Central Italian Gems North of Rome, South of Florence

September 22-28, 2012

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

• Visits to local artisans’ workshops
• A fun cooking session and wine tasting at a beautiful winery
• Stunning medieval hilltowns like Orvieto, Perugia, Assisi, Spello
• Delicious and memorable meals, including wine
• Convenience of staying in one deluxe hotel for five nights

INTRODUCTION

One of Venture Out’s most popular tours in our early days (1998-2001) was our “Hilltowns of Tuscany” itinerary. Here’s another take on that with a whole new assortment of amazing medieval towns that you’ve probably never been to but are well worth your while to experience! Our tour meets in Rome before heading north to explore the wonderful towns and cities of Orvieto, Assisi, Perugia, Bevagna and Montefalco, among others. Also on our program are unique opportunities to enjoy a fun cooking session at a beautiful historic winery (and enjoy the meal afterwards, of course!) and to visit visit fascinating local artisans’ workshops (handpainted ceramics and handwoven fabrics) which focus on the continuation of beautiful medieval and Renaissance craftsmanship.

This in-depth exploration of Central Italy’s marvelous medieval hilltowns and bucolic landscapes will take us to the “must-see” highlights as well as off the beaten track for some much less common and very interesting sights and activities. This is an area with an exceedingly rich art history, lavish natural beauty, stunning ancient towns, and of course, delicious cuisine and excellent wines!

The countryside here is rustically pretty, with steep hills and narrow valleys. The region is often called the “Green Heart of Italy” (and is officially known as Umbria). Its tidy, beautiful hilltowns are of pinkish gray stone. From some spots you can see several at a time, like an archipelago of islands crowned with villages, one behind the other, vanishing into the horizon. Each of them is crammed with artistic and architectural treasures.

Gastronomic credentials here include the highly prized truffle, found only here and one other area in the country. These strange delicacies have been coveted since Roman times for their aromatic, not to mention aphrodisiac qualities. The local pasta, meat and game, delicious olive oil, and cheese all add to the alluring mix.

This tour for gay travelers is an awesome trip in the true sense of the word in that it blends a splendid sampling of African culture, incredible wildlife, gorgeous scenery, and excellent dining — beginning in Cape Town, one of the world’s most beautiful cities. We will cover a vast, majestic land, and this is sure to be a trip of a lifetime! An upscale tented “camp” in Botswana‘s famed Okavango Delta along with a luxurious lodge in renowned Chobe National Park complement our wildlife safari activities. And witness the majesty of Victoria Falls — the greatest show of its kind on the planet!

This tour for gay travelers is an awesome trip in the true sense of the word in that it blends a splendid sampling of African culture, incredible wildlife, gorgeous scenery, and excellent dining — beginning in Cape Town, one of the world’s most beautiful cities. We will cover a vast, majestic land, and this is sure to be a trip of a lifetime! An upscale tented “camp” in Botswana‘s famed Okavango Delta along with a luxurious lodge in renowned Chobe National Park complement our wildlife safari activities. And witness the majesty of Victoria Falls — the greatest show of its kind on the planet!

Featuring a Nile Cruise Aboard a Beautiful “Dahabiya”

February 17-26, 2012

Trip Highlights

• 3-night cruise on a 16-passenger Dahabiya for extraordinary Nile-side temples from Luxor to Aswan
• Valley of the Kings — Abu Simbel — the Great Pyramids at Giza
• Expert Egyptologist accompanying us
• The Egyptian Museum in Cairo
• Luxor Museum
• Optional hot air balloon and camel rides
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Egypt is a glorious open-air museum of astounding temples and monuments. We take in the full measure of Egypt’s epic 5,000-year-long story from the Great Pyramids to the legendary Nile, where we cruise in the wake of the Pharaohs on our own private Dahabiya. The grand-scale Temple of Karnak, the famed tomb of Tutankhamen, and the haunting mortuary temple of Ramses the Great are among the wonders of our inspiring journey.

Undoubtedly, sailing the River Nile in style is something you’ll never forget! This is a traveler’s dream journey—exploring by a 14-passenger Dahabiya, the traditional two-masted yacht of the Nile. We discover the great monuments of ancient Egypt that line this legendary river valley from Luxor to Aswan, as well as fascinating out-of-the-way sites. Ours is an intimate Nile experience, very different from the big boats that ply the Nile. Our sailboat recalls a nostalgic era of travel, yet it has all of the modern comforts.

OUR DAHABIYA

Our journey through Egypt will include three nights on a luxurious Dahabiya. We will travel north to south on this hand-crafted ship, stopping periodically to visit local markets and stunning temples. The boat is outfitted with seven air-conditioned cabins. Each cabin features one double bed or two twin beds as well as a private bathroom with toilet and fresh-water shower.

When not relaxing in your cabin, you can visit the lounge or sit on the top deck and take in the scenery. All meals will be cooked on board in the fully equipped kitchen by our private chef and served on the top deck. We’ll enjoy Egyptian and international dishes as well as barbeques and picnics on the riverbank. All meals are included, along with tea, coffee, and soft drinks. As an added bonus, our private Egyptologist will be on the Dahabiya with us for the duration of the cruise (if space is available; otherwise the Egyptologist will be with us but stay overnight on land.)

