About Gap Adventures

Gap Adventures is a world leader in the adventure travel industry offering small group adventures on all seven continents and beyond to more than 100,000 global travelers annually. The award-winning trips, which focus on culture, nature and active travel, are ideal for those with a sense of adventure – people who want to leave the beaten path and authentically immerse themselves in a local culture or environment to experience the real world in a sustainable manner. Demonstrating its ongoing cultural, social and economic commitment to responsible tourism, Gap Adventures established the Planeterra Foundation, as a way the company and its travelers can give back to the communities visited. For more information, visit www.gapadventures.com and www.planeterra.org.

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Adventure Travel Company Mounts Adventure Tuesday as Vehicle for Holiday Sales

Here’s an interesting twist on the Black Friday/Cyber Monday retail bonanzas:

Adventure travel company ROW Adventures is mounting Adventure Tuesday™ beginning at 9 am Pacific Standard Time on Tuesday, Nov. 30.

ROW Adventures started the Adventure Tuesday™ idea in 2009 with exclusive adventure travel deals on a whitewater rafting trip to the Lochsa River, a family multi-day rafting adventure on the Salmon River and a land-based tour of the Galapagos Islands.

“After the 2009 economic downturn many adventure travel companies didn’t know what to expect going into the 2010 season,” explains ROW Adventures owner Peter Grubb. “We created Adventure Tuesday™ simply as a fun idea and unique way to hopefully spark some interest in bookings for the following year. We didn’t know what to expect, sent a out an e-newsletter on Monday night and within an hour on Tuesday morning we were literally overwhelmed with callers.”

This year Adventure Tuesday™ will be full of some of the same deals offered previously and some new ones but they are keeping the exact details secret. ROW Adventures, a company who started as a whitewater rafting company in Idaho, now operates adventures throughout the world in 17 different countries emphasizing water adventures. This means successful callers on this year’s Adventure Tuesday™ could get deals on yachting in Croatia, sea kayaking in the Galapagos or whitewater rafting in Idaho.

An e-newsletter will be sent out to all of those who are signed up to receive the ROW Adventures’ newsletter on Monday, November 29th, 2010 which will disclose the once-in-a-lifetime deals.  Sneak-peeks will be sent out to their Facebook fans leading up to Adventure Tuesday™.  Spaces are limited and ROW Adventures only asks that you keep calling until you get through.  First come, first serve and no messages will be considered as place in line.

To learn more about ROW Adventures, visit: www.ROWadventures.com; call 800-451-6034; or e-mail info@rowadventures.com.

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Sustainable Travel: Reconnect with your inner Mother Nature while giving back to Planet Earth