Spirit of Alaska

Her shallow draft, spacious bow and comfortable cruising speed make for optimum wildlife viewing.

With three Bridge Deck Deluxe cabins, she offers one most unusual cruising feature - view windows both port and starboard, left and right. The Deluxe category is the top end of a wide range of categories available, including economical Lower Deck inside staterooms with private facilities, and Main and Upper Deck cabins which feature large view windows.

Spirit of Alaska Facts
Guests: 78
Length: 143 ft
Cruising Speed: 12 knots
Registered: United States
Crew: American
Decks: 4

Other Special Features

* All Cabins feature Private Facilities
* Equipped for Bow Landings
* Cabin proportions as illustrated are approximate
* Bed sizes vary from standard

Think Casual

Our focus is always on the destination, so informality is key. After all, if there's a whale spouting off the bow, dinner will just have to wait, and you don't want to get whale spume on a tux!

When you're on board, you'll spend most of your waking hours in the spacious public areas. Unlike many other ships, on the Spirit of Alaska have open guest access to the bow area, giving you the best views. And of course, all the lounges and dining rooms feature large view windows, as do most of our staterooms.

The Choice is Yours
Count on Us

Each day of your voyage will be different, but some things will be wonderfully consistent. Breakfast, for example, will always s give you delightful options, whether you prefer to sip your morning coffee out on deck or enjoy it at a leisurely pace in the dining room. And dinner is a delight. From soup to dessert, it’s homemade and delicious.
Whatever the day brings, you’ll be equipped to enjoy it.

Relax in the lounge (by the second evening, you’ll treat it like your own living room)… rest your elbows on the rail while your search the water for whales.. Join your Exploration Leader for an up-close excursion in our inflatable craft.. Go exploring in charming ports.. Or just put your feet you and relax. We wont let you miss a thing.
We’re here to make every aspect of your journey enjoyable.

Our crew has been especially trained to enhance your experience, from our knowledgeable Exploration Leader to the Pastry Chef whose homemade breads and luscious creations grace each meal. And whether you’re onboard or on land, gratuities are neither expected nor required.
Our style may be casual, but our service never is. Our only priority is to make this the best trip of your life.

Spirit of Columbia

The Spirit of Columbia is a cozy vessel perfect for shared adventure in the wilderness waterways. With her shallow draft and stately pace of cruising, you won't miss a thing as she lingers among the back channels, bays and wilderness islands.

The range of cabin categories is one of the widest in our fleet, ranging from lower-deck inside cabins to Deluxe and AAA categories with picture windows and a TV monitor/VCR. All staterooms offer private facilities and air conditioning.

Spirit of Columbia Facts
Passengers: 78
Length:143 feet
Cruising speed: 10 knots
Registered: United States
Crew: American
Decks: 4

Other Special Features

* Equipped for bow landings
* All cabins feature private facilities
* Cabin proportions as illustrated are approximate
* Bed sizes vary from standard

Think Casual

Our focus is always on the destination, so informality is key. After all, if there's a whale spouting off the bow, dinner will just have to wait, and you don't want to get whale spume on a tux!

When you're on board, you'll spend most of your waking hours in the spacious public areas. Unlike many other ships, on the Spirit of Columbia have open guest access to the bow area, giving you the best views. And of course, all the lounges and dining rooms feature large view windows, as do most of our staterooms.

The Choice is Yours
Count on Us

Each day of your voyage will be different, but some things will be wonderfully consistent. Breakfast, for example, will always s give you delightful options, whether you prefer to sip your morning coffee out on deck or enjoy it at a leisurely pace in the dining room. And dinner is a delight. From soup to dessert, it’s homemade and delicious.
Whatever the day brings, you’ll be equipped to enjoy it.

Relax in the lounge (by the second evening, you’ll treat it like your own living room)… rest your elbows on the rail while your search the water for whales.. Join your Exploration Leader for an up-close excursion in our inflatable craft.. Go exploring in charming ports.. Or just put your feet you and relax. We wont let you miss a thing.
We’re here to make every aspect of your journey enjoyable.