The boat is outfitted with a state-of-the-art generator that produces virtually no noise. The generator will be used as the source of electricity on the boat, powering the lights, air-conditioning, and televisions. In case the wind is insufficient, we will use a motor to sail.

The Dahabiya is the perfect way to travel the Nile as it offers all the amenities of the larger cruise ships but in a discrete and intimate environment.

LAND ACCOMMODATIONS

Following is a description of the delightful hotels we intend to use on this tour. They all have a flair of the Orient which sets them apart from the usual mass tourism properties. We reserve the right to make changes to these accommodations if necessary.

Luxor

The only luxury establishment on the Nile’s west bank, this small property is one of the most beautiful and original hotels in the entire Middle East. A pink Oriental palace of domed suites set between sugarcane fields and desert not far from the Madinet Habu Temple, the hotel is stylish yet unpretentious. The wooden Mashrabiya porticos and other design elements were sourced from abandoned 19th-century Egyptian houses. The suites, connected by gardens, terraces, and shaded courtyards, have wrought-iron beds, inlaid Damascene tables and other pieces from the owner’s collection of colonial and Oriental antiques. Walls feature Ottoman- and Pharaonic-themed murals, and some rooms have private fountains and ceilings with colored glass skylights. There is a heated pool and a Moroccan-style hammam for spa treatments.

Abu Simbel

Our chosen hotel is in a unique location that enjoys spectacular views of Lake Nasser and is just a few hundred yards from the great temple of Ramses II. With its chalet-style rooms, Nubian style domes, waterfalls, gardens, and great views, this is the best hotel at Abu Simbel. The property has a lovely swimming pool overlooking the lake and the desert mountains.

Aswan

Locations don’t get much better than this: Our selected hotel has the northern end of an island in the middle of the Nile all to itself. You cross from downtown on the hotel’s free launch and stroll up from the picturesque little dock through the gardens. The hotel was extensively renovated in 2007, and the main building features huge windows and sleek modern decor in the large, light lobby. The pool area, which features a bar, kitchen, and barbecue, is commodious. At the top of their 14-story tower is another bar, the view from which is spectacular — from tiny falucas flitting across the Nile and the green of the island to the golden sands of the desert around the Tombs of the Nobles and the mausoleum of Aga Khan.

Cairo

Located on Gezirah island right in the middle of the Nile River this elegant luxury hotel, designed with innovative and fun decor, is blessedly away from the city’s traffic. The outdoor heated swimming pool with its infinity design offers a great Nile view. This is also the only Cairo hotel with direct and private access to a quiet and peaceful promenade on the Nile. You might enjoy the nice spa here as an indulgent finale to your trip with its hammam, jacuzzi, and massage services. Chic, earth-tone guest rooms offer views of the Nile, a private balcony, double glazed windows, wireless Internet connection, and LCD cable television.

TOUR MANAGER

At the time of publishing this program one of our favorite tour managers is scheduled to lead this fantastic journey through Egypt for us. Originally from Michigan, he is now based in Cairo and is involved in a couple of innovative businesses and knows the ins and outs of the Egyptian way of life and culture — something that’s very important for this destination! Having led many tours for us through Egypt (as well as Jordan, Turkey, Syria and Morocco!), he is passionate about his adopted home and is eager to share it with you.

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May 9-16, 2012

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

• Giverny: The house and stunning garden where the great Impressionist painter Claude Monet lived and painted for over 40 years.
• Honfleur: An insanely picturesque port town and the birthplace of Impressionist painting.
• Pays d’Auge: Lovely inland countryside famous for its quaint villages and production of Calvados, cider and cheeses.
• Bayeux Tapestry: The unique 900-year-old document and astonishing work of art that depicts the story of the Norman Conquest of England and the Battle of Hastings in 1066.
• D-Day Landing: The Allied Forces’ landings of June 1944 and the Battle of Normandy that followed are movingly commemorated.
• Mont Saint Michel: Now iconic in its fame, this solitary rock dominated by its monumental abbey became a place of pilgrimage when St Aubert built an oratory here over 1,000 years ago.
• Emerald Coast: Rocky, heavily indented and very picturesque, this coastal area in Brittany includes a series of points from which fine panoramas can be enjoyed as well as the wonderful towns of Saint Malo, Cancale, and Dinard.
• Paris: Not part of our sightseeing activities, but well worth arriving a few days early or extending your stay if you have the time.
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INTRODUCTION

* The ethereal abbey of Mont St Michel “floating” on water . . .
* The stunning Norman and Breton coastlines which have witnessed invasions from Iron Age Celts to D-Day’s Allied Forces . . .
* Apple and pear orchards producing the region’s popular spirits . . .
* Salt-meadow sheep flocks . . .
* Picture-book villages in the countryside and along the coast . . .

