(Quito, Ecuador) — This adventurous 11-day journey combines two of Ecuador’s most iconic and wildlife-rich regions, the incredible Galapagos Islands and Amazon Rainforest. Guests will explore Isabela and Santa Cruz islands and take a yacht to other nearby islands. Scalesia Galapagos Lodge and Finch Bay Hotel will provide a comfortable base for this guided Galapagos Islands tour. Starting in the highlands of Isabela, guests will explore some of the island’s most fascinating areas, including the Giant Tortoise Reserve and Charles Darwin Research Station. Guests will then visit Ecuador’s Amazon Rainforest, and from the comfortable Sacha Lodge, head into the jungle on expertly guided tours to discover colorful birds, fascinating reptiles, many species different monkeys, and an array of other wildlife. The Darwin & Orellana Discovery Tour starts at $6,915 per person double.
The tour includes: 3-nights at Scalesia Lodge – Isabela Island 3-nights at Finch Bay Hotel – Santa Cruz Island 1-night at Quito Airport Hotel – Quito 3-nights at Sacha Lodge – Ecuador’s Amazon Rainforest
Scalesia Galapagos Lodge is situated in the highlands of Isabela Island on the slopes of a volcano, about 20 minutes from the town of Puerto Villamil. The modern, luxurious, safari-style tent resort is in the middle of a 40-acre forest with a spectacular view of the coast of Isabela Island, the Pacific Ocean, and other Islands of Galapagos dotting the horizon.
The award-winning Finch Bay Hotel enjoys a peaceful and magical beachfront location in Puerto Ayora, on Santa Cruz Island. The hotel makes the ideal base for exploring the natural diversity and attractions of the island – including Tortuga Bay beach – and for taking day trips to nearby islands, aboard its own, specialized yacht. The hotel also implements best practices in sustainable tourism. Located in a 5,000-acre private ecological reserve, Sacha Lodge provides a safe and comfortable base to experience the Ecuadorian Amazon Rainforest. Highlights include exploring the forest on rainforest walks, canoeing the lake, the Sacha Lodge butterfly house, visiting the Yasuni parrot lick, and walking high in the trees on the 940-foot (275-meter) long canopy walkway. As this is a private reserve, the wildlife is well protected. It’s not uncommon for different monkeys to even play on the boardwalk or cross through the canopy over your comfortable accommodations.
Just off the Bonavista Peninsula, be amazed by the spectacle of whale species like humpbacks, sperm, orcas, and more feeding, migrating and playing on Sea of Whales Adventures whale watching boat tours (Photo: Destination Canada)
St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador – From the rolling waves lapping off the coastline to the colorful clotheslines dancing in the ocean breeze, Newfoundland and Labrador is home to the slow way of life, especially when the seasons change. As spring rolls into summer, regular visitors to the province return, including the whales, birds and icebergs that heighten all senses. Visitors can experience the first sunrise in North America, witness the migration and play of whale species that return to the shores each year, and taste food foraged from land and sea. For relaxation, guests can soak in the bounty of the ocean in a bath with seaweed gathered off the coast of Grates Cove, go for a cold-water dip in the many outdoor locations including the North Atlantic Ocean, or sit and listen to the push and pull of the beach rocks as they roll with the waves.
Sea of Whales Adventures
The Atlantic Ocean surrounding Newfoundland and Labrador boasts as many as 22 diverse whale species. Just off the Bonavista Peninsula, travelers will smell the ocean breeze and be humbled by the spectacle of whale species like humpbacks, sperm, orcas, and more feeding, migrating, and playing on Sea of Whales Adventures whale watching boat tours. Family owned and operated since 2009, Sea of Whales Adventures offers three-hour whale watching tours daily from May 15 to October 14 and two-hour tours daily from June 15 to September 3. The two-hour tour rates start at $90 CAD for adults and $60 CAD for children, while the three-hour tour rates start at $110 CAD for adults and $80 for children.
Preserving the Dark Sky
Terra Nova National Park, the first designated Dark Sky Preserve in the province, allows travelers to gaze into the cosmos untouched by light pollution. Under the Dark Sky Preserve Program, the park is committed to protecting and improving nocturnal ecology by adjusting, retrofitting, or eliminating light fixtures while delivering new educational and interpretive programs on astronomy and various dark sky themes. The most popular viewing locations include Sandy Pond, rated to have the darkest skies in the park, Ochre Hill, historically used as a fire-watch station, Blue Hill, the highest point in the park putting guests among the stars, and Visitor Centre, with the starlit sky reflected across the water. New in 2024, UNESCO World Heritage Site Gros Morne National Park is applying to the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada for designation as a Dark Sky Preserve, offering visitors even more unaltered space to bask in the celestial views.