Our crew has been especially trained to enhance your experience, from our knowledgeable Exploration Leader to the Pastry Chef whose homemade breads and luscious creations grace each meal. And whether you’re onboard or on land, gratuities are neither expected nor required.
Our style may be casual, but our service never is. Our only priority is to make this the best trip of your life.

Caribbean Holidays

Caribbean Holidays - Virtually everything you could possibly want from a holiday
Caribbean holidays offer virtually everything you could possibly want from a holiday. From diving to golf, music to history and even honeymoons to weddings, a dream Caribbean holiday has it all and more. The Caribbean comes into its own during the winter holiday season when the climate in the UK is at it worst.

Straightforward Caribbean Holidays
Although it would once have taken days or weeks to reach the Caribbean, charter flights and package holidays have made a holiday in the Caribbean as straightforward as a holiday in Europe. The major holiday destinations in the Caribbean that are served by UK holiday companies are Jamaica, Dominican Republic, Barbados, Bahamas, St Lucia, Antigua, Grenada, Tobago, St Lucia, Margarita Island, Cuba and Mexico.

All inclusive Caribbean holidays
All-inclusive holidays in Caribbean are increasingly popular and the hotel holiday in the Caribbean continues to offer the ideal choice for UK to Caribbean package holiday visitor every winter and summer.

Last minute Caribbean holidays
It is possible to pick up cheap last minute deals to Caribbean. During peak season and in particular over the Christmas and New Year holidays the most popular destinations may be fully booked up in advance. Outside the peak season, late deals to Caribbean and a few real holiday bargains can be had but this may be on an “Allocated on Arrival” basis where you may not know the resort or hotel until you get there.

Escorted and Guided Tours of Irealand

Take a mystical journey through Ireland. VisitIreland escorted tours highlight the very best of the Emerald Isle. Enjoy the spectacular Irish scenery and experience world-renowned hospitality.

This introductory tour of Ireland offers two night stays throughout. The relaxed, yet comprehensive itinerary includes Shannonside, Galway Bay, Dublin City, Waterford, Blarney, Killarney and the magnificent Ring of Kerry. A special feature is the inclusion of "To Dance on the Moon'', an amazing performance of modern Irish dance.

New for 2006 - we proudly offer the majesty and mystery of Northern Ireland on our "all-Ireland" Tour - Northern Lights This 6 night itinerary combines the beauty of the Irish countryside with the rich history of both of Ireland's capital Cities. Enjoy relaxed touring with two night stays in Dublin and Galway and one night stops in the Northern Ireland cities of Belfast and Derry. Walk along the Antrim coast at the Giant's causeway. Stop in to Bushmills Distillery, enjoy an evening of Irish song and dance at Taylor's Three Rock. Daily sightseeing includes the rugged beauty of Connemara and the Antrim Coastline, Dublin City and St Patrick's Cathedral, Galway City and the Ulster American Folk Park, The walled city of Derry and the Northern Ireland capital of Belfast.
Magnificent Ireland - 12 Day Escorted Tour
Code:VIET-SM-4
March through October.

From $ 1499 USD / € 1169 EUR per person based on double occupancy - Land Only/No Air

The unique mix of accommodations and relaxed pace makes this a truly “magnificent” way to explore the Emerald Isle. Your stay includes overnights at 16th century Cabra Castle, and two nights in downtown Dublin at Jury's Burlington Hotel, as well as a friendly Irish farmhouse. A Medieval Banquet in a castle overlooking Galway Bay, a fast moving fun dinner/cabaret show and a traditional Irish evening in Bunratty Folk Park are just some of the delightful features that you will enjoy on this best selling tour.
Magical Ireland presents a unique and different perspective of the Emerald Isle. From the bustling city of Dublin to the raw beauty of the west coast with its rugged scenery, to the sheer magnificence of the mighty Cliffs of Moher. The awesome Dingle Peninsula will inspire you, the ambiance of the lovely fishing village of Dingle will remind you of a time past. In addition your hotels in Dingle and Waterford are downtown giving you the opportunity to stroll though the streets and meet with the friendly outgoing Irish!

