Featured White Papers
- Oct. 14th: Simplified IT with Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) (ZDNet)
- PCI DSS therapy for the smaller retailer (McAfee)
- The rise of Web commuting (Citrix Online)
Content provided in partnership with
Discover the magic of worldwide travel - International - travel opportunities: Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, Mediterranean, Pacific Ocean
Sierra, May-June, 2002
Africa Discover Madagascar. September 21-October 5. Madagascar is remote, exotic, and richer in unique flora and fauna than almost any other country in the world. Located off the southeast coast of Africa, the island's scenery is spectacular, with tropical forests, spiny deserts, and large nature reserves. We'll see lemurs and a variety of other rare creatures and plants. This wide-ranging tour captures the highlights of Madagascar's incredible wildlife, flora, and cultural heritage. Leader: Ruth Dyche. Price: $3,295 (12-15)/$3,565 (11 or fewer); Dep: $200. [02705A] The Salt Caravans of the Central Sahara, Niger. November 17-December 2. Journey to the geographical center of the Sahara, crossing the Erg de Tenere on the route of the last great salt caravans. We'll trace these camel trains to the salines of Facchi and Bilma, where people still live in specimens of the earliest urban architecture. We'll camp among the geologic marvels of the Jado plateau, cross the Rien de Rien, surf the world's greatest dunes, and trek among the high oases of the Bagzane Plateau. For lovers of the Sahara, this is the definitive journey. Leader: Dennis Schmitt. Price: $5,495 (10-12)/$5,895 (9 or fewer); Dep: $200. [02745A] Tanzania: From the Serengeti to Zanzibar. February 16-28, 2003. Visit the premier game reserves of Tanzania to see the richest variety of wildlife imaginable. We'll be accompanied by knowledgeable local guides and will stay in varied but comfortable accommodations. For the grand finale, we'll fly to the exotic island of Zanzibar for our last three days. Leader: Nancy Felling. Price: $4,195 (12-15)/$4,495 (11 or fewer); Dep: $200. [03510A] Asia Trekking the Steppes of Mongolia. August 8-20. Leader: Kern Hildebrand. Price: $2,565 (10-12)/$2,995 (9 or fewer); Dep: $200. [02855A] Ming and Qing Gardens, and Chinese Minorities of Southern China. September 1-17. We begin in Shanghai, then travel to the garden cities of Zhouzhuang, Tongli, Suzhou, and Hangzhou. We then fly to the southern provinces of Yunnan and Sichuan, and explore the ancient walled city of Dali. Cruise the Li River; see the Stone Forest and breathtaking Tiger Leaping Gorge; experience the Sunsanling monastery; and enjoy a Tibetan family visit and museum. Leader: John Bird. Price: $2,895; Dep: $200. [02670A] Tibetan Odyssey: Jewel in the Ice Revisited. September 15-October 3. We cross the vast, semi-arid, and desolate Tibetan plateau by Toyota Land Cruiser on this exciting journey. Spend four days acclimatizing in Lhasa and continue across this amazing land, negotiating 17,000-foot passes through the ice-bound Himalayas. We'll visit ancient monasteries, temples, and historical sites, imbuing ourselves in Tibetan history and culture. We'll journey through Thingri and end in Katmandu, Nepal, for a farewell traditional Nepalese banquet. Leader: Patrick Colgan. Price: $2,995 (12-15)/$3,395 (11 or fewer); Dep: $200. [02700A] Pandas, Yaks, and Glaciers: Langtang and Gosainkund Lakes, Nepal. October 7-25. South of the Tibetan border, narrow Langtang Valley--dominated by Langtang Lirung (23,911')--is home to spectacular glaciers, numerous plants, birds, and mammals. Nepal's first national park, this area is surprisingly isolated despite its proximity to Kathmandu. You'll experience the unique religions, languages, and dress of the Tamang and Sherpa people. Moderate-to-strenuous hiking. Leader: Cahit Kitaplioglu. Price: $1,855 (10-12)/$2,325 (9 or fewer); Dep: $200. [02710A] Hometown Tour: Badel to Gokyo, Nepal. October 7-November 6. Experience Nepali culture first-hand while viewing some of the most spectacular scenery in the world! We'll dine and stay with families in Badel, visit the town, and meet with village elders and the shaman. We'll trek to Gokyo for great views