Make new friends around the globe - list of travel packages - Directory

Tour de Mont Blanc: France, Italy, and Switzerland. September 2-13. 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 feet elevation gain. 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. We'll focus on what keeps Paris so enchanting and learn more about the daily life of her citizens. We'll walk and use public transit to visit ethnic neighborhoods, parks, outdoor markets, and sidewalk cafes. We'll meet local environmentalists, dine in a variety of restaurants, and take a weekend walk in the French manner. This trip is for anyone who has been touched by the magic of the City of Lights. Leader: Bob Smith. Price: $2,195 (10-12)/$2,595 (9 or fewer); Dep: $200. [02720A]

Latin America

Guatemala: Land of the Maya. December 23, 2001-January 5, 2002. Leader: Jim Sumrall Price: $2,445 (11-14)/$2,845 (10 or fewer); Dep: $200. [02505A]

A Naturalist's Holiday in Panama. December 23, 2001-January 6, 2002. Leader: Sally Vogel. Price: $2,495 (13-16)/$2,725 (12 or fewer); Dep: $200. [02510A]

Rainforests, Reefs, and Ruins: Belize and Guatemala. March 10-23. Snorkel a pristine coral reef during three days on a remote atoll; marvel at the Mayan sites of Lamani and the great Tikal; and observe howler monkeys, plentiful bird life, and giant iguanas at the Community Baboon Sanctuary and Rio Bravo. An easy-to-moderate adventure with lots of variety. Leader: Margie Tomenko. Price: $2,645 (12-15)/$2,925 (11 or fewer); Dep: $200. [02525A]

Costa Rica: Tropical Treasure. March 16-29. Discover the less-traveled south of this exquisite region, with abundant rainforest; cloud forest; exotic flora and fauna; exceptional birding; pristine beaches; and two world-famous gardens. Explore Corcovado, Manuel Antonia, and remote Cano Island National Park while enjoying optional hiking, snorkeling, horseback riding, and kayaking on the Golfo Dulce. Learn about ecological education and grassroots conservation work on the Osa Peninsula. Comfortable accommodations and accompanying naturalist add to this trip's appeal. Leader: Mary O'Connor. Price: $2,195; Dep: $200. [02565A]

Bolivia and Brazil: From Andean Foothills to the Pantanal. November 5-16. Explore the last untraveled wilderness of South America as we traverse Amboro National Park and glide by riverboat deep into the Brazilian and Bolivian Pantanal. (Separate extension trip to Noel Kempff National Park available.) Maned wolf, river dolphins, jaguar, and giant anteaters await us, along with incredible bird life. A custom-designed trip for wilderness buffs, birders, hikers, and nature lovers of all ilk. Accommodations in country lodges, inns, cabins, and riverboat (five nights). Leader: John O'Donnell. Price: $3,295 (14-18)/$3,545 (13 or fewer); Dep: $200. [02735A]