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]