“Quark’s family-focused Arctic expedition takes advantage of a kid’s natural curiosity and sense of adventure,” stated Hans Lajerweij, President of Quark Expeditions. “The Arctic trip especially, is a great way to combine activity and learning; to spot polar bears and other wildlife, and come away with a deeper understanding of the history, nature and importance of these incredibly unique areas of the world.”

In addition to the educational experience aboard a unique “polar classroom”, there is also plenty of adventure to keep everyone happy and active, including shore landings in Zodiacs, snowshoeing and camping available on all of Quark’s Arctic expeditions.

Quark is also offering an 11-day, December holiday season Antarctic Explorer expedition with family-friendly pricing. This is the classic Antarctic Peninsula trip and also explores the South Shetland Island visiting penguins and seals along the way.

Reservations

Quark Expeditions is offering two upcoming family-friendly priced departures. Children travel at a 15% reduced rate in the Arctic on the Polar Bear Safari and in the Antarctic on the Antarctic Explorer. Enter the code KIDSP for online reservations.

Please note, as part of Quark’s commitment to only the highest safety standards, children must be at least 12 years old to participate on an expedition.

Polar Bear Safari: Spitsbergen Family Adventure: August 2-9, 2012 prices from $3,690 per person.

Family-Friendly Antarctic Explorer: The Classic Adventure: December 25, 2012 – January 4, 2013 prices from $6,995 per person.

To book your trip, call a Quark Polar Travel Adviser at 888-892-0171 or visit www.quarkexpeditions.com.

Since 1991, Quark established a tradition of firsts in polar expedition travel. The company was first to transit the Northeast Passage with commercial passengers; the first to take travelers to the “Far Side” of Antarctica and the first to circumnavigate the Antarctic continent with guests. Quark is recognized for its diverse passenger fleet – including the only polar-class icebreaker operating as an expedition ship in Antarctica. In 2011, Quark was named a recipient of National Geographic Traveler’s “50 Tours of a Lifetime” for their “Three Arctic Islands” voyage.

January – Dry season for gorilla tracking in Uganda

Where better to be based for gorilla tracking than Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest? This UNESCO World Heritage site in Uganda is home to half the world’s remaining mountain gorillas and recently welcomed two new gorilla families in June 2011.

This has allowed an increase in the number of daily gorilla tracking permits for guests, although due to the luxury camp’s unique location, many guests encounter the gorilla families without even leaving the grounds!

February – Celebrate Valentine’s Day with sky beds & star baths

The five suites at the intimate Sanctuary Baines’ Camp in Botswana all have private viewing decks where an intimate bath for two can be arranged. Guests also have the option to roll out their four-poster bed for a night under the stars, overlooking the shimmering waters of the Boro River.

March – First waters start to flood the Okavango Delta in Botswana

The Okavango Delta is the world’s largest inland delta, formed by the flooding of the Okavango River in the Kalahari Desert.

In March, guests at Sanctuary Chief’s Camp witness the first waters pushing through the Delta.

April – Celebrate Easter on the Yangzi in China

Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer offers the finest and most personalized service on the river, carrying just 124 passengers. Easter cruises include special activities like Easter Egg painting, an Easter Egg hunt and dinner with the Easter Bunny!

May – Marvel at the Victoria Falls in full flow
Victoria Falls is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, and rightly so! Spray from the falls typically rises to a height of over 400 meters, sometimes surpassing even that. It is visible from up to 50 kilometers away, hence the local name for the falls and the surrounding national park, Mosi-Oa-Tunya, “the Smoke that Thunders.”

Minutes away from Victoria Falls, Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma, is a collection of 12 tree houses situated on a dramatic bend in the Zambezi, providing guests with amazing views.

June – A walking safari in Zambia’s South Luangwa

The South Luangwa National Park is the birthplace of the walking safari and home to Sanctuary Retreats’ newest camp, Sanctuary Zebra Plains.

Guests can explore the pristine and unspoiled wilderness with one of the country’s most experienced guides.

