An Adventure by Land and Sea

January 13-19, 2013

Trip Highlights

• Fantastic land and sea adventures by day — The delightful comfort and amenities of a deluxe “safari”-style camp at night
• Two days of excursions by privately chartered boat to neighboring islands
• A day and a half exploring the sights of Santa Cruz Island, our home base
• Observe a wealth of land and marine wildlife through wonderful nature hikes and snorkeling adventures with a superb naturalist guide accompanying us
• A visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station
• Welcome cocktail reception at our lodge in the Galapagos as well as a guest speaker one evening
• A full day in lovely Quito, the Andean capital of Ecuador at 9,200 feet, with its World Heritage colonial-period architecture
• Pre- and Post-tour extensions in mainland Ecuador to the Andean highlands and/or the Amazon rainforest available on request
• Detailed Program Forthcoming

Introduction

“The place is like a new creation; the birds and beasts do not get out of our way; the pelicans and sea-lions look in our faces as if we had no right to intrude on their solitude; the small birds are so tame that they hop upon our feet.” — Captain Lord George Anson Byron, 1825

Snorkel with playful sea lions and equatorial penguins; hike past dancing blue-footed boobies and “prehistoric” iguanas; marvel at giant tortoises in the wild in the verdant highlands on Santa Cruz Island… Savor one of our planet’s quintessential natural history experiences in this living museum and showcase of evolution.

Six hundred miles off the coast of western South America, hugging the Equator, lie the Galapagos Islands. It was here, after studying the native wildlife, that British scientist Charles Darwin formulated his theory of evolution.

Its geography is surreal and its unique wildlife is utterly unafraid of humans. We have created a program that brings you an active (yet comfortable), insightful experience of this fascinating “world unto itself”, as Darwin called it. Sometimes referred to as the Islas Encantadas, or Enchanted Islands, the Galapagos Islands are one of the world’s most incredible natural history destinations, an archipelago of extraordinary islands, each with its own unique flora and fauna—many of which are found nowhere else on earth.

We’ll have expert naturalist guides with us who will share the stories and meaning of Darwin’s epic voyage and its impact on our world. Delightful traveling companions, they love sharing their vast knowledge of the islands. Their passion for the Galapagos and dedication to preserving this fragile ecosystem are truly inspiring.

Snorkeling is wonderful here, too – and the equipment is included so you don’t have to bring your own. Informative hikes, fascinating wildlife, delicious meals, great views, comfortable accommodations . . .

Join us for the trip of a lifetime!

Our Program

Venture Out’s Galapagos trip will take in three different islands. One will be Santa Cruz (where our home base is located), also known as Indefatigable. We cannot specify the other two islands because the Galapagos National Park Service authorities can alter tour companies’ programs at any time should they deem it necessary. However, the two islands will be among the four listed below.

Perhaps the most famous wildlife inhabitants of Santa Cruz Island are the giant tortoises. There’s also a large variety of birdlife, and it’s the only island that has six different vegetation zones. We’ll visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, the center of great research and protection efforts taking place in the Galapagos National Park. In the highlands (the zone where our camp is located), where the vegetation is lush and overgrown with mosses and lichens, we’ll have the opportunity to track and observe giant tortoises. It’s quite a treat to spend time with these friendly and ancient creatures. Also in the highlands of Santa Cruz we’ll see the lava tubes, which we can hike inside of to see their fantastic rock formations.  We’ll also go to Garrapatero, a pristine beach where the contrast of mangroves, black lava, white sand and turquoise water, in addition to the buzzing coastal bird life and the small pink flamingo lagoon, is sensational.

As mentioned above we will visit two of the following four islands:

Seymour Norte is teeming with life. Indeed, you might have to give way to a passing sea lion or marine iguana. We have a good chance of encountering the iconic blue-footed boobies, land iguanas, and swallowtail gulls. The island is also home to the largest nesting site in the Galapagos of the magnificent frigatebird. These huge, dark acrobats have a 5-foot wingspan, and males exhibit the inflated scarlet gular pouches. A tiny forest of silver-grey Palo Santo trees stand just above the landing at North Seymour Island, usually without leaves, waiting for the rain to bring them into bloom.

