Monthly Archives: February 2015

experiential travel, hiking

Self-Guided Hikes on the ‘Ring of Kerry,’ Ireland, Travel Over Historic Carriage Route

A stage coach route, dubbed the "Ring of Kerry," created in 1815 through historic villages and sites in southwestern Ireland’s County Kerry is the destination 200 years later of 8- and 11-day self-guided hikes by adventure travel specialist Ireland Walk Bike Hike.
A stage coach route, dubbed the “Ring of Kerry,” created in 1815 through historic villages and sites in southwestern Ireland’s County Kerry is the destination 200 years later of 8- and 11-day self-guided hikes by adventure travel specialist Ireland Walk Bike Hike.

KERRY, Ireland– A stage coach route created in 1815 through historic villages and sites in southwestern Ireland’s County Kerry is the destination 200 years later of 8- and 11-day self-guided hikes by native adventure travel specialist Ireland Walk Bike Hike (http://www.irelandwalkhikebike.com/).

Dubbed the Ring of Kerry after the popular 179-km-long circular tourist route of the same name, this is a signature program designed and operated by Ireland Walk Hike Bike, (formerly known as South West Walks Ireland) that was started in 1994 by Linda Woods

This is a self-guided, independent walking tour with guests following a pre-ordained route equipped with detailed route descriptions, maps and pre-arranged accommodations (with full Irish breakfasts) booked in advance by Ireland Walk Hike Bike. Guests have the convenience of 24-hour emergency support and telephone back up. Luggage is moved ahead of the walkers to their next destination.

Depending on how many days they can devote to this hike, guests can enjoy Ring of Kerry 11-Day Self-Guided HIKE from €925 per person double or Ring of Kerry 8-Day Self-Guided HIKE from €749 per person double.

Kerry’s special character is drawn from its unequalled diversity of land and seascapes while its offshore islands add yet another dimension to the beauty of the coastline frequently dotted with castles, forts and watchtowers. Warm summers and mild winters produce many sub-tropical and alpine species of flora while the temperate ocean waters, heated by the Gulf Stream, produce magnificent underwater vistas with whales, dolphins, seals and even turtles being frequent visitors.

The Ring of Kerry traces the coastline of the Iveragh Peninsula beginning in the Oak Woods of Killarney National Park, followed by the picture-postcard towns of Kenmare, Sneem and Glenbeigh before taking a step back in time at historic Derrynane House.

Guests walk an average of 20 km a day. Access for this holiday can be from Dublin, Cork or Shannon airports with bus and/or train connections available to Killarney year round.

On July 6, 1815, Charles Bianconi introduced his first horse-drawn carriage for passengers in Ireland, thus launching Ireland’s public transport system. He was able to establish regular horse-drawn carriage services from major towns and villages. Buses and coaches were commonly called “Bianconi’s” well into the 20th century.  This route, which precedes railways, is a unique way to travel Ireland seeing the sites that travelers saw 200 years ago.

Ireland’s fabled County Kerry consists of a series of spectacular mountainous peninsulas divided by deep sea inlets. MacGillycuddy’s Reeks form the centerpiece of the Ring of Kerry, a 179-kilometer circuit from Killarney, via Killorglin, Caherciveen, Waterville, Kenmare and back to Killarney across Moll’s Gap and past Ladies View – one of Ireland’s most famous viewpoints. Weaving between these points is a network of ancient paths that are nearly as old as the land itself, many of which form part of a long-distance track known as the Kerry Way.

The name ‘Kerry’ comes from the Old Irish word Ciarraige meaning the people of Ciar, an early Celtic tribe that settled in the area around 300 BC. In fact, Kerry has an outstanding collection of historical and archaeological sites that date back over 7,000 years, with several ancient forts and numerous early Christian churches. Impossibly green pastures stretch as far as the eye can see, completely empty save for small herds of sheep or goats, and at almost every turn there are spectacular views of mist-covered mountains and wild stretches of uninhabitable coastline where deep fissures have been carved, over the eons, by the pounding waves of the Atlantic Ocean.