Wild Island Kitchen
Open year round, Wild Island Kitchen offers travelers the chance to dine aside breathtaking seascapes listening to the crashing waves while wild and sustainably caught seafood is cooked over an open fire. The locally owned tour and culinary group provides menus that change daily based on what is foraged and discovered each day, with guides teaching guests how to cook and prepare the cuisine. The “From Sea to Plate” Tour features sustainable, high-quality seafood cooked with water from the sea and cooked over an open fire, and guests can expect four to five courses over a three-hour period. For a shorter, one-hour experience, visitors can book the “Mug-Up” Tour which typically departs at 10 a.m. and includes a trip down the cove for a cup of tea or coffee and an interpretative food journey inspired by traditional coastal delights. Tour rates start at $175 CAD, but guests are encouraged to email [email protected] for specific pricing per tour. Pre-booking is required for both culinary experiences.
Grates Cove Seaweed Baths
In the northernmost part of Newfoundland and Labrador, weary travelers can soak in a seaweed bath at Grates Cave Co. Known for its healing and rejuvenating properties, seaweed is harvested off the coast of Grates Cove and transformed into 7 Fathoms skincare, producing a high-quality, highly bioactive brown seaweed extract suited for personal care. Grates Cove Co. uses the product, densely packed with essential nutrients and minerals, for the fresh seaweed baths in the comfort of the bathhouse overlooking the North Atlantic. The bathhouse is bookable from Monday to Sunday for two-hour time slots from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., 2-4 p.m., and 5-7 p.m., and the price per couple is $110 CAD + HST (Harmonized Sales Tax).
Maxxim Vacations New Tour
From September 22 to 28, 2024, Maxxim Vacations will host the small group vacation “Newfoundland Through a Mindful Lens,” including a five-day, six-night itinerary designed to inspire travelers with a renewed sense of self and perspective. The tour is hosted by certified mindfulness guide Dr. Brian Dower, a Newfoundland native and retired chiropractor who regularly prescribed mindfulness training to his patients dealing with stress. Dr. Brian will introduce various mindfulness techniques and skills in focused tutorial sessions and then guide participants through opportunities to put the tools into practice. Guests will take hikes along breathtaking ocean trails, join foraging expeditions, and dine on specially prepared meals by award-winning chefs. The tour starts at $4,828 CAD plus taxes and includes six nights of accommodation at select hotels and inns, daily instructional mindfulness sessions with Dr. Brian, guided walks and hikes in St. John’s and Port Rexton, meals including daily breakfast, lunch, and select dinners, five-day ground transportation, a scenic driving tour of St. John’s and the Bonavista Peninsula, a mindful movement session, and more.
For more information on the four provinces, visit these websites or follow on social media:
Iceland is one of the most volcanically active areas on the planet, with 130 volcanoes. Last week the fifth eruption since December at the Sundhnjukar mountain ridge sent lava 150 feet into the air, but locals and tourists stayed safe while flights continued to operate. Volcanic activity is a fact of life in Iceland, where people have learned to live with the drawbacks and the advantages. After all, that constant geological activity is the reason the island has so much natural beauty to see from geothermal pools to incredible mountains.
The unexpected way to observe Iceland’s volcanoes: by sea.
The land of fire and ice and the midnight sun is an island, so the best way to experience it is to sail around it. Small ship line Windstar Cruises circumnavigates Iceland on a 7-dayAround Iceland cruise with just 312 guests on board, visiting five towns on the island in addition to the capital of Reykjavik. These small towns are easy to explore and have opportunities for scenic outdoor adventures (like treks to waterfalls). And the bonus of being on a ship if/when a volcano erupts nearby? You sail somewhere else.
Mount Etna in Sicily
Mount Etna is one of Europe’s most active volcanoes, recently making headlines for puffing volcanic vortex rings into the sky. You can hike up the slopes of this volcano, or observe it easily from a distance, Aperol spritz in hand.
The unexpected way to view Mount Etna: on a bike.