South Plaza is one of the smallest yet richest islands in the archipelago. The approach makes for a lavishly colorful sight. The turquoise waters of the channel contrast brilliantly with the black lava of the shoreline. The rocks are speckled with bright orange Sally light foot crabs, and seagoing marine iguanas – the so-called prehistoric imps of darkness — roam the shores. A carpet of scarlet ice plant serves as groundcover for a grove of luminescent green prickly-pear cacti. Yellow-gray land iguanas sit beneath, waiting patiently for pears to drop. Red-billed tropicbirds, Nazca, and blue-footed boobies ride the windy currents. Swallow-tailed gulls, and magnificent frigatebirds are also often found here. The overlook is a great place for spotting large marine life, including manta rays.

Bartolome is famous for its dramatic vistas and barren volcanic landscape. From the anchorage known as Pinnacle Rock, one can climb 372 steps along a wooden walkway to reach the top of an extinct volcano. The climb gets the heart pumping, but it’s technically easy. The ascent is a lesson in volcano geography with cooled-off lava flows visible along the route to the main cone. On the way up, one can see lava cacti and lava lizards. The view from the lookout at the top over some of the Galapagos archipelago is wonderful, with Pinnacle Rock and turquoise waters below. Bartolome has one of the larger colonies of Galapagos penguins. Also commonly seen here are Galapagos hawks and white-tipped reef sharks. Sea lions snooze on rocky platforms or play with passing snorkelers. A perfect crescent sandy beach is where sea turtles are often found; they use the beach as a nesting site.

Santa Fe offers one of the more beautiful and sheltered coves in the islands. Its turquoise lagoon is protected by a peninsula of tiny islets forming an ideal anchorage. From here a sandy white beach brings visitors into contact with one of many sea lion colonies. Bulls contend for the right of being master of the beach, while smaller males mask as females (!) to make stealthy mating moves. Galapagos hawks are often easily approached, perched atop salt bushes, and an ascending trail leads toward the cliffs from where an expansive view of the ocean opens up. The giant prickly pear cacti found here live up to their name, with tree-sized trunks. Regularly seen on Santa Fe are marine iguanas, land iguanas, great frigate birds, and sea lions.

Weather

In January the warm Panama Current brings daytime temperatures in the high 70s to low 80s, and water temperatures in the mid-70s. Seabird nests are busy with activity, sea lion pups frolic in the water, green sea turtles begin mating rituals, and land iguanas lay their eggs. Afternoon rain showers are common at this time of year, but they’re generally brief. Ironically, January also falls within the sunniest time of year. The seas are typically calm, warm, and clear at this time.

Accommodations

Galapagos — 4 nights

Our deluxe “safari”-style tented camp — pioneering for Latin America — follows the African safari tradition in which guests enjoy good comfort under canvas while experiencing nature in its purest form. From this base on Santa Cruz Island, we can make day trips to nearby islands, wildlife colonies, and snorkeling sites, as well as explore Santa Cruz itself.

The 135-acre property is in a transition zone between cultivated land and national park land. A stylish central lodge and eight safari tents are situated on a ridge at 1,575 feet, an elevation that affords an inspiring panorama of the northern and western Galapagos islands. The wall of the main lodge that faces the sea is entirely glass, and it has a spacious veranda. Inside is an open-plan split-level space with a cozy fireplace, lounge, bar, and a 15-foot solid teak dining table from Bali. The front door to this eclectic little world was salvaged from an Indian temple. We’ll savor local and international dishes created by the innovative chef with home-grown produce.

Guest tents are located a few minutes’ walk down the side of a hill and are set up off the ground on wooden platforms. They’re sheltered by three protective layers: one specifically for the sun, another one for the rain, and an inner sealed canvass shell forms the bedrooms. Their interiors are comfortable and spacious (about 300 square feet). The custom-made furniture was designed with comfort, practicality, and elegance in mind. There are comfortable beds, cedar floors, electric lighting, cupboards, a writing desk, and a fan/heater for temperature control. The en-suite bathrooms are tastefully designed with lava stone sinks, hot power showers, and flush toilets. All tents have a balcony with a hammock and chairs from which to take in the delightful view.