Here and there along the coast, pretty fishing villages, such as Caherdaniel and Portmagee, have successfully withstood the elements and offer a picturesque contrast to the verdant hills that surround them. The Skellig Islands lie 8 miles off the tip of the peninsula, two rocky peaks rising sheer out of the Atlantic Ocean. Skellig Michael is a world heritage site on account of its 6th century monastery, with beehive huts, oratories and inscribed crosses. Seabirds abound as well. Small Skellig is home to over 40,000 gannets, the second largest colony in the world.

Contact Ireland Walk Hike Bike, 720-316-5973; email: [email protected], website: http://www.irelandwalkhikebike.com.

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ecotourism, trekking

Journeys International Names Top Five Treks for 2015

Mountain Lodge Trek to Machu Picchu (Lares Trail) is one of the top five treks for 2015, according to Journeys International.
Mountain Lodge Trek to Machu Picchu (Lares Trail) is one of the top five treks for 2015, according to Journeys International.

Trekking is one of the most exhilarating ways to travel, providing an opportunity to experience landscapes and cultures on a deeply intimate level. For those curious souls who don a pair of walking boots and set out on foot, the rewards can be far and above many other trips.

Out of more than 200 trips and 89 active adventures, Journeys International has selected these five as the most unique and rewarding treks for 2015:

Journeys President Robin Weber Pollak provided her expert advice about these five treks during the New York Times Travel Show’s ‘Adventure Hiking, Bike and Walking Trips: Choosing the Best Itinerary for You’ presentation. This 5-minute presentation can be viewed online.

For more information, visit www.journeysinternational.com.

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cruises, hiking

Explore Turkey’s Lycian Way on Foot and by Sea

Peter Sommer Travels' eight-day Walking & Cruising Western Lycia offers a chance to explore remote sites, ancient ruins and secluded bays along Turkey’s stunning south coast.
Peter Sommer Travels’ eight-day Walking & Cruising Western Lycia offers a chance to explore remote sites, ancient ruins and secluded bays along Turkey’s stunning south coast.

Monmouth, UK –Peter Sommer Travels is preparing to explore some of Turkey’s most spectacular coastline in an expedition that combines walking ancient trails along the Lycian Way with cruising aboard a traditional Turkish yacht.

Designed for travelers with a passion for history, scenery, archaeology and the outdoors, the eight-day itinerary Walking & Cruising Western Lycia offers a chance to explore remote sites, ancient ruins and secluded bays along Turkey’s stunning south coast.

An initial departure, from April 28 to May 5, 2015, will be hosted by archaeologist Dr Richard Bayliss, who has excavated and surveyed ancient sites across Turkey.  A second departure, from October 10 to 17, 2015, will be hosted by Toronto-born archaeologist and documentary producer Peter Sommer, who in 1994 walked more than 2000 miles across Turkey, retracing the route of Alexander the Great.

They will each lead groups of no more than 14 people along some of the best sections of the Lycian Way, an acclaimed walking trail that links coastal paths, Roman roads and hilltop goat tracks.

Walkers will take a leisurely pace averaging 8-10 km a day, in between swimming, relaxing and cruising aboard a traditional wooden gulet where they will sleep and dine.

Highlights include walking Roman roads and the route of a 2000-year-old Roman aquaduct, exploring remote archaeological sites like the ancient hill town of Sidyma, and discovering Kekova, one of the most romantic and picturesque areas on the Turkish coast.

The itinerary is one of 30 different tours and gulet cruises in the Peter Sommer Travels 2015 program, offering unforgettable journeys in Turkey, Greece and Italy.

Each tour is hosted by an expert guide from fields including archaeology, ancient history, the arts, the classics and cuisine. They provide a rich insight into the history of past empires and civilisations, while also offering a chance to enjoy the magnificent culture, scenery, food and wine of each region.

