Tour operators are gearing up for 2003 by offering adventurous and
active programs to such destinations as Europe, Africa and Latin
America. The following is a preview of some of the packages
available next year:
" For active clients who want to explore Italy, Mountain Travel
Sobek offers two new trips Hiking in Ancient Sicily and Hiking in
Italy’s Lake Towns.
The 10-day Hiking in Ancient Sicily trip includes eight nights’
accommodations, a tour of the Taormina ruins, hikes on Etna’s
recent lava flows and in the Anapo River canyon, a drive along the
coast to Vendicari and a tour of Palermo, with its Arabic and
Norman architectural influences. The land-only rate is $3,590 per
person, with 10 to 16 participants; and $3,790 per person, for six
to nine members. Available departure dates are March 22, April 5
and Oct. 14.
Hiking in Italy’s Lake Towns is a nine-day package that allows
clients to spend their days exploring forested trails and mountain
ridges. Hikes include visits to the summit of Monte Mazzacone,
Parco Nazionale Val Grande (the largest wilderness area in Italy)
and the foothills above the medieval town of Varenna. The land-only
rate is $3,190 per person, with six to 14 participants. Available
dates are May 3 and 17, and Sept. 10 and 24. Call 888-687-6235. Web
site: www.mtsobek.com.
" Agents who want to save their clients up to 25% on African
safaris can take advantage of two programs being offered by Park
East.
The company’s 10-day Classic Tanzania Safari during the green
season (April and May) is available for $2,995 per person, 20% off
the high season rate. The tour visits the Serengeti region, famed
for its wildlife and migrations of hundreds of animals; and the
Ngorongoro Crater, referred to as the eighth wonder of the
world.
This all-inclusive safari includes flights within Africa, meals,
beverages, upscale lodging and wildlife viewing with an
English-speaking guide in a 4x4 vehicle.
The 13-day Delta Wing Safari to Botswana and Victoria Falls,
available from December through March 2003, costs $4,995 per
person, a 25% savings. The trip includes seven nights at exclusive
wilderness camps, night game drives, walking safaris and a visit to
a local village to observe indigenous tribal life and customs.
Call 800-223-6078. Web site: www.parkeast.com.
" If your clients want to hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in
Peru or trek across a lava field on the way to Costa Rica’s rain
forest, Backroads offers two such programs in its 2003-2004
catalog. Peru Multisport is an eight-day tour that includes a
walking tour with a local guide to see Incan and Spanish colonial
architecture and a full day exploring Machu Picchu.
The package rate is $3,298 per person, including accommodations
and most meals. Dates for 2003 are April 27, May 25, June 8, Sept.
7 and 28, and Oct. 19.
A local naturalist will escort participants of Costa Rica
Walking on visits to Arenal Volcano and the renowned Monteverde
Cloud Forest Preserve. The seven-day trip also includes visits to a
butterfly garden and a women’s crafts cooperative, instruction in
salsa and merengue dance by a Costa Rican expert, a boat ride
across the Gulf of Nicoya, accommodations and most meals.
Remaining dates for this year include Dec. 2, 13 and 30. The
2003 dates are Jan. 19 and 29, Feb. 8, March 1 and 12, Dec. 8, 20
and 29, and Jan. 10 and 26.
The cost is $2,598 per person.
Call 800-GO-ACTIVE (800-462-28483). Web site:
www.backroads.com.