VBT offers Sicilian guided biking tours, with additional highlights like biking past volcanic coastlines, staying in an 18th century palace, and joining Sicilian truffle hunters on a search for the culinary prize
Kīlauea and Mauna Loa in Hawaii
Kīlauea and Mauna Loa are two of the world’s most active volcanoes and are located in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park on the island of Hawaii (aka the Big Island). There are 150 miles of trails within the park through craters and lava tubes, making up-close volcanic exploration possible.
The unexpected way to engage with Hawaii’s volcanoes: on a multi-island itinerary.
Holiday Vacations offers a Hawaii Four Island Holiday that spends time in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park but also includes inter-island flights and accommodations on Kauai, Maui, and Oahu, with their own volcanoes to explore as well.
Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming
Yellowstone is a volcano, and the magma chamber under the park influences its natural features including all those famous geysers and hot springs. In fact, the park has the world’s largest collection of hydrothermal features with more than 500 geysers – that’s half of the world’s total.
The unexpected way to experience it: by snowcoach.
Winter is the park’s quietest season, but it’s one of the best times to visit. The park’s interior is accessible only by commercial over-snow transportation, and Yellowstone’s snowcoaches are essentially the ultimate 21st-century (heated) sleigh. Some of the best geyser viewing and photography opportunities arise in the dead of winter, when the snow-white landscape provides the contrast that makes thermal wonders appear even more dramatic. Stay at one of the resort’s wintertime lodges to fully experience the winter magic.
Under Canvas, a leader in upscale, outdoor hospitality, and Backroads, a leading luxury active travel company, are tripling their collaborative adventure experiences available to travelers across U.S. National Parks over the next two years. In addition, the expanded line-up this year includes an all-new, glamping-only itinerary in Southwestern Utah with stays at both Under Canvas Bryce Canyon and Under Canvas Zion.
After first establishing a relationship in 2019 with trips in Montana’s West Yellowstone, and subsequently operating successful glamping tours in Tennessee and South Dakota, Under Canvas and Backroads are poised to further expand their trip selection for outdoor enthusiasts with more than 185 scheduled trips through 2025. From the scenic beauty of the Black Hills of South Dakota to the dramatic red rock and hoodoo vistas of Southwest Utah, to the ancient Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, these world-class trips allow guests to enjoy a Backroads active adventure by day and by night continue to immerse themselves in nature with Under Canvas’ upscale glamping retreats. These properties embrace their natural setting, while featuring indoor luxuries, allowing guests to discover the outdoors in comfort and style.
Backroads is renowned for its expert Trip Leaders and flexible active vacations that offer travelers flexibility on each day of every trip. Ample support provided by multiple Backroads vans allows for a variety of daily route options suitable for differing levels of ability. The company’s collaboration with Under Canvas pairs three favorite multi-adventure trips with accommodations at Under Canvas’s stunning camps offering gorgeous tents, furnished with plush king-size beds, luxe linens and ensuite bathrooms. In addition, a stay at Under Canvas includes onsite complimentary programming such as live acoustic music, daily yoga, stargazing, outdoor games and nightly s’mores around the firepits, as well as a lobby tent that acts as a social, communal hub for café-style dining and lounging.
Backroads trips staying at Under Canvas properties in 2024 include:
Yellowstone, Tetons & Big Sky Multi-Adventure Tour for Couples, Friends, Solos, Families with Teens and Kids (aged 9+) and Families with Older Teens and 20-somethings, featuring accommodations at Bar N Ranch with access to Under Canvas complimentary programming.
“Since opening our first camp more than 10 years ago near West Yellowstone, Under Canvas has dedicated itself to inspiring connections with extraordinary places, people and the planet by enhancing access to the outdoors,” said Libbie Rice, Chief Commercial Officer of Under Canvas. “We have enjoyed our collaboration with Backroads over the years, and we’re excited to elevate our collaboration, aiming to offer even greater opportunities for active travelers to immerse themselves in the best of outdoor adventure and connect with nature through our two brands.”
“Guest feedback from our South Dakota trips with Under Canvas has been terrific,” said Tom Hale, Backroads Founder, President & CEO. “Backroads guests love the experience of sleeping in the deluxe glamping tents and sharing tales of the day’s activities over s’mores by the campfire in the evening—it’s really the perfect ending to an adventure-filled day. Whether you’re a kid or a kid at heart, sleeping under the stars is a great way to enjoy a Backroads national park vacation. The trips have been a popular addition to our summer schedule, and we look forward to continuing our relationship with Under Canvas far into the future.”