of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, and the Khumbu (avoiding the Everest Base Camp crowds). We'll visit Tengboche monastery and Namche Bazaar, then fly home from Lukla. Leader: Jim Sumrall. Price: $2,495 (10-12)/$2,955 (9 or fewer); Dep: $200. [02715A] Bhutan: the Hidden Kingdom Revealed. October 18-31. Join us as we tour the hidden kingdom of Bhutan. Our journey takes us to the Bumthang Jambay Festival, including the fire blessing (Mewang) and the dance of Treasure (Tercham). We'll visit the Chimin Lhakhang temple in Punakha and many others throughout Bhutan, including a hike to the Tigers Nest and the spectacular Taktsang monastery. Leader: John Bird. Price: $3,845 (10-13)/$4,155 (9 or fewer); Dep: $200. [02725A] Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Chitwan Trilogy, Nepal. November 5-21. View the snowcapped Annapurnas from the ancient Hindu and Buddhist temples at Muktinath. We'll revel in the high mountain desert as we descend into the world's deepest gorge, follow the Kali Gandaki, and take in the views of the Annapurnas and Dhaulagiri massifs. We'll enjoy the unique experience of an elephant ride in Royal Chitwan National Park as we look for scarce tigers. This trip is a moderate lodge-to-lodge excursion suitable for all ages. Leader: Tim Wernette. Price: $1,795; Dep: $200. [02740A] Warm Winter Holiday in Exotic Thailand. December 23, 2002-January 4, 2003. We'll visit tribal villages; journey up the river Kwai; and explore Sai Yok National Park. In Bangkok we'll tour the Grand Palace, a crocodile farm, and the ancient capital of Ayuthaya. We'll go north to Chiang Mai's temples and night market, enjoy elephant rides, and visit the Long-necked Padong hill tribe and Karen Village near Mae Hong Son. (Extension available to the Krabi area for snorkeling and sea canoeing.) Leader: John Bird. Price: $1,795 (11-14)/$2,255 (10 or fewer); Dep: $200. [03505A] Springtime in the Annapurnas, Nepal. March 2-15, 2003. Join our moderately strenuous trek during the height of the gorgeous rhododendron blossoming. We'll visit Kathmandu to discover its temples and bazaars. With Nepalese staff carrying our gear, we'll trek from Pokhara up into the Annapurna foothills and take in awesome views of 26,000-foot peaks. Our lodge stays introduce us to the unique village life. We'll conclude our journey by returning to Pokhara (with its beautiful lakeside bazaar) and Kathmandu. Leader: John Bird. Price: $1,625; Dep: $200. [03515A] Springtime in the Annapurnas, Nepal. March 23-April 5, 2003. See 03515A, above, for trip description. Leader: Cy Englert. Price: $1,625; Dep: $200. [03515B] Everest Lodge Trek, Nepal. April 5-26, 2003. Leader: Brad Carlson. Price: $2,295 (11-14)/$2,545 (10 or fewer); Dep: $200. [03530A] Springtime Ecstasy, Southern China. April 6-22, 2003. Leader: Pritpal "Pepi" Kochhar. Price: $2,445 (13-16)/$2,695 (12 or fewer); Dep: $200. [03525A] Bhutan: Trekking the Kingdom That Time Almost Forgot. April 6-24, 2003. Leader: John O'Donnell. Price: $4,425 (12-15)/$4,875 (11 or fewer); Dep: $200. [03520A] Europe Hiking the Ulster Way: Northern Ireland Revisited. June 17-30. The scenic beauty and diversity of the landscape makes Ulster an ideal environment for leisurely paced dayhiking and sightseeing. Explore the Mourne Mountains, the Sperrins, and the Antrim Glens. Accompanied by an Irish historian and hiking guide, and traveling by minibus, we stay four or five days in each location in comfortable B&Bs and family-run country inns. At night we visit charming local pubs for traditional Irish music (the craic) and dancing. Leader: Patrick Colgan. Price: $1,695; Dep: $200. [02595A] Sweden: the Forest and the Sea. June 30-July 11. Imagine a summer of light-filled days, and forest and ocean walks in brisk open air. Beginning in Stockholm, we journey north to the Dalarna region known for its blue mountains, massive forests, and world-renowned music festival. South to the island of Gotland, we visit a United Nations Heritage site and explore countryside archaeoastronomy sites. We join the friendly, outgoing Swedes in two of their favorite summer haunts. Leader: Lynne Simpson. Price: $2,495 (10-12)/$2,995 (9 or fewer); Dep: $200. [02615A] Photography