The small pool is an ideal spot for a cooling dip.

The property hosts an abundance of birdlife with finches, warblers, mockingbirds, Galapagos doves, egrets and owls. Tortoises also frequently putter between the tents. As a result of the owners’ restoration and conservation work, many local species of trees, such as scalesia, guayabillo, and palo santo, are rapidly regaining a foothold after years of cattle farming.

Our camp hosted Britain’s Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles for a cocktail reception with authorities of the national park during their South America trip in 2009.

Click on images below to enlarge.

Quito — 2 nights

Our selected hotel in Quito is a chic, all-suite, boutique affair. It’s close to restaurants, shops, and La Carolina Park. Eighteenth-century chandeliers shine throughout the hotel, meshing old with new. Crimson, earthy tones and black accents contrast with the white walls of the hotel, creating a cool, contemporary style. The main bar links the hotel’s dramatic lobby to the on-site restaurant. An elevator, playing Laurel and Hardy movies, lifts you up to a great roof terrace and bar. A panoramic view of Quito can be accompanied by your drink of choice (the house specialty is an apple martini). The 30 suites feature floor-to-ceiling windows affording super views of Quito. Goose down duvets and feather pillows cover the comfortable beds; abstract paintings decorate the walls. High-end toiletries, slippers, and bathrobes add to the pampering. Wifi, a spa, and a gym are among the hotel’s facilities.

Click on images below to enlarge.

Detailed Program Forthcoming

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
• Download Detailed Itinerary

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.
• Download Detailed Itinerary

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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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
• Download Detailed Itinerary

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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Cape Town + Botswana Wildlife Safari + Victoria Falls

April 2-12, 2012

Trip Highlights

• Immerse yourself in an unforgettable 5-night wildlife safari in Botswana
• See what the fuss is about in the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park
• Witness the majesty of stunning Victoria Falls
• Enjoy beautiful day trips around Cape Town, South Africa — including the Cape of Good Hope and the Winelands
• Repose in lovely, upscale accommodations throughout
• Savor delicious meals and a wine tasting along the way
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INTRODUCTION

For a fourth consecutive year Venture Out is pleased once again to offer our very popular tour that blends a splendid sampling of African culture, incredible wildlife, other outdoor activities, great food and wine, and gorgeous scenery — 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 the trip of a lifetime!

Cape Town is certainly one of the world’s most scenic cities — and the gay capital of Africa. We will visit the environs of the city: the lovely Winelands area that produces most of South Africa’s excellent vintages and home to some acclaimed restaurants, as well as the fantastically scenic Cape Peninsula down to the Cape of Good Hope at the “bottom of Africa.”

Being a natural wonderland, the country of Botswana is exceedingly rich in wildlife, and its vast expanses of nature are filled with a wide variety of fauna and flora to see and experience. This means that safari tours in Botswana are exciting and will leave you awestruck. Botswana is home to one of the world’s great natural phenomena, the tranquil Okavango Delta, a 6,000-square-mile inland flood plain that fans out in the northwestern corner of the country, creating a paradise of palms, papyrus, crystal-clear channels, and backwaters. Set in a massive sea of Kalahari Desert sand, this fragile wonderland of waterways, islands, and forests is an oasis for wildlife, drawn to its life-giving waters from the surrounding thirsty lands. The evening air is filled with the sounds of birdcall, frogs, and antelope rustling in the reeds. Wildebeest, buffalo, and zebra roam the islands; elephants wade across channels under the watch of hippopotamus and crocodiles; and predators like lion and leopard rule the night. You will never forget our luxury safari “camps” in the midst of the Delta with its beautiful accommodations, very warm staff, and delicious cuisine.

In northern Botswana lies Chobe National Park, a 5,000-sq.-mile home to some 100,000 elephants – the largest population of elephant in the world! This area offers extreme contrasts and a varied wildlife viewing experience. The Chobe River is the only major source of water north of the Okavango, so the animals travel here from great distances, and that, in turn, ensures a large lion population. The area is alive with birds, too — more than 460 different species, in fact.