The diversity of the surrounding habitat, home to large populations of zebra, elephant, buffalo, crocodile, puku, and over 400 bird species, provides some of the most spectacular walking in Africa.

July – See the Great Migration in the Masai Mara

From July to October, the Masai Mara is the stage for the Wildebeest Migration, one of nature’s greatest shows.

Guests staying at Sanctuary Olonana in Kenya can see millions of wildebeest and zebra journey between the Masai Mara and Serengeti in search of greener pastures.

August – Improve photography skills in the Galapagos

In August, Galapagos hawks court on Espanola and Santiago Islands, migrant shore birds begin to arrive, giant tortoises return to the highlands of Santa Cruz Island and Sanctuary Retreats is hosting a special photography workshop cruise with an award-winning photographer aboard the MV Eclipse!

September – Dry season for superb cheetah viewing in the Serengeti

With endless plains, the wildebeest migration, and countless big cats, the Serengeti is undoubtedly an epic safari destination. Sanctuary Kusini, the only permanently tented camp in the southern Serengeti, is located directly in the path of the seasonal cheetah movement, making it an ideal place to spot cheetah year-round.

October – Experience the Abu Simbel Sun Festival in Egypt

Twice a year, in February and October, the inner sanctum of the temple at Abu Simbel is illuminated by the sun’s rays.

It is believed Ramses II designed the temple to celebrate his ascension to the throne and his birthday. Guests can experience this wondrous sight aboard the Sanctuary Nile Adventurer.

November – Prime bird-watching in Tanzania’s Tarangire

Tarangire, in northern Tanzania, is known for its baobab trees and large herds of elephants. Additionally, the park is home to approximately 550 different types of birds, including many rare species. Sanctuary Swala offers both walking and night drives, providing countless opportunities for bird spotting.

December – Swap tradition for the exotic!
This year, why not celebrate the festive season by dining with elephants in the Okavango Delta? Or with a Maasai celebration in the Masai Mara? Or an exploration of ancient Egypt with a Nile cruise? The options are endless with Sanctuary Retreats.

The Sanctuary Sale:

Book before February 29, 2012 and save 25% in China, Egypt, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. For more information on travel dates and conditions please visit: www.sanctuaryretreats.com/sanctuary_sale.cfm

About Sanctuary Retreats

Sanctuary Retreats’ collection of luxury safari lodges and explorer ships bring the boutique experience to guests with the added promise of authenticity. Each property is completely individual in its design and operated around the philosophy of “Luxury, naturally.”

All have the same aim: to allow guests to have a “real” experience and enjoy a more natural kind of luxury in properties that have a strong commitment to conservation and responsible tourism. The Sanctuary portfolio includes safari camps and lodges in Botswana, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia, as well as expedition cruise ships on the Nile, Yangzi and Galapagos Islands.

For more information about Sanctuary Retreats, please visit www.sanctuaryretreats.com,  email info@sanctuaryretreats.com  or call +44 (0)207 190 7739.

Far and Away Adventures (http://www.far-away.com/)  delivers “authentic American safaris” that in 2012 include two six-day/five-night Middle Fork of the Salmon Whitewater Wellness Weeks. Trip dates are Aug. 27-Sept. 1 and Sept. 6-11.

The per person rate is from $2,750.

In an adults-only atmosphere, private wellness and fitness counseling and activities will be led by Margie Caldwell Cooper, a fitness educator, relaxation trainer and former competitive swimmer from Santa Barbara, CA, who was designated Aquatic Exercise Association Global Fitness Professional of the Year in 2006.

In a pristine riverside setting, Caldwell will introduce new and advanced stretching techniques and lead daily warm-up and yoga sessions before each active day on the river. Morning guided hikes to enjoy scenery and view petroglyphs increase participant’s endurance and cardiovascular fitness.

Personalized stretch sessions and kinesthetic awareness activities drawn up by Caldwell after individual assessments will give each guest a specific individualized program for improved posture and increased flexibility and range of motion.

Massage and bodywork sessions in the ambience of the quiet river evenings will loosen joints and lengthen muscles, improving posture and balance.