Walking & Cruising Western Lycia is priced from £1995* per person (approximately $US 3,030/$CA 3,660) for the April departure, or from £2175* (approximately $US 3,300/$CA 3,990) for the October departure.

Prices include transport, accommodation, most meals, crew and guide services, and all entrance fees and tips on excursions. Airfare is excluded.

For full details and bookings, contact Peter Sommer Travels at 1-855-443-3027 (in the US and Canada), email [email protected] or visit www.petersommer.com.
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Cultural Travel

2015 is Year of Celebration of Van Gogh in Europe

Throughout 2015, special exhibits and events will celebrate Van Gogh's life and work in Holland.
Throughout 2015, special exhibits and events will celebrate Van Gogh’s life and work in Holland.

July 29 2015 marks exactly 125 years since Vincent van Gogh (1853-1890) died. The Van Gogh Europe Foundation, a collaboration of around 30 organizations, is using the occasion to honor the Dutch artist under the theme ‘125 Years of Inspiration’, because the artist still inspires and is still very much ‘alive,’ even 125 years after his death.

Activities are being organized throughout the year in various towns in Holland, Belgium, France and England that figured in the life and work of the artist. Never before has there been cooperation on this scale between the organizations, museums and heritage sites which are actively engaged in preserving and promoting Van Gogh’s heritage.

From January 24 to 17 May 17, 2015 the Mons 2015 Foundation, in its role as European Capital of Culture will stage the exhibition Van Gogh in the Borinage, the birth of an artist in the BAM Museum (Museum of Fine Arts). During his stay of almost two years in the Borinage (1878-1880) Vincent van Gogh ended his career as a preacher and made the choice to become an artist. In Belgium, he quickly developed a love of the aspects of everyday life of peasants and workers. About 70 paintings and drawings from various international collections will be on display in this exhibition, including major loans from the Van Gogh Museum and the Kröller-Müller Museum.

In the Kröller-Müller Museum Van Gogh & Co will take place from April 25 to September 27. The exhibition will concentrate on the traditional genres at the end of the 19th century: still life, vista/perspective, nature, cityscape and portrait. More than 50 works by Van Gogh, including paintings and drawings from various periods will be combined with those of his contemporaries from the museum’s own collection. Visitors will have the chance to draw parallels and discover how Van Gogh dealt with the various genres.

The North Brabant Museum (Het Noordbrabants Museum) is in discussion with the internationally acclaimed artist, designer, entrepreneur and pioneer Daan Roosegaarde (b.1979) about an exhibition (June to August 2015) inspired by Van Gogh. Studio Roosegaarde has previously developed a 600 metre innovative cycle track for the Eindhoven region inspired by the famous painting ‘Starry Night’ (Museum of Modern Art, New York), as part of the Van Gogh cycle route which was opened in May 2013. It is expected that the interactive cycle track will be completed by autumn 2014.

The Van Gogh Museum will unveil its ambitious exhibition Munch : Van Gogh (September 25 2015 to January 17, 2016). Both Vincent van Gogh and Edvard Munch (1863-1946) are renowned for their emotionally charged paintings and drawings, their personal and innovative styles and lives filled with hardship. Both strove to modernize art by portraying existential and universal themes in expressive visual language. Despite the many striking parallels in their works and artistic ambitions, plus the fact that they are regarded as each other’s counterparts, these great masters have never before been brought together in one exhibition.

Apart from these larger museum projects numerous activities are being prepared at the various heritage sites. The 2014 cultural season (April 5 to August 31) in Auvers-sur-Oise where Van Gogh died and was buried already has a Van Gogh theme under the name ‘In the footsteps of Van Gogh’ and this theme will continue into 2015 and 2016. Also throughout 2015 activities inspired by Van Gogh’s life and work will be organized at locations in Brabant where Van Gogh lived and worked. These programme details will be announced later this year.