Backroads trips featuring Under Canvas properties are all available for immediate booking. For more information, visit backroads.com or call 800-462-2848.
Here are a 5 exciting ways to explore Montana and its most popular National Parks.
Explore Yellowstone and Glacier by RV: Discover the natural beauty of Yellowstone, Glacier, and more with the comfort and convenience of a new Winnebago RV, you’ll have the freedom to travel at your own pace and experience the great outdoors like never before. Based in Bozeman, MT, Blacksford’s brand new, luxury RVs and camper vans are low-mileage and impeccably maintained, ensuring a safe and worry-free trip. They offer flexible pick-up and drop-off times, all the amenities you’ll need for a fantastic vacation, and support to ensure a seamless rental experience.
Saddle and Paddle Yellowstone:Flying Pig Adventures’ 3-night Yellowstone tour gives guests the opportunity to experience the park like never before. The thrill of witnessing one of nature’s most iconic environments, tackling rough terrain on horseback, and battling Class III rapids cannot be found anywhere else. From fly fishing, to horseback rides, to Yellowstone whitewater rafting, guests will be talking about their unique experiences for years to come.
Cycle Glacier National Park:The Big Sky meets six days of big smiles on Escape Adventures’ epic Glacier National Park/Going-to-the-Sun Road bike trip. Based in Montana’s 1,583-square-mile Glacier National Park, with its 375 historic properties plus six historic landmarks, riders will cycle into some of North America’s most breathtaking landscapes, including Going-to-the-Sun Road. At each stop, each slow pass, guests will learn a little more about the “Crown of the Continent” ecosystem.
Big Sky Luxury Adventure: In Big Sky, Montana, The Wilson Hotel serves as a base camp for adventure whether it’s winter or summer. Guests can ski and snowboard Big Sky Resort’s expansive 5,850 acres of terrain in winter, and hike nearby shaded forests and wildflower-filled meadows, raft or fly fish the clear waters of the Gallatin River, and experience the adrenaline rush of lift-served mountain biking in summer. At the end of the day, The Wilson offers spacious, sophisticated accommodations steps from on-site amenities and Big Sky Town Center.
Glamping Cowboy Retreat: Ranchlands is excited to formally open the 80,000-acre Paintrock Canyon Ranch in the Bighorn Mountains. Guests will immerse themselves in ranch life, explore the surrounding areas on horseback, fly fish, hike, and experience the natural world in this unique landscape. Accommodations are designed for guests to be as close to nature as possible, but with all the comforts of home. Large, safari-style tents are stylishly furnished with full-sized beds, bedside tables, dressers, and chairs. Meals are prepared by a private chef and incorporate Ranchlands beef, local produce, and dairy whenever possible. The ranch makes a great base camp for a Yellowstone National Park adventure.
GeoCultura’s summer tours to Ireland experience the Wild Atlantic Way, exploring the geological and historical stories while focusing on the Dingle Peninsula and the iconic Ring of Kerry.
GeoCultura, a leading provider of immersive travel experiences, introduces two new captivating tours for summer 2024 that promise a deep dive into Ireland’s fascinating landscapes, blending discovery and immersion led by local experts in geology, history, and culture.
South-West Ireland – Dingle Peninsula and Ring of Kerry Tour, July 9-14: Embark on a six-day exploration along the Wild Atlantic Way of southwest Ireland, beginning in Cork and venturing through the Dingle and Iveragh Peninsulas. This journey unveils the rich tapestry of Irish history, folklore, and deep-time geological features shaping the present landscape.
Highlights:
Experience the Wild Atlantic Way, exploring the southwest coast’s coastal gems and cultural offerings.
Immerse in the landscapes, deep-time history, and folklore of southwest Ireland.
Unravel geological and historical stories while focusing on the Dingle Peninsula and the iconic Ring of Kerry.
Expert guides lead participants to dramatic coastlines, mountains, castles, and harbors, revealing the layers of history embedded in the rocks and landscapes.
Enjoy authentic encounters with traditional Ireland, from meeting native speakers to experiencing folk music and savoring top Irish cuisine.
Stay in charming country retreats and coastal hotels, offering comfort and character.
The tour commences at Ballymaloe House, outside Cork, concluding in the center of Cork (or Cork airport).