Top Hotels and Resorts

By Florin Costache

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So you want to take the holiday of your life, and to make that even more special you decided that there will be no expenses spared. If you still don't know where to go, here are 5 places that will surely rock your boat!

1. Altamer Resorts (Anguilla) - the 3 exclusive villas in the Altamer Resort are some of the finest in the world. Well, at $80,000 a night (this price was charged in December 2006 through January 2007, and is the most expensive) it really should be that way!

Each villa has its own private swimming pool, hot tub, fitness center, home theater, an office with high speed internet access and wireless connection in the villa. You also get a personal butler and 8 dedicated staff, including a chef if the meal plan was selected.

There are also 2 tennis courts that double as basketball courts and a volleyball court that are common for the 3 villas. If that won't satisfy you, the pristine beaches of Shoal Bay West will be what you are looking for.

2. Burj Al Arab (Dubai) - if you're visiting the United Arab Emirates this is the only place to stay! At around $4,000 for a 2 bedroom, 3605 square feet suite, it is not as expensive as other accommodations but it isn't exactly cheap either.

Each suite has an office area complete with laptop, Internet access, private fax, printer and copier. Some of the advanced technologies that are at your disposal in a Burj Al Arab: lighting, curtains and air-conditioning at the touch of a button; 42 inch plasma screen, video on demand, DVD and a wide variety of cable channels.

3. Mauna Lani Bay Hotel and Bungalows (Kohala Coast, Kona) - this AAA 5 Diamond Award Winner is located on the big island's Kohala Coast, Hawaii's sunniest coastline.

The only way you can benefit the full Mauna Lani experience is to take a tour of the island by helicopter: search for active lava flows, lush rain forests, deep valleys and waterfalls, snow-capped mountains, whales, hidden beaches and much more.

The top of the line in accommodation is the 3 bedroom villa that features a master bedroom/bath suite and 2 guest rooms for up to 6 people. It includes daily housekeeping service, spacious private lanai and state of the art kitchen, fully equipped laundry facility and a designated parking stall. The Prime Villa goes at $1,920 per day plus tax with a minimum stay of 3 days.

4. Le Meridien Bora Bora (Bora Bora, French Polynesia) - this tropical paradise can be one of the most romantic escapes for couples in love, especially with Le Meridien's offer: a Premium Overwater Bungalow will set you back a little bit over $1,000 a day.

You might wonder why the bungalows are called "Overwater". Well, that's because they are... over water. Imagine being in a room that has a glass floor (it's a thick pane of glass, don't worry) that gives you a clear view of the clear turquoise water below. Plus, a ladder even lets you take a swim in the lagoon's warm water!

5. Dromoland Castle Hotel (County Clare, Ireland) - sometimes the beaches and white sands become a little too, dare I say it, boring. A change of scenery, from the beaches to the greenest grass, from the ocean to the mountains, add a little variety and spice to life.

Dromoland Castle is one of the few castle hotels that can trace its ownership back through history to Gaelic Irish families of royal heritage. Blending old world elegance with modern day comforts, it is one of Europe's most desired destinations.

A one bedroom suite will offer its 2 guests all the amenities that one expects from a $1,350 per night service: internet connection, cable TV, audio system, movie service, messaging services, 24 hour room service and a lot more!

These are only 5 out of hundreds of dream locations that you can visit and then say that you had the vacation of a life time. Still, next time you are planning a trip, take another look at this list and consider visiting a place that will forever be with you!