Four organizations form the basis of the Van Gogh Europe Foundation: the Van Gogh Museum, the Kröller-Müller Museum, Van Gogh Brabant and Mons 2015, European Capital of Culture. Under the collective name of Van Gogh Europe they form the core of collaboration between about 30 organizations in Holland, Belgium, France and England which are actively engaged in promoting Van Gogh’s heritage.

Van Gogh 2015 European Tours Launched

Holland’s largest coach operator, Oad Bus, and the Van Gogh Europe Foundation are supporting the 125th anniversary of the death of Vincent van Gogh next July with a program of specially themed group tours that combine ‘fast-track’ admission to the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam with visits to related museums, galleries and cultural events across Holland, Belgium and France.

Oad Bus, is a full-service destination marketing company for mainland Europe and it has developed these special group itineraries in partnership with the Van Gogh Museum, the Kröller-Müller Museum, Van Gogh Brabant, the Keukenhof Museum and the Netherlands Board of Tourism and Conventions.

All of the ‘Van Gogh 2015’ itineraries are based on a core program of two-, three- and four-day tours within Holland that visit Amsterdam’s Van Gogh Museum, the Kröller-Müller Museum, the Van Gogh Theme Garden, the Taste of Van Gogh, the Noordbrabants Museum, the Van Gogh Village in Nuenen, and the Vincent van Gogh house in Zundert.

Longer itineraries, of between five and eight days in duration, include visits to Van Gogh Brabant and the city of Mons (the 2015 European Capital of Culture) in Belgium; the Musee d’Orsay and Auvers-sur-Oise, where Vincent van Gogh is buried, in Paris; and Arles in France where Van Gogh painted his famous sunflowers.

All of these programs start and end in Amsterdam, close to where Oad Bus keeps its ultra-modern fleet of luxury coaches and where coach groups arrive in the Netherlands from the UK via the ferry ports of Harwich, Newcastle and Hull and from most major airports.

There’s even a potential English element to these itineraries comprising historic properties in Ramsgate in Kent and Isleworth in West London where Vincent van Gogh lived and taught in 1876 and as identified by Blue plaques in both locations.

‘Van Gogh 2015’ luxury coach was recently launched in the Kröller Müller Museum in Holland where Oad Bus unveiled a brand new and specially artworked ‘Vincent Van Gogh’ 48 seat coach, (illustrated). This stunning coach will be used, wherever possible, for all Van Gogh 2015 itineraries, adding to the status and attractiveness of these unique tours (www.oad.nl/vakantie-type/van-gogh).

Cycling Through Van Gogh’s Life

At the Holland.com website, there are marvelous cycling itineraries that link important sites connected with Van Gogh’s life.

For example, a 335 kilometer cycling route takes you through five towns and cities of the Brabant landscape loved by Vincent van Gogh, discovering the sites that were so important in his life and shaped Van Gogh as an artist. The Van Gogh cycling route follows the bicycle junction system and is marked with Van Gogh route signs. It runs for a total length of 335 kilometres, but you can also pick one of the shorter partial routes.

The route starts in Zundert, where Van Gogh was born. Today this is the site of the Van GoghHuis museum, where you can view beautiful presentations about his life and work. You will also visit Tilburg, where Van Gogh first attended drawing classes in secondary school. You will have the opportunity to visit Vincents Tekenlokaal, where the drawing classes took place.

Other interesting sites are Etten-Leur, where you can visit the Vincent van Gogh Information Centre at the old sexton’s house and explore how Van Gogh adjusted to his new life as an artist. In Nuenen, 21 sites that influenced Van Gogh await your visit at Van Gogh Village. The final destination is Den Bosch, where the Noordbrabants Museum has original works by Van Gogh on display.