These are all part of the great allure of Normandy and Brittany. We sample the region’s famous drinks (Calvados, cider and pommeau) and of course its cheeses: Camembert, Livarot, Pont l’Evèque. We feast in restaurants where great platters of oysters and other fresh seafood are standard fare. We delve into the remarkable history of the region, from a thousand years ago when it contributed to changing the course of the English language to its great importance in World War II. So much beauty, in the shadow of so much history, warmed by a lively hospitality make this an unforgettable journey!

ACCOMMODATIONS

The following are the hotels that we intend to use for the tour at the time of publishing this itinerary. We reserve the right to make changes to the accommodations.

Paris – 1 night

Our selected hotel is housed in a building that dates back to 1877 and used to be a private residence for British royalty. It’s located on one of Paris’s most prestigious streets on the Right Bank in the middle of the action. The stylishly renovated 4-star hotel is a family-run gem that bubbles with history and oozes Parisian charm married with a contemporary flair. The 70 rooms, all non-smoking, feature an attractive decor with luxurious French fabrics, elegant antique-style furniture, and smart contemporary design features. They’re Parisian-sized, i.e., smallish. Double-paned windows are good for keeping out the bustle of Paris when you don’t want it. Other amenities include wifi, flat-screen TVs, minibars, and concierge service. The gastronomic restaurant offers seasonally changing, inventive menus as well as lighter bites, and the bartender can prepare all kinds of smart cocktails. The hotel’s excellent location lends itself well to sightseeing. A multitude of tourist attractions are located in the vicinity. One can walk to: Opera Garnier, 3 minutes; the famous Galleries Lafayette department store, 7 minutes; the Louvre Museum, 10 minutes; the Tuileries Gardens, 10 minutes; the uber-fashionable shopping street Rue du Faubourg St. Honoré, 10 minutes; the Musée d’Orsay, 20 minutes. Three Metro stations are within easy walking distance.

Honfleur – 2 nights

Step out the door and you’re in the very heart of this lovely old town. The town center has only 3-star hotels (or lower), but we think this is better than being in a fancier place out of town. Our selected hotel was purchased and lovingly renovated a few years ago with great attention to detail, and they did an extremely tasteful job. It’s quite a jumble of various ancient buildings (an old salt warehouse and three 16th-century houses) stitched together in a somewhat confusing labyrinth, but that’s part of its charm. Rooms are small, but again, very tasteful. Staff is friendly. The lounge is warm and cozy and the breakfast room inviting. The hotel features a spa so you can indulge in a massage. Other nice touches include free wifi throughout the property and complimentary mineral water in the guest rooms. As this is quite a historic structure, no two guest rooms are identical.

Bayeux – 2 nights

Under construction as we write this itinerary, this will be the first 4-star hotel right in the center of Bayeux. It’s a small family-run operation along with their existing 3-star hotel next door. Twenty-eight spacious air-conditioned rooms will feature marble bathrooms, flat-screen televisions, and internet access. An Empire-style bar with fireplace and a fitness room will be among the common facilities. The owners have selected beautiful fabrics, finishes, and furniture. We have visited the site and think it’s going to make a lovely hotel — a great and welcome addition to the center of Bayeux. (Photo shown is from their 3-star hotel.)

Dinard – 2 nights

Dinard is a fashionable town, and this is the town’s fashionable 5-star address. The property overlooks the water, and it’s an easy stroll both to the main shopping streets as well as to the beautiful waterfront coastal path that extends for a mile in each direction — a delightful promenade before breakfast or dinner, perhaps? A gorgeous buffet breakfast includes Breton specialties. There’s a covered, heated swimming pool, spa, and pretty central garden. The pleasant bar overlooks the water, and you can also have a casual evening meal here, or indulge yourself in the fine dining room. It’s a historic hotel, dating back to the 19th century, so the guest rooms aren’t identical.

TRIP PACING & ACTIVITY LEVEL

We have structured the days in this program in the most logically flowing way in order to keep driving times to a minimum and to avoid repetition of roads. However, some days will see more driving than others. None of the driving is done at long, uninterrupted intervals. We stop often throughout the day for our visits, thus breaking up the day’s activities. Our transportation will be in a comfortable tour bus, and at no time will it feel like an endless road trip. Days 2, 4 and 6 are our transfer days and will involve the most driving: about two and a half hours in total each of those days, but broken up with sight visits.

In Normandy and Brittany we stay two nights at each hotel.

Most of the towns we visit can not be driven through on a bus. We have to explore the towns (and other sights) on foot. This might pose a challenge to those who have any walking issues. Please check with us if you have concerns in this area.

Mont Saint Michel is truly an awesome sight and site, but it is usually very crowded, and there’s no avoiding that, unfortunately. Also, to reach the abbey itself at the top of the island requires walking up through the town — an ascent of about 250 feet.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT —
Some Typical Culinary Items from this Part of France…

Norman cheeses include Camembert, Livarot, Pont l’Évêque, Brillat-Savarin, Neufchâtel, Petit Suisse and Boursin.

