The Wonders of Egypt!
Featuring a Nile Cruise Aboard a Beautiful “Dahabiya”
10 days: February 17 – 26, 2012
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 River, where we cruise in the wake of the Pharaohs on our beautiful and very comfortable Dahabiya. The grand-scale Temple of Karnak, the famed tomb of young Tutankhamen, and the haunting mortuary temple of Ramses the Great are among the wonders of our inspiring journey.
Southern Africa Trifecta!
Cape Town + Botswana Wildlife Safari + Victoria Falls
11 days: April 2-12, 2012
This is an awesome tour 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!
The Pleasures of Normandy & Brittany
8 days: May 9-16, 2012
The ethereal abbey of Mont Saint 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!
Turkish Delight: Istanbul, Ephesus & Sailing the Turquoise Coast
9 days: June 1-9, 2012
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.
Small-Ship Luxury Cruise in Alaska
8 days: August 5-12, 2012
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 and stunning scenery in Southeastern Alaska. This is a close-up adventure and off the beaten path — something that the big cruise liners simply can’t do. 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.
Medieval Hilltowns of Italy
7 days: September 22-28, 2012
This trip enjoys the convenience of having one hotel base for 5 nights.
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 trip 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, Montefalco, and Bevagna, among others. Also on our program are unique opportunities to visit fascinating local artisans’ workshops and to have a fun cooking session and enjoy the meal afterwards in a beautiful historic villa. There’s much more to this wonderful trip. Each day will see an unfolding of extraordinary beauty.
The Sands & Souks of Morocco
8 days: September 30 to October 7, 2012
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 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. It still delivers this, plus much more. Morocco’s arts and crafts are an extravaganza of delights. You can’t help being taken in by its architecture, ceramics, clothing, jewelry, leatherwork, metalwork, and textiles. Shoppers beware! Our itinerary will take in these designated UNESCO World Heritage cultural sites:
• the medina of Fez
• the historic city of Meknes
• the medina of Marrakesh
• the archeological site of Volubilis
Indochina: Vietnam, Cambodia & Laos
14 Days: Dates TBA
Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos are filled with romantic images that transport visitors into the past: gold-leafed pagodas glinting in the tropical sun; handsome French colonial architecture under a canopy of frangipani trees; ornate royal capitals; straw-roofed sampans drifting down languid rivers; young monks draped in saffron-colored robes. Our fascinating journey shows us the irresistible treasures of “Indochina” in settings like breathtaking Ha Long Bay with its emerald waters and stunning rock formations; in Hoi An, Vietnam’s beautiful 16th-century trading port; at Angkor Wat, Cambodia’s surreal, jungle-shrouded city of temples; and in Luang Prabang, the heart of the old Lao kingdom, with its tranquil rural rhythms and dramatic setting on the Mekong River.