Overview: Embark on a six-day, five-night journey through southwest Ireland’s history and culture, starting in Cork and uncovering natural wonders in the Dingle and Iveragh Peninsulas. Gain new insights from expert tour leaders, exploring the geological mysteries behind Ireland’s landmarks.
Discover how natural and human forces have shaped the Irish landscape, visiting castles, cliffs, towns, and towers. Take to the sea for a new perspective on the coastline and hear tales of resilience on remote islands. Learn how southwest Ireland has evolved from deep time to its historical traditions, native language, and music.
See Ireland’s most spectacular sights, including the Ring of Kerry, Dingle Peninsula, Blasket Islands, and Inch Beach. Stay in highly-rated accommodations, including a country house and a hilltop manor in County Kerry.
Pricing: $4,125 pp for the five-night tour, Single Supplement for solo travelers $530
Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way: Galway Bay to Cliffs of Moher, September 1-7, 2024: The seven-day journey from Dublin to County Clare, explore the Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark. Stay at the Wild Honey Inn, nestled in the Burren Geopark, and discover the natural wonders that define this iconic region.
Highlights:
Explore Ireland’s deep-time origins with expert guides behind West Ireland’s famous landmarks.
Delve into the Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark, exploring its highest point and intricate cave systems.
Uncover human stories as you sail to an Iron Age fort on the Aran Islands and recognize landscapes featured in Hollywood movies.
End each day at The Wild Honey Inn with comfortable accommodations and delicious meals using locally sourced produce.
Enjoy Irish hospitality with pub visits and music sessions.
Overview: Embark on a seven-day, six-night tour starting in Dublin and venturing to the Burren and Cliffs of Moher. Relax at the Wild Honey Inn, a Michelin-starred haven within the Burren Geopark, and explore the surrounding wonders.
Expert Tour Leaders and local guides explain the region’s unique rocky landscape, its karst ‘pavements,’ and intriguing cave systems. Visit landmarks such as Dun Aonghasa, Poulnabrone Dolmen, and the towering Cliffs of Moher. Experience early medieval forts, hidden churches, coastal villages, and market towns set to the soundtrack of traditional Irish music.
Price: $4,500 for the seven-day, six-night tour. Single supplement for solo travelers: $745.
GeoCultura’s 2024 tours offer an immersive experience led by knowledgeable guides, providing a voyage of understanding, connection, and appreciation. Tours range from three to seven days and can be fully guided, partially guided, or self-guided for those seeking a more personalized experience.
GeoCultura’s small group tours range from two to nine days, blending earth science with local history and regional guides to explore the world’s most important landscapes. The tours aim to immerse participants in local culture, cuisine, and natural wonders.
NEW YORK, NY –In Slovenia, the diversity of natural landscapes stretches across the country, from the alpine peaks towering at 2,000 meters and the Adriatic Sea coastline, to the richness of thermal waters in the Pannonian region and the sunny hillsides where vineyards thrive.
One-third of Slovenian territory belongs to a protected area, with forest cover reaching nearly 60%. The rich biodiversity includes over 22,000 species of animals and plants, along with more than 13,000 underground karst caves.
Slovenia holds the distinction of being the world’s first country to be entirely declared a Green Destination of the World. It is also the third most forested country in Europe and one of the countries with the most water in the world, boasting 27,000 kilometers of waterways, around 300 waterfalls, and numerous natural lakes and crystal-clear streams.
Mindful of the responsibility for their natural and cultural heritage, Slovenians strive to preserve their environment through sustainable projects, educational policies, as well as by promoting sustainable tourism experiences.
Slovenia’s longstanding commitment to sustainable tourism positions the country as a significant player in the United Nations’ designation of 2027 as the International Year of Sustainable and Resilient Tourism, potentially serving as a model for global destinations.
Responsible Holidays with Green providers: The Green Scheme of Slovenian Tourism, the seal that endorses commitment to the environment
The Green Scheme of Slovenian Tourism was one of the first projects in Europe to promote sustainability in tourism and serves as a model for many other countries. The European Travel Commission (ETC) has adopted the Green Scheme as a basis for developing sustainable guidelines for European destinations.
The Slovenia Green label awarded environmentally conscious entities including tourist agencies, natural parks, accommodations, travel agencies, restaurants, and beaches. Divided into five distinct categories, the green label boasts a membership of over 300 establishments. Visitors to Slovenia can place their trust in providers bearing the SLOVENIA GREEN label, as they undergo rigorous international assessments ensuring both quality and sustainability.