About the author
AAtravel is a Romanian travel agency (agentii de turism) that helps clients with travel arrangements like airplane tickets (bilete avion) for vacations in Turkey (oferta turcia) and other countries.

Chile Trekking: Futaleufu Valley

Single-day and Multi-day Chile trekking vacations from our elite lodge in the world famous Futaleufu river valley: scenic volcanoes, spectacular glaciers, snow covered peaks, turquoise rivers, hot springs, alpine lakes, exotic wildlife, temperate rainforests, friendly Chilean culture, and a unique microclimate that surpasses Torres del Paine. For Patagonia Trekking this is the place!!!

Trekking in Chile's Futaleufu River valley allows you to immerse yourself in the spectacular physical beauty of the best kept secret of Patagonia, whose climate is often sunnier and kinder than Torres del Paine National Park. Most of our treks follow along the ‘Ruta de Los Arrieros’. These trails wind around lakes, through river valleys, and if you choose, over high spectacular mountain passes. They are more than just a wilderness experience. The trails are still the routes used by the locals to travel to their isolated ranches or settlements. It can be a wonderful cultural experience of traveling "back in time". Trekking in Patagonia at its best!

The Futaleufu river valley is situated at the southern tip of Parque Nacional Los Alerces, where the headwaters of the Futaleufu river are located in Lago Amutui Quimei. The environs of the Futaleufu region are regulated by the same "rain-shadow" microclimate enjoyed by Los Alerces and often provide better weather for trekking in Chile than points farther south. Futaleufu also provides a great alternative to Los Alerces for trekkers wanting to do multi-day, point to point treks, or treks at altitude because of the restrictions at Los Alerces.

Australia Hiking and Trekking Tours

We have compiled a list of hiking and trekking tours in Australia. If you are interested in any of these hiking and trekking tours and vacations, please contact the operator directly with any questions for ordering free brochures or booking. The list is updated frequently so visit often.
Guided & Self-guided Tours In Australia and Oceania

In this section you'll find some of the best guided and self-guided Australia and Oceania tours and Australia and Oceania tour operators available online. Many of these tours feature unique travel activities that you are not likely to find anywhere else. We try to compile the best of special interest Australia and Oceania travel available we can find on the internet. Some countries are not on the list below since we have not found any tours in these country. To see the tours in a country, click on the country name below.

You can order FREE BROCHURES directly from the suppliers in this directory. You can also contact the suppliers to ask a question or inquiry about availability without obligation to purchase.
Active Adventure Guided & Self-guided Tours
Active Adventure Guided & Self-guided Tours

In this section you'll find some of the best guided and self-guided Active Adventure tours and Active Adventure tour operators available online. Many of these tours feature unique travel activities that you are not likely to find anywhere else. We try to compile the best of special interest Active Adventure travel available we can find on the internet. To see the tours with certain activity, click on the activity name below.

You can order FREE BROCHURES directly from the suppliers in this directory. You can also contact the suppliers to ask a question or inquiry about availability without obligation to purchase.

USA Trekking and Camping

A visit to Tours to United States and a tour overseeing trekking and camping activities in United States, North America, offers a golden opportunity to the tourists to discover and unravel such outdoor opportunities spread out in United States, North America.

Tours to United States, would showcase before us that the natural terrain of United States, in North America, is so constructed that trekking and camping can be easily taken up in the country. Vast windswept dry lands, the vast expanses of the Grand Canyon and the high and rough stretches of Rocky mountains provide an ideal platform for the outdoor type tourists to carry on their exploratory exercise in the form of camping and trekking trails in these lands, located in United States, North America.

There are certain trails and pathways which were used by the Indians and the white settlers while they were on their way into the wild west territory from the eastern seaboard. These trails which saw the hooves of the horses and the wheels of the wagons in the early times, are now home to the feet of trekkers and campers whowant to get their slice of the American wilderness and the native terrain. Some of the National Parks such as the Yellowstone National Park and Yosemite National Park are further locations where the tourists can explore their way through the territory in the form of the foot soldiers of the wild.