Key addresses in the route: Opwetten Watermill, Opwettenseweg 203, Nuenen; Home of the Potato Eaters, Gerwenseweg 3, Nuenen; Former rectory, Berg 26, Nuenen; and Vincent’s drawing class, Stadhuisplein 128, Tilburg (See: http://www.holland.com/global/tourism/interests/van-gogh-2015/van-gogh-cycling-route-brabant.htm).

For more information: www.holland.com/global/tourism/book/bicycle-holidays/van-gogh-cycling.htm.

 

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Nature Travel, Wildlife travel

Wild Planet Adventures Offers Insights into Animal ‘Valentines’ – Courtship Behaviors

Nature’s Great Neckers: Male Giraffes will establish dominance by swinging their heads and necks at each other, followed by a longer period where they will caress one another with their necks. The best place to see giraffes is Zambia, says Wild Planet.
Nature’s Great Neckers: Male Giraffes will establish dominance by swinging their heads and necks at each other, followed by a longer period where they will caress one another with their necks. The best place to see giraffes is Zambia, says Wild Planet.

SAUSALITO, CA – “All the world loves a lover,” mused American thinker, Ralph Waldo Emerson.  That being said, with Valentine’s Day around the corner, here’s a week’s worth of romantic and beautiful courtship rituals of the wild kingdom.

Wild Planet Adventures, the recognized experts in viewing wildlife through habitat-sustaining practices, call these rituals “animal Valentines.” Following are founder Josh Cohen’s personal favorites.

1) Gibbons: Nature’s Great Crooners: For these tree-top swingers, marital harmony begins with sonic harmony. Each morning, males and females of these Asian apes sing love duets to each other as the mist burns off the rainforest. The duet is repeated in such precise sequences that it often takes newlyweds many months to learn to make beautiful music together. In a duet between a male and a female, the female’s part is a long, rising series of notes that end in a fast “twitter”. The male’s song is less complicated. He grunts, squeals and whistles in delight.

And the best place to see Gibbons in the wild: From an exotic treehouse in Thailand. Wild Planet Adventures suggested trip: Thailand – Ultimate Wildlife 15-Day EcoTour (also 11 days) starting at $4,498 per person double.

2) Tarsiers – Tiny Tenors: These tiny, uber-cute, wide-eyed primates also use sound as part of their courtship rituals, but these are performed by the male. During courting, potential partners often chase each other around while making distinctive soft sounds. The male, if aroused, will escalate his sound within five minutes of merely looking at an attractive female. The female, if receptive, will display her genitals invitingly; however, if she is not sufficiently wooed, she’ll emit an antagonistic call, often followed by biting and pushing the male away. Ironically, when mating begins, they maintain complete silence. Once bonded, Tarsiers are extremely vocal and make loud shrieks with their partners. In fact, they call in harmony, with each partner making its own distinct sounds.

Best place to see Tarsiers in the wild: Borneo.  Wild Planet Adventures arranges special nocturnal expeditions to see both Tarsiers and Slow Loris on Borneo – Weird & Wonderful Wildlife 12-Day EcoTour at $6,496 per person double.

3) Resplendent Quetzel: Beauty with Equality: Perhaps the most beautiful of all birds, the resplendent quetzal sports gorgeous two-foot-long green tail feathers, a red breast, blue sides and green crown. In February, just in time for Valentine’s Day, males begin an elaborate courtship ritual to entice females. In a dazzling display of color and sensuality, they circle in the sky with their long tails dancing behind them, then dive down to the cloud forest treetops in hopes of attracting females. By March, once a mate has been selected and the mating process is underway, males can easily be seen sharing nesting duties with females, alternating guarding the eggs every half hour, including sitting on them.

Best places to see Quetzals: Monteverde Cloudforest on Wild Planet Adventures Costa Rica – Ultimate Wildlife 14-Day EcoTour (also 10.5 and 9-day tours) starting at $4,998 per person double. La’ Amistad National Park, in Panama is another on Panama – Ultimate Wildlife 10-Day EcoTour (also available in 8 days) starting at $3,998 per person double.