Nestled within the Julian Alps, Triglav National Park celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2024, marking a century of conservation efforts since its establishment in 1924. The centennial celebrations highlight the importance of protection for ensuring the existence of natural and cultural assets for future generations. The slogan “Protection Ensures Existence” underscores the ongoing need to balance conservation with development while preserving the park’s pristine beauty and biodiversity.
The list of the World’s Natural and Cultural Heritage comprises two natural and three cultural sites. Additionally, Slovenia boasts seven distinct features of intangible cultural heritage included in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, such as beekeeping, the breeding of elegant white Lipizzan horses, and the art of dry-stone walling, to name just a few.
Slovenia’s presence extends to other UNESCO programs as well, including the World Network of Biosphere Reserves, the Global Network of Geoparks, and the UNESCO List of Written Cultural Heritage, known as the Memory of the World.
Among the two UNESCO natural sites, Slovenia boasts the enigmatic Škocjan Caves, home to the largest subterranean canyon in Europe, towering at 146 meters high, and the primal beech forests of the Carpathian Mountains and other European regions, which represent the most preserved remnants of beech forests.
While Idrija preserves the world heritage associated with mercury extraction, Slovenia safeguards the protected world heritage of prehistoric pile dwellings around the Alps, with around 40 locations discovered in the Ljubljana Marshes. A significant discovery is a 5,200-year-old wheel, considered the oldest wooden wheel with an axle globally.
In Ljubljana, the capital city of Slovenia, the works of architect Jože Plečnik have bestowed a distinctive visual identity upon the city. His architectural masterpieces, which grace the city’s skyline, have earned it a place on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list.
Green Mindset, Healthy Tourism and Gastronomic Fresh World-Class Cuisine
Slovenia promotes a healthy lifestyle by encouraging bicycle or train travel, self-care through connection with nature, and enjoyment of local, homemade, and authentic foods. Under the motto “from farm to table,” Slovenia stands out for its diverse range of fresh products and natural ingredients offered in world-class restaurants, local markets, and agritourism farms.
For more information on Green Slovenia to celebrate Earth’s Day, follow this link.
Nestled in the heart of Europe, where the Alps, the Mediterranean, the Pannonian Plain and the Karst meet, Slovenia offers several year-round exciting experiences. This captivating country is deeply committed to sustainability and stands as a pioneer in sustainability and offers a tapestry of unique and unforgettable stories, which unfold either in pristine nature or in charming towns and include unforgettable outdoor adventures, spa pampering, getaways filled with rich culture, art and tradition, and last but not least, superb gastronomy crafted from local, fresh ingredients. Especially in recent years, Slovenia has risen in popularity among gourmands and foodies, also thanks to the prestigious Michelin Guide, which has solidified Slovenia’s global culinary presence. With an impressive number of 9 Michelin-starred restaurants, including one with three stars and another with two, along with seven one-star restaurants, Slovenia stands among the 146 countries with three-star recognition. Remarkably, only 8 of these restaurants are led by female chefs, and Ana Roš from Hiša Franko is among them.
A mature Bald Eagle dropping down to start a fishing run at L&D #14, LeClaire IA.
As cold descends upon the Midwest, Southwest Illinois, the Great Rivers & Routes region draws nature-lovers from all over the country to catch awe-inspiring eagle sightings along the bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River for what is the largest concentration of bald eagles in the country.
This January, thousands (of humans) will flock to the Great River Road to get a glimpse of the winged beasts. Adult eagles have a 7-8′ wingspan and love fishing in the Mississippi, providing hours of free entertainment.
Eagle Season
View a majestic American Bald Eagle up close at the Alton Eagle Ice Festival on January 6. Head to FLOCK Food Truck Park from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for a free Eagle Meet & Greet and a chance to get your picture taken with America’s national animal!
The Eagle Ice Festival will also include: eagle-watching shuttle tours (departing from the Alton Visitor’s Center); food trucks; drinks available from the FLOCK bar; DJ tunes; live ice carvers from Ice Visions; Eagle Fest Beer from Old Bakery Beer Company; fire pits with s’mores kits for sale; and face painting for kids.
The National Great Rivers Museum will also be offering a number of free family-friendly activities on January 6. Stop by the theater for talks by eagle experts and to watch eagle film showings. Look through spotting scopes for a chance to view an eagle nest. Make and take your own eagle craft — an eagle head wrap!