Far and Away Adventures hopes to appeal to active couples and solo travelers looking to combine a world-class adventure vacation with a strong wellness element.

Owner and founder Steve Lentz likes to point out that, “this is also prime time for fly-fishing on legendary blue ribbon waters.

A companion who would rather angle for Westslope Cutthroat Trout will be well accommodated.” Lentz notes that an experienced angler can bring 100 fish a day to the boat.

The comprehensive program in concert with a world-class river expedition includes aerobic interval workouts, fly-fishing, soaking in hot springs, wildlife observation and nature walks, inflatable kayaking, and development of long term personal fitness agendas.

Exercise mats are provided.

Additional massage treatments (one is complimentary) are $50 per half hour and $90 per hour.

Caldwell, a self-proclaimed river rat herself, holds numerous certifications from the Yoga Alliance and teaches Yoga and Pilates. She also is on staff at the Rancho La Puerta health spa in Baja, Mexico on a regular basis and offers continuing education to instructors around the country focusing on bringing core training and functional fitness into every workout.

As guests work out with Caldwell and play on the river, adventure guides set up and break down five-star camps along the river. They prepare and serve organic meals on pre-heated stoneware atop linen-draped tables lit by candlelight while pouring into crystal stemware wines selected from organic and small-batch wineries. The guides also arrange solar-generated hot water for showers, and state-of-art tents with elevated beds, flannel bedding, carpets and nightstands.

Far and Away Adventures has been sharing the excitement of paddling with adventuresome guests since 1980. Simply, the wonders of nature and those created by Far and Away Adventures for guests plying these and other privileged waters create a new category for those who seek experiences above and beyond the ordinary. Far and Away Adventures’ guests are moved beyond world-class into a universe where luxury and wilderness blend marvelously together. For a detailed itinerary on this and other programs on equally privileged waters, please contact Far and Away Adventures; toll free 800-232-8588 or visit the web site http://www.far-away.com/

Splendours of Taj and Tiger includes a rickshaw ride in Old Delhi through the lanes of Chandni Chowk bazaar and Gandhi Smriti, the house where Mahatma Gandhi spent the last 144 days of his life. In Agra, the hotel is only 600 meters from the Taj Mahal.

The program also includes the dance drama spectacular “Mohabbat-the-Taj”; a visit to Fatehpur Sikri, the deserted imperial city of the Mughal dynasty; three game safaris in Ranthambhore with a naturalist in search of the Royal Bengal Tiger; and a Jeep ride in Jaipur to visit the Amber Fort.

Imperial Treasures of India includes stays in traditional palaces in Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur and classic and contemporary properties in Delhi and Mumbai.

The program is priced from $7,925 per person, double occupancy, land only. Insight groups are limited to 40 passengers. For 30 years the company has offered premium escorted tours and cruises to Europe, the Eastern Mediterranean, Mexico, Canada and the U.S.

For more information, call 800-582-8380.

Tour Itinerary Showcases Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Czech Republic
To Reveal Secrets of the Austro-Hungarian Empire

SCOTTSDALE, AZ, – European travel company Pure Adventures (http://pure-adventures.com/), a division of Discover France Adventures (http://www.discoverfrance.com), announces new “4 Corners of Central Europe” 8-day self-guided cycling tours revealing Old Europe that was once part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire of the Hapsburg dynasty.

Cyclists exploring at their own pace the intersections of Austria, Slovakia, Hungary and the Czech Republic are armed with maps, lodging, breakfast daily, luggage transfers, local emergency support, cell phone rental (for local calls only), orientation, riding routes and cue sheets, suggestions for visitation and dining, bike delivery, pickup, fitting, and fully equipped bicycle rental for the duration with GPS device for navigation (one per group or couple).

The self-guided per person double occupancy rate is 1290 Euros; a single supplement is 350 Euros. For those more comfortable with a guide, special escorted tour departures are July 15-20 and Aug. 26-Sept. 2, 2012. Custom guided tours can be arranged for a minimum of four guests. The price is slightly higher per person at 1940 Euros based on double occupancy, inclusive of everything on the self-guided program plus a guide, support van, and some guided visits at selected sites. See: http://pure-adventures.com/tours/central-europe-cycling.php

“These four countries represent some of the best historic cycling in Central Europe,” said Loren Siekman, Discover France director, who added that mornings may reveal a UNESCO heritage site with time in the afternoon for a castle visit or winery.