Straddling the western border between the countries of Zimbabwe and Zambia, Victoria Falls is justifiably called one of the Wonders of the Natural World, and spans a little more than a mile, making it the largest show of its kind on earth. The sight of more than 2 million gallons of water per second from the Zambezi River crashing 300 feet down (twice the height of Niagara) is one not easily forgotten. On a clear day, the veil of roaring spray can be seen from up to 20 miles away, and the rain forest that clings to the cliffs opposite the falls in the Victoria Falls National Park is nourished by this constant spray. It is this phenomenon that gave the falls its local name: Mosi-Oa-Tunya — literally, “the smoke that thunders.”

ACCOMMODATIONS

Following is a description of the lodgings we intend to use on this tour. We reserve the right to make changes to these accommodations.

Cape Town

We’ve selected a beautiful boutique guest house just a few blocks from the Atlantic boardwalk. The lodge was built back in the 1880s which explains the underlying Victorian design, spacious interiors, high ceilings and wooden floors, but it’s been renovated and enhanced with touches of eclectic African charm and style. Service is personalized in this 10-room guest house; the decor is very pretty; and the garden and pool area is a perfect place to relax. The feeling is very much a home away from home. The scrumptious homemade breakfasts are served overlooking the garden and include quiches and muffins. The stylish rooms are air conditioned and come with extra-length beds, wifi capability, a well-stocked minibar, satellite TV, telephone, and tea/coffee making facilities. There’s also a computer in the guest study. The location is excellent for reaching the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, the Atlantic seaboard, the city center, good beaches (should you choose to arrive a day or two early), and many restaurants as well as a good gym nearby.
Click on images below to enlarge.

Botswana – Okavango Delta

Set in an amphitheatre of ebony trees amidst 260,000 acres of untamed African bush our guest accommodation consists of eight classically styled safari tents, cooled by ceiling fans. The delicately appointed tents exude traditional Africa: handcrafted beds dressed with the finest linen, antique furniture individually selected, and oriental carpets that transport you to early 19th-century Africa. Each unit offers en-suite facilities and a private balcony. Hammocks and Morris chairs on the balcony are perfect for relaxation in the African sunshine. The main building is raised on decking and offers expansive views over the surrounding floodplains. This lovely camp is carefully blended into the existing tree line, its main support being a large sausage tree. There’s also a pool for cooling off during the hot afternoons.
Click on images below to enlarge.

Botswana – Chobe

Our selected lodge is an utterly enchanting place and has appeared on the Conde Nast Traveler Gold List and Readers’ Choice Awards for several recent years, as well as on Travel + Leisure‘s top accommodations in Africa. With gorgeous, breathtaking vistas as a backdrop, you’ll come face-to-face with the abundant creatures of the bush, and some of the most spectacular sunsets. The situation is on a gentle hill overlooking the Chobe River with panoramic views across the islands and flood plains as far as Namibia. Each of the 15 bungalows measures 650 square feet and has its own en-suite bathroom with sunken handcrafted tub, indoor and outdoor showers, private garden with hammock, private balcony overlooking the Chobe River, ceiling fans, air-conditioning, and minibar. Our lodge also boasts a full spa offering a range of spa and hydrotherapy treatments as well as a swimming pool.
Click on images below to enlarge.

Victoria Falls

Only 10 minutes from Victoria Falls this is the newest safari-style accommodation in the area having opened just in 2010. It’s a luxury camp located on a private concession within the Victoria Falls National Park, enjoying an elevated position. It has been cleverly designed so that each tent is private, yet each one has its own spectacular view across unspoiled bushveld towards the Zambezi gorges. From the central area there’s also an excellent view of the spray from the Falls in the distance. With an emphasis on exclusivity, the nine tented suites all have private decks with views and plunge pools. The suites are also equipped with indoor and outdoor showers, huge baths, private lounges, mini bar and tea/coffee stations, and overhead fans plus air conditioning. The camp overlooks a waterhole that is fed by natural streams in the rainy season that rush down to meet the Masuwe River and the Zambezi gorges below the Falls. Many species of game roam the property.
Click on images below to enlarge.

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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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