Normandy butter and cream are lavishly used in gastronomic specialties.

Fish and seafood are of superior quality in Normandy and Brittany.

Normandy is a major cider-producing region (very little wine is produced). Apple brandy, of which the most famous variety is Calvados, is also popular. The mealtime trou normand, or “Norman hole,” is a pause between meal courses in which diners partake of a glassful of calvados in order to improve the appetite and make room for the next course, and this is still observed in many homes and restaurants. Pommeau is an apéritif produced by blending unfermented cider and apple brandy. Another aperitif is the kir normand or kir breton, a measure of crème de cassis topped up with cider.

Other regional specialities include tripes à la mode de Caen, andouilles and andouillettes, salt meadow lamb, seafood (oysters, mussels, scallops, lobsters, mackerel…), and teurgoule (spiced rice pudding).

Normandy is also noted for its pastries. It is the birthplace of brioches.

Large, thin pancakes made from buckwheat flour (blé noir) are eaten with ham, eggs and other savoury fillings. They are made with plain buckwheat flour and water in Eastern Brittany and called galettes. Thin crêpes made from wheat flour are eaten for dessert or for breakfast. They may be served cold with local butter. Traditional pastries include kouign amann (“butter cake” in the Breton language) made from bread dough, butter and sugar, and far, a sort of custardy pudding cake with prunes and a flan-like texture.

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September 30 to October 7, 2012

Trip Highlights

• Roam the labyrinthine medinas of medieval Marrakesh and Fez
• Explore tiny Essaouira, a charming walled village on the sea
• Unleash your bargaining skills in the souks
• Marvel at the best-preserved Roman ruins in Morocco
• Dig into the country’s evocative mystique
• Savor North African culinary delights
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Introduction

Morocco has historically conjured up images of ancient walled cities, desert-crossing camel caravans, Arab sultans, Berber tribesmen, and mud-walled kasbahs shaded by tall date palms. Morocco still delivers this, plus much more. At the crossroads of Africa, Arabia, and Europe, 21st-century Morocco is an exotic land of intriguing culture, mesmerizing landscapes, great shopping, memorable experiences, and is very welcoming of Western travelers. Morocco is filled with unforgettable travel experiences.

Having gained its independence from France just over 50 years ago, Morocco has, over time, been trodden by many different feet. Its mountains, coast, plains, and desert have hosted settlers, nomads, and conquerors. Today this is visible in the country’s religion (indoctrinated by marauding Muslims in the 7th century), artisans and musicians (an aural and visual mix of Berber, Andalusian, Jewish, and Arabic), and, of course, its cuisine!

Morocco’s arts and crafts are an extravaganza of delights. You can’t help being taken in by its ceramics, clothing, jewelry, leatherwork, metalwork, and textiles. Shoppers beware!

And our itinerary will take in five designated UNESCO World Heritage cultural sites:

• the medina of Fez
• the medina of Marrakesh
• the archeological site of Volubilis
• the medina of Essaouira
• El Jadida (the former Portuguese city of Mazagan)

ACCOMMODATIONS

Throughout this trip we will be using very comfortable, upscale accommodations. The medina throughout Morocco is the ancient walled city constructed through the ages by the country’s various dynasties, protected from invaders by the imposing walls that now separate it from the rest of the city. The traditional dwellings within the medina go by the name of riad or dar, and many of these have now been converted into beautiful accommodations for tourists. The Arabic word riad translates to “garden,” while dar simply means “house,” and this is the main distinction between the two dwellings. Both typically have no windows onto the street outside, instead having all windows opening inward to an open-air central courtyard that is the heart of the house. The service areas — kitchen, hammam, and laundry — are normally on the entrance side near the street.

The courtyard in a true riad has both a fountain and garden, or at least some fruit trees. Riads tend to have many salons on multiple levels, often on all four sides but sometimes on only three sides, with the garden up against the fourth wall. A dar mirrors a riad in much of its design, but is generally smaller. While it might have a fountain, it lacks the central garden in the courtyard. The principal elevating characteristics of both dwellings are their sanctuary from the busy streets outside and their interior courtyards that are open toward the sky.

We will be staying in this type of accommodation for most nights on the tour, and we have carefully chosen a selection of beautiful, upscale properties.

TOUR MANAGER

At the time of publishing this program one of our favorite tour managers is scheduled to lead this fantastic journey through Morocco for us. Originally from Michigan, he is now based in Cairo and is involved in a couple of innovative businesses and knows the ins and outs of the North African way of life and culture — something that’s very important for this destination! Our tour manager has led dozens of tours through Morocco and is excited to share his knowledge of this beautiful country with you. He has also led many tours for Venture Out, not just in Morocco but through Egypt, Jordan, Turkey, and Syria as well!