Accommodations are three-star guest houses and small hotels. Some meals are taken in the hotel or just a short walk away. Accommodations include a private bathroom and a variety of other amenities. Local guides and experts are available by phone to assist during a self-guided trip with any kind of emergency and breakdown (except flats). Maps provided are accurate, topographical maps by national map publishers such as the Czech Tourist Club (Czech Republic) and VKU Harmanec (Slovakia). The scales of all maps are 1:50 000 or 1:75 000.

Travel includes the Lednice-Valtice area, a composed landscape created by the Liechtenstein family, dotted with follies, ponds and chateaux. The powerful Esterhazy family settled in Austria’s Eisenstadt and Hungary’s Fertöd where they employed the famous composer Joseph Haydn. Lake Neusiedl is a highlight in the lowlands of Burgenland, ideal for leisurely biking, birdwatching and refreshing swims. This tour, with the exquisite wines of Burgenland and the hearty cuisine of Hungary, blends easy cycling with a mix of architecture and nature preserves.

About Pure Adventures
Pure Adventures http://pure-adventures.com/ is an outgrowth of the success of Discover France Adventures, in its 18th year in 2012. Discover France Adventures has been organizing bicycle tours and hiking tours in France since 1994 and has offices in the US and France. Discover France is a pioneer in bringing self guided cycling and hiking and now multisport adventures to a broader market outside of Europe. Discover France Adventures and Pure Adventures award-winning tours are “competitively priced yet high quality with substantial support,” reports Loren Siekman, Discover France director, “a unique combination that makes a Europe adventure more easily accessible to more people.”

Visit http://www.discoverfrance.com  and http://pure-adventures.com / for all the details or contact them by phone at 800.960.2221 or by email at info@pure-adventures.com

For those wanting to explore lesser-known southern Tanzania, the Selous Safari Camp offers the perfect sophisticated safari experience. Situated within an open palm forest on the shores of Lake Nzerakera in the Selous Game Reserve, guests can enjoy daily walking and boat safaris in one of Africa’s least known, yet wildest, conservation areas.

And after discovering the wilds of Tanzania, guests can revive, restore and rejuvenate on Vamizi Island, an ultra-luxurious private beach lodge on the Quirimbus Archipelago, Mozambique.

Celebrating the launch of its first dedicated retreats, visitors can enjoy morning vinasa yoga on the shoreline followed by a freshly-prepared juice or smoothie from the island’s ‘natural pharmacy’ and an evening session against the setting sun – both hosted by renowned instructor Claire Finlay. This exclusive package also offers guests the chance to sample reviving spa treatments, take to the seas to catch surf-fresh tuna sashimi and dive the island’s azure waters.

The exclusive Tanzania Safari and Vamizi Spa Retreats package is only available for limited weeks in 2012 from $6,310 per person. Valid for the weeks commencing March 1 and November 6, the price includes three nights at the Selous Safari Camp on a full-board basis with daily safari activities and five nights at Vamizi Spa Retreat on a fully-inclusive basis to include twice daily yoga sessions, one spa treatment, dive and fishing trip per stay. The price also includes taxes, domestic flights and transfers. Visit http://www.scottdunn.com  or call 0044 20 8682 5070 for more information.

If an unforgettable bush picnic surrounded by the sights and sounds of African wildlife and lilting birdcalls doesn’t spark the adrenaline rush of love, then perhaps a sunset cruise will do the trick. As the boat leisurely drifts along the Douw Steyn Dam, the sky will transform from stark blue to a rich crimson and gold until finally the golden twinkle of the stars sparkle in the sky. And, one of the most magical experiences at Shambala is spending a few hours in the silence of the African bush under the Milky Way, taking in the wonders of galaxies, constellations and stars.