and Hiking in the Alps, Switzerland. July 1-14. We focus on dramatic alpine scenery, brilliant wildflower fields, and picturesque mountain villages on this stunning tour of the Grisons area. Accompanied by a published photographer, and a native guide and linguist, we'll seek out photo opportunities in the areas of St. Moritz, Arosa, Davos, Films, and more. We stay in rustic hotels and travel by train, bus, and tram using a Swiss Pass. Photographers of all levels are welcome. Moderate hiking. Leader: Paul McKown. Price: $2,795 (10-13)/$3,145 (9 or fewer); Dep: $200. [02625A] Fire, Ice, and Water: Iceland. July 7-21. Leader: Pritpal "Pepi" Kochhar. Price: $2,745 (12-15)/$2,995 (11 or fewer); Dep: $200. [02660B] Hiking the Dolomites, Italy. July 8-16. We hike from village to village, spend two nights in a refugio with great panoramic views, and tour Italy's ski country, including Cortina, home of the 1956 Olympics. We'll enjoy bright Italian sunshine, great food, and warm local hospitality. Van support throughout; carry only your daypack and camera on our moderate day hikes. Leader: Joe Braun. Price: $1,845; Dep: $200. [02630B] Hiking the Bavarian Alps: Forests, Lakes, and Culture of Germany. July 10-18. Explore a scenic mountain world of lakes, forests, hills, and wildflowers as we day-hike between Baroque country churches and the castles of King Ludwig II (Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau). Cruise the fjord-like Lake Koenigsee. Tour nearby Salzburg, Austria--the scenic backdrop for much of The Sound of Music--and enjoy a Mozart dinner concert. We return in the evenings to family-run hotels with great alpine views. Sample Munich, its culture, cuisine, and famous Hofbrauhaus. Leaders: Mary O'Boyle and Fred Weber. Price: $2,395 (11-14)/$2,645 (10 or fewer); Dep: $200. [02560A] Severnaya Zemlya and the Taymyr Peninsula, Russia. July 15-29. Almost as remote as when it was first discovered in 1913, Severnaya Zemlya offers canyons and pillars of the polar desert, and glaciers on its three large islands: Bolshevik, October Revolution, and Komsomolets. Visit walrus colonies, polar bear habitats, the little Switzerland of the Akhmatov Gulf, and Cape Chelyuskin. Even for those well-traveled in the polar regions, this is something completely different. Leader: Dennis Schmitt. Price: $5,195 (10-12)/$5,595 (9 or fewer); Dep: $200. [02635A] Yorkshire for Walkers, England. July 21-August 3. Enjoy unspoiled villages, moors castles, and abbeys. We'll be joined by local guides, blending environmental concerns with the pleasures of wild Yorkshire. Stay in comfortable B&Bs in two charming towns, with time to stroll bookshops, gardens, and open-air markets. We'll ride on a canal boat and legendary steam train. Moderate hiking. Leader: Kate Froman. Price: $2,145 (10-12)/$2,545 (9 or fewer); Dep: $200. [02645A] Fire, Ice, and Water: Iceland. July 21-August 4. Leaders: Daniel Becker and Jeanne Coleman. Price: $2,745 (12-15)/$2,995 (11 or fewer); Dep: $200. [02660A] Around Spitzbergen Aboard the Molchanov, Norway. July 31-August 10. Our ship, a converted Russian research vessel, ferries us among these remote Arctic islands as we go ashore daily to explore and enjoy a variety of optional hikes. This trip, a Sierra Club first, offers something for everyone: ornithologists, botanists, geologists, mountaineers, and adventure travelers alike. Leader: Patrick Colgan. Price: $2,695 (12-15)/$2,895 (11 or fewer); Dep: $200. [02650A] From Dublin to Dingle: A Celtic Journey, Ireland. August 5-18. Walk through the mountains in two of Ireland's premier scenic areas: the Wicklow Mountains near Dublin, and the Dingle Peninsula and Ring of Kerry in County Kerry. Accompanied by an Irish historian and hiking guide, we visit untouristed Celtic monuments and medieval ruins along the way. We travel by minibus and overnight in traditional Irish B&Bs. Leader: Mary O'Connor. Price: $2,395; Dep: $200. [02640B] Poland: the Forgotten Europe. August 25-September 7. Rugged mountains, dense forests, lakes, and canals present a neopristine backdrop for tranquil old-world villages and post-war reconstructed cities. We'll hike in the mountains, journey to lakes, and experience