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Istanbul, Cappadocia & Ephesus

June 1 to 9, 2012

Trip Highlights

• Spend three nights in lively, exotic, and sensory-overloading Istanbul —the crossroads of Europe and Asia
• Marvel at Ephesus — quite possibly the best-preserved ancient Roman city
• Explore the wonderfully weird landscape of Cappadocia, land of the whirling dervishes, with its cave dwellings, underground cities, and ancient Byzantine art
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INTRODUCTION

This fascinating trip starts out in mesmerizing Istanbul — crossroads of Europe and Asia — with its tantalizing sights, sounds, and smells. UNESCO has designated the historic areas of the city as a World Heritage Site. Three nights here are then followed by a journey into the Turkish interior where the wonderland of Cappadocia will continue to keep your eyes popping. There are unique landscapes – and then there is Cappadocia. In addition to its fairy landscapes there are Byzantine frescoes in famed cave churches which are among the most moving expressions of early Christian art in the world. We finish our adventure with an in-depth visit to magnificently preserved ancient Ephesus, which was once the second-largest city in the Roman Empire.

ACCOMMODATIONS

Following is a description of the accommodation we intend to use for this tour. We have made a special effort to select unique properties. We reserve the right to change accommodations, but the quality will always be the same.

Istanbul – 3 nights

Our selected hotel, consisting of 17 suites, brings you a touch of Parisian chic in the centre of the Cinhangir district of Istanbul. Voted one of the world’s best 100 hotels in the Sunday Times Travel Magazine November 2008, the hotel has also been featured in magazines such as Wallpaper and Monocle. In a city renowned for ancient minarets and bustling markets, the hotel comes as a refreshing oasis featuring world class modern design that still pays homage to the city’s roots. Just as Istanbul sits with one foot in Asia and one in Europe, so too does this accommodation provide a meeting of east and west. Mingling elements of warm Turkish hospitality and inspired local designers with modern technology and luxuries, it provides you the makings of an unforgettable stay where the hotel itself becomes part of the vacation experience. It has been placed on the 2009 Conde Nast Traveler Hot List.

Cihangir is a quiet, trendy neighbourhood with a bohemian flair. Like SoHo in London or New York, the area is filled with cafes and boutiques popular with local artists and expat hipsters alike. It’s an oasis of calm in this bustling city. It’s walking distance to the main business district, the Istanbul Modern Museum, and famous sights such as Taksim Square and Istiklal Street.

There are curved headboards on the beds, artistically carved wooden banisters, functional laptop desks and elegant wardrobes all featuring a floral motif designed for the hotel. Sheets for the king-sized beds and towels for the bathroom were commissioned from linen specialists in Denizli, a Turkish town famous for producing high-quality fabrics. The marble bathrooms feature Corian sinks and a six-head rain shower for the most serene water experience. The lounging area in each suite has a leather sofa and marble coffee table. Also provided are an LCD TV, an excellent DVD collection, CD/DVD player, iPod docking station, and soundproofed walls. There’s also free WiFi Internet, a study desk, and a safe for valuables.

Cappadocia – 3 nights

A superbly decorated hideaway on one of the more residential back streets of Ürgüp. our chosen property is a recent upscale addition to the town of accommodation scene. A veritable museum of Greek and Armenian antiques, works of art, and family heirlooms from the Ottoman past, the hotel — hewn out of caves and a former church — is the dream child of the owner, whose passion for antiques led her to create her own storage facility. You’ll feel yourself back in an earlier century, a world away from modern cares, yet with the comforts— even luxuries— of the 21st century, and only a few minutes’ stroll from the center of Ürgüp. Rooms reflect a sort of medieval aristocracy in the richness of the textiles draped over heavy stone walls and invaluable antiques. Surrounding an open central courtyard, each room has a slightly different theme. The well-appointed roof terrace offers views over town; the restaurant prepares traditional Turkish cuisine with an Armenian twist.

Sirince – 2 nights

Our chosen property is perhaps the complete antithesis of the accommodation in Istanbul. It’s tradtional and rural, but very comfortable. A complex of renovated houses at the top of Sirince’s hillside offers total immersion into the daily rhythm of the village life. At the upper edge of the hillside is the main pavilion, which contains the reception area and smartly decorated guest rooms with nouveau Hellenistic frescoes and antique furniture. A further six restored cottages are accessed by a stone staircase, terraced below the main pavilion. We’ll use a combination of cottages and rooms in the inn to accommodate our group. The accommodations supply plenty of comfort and elegance without ever losing the friendly touch. Gourmet dining is provided in the garden restaurant, and there is a white marble swimming pool and free internet. The inn has a fabulous view over the village rooftops and across the olive groves of the valley. The property has dozens of fig trees, plenty of olives, some walnuts, three huge chestnuts, a few rows of cherries, some mulberries and apricots, peaches, apples, quinces, pears, tangerines, almonds of several varieties, pistachios, raspberries and blackberries, and a vineyard of about 1000 stocks. Guests are welcome to roam the grounds and eat their fill of whatever happens to be ripening just then.