A visit to Tours to United States, offers travel tour booking and travel packages to trekking and camping opportunities in USA, North America. For more information or to book a tour please enter your query in the form below.

Trekking in Switzerland

Trekking in EuropeThe term trekking is traditionally applied to overland journeys made on foot, usually involving the support of a trek crew to carry personal belongings, along with any tents, food and cooking equipment that may be required. Over the last 20 years KE has developed a superb range of trekking adventures including: treks to Everest Base Camp, following the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu; climbing Mount Kilimanjaro; alpine walking on the Tour de Mont Blanc and the classic Haute Route.

Walking and trekking holidays

Exodus is the UK's leading organiser of worldwide walking and trekking holidays, with the widest choice of holiday destination, style and duration. Whatever your walking interest or ability, whether you are a hardened mountain enthusiast who wants extended high-altitude trekking, or an occasional walker who prefers alpine footpaths, valleys and villages, we have something for you.
The Inca Trail, Everest Base camp, Kilimanjaro and the Tour de Mont Blanc are eternally popular walking holidays, but for those in the know we offer plenty more. The remote Jebel Sahro range in southern Morocco, the villages of the Gaddi people in the Indian Himalaya and the towering peaks of Patagonia are just some of them.
To find out more about our collection of the world's finest trekking holidays, just 'walk and trek' around the links below to search by a specific Activity including Exodus grade, or specific Destination, including Country, Mountain Range or Location.

Walking and Trekking in Switzerland

The Alps are the central mountain range of Western Europe and offer some of the finest scenery and best walking to be found anywhere in the world. Europe’s highest snow-capped peaks dominate a mountain landscape of glistening glaciers and wild passes, and look down on placid valleys of flower filled pastures, woodlands and delightful villages. For many, the attraction of the Swiss Alps is to walk in fine mountain scenery, but at the same time to have access to those little bits of civilization that a western country can provide, such as hotel accommodation with hot showers, a bar with the local wine, and a decent restaurant to enjoy in the evenings.

Exodus has been trekking in the Switzerland for many years and has achieved a very high standard of trekking services. Our diverse portfolio of trips is designed to satisfy a huge range of aspirations.

Trekking in Nepal and Its Natural Wonder

Why Trek In Nepal?
The Himalaya, the "abode of snows", extends from Assam in eastern India west to Afghanistan. It is a chain of the highest and youngest mountains on earth and it encompasses a region of deep religious and cultural traditions and an amazing diversity of people. A trek in Nepal is a special and rewarding mountain holiday.

Makalu Just as New York is not representative of the USA, so Kathmandu is not representative of Nepal. If you have the time and energy to trek, don't miss the opportunity to leave Kathmandu and see the spectacular beauty and the unique culture of Nepal. Fortunately for the visitor, there are still only a few roads extending deeply into the hills, so the only way to truly visit the remote regions of the kingdom is in the slowest and most intimate manner - walking. It requires more time and effort, but the rewards are also greater. Instead of zipping down a freeway, racing to the next "point of interest," each step provides new and intriguing viewpoints. You will perceive your day as an entity rather than a few highlights strung together by a ribbon of concrete. For the romanticist, each step follows the footsteps of Hillary, Tenzing, Herzog and other Himalayan explorers. If you have neither the patience nor the physical stamina to visit the hills of Nepal on foot, a helicopter flight provides an expensive and unsatisfactory substitute.

Trekking in Nepal will take you through a country that has captured the imagination of mountaineers and explorers for more than 100 years. You will meet people in remote mountain villages whose lifestyle has not changed in generations. Most people trust foreigners. Nepal is one of only a handful of countries that has never been ruled by a foreign power.