Warsaw and Krakow. Half-day tours are available to Auschwitz. Travel by foot, train, boat, and even bicycle. We'll hike from hut to hut in the mountains and explore the lakes by yacht. Leader: Patrick Colgan. Price: $2,395; Dep: $200. [02665A] Tour du Mont Blanc: France, Italy, and Switzerland. September 2-13. In the shadow of western Europe's tallest mountain (15,771'), we'll visit three countries as we hike through alpine meadows and picturesque villages; stroll past glaciers, wildlife, and rivers; and tackle high passes with dramatic vistas. We'll carry moderate packs as we spend half our nights at mountain refuges and half in small hotels. We'll cover 7-9 miles daily with 2,000'-4,000' elevation gain and enjoy one rest day in Courmeyeur. Leader: Gene Goldberg. Price: $2,395 (10-12)/$2,795 (9 or fewer); Dep: $200. [02685A] Paris: The Local View. October 14-21. Leader: Bob Smith. Price: $2,195 (10-12)/$2,595 (9 or fewer); Dep: $200. [02720A] Latin America Bolivia and Brazil: From the Andean Foothills to the Pantanal. November 5-16. (Extension available to Noel Kempff National Park.) Leader: John O'Donnell. Price: $3,295 (14-18)/$3,545 (13 or fewer); Dep: $200. [02735A] Copper Canyon and Sierra Madre Burro Trek, Mexico. November 23-December 7, Leader: Rochelle Gerratt. Price: $2,535 (10-12)/$2,895 (9 or fewer); Dep: $200. [02755A] Costa Rica: Tropical Treasure. December 22, 2002-January 4, 2003. Discover the less-traveled side of this nation: rainforests, exotic flora and fauna, great birding pristine beaches; and world-famous gardens. Explore three national parks: Corcovado, Manuel Antonio and remote Cano Island. Enjoy hiking, horse-back riding, snorkeling, and kayaking on the Gulfo Dulce, or just relax in splendid surrounding. Learn about ecology and conservation work on the Osa Peninsula. Comfortable accommodations and a naturalist add to this trip's appeal. Leader: Pritpal "Pepi" Kochhar. Price: $2,245; Dep: $200. [03535A] Guatemala Holiday Adventure. December 23, 2002-January 5, 2003. Explore the highland home of the modern-day Maya with visits to the Quiche village of Nebaj and the highland towns of Coban, Zunil, Chichicastenango, and Panajachel. Visit colonial Antigua and experience the colorful markets in Nebaj and Chichicastenango. Visit Copan and Tikal (the Paris and New York of the Mayan world), Quirigua, and Ixcun. Take a jungle walk at Machaquila, and revel in the Caribbean culture of Livingston. Leader: Jim Sumrall. Price: $2,795 (11-14)/$3,225 (10 or fewer); Dep: $200. [03540A] The Best of Belize: Rainforest, Reefs, and Ruins. March 1-9, 2003. We'll hike in the rainforest among howler monkeys and tropical birds; explore ancient Mayan ruins and civilization; and snorkel the turquoise waters of the world's second-largest barrier reef amidst brilliant coral and fish. We'll learn about Belize's diverse cultural groups and enjoy physical activities every day (but nothing strenuous). We'll relax on a Caribbean island for our last two days. Leader: Tim Wernette. Price: $2,045 (12-15)/$2,295 (11 or fewer); Dep: $200. [03545A] Mediterranean The History, People, and Natural Wonders of Turkey. September 21-October 4. The minaret-spiked skyline, the temples of pagan worship, and the treasures of Christianity are interwoven in the timelessness of this ancient land. Traveling by bus and staying in small, locally-run hotels and pensions, we'll learn about the many layers of Turkey's history, and sample a geography where continents collide and cultures evolve. Leader: Kern Hildebrand. Price: $2,325 (14-18)/$2,525 (13 or fewer); Dep: $200. [02695A] The Culture of Cyprus in Springtime. April 3-18, 2003. Leader: Emily Benner. Price: $2,275 (10-13)/$2,645 (9 or fewer); Dep: $200. [03550A] Pacific Ocean Discovering Hidden Treasures of New Zealand's South Island. March 9-20, 2003. On this assisted backpack, we'll watch the sun rise over snow-capped mountains; explore awesome glacial valleys to the sound of waterfalls; climb into beautiful silver beech forests; marvel at beautiful giant parrots; and walk in areas where there are no signs that anyone has been there before us. Leader: Hurston Roberts. Price: $2,225 (11-14)/$2,625 (10 or fewer); Dep: $200 [03555A]