TOUR GUIDE & TOUR MANAGER

For the third consecutive year we have scheduled an excellent Turkish tour guide to travel with our group for the entire trip. She has been working in tourism for 27 years, first as a full-time professional tour guide (20 years), and then she and her husband took over the management of a small hotel in Capadoccia. She recently opened a restaurant and cooking school in that area and also served as host for the History Channel’s “Cities of the Underworld.” Having spent some of her youth studying in the United States, she has good familiarity with Americans and their way of life.

Our scheduled tour manager has led 10 trips for Venture Out and will travel with the group from start to finish. He is American of Syrian background and used to live in Yemen and Damascus where he did Arabic language studies. He is by far one of our favorite tour managers and has led trips for us in Turkey, Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, and Syria.

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Small-Ship Luxury Cruise in Southeastern Alaska aboard the Newly Refurbished Safari Endeavour

August 5-12, 2012

Cruise Highlights

• 2 days in magnificent Glacier Bay National Park with a Park Ranger onboard
• Expert naturalists and guides lead excursions on land and sea
• Unhurried time for whale watching and wildlife viewing
• Skiff rides explore shoreline, wildlife and glaciers truly up close
• Program of educational presentations
• Quiet overnights at anchor in remote bays and coves — no cruising through the night
• Included goodies: massage, yoga classes, hot tubs, sauna, exercise equipment
• Guided kayaking, hiking and beachcombing activities also included
• Gourmet meals with wine, beer and spirits included
• Download Detailed Itinerary & Pricing

INTRODUCTION

Join us for an all-inclusive 8-day/7-night luxury yacht-style adventure aboard the newly renovated 86-guest Safari Endeavour beginning and ending in Juneau, Alaska and featuring two days in magnificent Glacier Bay! Our Venture Out group will join other guests on American Safari Cruises’ newest luxury vessel plying the serene waters in Southeastern Alaska. 2012 will see the re-launching of the Safari Endeavour after its through refurbishment during 2011. (As soon as photos of the newly renovated ship are ready, we will make them available on this site.)

The Safari Endeavour enables its privileged guests to see the awe-inspiring sights in Alaska — as a close-up adventure on a small yacht-style ship and off the beaten path. Soak in the stunning Alaska wilderness from the comfort of a luxury floating hotel. The newly refurbished ambiance on board is casual yet with a full menu of upscale amenities. The highlight of the cruise is the wilderness around us which we explore daily in a variety of ways. Great wildlife, nature, and truly awesome scenery come together to provide us a wonderful treat day in and day out. We enter some of the world’s deepest fjords where we have the opportunity to hike and kayak while other vessels’ guests stay shipside. In the still of the evening, watch bears ambling along wild shorelines. Everywhere in the swirling currents below, the world’s largest mammals, the great whales, forage in bountiful waters along the sheltered coastline. We meet Alaska and its wildlife at eye level for a vacation of a lifetime!

American Safari Cruises’ programs allow the freedom to engage in off-ship activities every day so you may be as active as you like — or perhaps just sit back and soak in the beautiful environment that envelops you everywhere we go. It’s your choice. Kayaks and stand-up paddle boards are available for excursions. Skiff rides (small inflatable boats) will explore shoreline, wildlife and glaciers truly up close — something that the big cruise liners simply can’t do. Expert naturalists and guides cruising with us lead excursions on land and sea. An enhanced program of educational presentations will be presented in the ship’s salon. In Glacier Bay, a National Park Ranger boards the ship for two days to lead hiking and kayaking excursions and provide interpretation of the area’s history, culture and geography.

OUR SHIP & ACTIVITIES

The guest capacity of our luxury yacht-style ship, the Safari Endeavour, is up to 86 guests (43 staterooms). The number of staterooms in each category are:
Master — 3
Commander — 21
Captain — 12
Admiral — 3
Commodore Suites — 4

The Commodore Suites merge two former staterooms and have a step-out balcony and jacuzzi tub.

Master and Commander staterooms are furnished with twin beds. Captain and Admiral staterooms are furnished with King beds, convertible to twins. Commodore Suites are furnished with a King bed, convertible to twins, plus a sofa sleeper.

All staterooms have one or two outside view windows, Tempur-Pedic® memory-foam mattresses, ensuite shower, bathroom with heated tile floor, flat screen TV with DVD player, iPod docking station, terry bathrobes, slippers, alarm clock, and hair dryer.

Other amenities/facilities include two massage rooms, two on-deck hot tubs, sauna, exercise equipment (elliptical trainers and stationary bikes), wine bar, educational and entertainment DVD library, book library, hydrophones to listen to whales and other below-surface sounds, underwater bow camera, board games, binoculars, hiking poles, rubber boots, rain gear. A crew of 34 will ensure attentive service with a guest-crew ratio of 2.5 to 1.

Click here to download the Safari Endeavour deck plan (PDF document).

Activities — all included in the cruise fare — include guided hiking, walks, kayaking, beachcombing, small-boat excursions (skiff explorations), stand-up paddle boarding, yoga classes (with mats), and massage.