Many of the values associated with a hiking trip at home do not have the same importance during a trek in Nepal. Isolation is traditionally a crucial element of any wilderness experience but in Nepal it is impossible to get completely away from people, except for short times or at extremely high elevations. Environmental concerns must include the effects of conservation measures on rural people and the economic effects of tourism on indigenous populations. Even traditional national park management must be adapted because there are significant population centres within Sagarmatha (Mt Everest) and Langtang national parks.

Trekking does not mean mountain climbing. While the ascent of a Himalayan peak may be an attraction for some, you need not have such a goal to enjoy a trek. As far as most people are concerned, trekking always refers to walking on trails.

While trekking you will see the great diversity of Nepal. Villages embrace many ethnic groups and cultures. The terrain changes from tropical jungle to high glaciated peaks in only 150 km. From the start, the towering peaks of the Himalaya provide one of the highlights of a trek. As your plane approaches Kathmandu these peaks appear to be small clouds on the horizon. The mountains become more definable and seem to reach impossible heights as you get closer and finally land at Kathmandu's Tribhuvan Airport.

During a trek, the Himalaya disappears behind Nepal's continual hills, but dominates the northern skyline at each pass. Annapurna, Manaslu, Langtang, Gauri Shankar and Everest will become familiar names. Finally, after weeks of walking, you will arrive at the foot of the mountains themselves - astonishing heights from which gigantic avalanches tumble earthwards in apparent slow motion, dwarfed by their surroundings. Your conception of the Himalaya alters as you turn from peaks famed only for their height to gaze on far more picturesque summits that you may never have heard of - Kantega, Ama Dablam, Machhapuchhare and Kumbhakarna.

What Is a Trek?

A Trek is Not a Climbing Trip
Whether you begin your trek at a roadhead or fly into a remote mountain airstrip, a large part of it will be in the Middle Hills region at elevations between 500 and 3000 metres. In this region, there are always well-developed trails through villages and across mountain passes. Even at high altitudes there are intermittent settlements used during summer by shepherds, so the trails, though often indistinct, are always there. You can easily travel on any trail without the aid of ropes or mountaineering skills. There are rare occasions when there is snow on the trail, and on some high passes it might be necessary to place a safety line for your companions or porters if there is deep snow. Still, alpine techniques are almost never used on a traditional trek. Anyone who has walked extensively in the mountains has all the skills necessary for an extended trek in Nepal.

Though some treks venture near glaciers, and even cross the foot of them, most treks do not allow the fulfilment of any Himalayan mountaineering ambitions. Nepal's mountaineering regulations allow trekkers to climb 18 specified peaks with a minimum of formality, but you must still make a few advance arrangements for such climbs. Many agents offer so-called climbing treks which include the ascent of one of these peaks as a feature of the trek. There are a few peaks that, under ideal conditions, are within the resources of individual trekkers. A climb can be arranged in Kathmandu if conditions are right, but a climb of one of the more difficult peaks should be planned well in advance.

A Trek Requires Physical Effort
A trek is physically demanding because of its length and the almost unbelievable changes in elevation. During the 300-km trek from Jiri to Everest base camp and return, for example, the trail gains and loses more than 9000 metres of elevation during many steep ascents and descents. On most treks, the daily gain is less than 800 metres in about 15 km, though ascents of as much as 1200 metres are possible on some days. You can always take plenty of time during the day to cover this distance, so the physical exertion, though quite strenuous at times, is not sustained. You also can stop frequently and take plenty of time for rest.

Probably the only physical problem that may make a trek impossible is a history of knee problems on descents. In Nepal the descents are long, steep and unrelenting. There is hardly a level stretch of trail in the entire country. If you are an experienced walker and often hike 15 km a day with a pack, a trek should prove no difficulty. You will be pleasantly surprised at how easy the hiking can be if you only carry a light backpack and do not have to worry about meal preparation.

Previous experience in hiking and living outdoors is, however, helpful as you make plans for your trek. The first night of a month-long trip is too late to discover that you do not like to sleep in a sleeping bag. Mountaineering experience is not necessary, but you must enjoy walking.