4) Tigress – Saving Herself for True Love? Female tigers distinguish between true love and “friends with benefits”. Normally tigers take as long as a full day to develop mutual confidence, through ritualized purring, playing and moving their tails left to right with spring in their steps.  Once the tigress has developed confidence, she will roll over on her back in a playful manner, rub her face, and move closer to the male tiger, who will mount her. Their climax is signaled by a loud roar. Then the tigress turns her head and takes a swipe at the tiger with her foreleg. The tiger instinctively takes evasive action. The tigress then rolls over her back to facilitate insemination. However, if the tiger is a transient male just passing through the area and its dominance is not clearly established, the tigress will treat him like a “friend with benefits”, engaging in “false mating”, but not rolling over on her back.

Best places to see Tigers in the wild: Kanha National Park, India. Wild Planet Adventures suggested trip is India – Ultimate Wildlife Safari 19-Day: Leopards, Tigers & Palaces (other itineraries offered) at $7,498 per person double. Bardia National Park in Nepal is another great destination for tiger viewing. Untamed India & Nepal 19-Day Wildlife Safari is the trip to take.

5) Giraffes – Nature’s Great Neckers: Male Giraffes will establish dominance by swinging their heads and necks at each other, followed by a longer period where they will caress one another with their necks and then actually have sex, including reaching climax. Interested females also rub their necks against potential mates as part of their courtship. Recently, researchers also observed adolescent giraffes performing a complicated, prancing, dance-like step that some observers have compared to the fox-trot.  Could giraffes be nature’s greatest romantics?

Best place to see Giraffes in the wild: Zambia.  The trip: Zambia – Ultimate Wildlife 18-Day Safari (also 15, 12 and 10-day programs) at $13,998 per person double and less. Here you can see a journey of giraffes right from your luxury tent, and perhaps view a live birth on a unique walking safari.

6) Waved Albatross – Kissing Fools: The complex and expressive courtship ritual of waved albatross includes extensive kissing and bill-fencing, in which the partners bend, face each other in an exaggerated upright posture, open their bills wide and shut them with a loud clap, often alternating with rapidly clattering their bills or slapping them back and forth. If that isn’t strange enough, they will also bow and circle each another while swaying their heads from side to side in an exaggerated manner.  The newer the pair, the longer and more elaborate the dance.

Best place to see Waved Albatross: Ecuador’s Galapagos Islands. The trip: Galapagos – Ultimate Wildlife Cruise – M/Y Eric, Letty and Flamingo at $4,100 per person double.

For detailed itineraries, exciting wildlife photos and video galleries and booking information, visit http://www.wildplanetadventures.com/, call 1-800-990-4376 or email [email protected].

Wild Planet Adventures Receives ‘World’s Best 50 Trips’ Award
In April 2014 the editors of National Geographic Traveler bestowed its fifth “World’s Best 50 Trips” award to Wild Planet Adventures for its “On the Jaguar’s Trail; from the Pantanal to the Amazon” wildlife safari in Brazil. Past awards have recognized their programs in India, Thailand, Panama and Zambia.

The expert wildlife guides of Wild Planet Adventures go the extra mile to explore remote wildlife habitat and study wildlife patterns in destinations not often accessible to the general public. Thanks to the company’s comprehensive itineraries that balance diverse and complex ecosystems and habitats, guests enjoy wildlife and game viewing that is carefully aligned with animals’ seasonal, daily and nocturnal migrations.

Following a philosophy that interacting with nature has the power to transform lives, tours are conducted in Africa, Baja, Belize, Borneo, Brazil, Costa Rica, Galapagos, India, Laos, Nepal, Panama, Peru, Thailand and Zambia. Wild Planet Adventures is recognized by top publications in the travel industry for its itineraries that combine intimate encounters with wildlife and local culture.

 

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