AMERICAN SAFARI CRUISES

Operating now for 14 years, ASC’s tag line is “Luxury in the Pursuit of Adventure.” They specialize in nature-oriented, small-ship, inclusive luxury cruises. While active travelers should be quite pleased with the availability of activities during an ASC “yachtscape,” the less-active traveler will be equally impressed simply by the scenery, wildlife sightings from the ship, onboard amenities, fine dining, and educational presentations. ASC’s itineraries are designed for those who want to escape to remote places, leaving the big ships and their crowds behind, but without sacrificing comfort. Many of these locations on the itinerary remain “below the radar” because larger vessels can’t get to them. Their goal is that you be their pampered guest — one of the very few — who will cruise at “fingertip closeness” through some of the most magnificent destinations in Alaska.

The itinerary is flexible enough that our Captain can change course when word of whale sightings comes over the radio, or slow the engines and linger in a tidal inlet if bears are out foraging on the beach. You also become familiar with your crew and staff, whose goal is to make every aspect of your journey a pleasure and to facilitate your adventures ashore. You’re always welcome to visit the bridge and discuss navigation with the Captain. Throughout our voyage, we’re accompanied by a knowledgeable Expedition Leader who offers timely narratives about the local history and wildlife and keeps a lookout for wildlife. Humpback whales abeam while you’re in the lounge? Our guide will sound the alert!

Dining is a true delight — a cornucopia of fresh local seafood, just-baked breads, hearty soups, exquisite entrees, sinfully delicious desserts. Everyone is served at one seating, family-style; dress is always casual. Dietary restrictions are taken into account to the extent possible; please alert us in advance of the nature of any dietary restrictions.

GLACIER BAY

Accessible only by air or sea, Glacier Bay is recognized as a biosphere reserve. The 3.3-million-acre park (about the size of Connecticut) is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, 15,000-foot mountains rise straight out of the ocean and massive glaciers flow across the landscape, covering thousands of square miles. Grizzly bears raise their young, moose browse among the alders and mountain goats scale the cliffs above. Seabirds roost on rocky ledges, and whales and porpoise forage in the nutrient-rich waters of the bay.

On our cruise we’ll spend two days deep into Glacier National Park, not merely cruising past the astounding scenery, but stopping to go ashore or kayak with our Expedition Leader or Park Ranger — activities which the big cruise ships can’t do. We’ll explore this unforgettable “natural laboratory” where receding glaciers reveal a landscape that has been covered with ice for tens of thousands of years. To experience Glacier Bay is to experience nature in its primary stages, a rare opportunity indeed.

As guests, the exclusive National Park Service arrangement with American Safari Cruises and our small-size ship permit us to walk, hike and kayak while inside Glacier Bay, a special and not-to-be-missed experience. This is truly an in-depth exploration of this most remarkable National Park.

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Central Italian Gems North of Rome, South of Florence

September 22-28, 2012

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

• Visits to local artisans’ workshops
• A fun cooking session and wine tasting at a beautiful winery
• Stunning medieval hilltowns like Orvieto, Perugia, Assisi, Spello
• Delicious and memorable meals, including wine
• Convenience of staying in one deluxe hotel for five nights
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INTRODUCTION

One of Venture Out’s most popular tours in our early days (1998-2001) was our “Hilltowns of Tuscany” itinerary. Here’s another take on that with a whole new assortment of amazing medieval towns that you’ve probably never been to but are well worth your while to experience! Our tour meets in Rome before heading north to explore the wonderful towns and cities of Orvieto, Assisi, Perugia, Bevagna and Montefalco, among others. Also on our program are unique opportunities to enjoy a fun cooking session at a beautiful historic winery (and enjoy the meal afterwards, of course!) and to visit visit fascinating local artisans’ workshops (handpainted ceramics and handwoven fabrics) which focus on the continuation of beautiful medieval and Renaissance craftsmanship.

This in-depth exploration of Central Italy’s marvelous medieval hilltowns and bucolic landscapes will take us to the “must-see” highlights as well as off the beaten track for some much less common and very interesting sights and activities. This is an area with an exceedingly rich art history, lavish natural beauty, stunning ancient towns, and of course, delicious cuisine and excellent wines!

The countryside here is rustically pretty, with steep hills and narrow valleys. The region is often called the “Green Heart of Italy” (and is officially known as Umbria). Its tidy, beautiful hilltowns are of pinkish gray stone. From some spots you can see several at a time, like an archipelago of islands crowned with villages, one behind the other, vanishing into the horizon. Each of them is crammed with artistic and architectural treasures.

Gastronomic credentials here include the highly prized truffle, found only here and one other area in the country. These strange delicacies have been coveted since Roman times for their aromatic, not to mention aphrodisiac qualities. The local pasta, meat and game, delicious olive oil, and cheese all add to the alluring mix.

ACCOMMODATIONS

The following are the hotels that we plan to use for the tour at the time of publishing this itinerary. We reserve the right to make changes to the accommodations.