Those seeking to see more beautiful birds of prey can stop by the Audubon Center at Riverlands across the Mississippi from Alton to view birds like eagles and owls on live display from the TreeHouse Wildlife Center. Enjoy guided bird hikes, eagle crafts and firepits with s’mores kits available on January 6.
The Lewis & Clark Confluence Tower will be open all day on January 6 for tours to see American Bald Eagles from 50, 100 and 150 feet high. There will also be a Birds of Winter educational session featuring local raptors from TreeHouse Wildlife Center from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Admission is required for Tower tours but the Birds of Winter exhibit is free.
Check out these other activities:
Eagle Shuttle Tours Every Saturday Alton or Grafton in Jan-Feb
The Great Rivers and Routes region is the only place where the Mother Road of Route 66 meets the Great River Road. The region celebrates three of the nation’s great rivers (the Mississippi, Missouri and Illinois) alongside famous roads, history and small town charm.
Great Rivers and Routes Tourism Bureau, certified by the Illinois Office of Tourism, is a destination marketing organization which represents Madison, Macoupin, Montgomery, Jersey, Calhoun and Greene counties, and the City of East St. Louis in St. Clair County in southwest Illinois. Founded in 1985 as the Alton Regional Convention and Visitors Bureau, the bureau transitioned to Great Rivers and Routes Tourism Bureau in 2018 as the size and scope of the organization grew.
Avoid the turbulent waters of the Drake Passage and reach Antarctica faster by booking an early season fly-and-cruise expedition through Adventure Life.
With cooler temperatures, colorful leaves, fewer crowds and, this year, a “ring of fire” eclipse, fall is a great time to travel. From desert hiking and biking to mountain, rainforest and island adventures and early Antarctica expeditions, here are 12 stellar trips this season.
Utah Eclipse Trek: Backpack the Boulder Mail Trail through the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument in southern Utah with Wildland Trekking for an adventure among slickrock formations, ponderosa pine-covered plateaus and canyons with spring-fed creeks. A five-day departure in October will offer the opportunity to take in “ring of fire” views as an annular eclipse passes overhead. https://wildlandtrekking.com/trips/boulder-mail-trail/
Early Season Antarctica: Avoid the turbulent waters of the Drake Passage and reach Antarctica faster by booking an early season fly-and-cruise expedition through Adventure Life. Begin the eight-day trip in Punta Arenas, Chile, then fly two hours to King George Island, board the Magellan Explorer and cruise among the icebergs, penguins, seals, and whales of the white continent. https://www.adventure-life.com/antarctica/cruises/13000/classic-antarctica-air-cruise
Autumn in Austria’s Alps: With a long fall season thanks to its lower elevation, Best of the Alps destination Kitzbühel, Austria, is the perfect getaway for a hiking, biking and culinary getaway as the leaves change color. Hike among grassy slopes, mountain summits, lakes and waterfalls, ride the roads, flowing singletrack and easy e-bike tours, and savor the flavors of a traditional farmers’ market, award-winning restaurants and food festivals. https://www.bestofthealps.com/en/d/kitzbuhel/
Death Valley Eclipse Bikepacking: Ride the heart of the Mojave Desert, from Death Valley National Park to Red Rock Canyon, during the Oct. 14th annular eclipse with Escape Adventures. On this five-day bikepacking tour, navigate the wide valley floor, sunbaked foothills and stacks of boulders, stopping to visit historic sites accessed by 1930s-era Civilian Conservation Corps roads. https://escapeadventures.com/tour/death-valley-and-red-rock-mountain-bike-tour/
Amazon Autumn Adventure: Experience the astounding biodiversity of the Amazon rainforest during a stay at Ecuador’s Sacha Lodge. The 5,000-acre private ecological reserve surrounding the lodge is home to more than 600 bird species and other wildlife, providing guests an up-close opportunity to learn about the rainforest from naturalists and native Quechua guides. https://www.sachalodge.com/
Piedmont Culinary + Hiking: The wine region of Piedmont could very well be the ultimate destination for casual hikers who are also food and wine lovers. Accommodations during your journey include a UNESCO site, a wine estate, and a boutique hotel in the countryside. In early October, it might still be harvest time for the nebbiolo grapes and the colors make the hills and vineyards look like they are painted! https://www.tourissimo.travel/piedmont-barolo-hiking