Shambala’s Zulu Camp offers traditional honeycomb-shaped chalets in the heart of the bushveld, with streams from the nearby river running through the camp. The seven chalets are furnished and decorated in chic Afro-French Provincial style. Each has its own private entrance with the bedroom featuring a dressing room and leading out to the romantically situated outdoor shower and bathroom. The doors from the bathroom open out onto a wooden deck with views of the surrounding bush.

And during your stay, enjoy personalized cuisine where world class chefs take the greatest pleasure in preparing dishes to suit guests’ individual tastes accompanied by wine pairings. With food for the soul and stomach, and the use of Shambala’s spa, anyone will be refreshed enough to take on an elephant safari. The elephants are trained and cared for by their experienced trainers with whom they share a close bond. This will be your opportunity to see the Big Five: the leopard, lion, elephant, black and white rhino and buffalo.

While discovering the quiet rhythms of nature, uncover a lover’s paradise at Shambala.

Rates are R18000.00 ZA ($2,282) per night, excluding transfers and international brand drinks.

Contact info@shambalagamereserve.co.za , +27 (0)11 292 6030 or visit http://www.shambalagamereserve.com / for more information.

Rates are based on the exchange rate between US Dollars and South Africa Rand as of 01/26/12

ECO-LODGES IN UGANDA AND RWANDA

KAMPALA, UGANDA – Volcanoes Safaris is one of Africa’s most sought after luxury safaris offering life enriching travel experiences. Following an exciting year of refurbishments, continued conservation commitment and many stories from the gorilla and chimpanzee lodges, the 2012 itineraries offer guests an incredible, exhilarating and unrivaled journey.

7 day Gorillas in Rwanda and Chimp with wildlife in Uganda
This safari features two of the most spectacular wildlife experiences in Uganda and Rwanda: two days gorilla tracking in Parc National des Volcans in Rwanda staying at Virunga Lodge, followed by chimp tracking and game viewing in Queen Elizabeth National Park, staying at the recently opened Kyambura Gorge Lodge.

6 day Gorillas in Parc National des Volcans and Culture in Mgahinga
This fascinating safari offers guests a unique insight into gorilla and local community life in Uganda and Rwanda and demonstrates how they are linked by responsible tourism. It offers guests the opportunity to spend two days tracking mountain gorillas on the slopes of the volcanoes before transferring to Mount Gahinga in Uganda where they can spend time with the Batwa community to learn about this ancient way of life.

4 day Wildlife and Chimps in Kyambura Gorge
Either as an extension or a short safari, a trip to the dramatic Kyambura Gorge to track the threatened community of chimpanzees is an exhilarating experience. When not in the Gorge, guests can spot an amazing array of birds and experience the game of the Kasenyi plains. Guests will stay at the newest addition to the Volcanoes Collection, Kyambura Gorge Lodge, a unique lodge which has been described as “a celebration of contemporary Africa”.

6 day Wildlife and Chimps in Uganda
This 6 day safari takes you to of one Uganda’s best destinations for chimp tracking, Kibale forest. In addition to the community of approximately 120 habituated chimpanzees, the forest is home to twelve other species of primate including black and white colobus monkeys. Guests will spend two nights at Ndali lodge which overlooks a spectacular crater lake, before transferring to Kyambura Gorge Lodge in Queen Elizabeth where they will have the opportunity to view game and over 600 species of birds.

“The focus for 2012 is to give our guests the opportunity to explore an amazing combination of wildlife and primates that the areas have to offer whether at the contemporary Kyambura Gorge, where you can track chimpanzees and view over 600 species of bird; or at the newly refurbished Bwindi Lodge where there are 4 gorilla families that can be seen in their natural habitat” says Praveen Moman, co-founder and managing director of Volcanoes Safaris.

Volcanoes Lodges are the only properties in Uganda and Rwanda to be sold on an all-inclusive basis including all meals, soft and alcoholic drinks, complimentary massage and any activities guests may wish to indulge in whilst at the lodge. The itineraries are available on a scheduled group departure or private, tailor made basis.