Rome – 1 night

We have selected a beautiful hotel in an excellent central location. Located right by the Tiber River, it is perfectly positioned to reach many of Rome’s attractions by foot. It is located just off the Via Giulia, easily one of Rome’s prettiest streets. Just a few minutes’ walk will take you to the Campo de’ Fiori – Rome’s most famous and lively outdoor market place. A few more minutes and you could be at the amazing Piazza Navona, the old Jewish quarter, the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, or the Spanish Steps. In the other direction from the hotel you cross a pedestrian bridge over the Tiber and find yourself in the heart of Rome’s characterful Trastevere district. The hotel has one of the prettiest patio-courtyards in Rome, an enchanting spot shadowed by palm trees, set with tables, and adorned with pink and white flowers, all surrounded by the ochre walls of the hotel, which was renovated from a Renaissance palazzo built by a noble Venetian family. Inside, the sleek decor features cherry wood accents, recessed lighting, and luminous marble floors. All rooms have internet access, minibar, satellite TV, air conditioning, and a safe.

Assisi – 5 nights

Assisi may be known for pilgrimages, but our new five-star hotel has brought luxury and just a touch of decadence to the city of Saint Francis. The historic structure has an austere stone façade, reminding us that it was once a monastery, built in 1275. But this former religious residence is anything but spartan; it’s stylish and sensual. Vaulted ceilings and exposed stone give a rustic hint of history, but they contrast with modern furnishings. Glass and chrome meld with ancient fresco fragments and old wooden beams. Each of the 18 rooms is unique, all of them occupying space that once housed the sisters of a Benedictine order. Now they’re spacious and airy, outfitted with swanky contemporary furnishings and high-tech gadgetry. Sleek white contrasts with the natural sandstone. The underground spa is unique. Ensconced within the remains of a Roman archeological site, the pool is surrounded by ancient pillars. A flight of steps once led to a Roman temple, but now this site is dedicated to the human temple, and worshiping takes the form of massage, facials and salt scrubs. The hotel’s restaurant uses only local produce to serve up artfully presented seasonal fare that takes traditional Umbrian dishes far beyond their peasant origins. The monastery’s main cloister is now a retreat for alfresco dining.

Click on images below to enlarge.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT — SOME TYPICAL DISHES FROM THIS PART OF ITALY…

ANTIPASTI (appetizers)
Bruschetta: toasted bread rubbed with olive oil and garlic or sometimes truffles
Crostini: thin slices of toast with a piquant paté spread of chicken liver, anchovies, capers and lemons, or other variations

PRIMI (first courses)
Minestra di Farro: a soup made with a popular local grain (spelt) and cooked with a ham bone
Spaghetti alla Norcina: made with a sauce of black truffles, oil, and anchovies or with sausage and cream
Strangozzi (Stringozzi) or Ciriole: long pasta strands made with hand-milled flour
Umbricelli: Thick, chewy strand pasta, very suitable to robust pasta sauces or oil with garlic and herbs

SECONDI (second courses)
Fagiano all’Uva: pheasant cooked with grapes
Porchetta: roast suckling pig with garlic, rosemary, and other herbs
Salsiccia all’Uva: Fresh pork sausage cooked with grapes
Piccione alla Perugina: Squab cooked with olives
Anguilla: eel from Lake Trasimeno, served either grilled or braised in wine, tomatoes, onions, and garlic

OTHER UMBRIAN FLAVORS
Torta sul Testo: a flatbread cooked on hot stones
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: often jade green, fragrant, fruity, and sometimes very lusty. It is among the finest oils in Italy.
Tartufi Neri e Bianchi (black and white truffles): the most prized gourmet delicacy in Umbria. Earthy, aromatic, and aphrodisiac tubers that are very picky about where they grow. Umbria is one of their favorite spots. Except for saffron, truffles are the most expensive comestibles in the world. White truffles can command a staggering $200 an ounce; black are much less, but still expensive.

DOLCI (desserts)
Fichi: excellent figs come from Amelia, near Orvieto
Pan Nociato: a rich dessert made of bread, pecorino cheese, raisins, walnuts, cloves, red wine, all wrapped and baked in grape leaves
Pinoccata: a cookie made with pine nuts, lemon peel, orange peel, sugar, and sometimes chocolate
Torcolo: a sweet roll that contains pine nuts, raisins, anise seed, and sometimes candied fruit

VINO (wine)
Orvieto and Orvieto Classico: the most famous wine in the region. A pleasant white that can range from bone dry to buttery creaminess.
Sagrantino di Montefalco: a wine that is well known to connoisseurs and almost unknown to everyone else. Made with at least 95% Sagrantino grapes and perhaps a few Trebbiano Toscano grapes to lighten this intense and powerful wine.
Torgiano: from a town of the same name. Wine has been made here since Etruscan times. Includes magnificent dry, full-bodied reds that can take years of ageing, and a light and lively bianco.
Rosso di Montefalco: made of approximately 65% Sangiovese, plus Trebbiano Toscano and Sagrantino grapes, which give this wine its particular richness.
Vin Santo (holy wine): The most famous dessert wine here is a rich, deep unctuous golden wine made from semi-dried grapes. It’s sweet and strong, and “holy” only perhaps because priests are so fond of it.

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