Yellowstone Horseback Fly Fishing: Travel by horseback into Yellowstone National Park’s interior and cast for trout on seldom-fished streams guided by the experts at Flying Pig Adventures. Whether it’s for a few hours or a full day, a family or a group of friends, Flying Pig will handle all the details for a truly unique Yellowstone fishing excursion. https://www.flyingpigrafting.com/flyfishing-montana
Cycle Across Japan: Ride & Seek Bicycle Adventures’ 22-day Samurai Tour travels through three distinct parts of Japan and immerses cyclists in the country’s spectacular landscape, culture and history. Explore the enchanting Noto Peninsula and the Japanese Alps, follow the road less traveled across the smallest of Japan’s main islands and ride around Mount Fuji to the shores of the Pacific Ocean. https://rideandseek.com/tour/samurai-shikoku-island-japan/
National Parks by RV: National parks saw huge crowds over the summer, but fall is a great time to visit for less traffic and pleasant temperatures. Blacksford rents fully stocked Mercedes-Benz Sprinter overland adventure vehicles from Winnebago with all-inclusive pricing that provides unlimited miles, bedding, kitchen and bath supplies, Wi-Fi, a free annual pass to the national parks and 24-hour roadside assistance. https://www.blacksford.com/
Jackson Hole Glamping: Wyoming’s Fireside Resort offers 25 luxuriously outfitted tiny house rental units designed by Wheelhaus just a short distance from Grand Teton National Park and the Jackson Hole ski slopes, making it the perfect place to stay for a fall getaway or winter ski trip. https://www.firesidejacksonhole.com/
Fall Galapagos Adventure: Fall is one of the best times of year to visit Ecuador’s Galapagos Islands, particularly when it comes to wildlife and weather. The Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel has joined forces with Scalesia Galapagos Lodge to offer a new weeklong program that includes day trips aboard the yacht Sea Lion, glamping in luxury tents on Isabela Island and visits to remote locations that highlight the incredible diversity of the archipelago. https://www.scalesialodge.com/
Fall in Big Sky: A visit to Big Sky, Montana, and stay at The Wilson Hotel offers the opportunity for fall adventures in Yellowstone country. With elk bugling and pockets of aspen trees turning golden amid the green forest, hike and mountain bike the trails surrounding town, fish the Gallatin River or take one last tour of Yellowstone National Park’s natural wonders before roads close for the season. https://thewilsonhotel.com/
The works of Cristina Mittermeier and Paul Nicklen, two of the most world’s foremost nature photographers and conservation champions are featured in an exhibition and event series at the C. Parker Gallery in Greenwich, Connecticut.
The works of Cristina Mittermeier and Paul Nicklen, two of the most world’s foremost nature photographers and conservation champions are featured in an exhibition and event series at the C. Parker Gallery in Greenwich, Connecticut. Opening events are taking place the weekend of May 5.
The exhibition, Double Exposure: Two Photographers, One Mission featuring more than 30 large-scale photographs, is on view May 1 through June 26.
Presented in partnership with the Town of Greenwich Conservation Commission, the Greenwich Shellfish Commission, and the Greenwich Point Conservancy, this new exhibition features several works which have never been exhibited to the public at this size and scope and is curated by C. Parker Gallery’s proprietor, Tiffany Benincasa. The Gallery is located at 409 Greenwich Ave.
“The C. Parker Gallery is thrilled to present the work of two of the most internationally acclaimed conservation photographers,” says Tiffany Benincasa, the Gallery’s curator and owner.
“Their photographs are included in some of the world’s most important private collections, and have been featured as iconic images by major national media including National Geographic and TIME Magazine. This is an incredible opportunity to witness the beauty of nature in an intimate and personal way, to share their important message, and join their mission advocating for greater conservation and environmental awareness.”
“These artists/conservation champions have created some of the most iconic wildlife images of our modern-day culture. They are internationally acclaimed for harnessing the majestic beauty of their images to inspire change on our planet, via their 12 million followers worldwide. Greenwich is thrilled to host their new exhibition and Opening Reception events at C. Parker Galleryon the weekend of May 5,” said Fred Camillo, the Town of Greenwich’s First Selectman.
The Gallery is conveniently located near Manhattan, a 40-minute train ride from New York City (the train station in Greenwich is just steps away from the C. Parker Gallery
More details about the Opening Reception events featuring Mittermeier and Nicklen, will be updated at cparkergallery.com