With the opening of Volcanoes Kyambura Gorge Lodge in July 2011, there are now four lodges in the Volcanoes Collection, enabling guests to experience all the highlights of Uganda and Rwanda in exceptional comfort and style. Guests can also visit some fascinating community and cultural projects near the lodges which are supported by Volcanoes Safaris.

For additional information, please visit www.volcanoessafaris.com  or call 1.866.599.APES (2737).

About Volcanoes Safaris
The Volcanoes Safaris Group (VS) is a unique great ape ecotourism business specializing in mountain gorilla safaris to Uganda and Rwanda. Established in 1997 in Kampala, Uganda, no other company in the world has invested so heavily in the area around the mountain gorilla parks in these two countries. VS offers an integrated set of services including safaris and eco safari lodges. Kyambura Gorge Lodge is the latest addition the Volcanoes Collection of leading lodges in Uganda and Rwanda. The other three properties are Virunga Lodge in Rwanda – a luxury gorilla lodge; Bwindi the jungle gorilla lodge and Mount Gahinga offer hiking and cultural tourism. The company has also set up the Volcanoes Safaris Partnership Trust, which links neighboring communities to conservation and ecotourism in keeping with Volcanoes distinctive vision for great ape eco-tourism. It also promotes the conservation of chimpanzees through the creation of a buffer zone along the gorge and reclamation of 40-acre wetland that was previously used as illegal brickworks.

The new tours include transfers, some meals, hotel accommodations and taxes. Winter Extravaganza Tour (seven days, six nights) features Alaska’s Iditarod Sled Dog Race and Mushers’ Banquet. Alaska Explorer Tour (seven days, six nights) includes Fairbanks, Denali National Park and Anchorage. The Alaska National Parks Tour (eight days, seven nights) includes Anchorage, Denali National Park, Seward and Girdwood. The Denali Express Tour (four days, three nights) focuses on Anchorage and Denali (well suited for pre- or post cruisers). The Grand Alaska Land Tour (10 days, nine nights) features Anchorage, Valdez, Fairbanks and Denali National Park.

Highlights include visits to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center and Alaska SeaLife Center; city tours and visits to the Alaska Zoo with a behind-the-scenes experience; Iditarod festivities and dinner at the Mushers’ Banquet; a visit to the Iditarod Headquarters and to see first-hand a replica Iditarod Trail station; Iditarod festivities in Anchorage; a visit to the Alaska Native Heritage Center; a sightseeing tour with a visit to the Fairbanks Museum; a tundra wilderness tour; an Anchorage city tour; Alaskan-style dinners; a visit to Kenai Fjords National Park; a tram to the top of Mount Alyeska for beautiful views of Turnagain Arm; a visit to Valdez, known as “Alaska’s Little Switzerland”; a glacier and wildlife cruise through the Prince William Sound; an encounter with the Columbia Glacier; and a riverboat cruise on the Chena River.

Travel Impressions prepared an Alaska Dimension Series presentation, with product knowledge and training through animated presentations including videos, voice-over narration, background music and attachments, as well as interactive quizzes.

Founded in 1974, Travel Impressions is a wholly owned subsidiary of American Express that offers FIT vacations to more than 200 destinations in the Caribbean, Mexico, Central and South America, Europe, the Eastern Mediterranean, Dubai, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, the Islands of Tahiti, Canada, Hawaii, Alaska and the Continental U.S. For more information, call 800-284-0044.

The program includes sightseeing in Delhi; dinner at Cibo; a trip to Varanasi, with an encounter with ancient rituals that take place on the Ganges River at dusk and dawn; an elephant-back safari in Jaipur and time with a master elephant trainer; and a stay at the Taj Lake Palace Hotel, built in the middle of Lake Pichola in Udaipur.

General Tours is giving $300 per person on bookings that are paid in full at time of booking. The program is priced from $2,999 per person after the discount. Celebrating its 65th anniversary, General Tours operates small group, privately guided and small ship journeys to Asia, Europe, Latin America, Africa and the Middle East with never more than 16 guests traveling together. For more information, call 800-221-2216.