2012 Mountain Travel Sobek

The Original Adventure Company

Since 1969

HIKING & TREKKING SAFARI CULTURAL ADVENTURE CRUISING RAFTING WILDLIFE

See Page 4

Mountain Travel Sobek

2012 ADVENTURESGroup | Private | Custom

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Simply put, the sense of accomplishment

I get from an MTS journey inspires the rest of

my life. And I love it. Every time is the

time of my life!

Linda Cosgrove—MTS Guest

Sipping my afternoon tea on the banks of Idaho’s Middle Fork of the Salmon River, the sunset

painting the canyon walls, at the river’s edge Curt guiding Cormac and Taylor in the fine art of fly-

fishing, it dawned on me that our trip transcended traditional “active travel.” Not only were we in the

largest wilderness area in the Lower 48 (yet only a short flight from San Francisco), removed from the

chores (and ring tones) of everyday life, on a relaxing, fully supported trip (hot showers!), but also we

were enjoying the blossoming of new friendships and deepening of old bonds—simply remarkable.

We were a group of 13 friends and family who had rafted the Colorado the summer before, plus four

new friends who wanted to get away together. Initially drawn by the river’s seductive pull—100 miles

of the world’s best whitewater—we quickly realized the true magic to be in the camaraderie spanning

family, friends, and generations. Our outdoor adventure came to life! The experiences we shared led

to truly energizing, even inspirational, conversations.

I tell my story as I feel it embodies all that MTS adventures represent. I hope that you, too, will find

your magic in the exciting programs we have for 2012.

Yours for far and near-flung adventures,

Kevin Callaghan

President & CEO

Dear Friends’

Why MTS ...................................... 4

.............................5 ........... 6

........................7 ............................... 9

Where Do You Want To GoFeatured destinations in italics—for a complete

index see the Travel Planner on page 104.

(15 trips) .....Safaris of Southern Africa ........................12

Safaris of East Africa ............................... 14

Private Safaris in Africa ............................17

Kilimanjaro .............................................. 18

(9 trips) ....................................Inn-based Adventures .............................. 24

(28 trips) ......................................Everest .....................................................30

Bhutan .................................................... 34

(20 trips) .................................46

The Alps ...................................................46

Turkey ......................................................56

(8 trips) ...............64

Yacht Charters ........................................ 66

Land-based Galápagos .......................... 69

(8 trips) ..............Middle Fork of the Salmon River .............70

(6 trips) ....................................Australia ..................................................78

New Zealand ...........................................80

(11 trips) ......................The Arctic ................................................82

Antarctica ................................................83

(17 trips) ...Machu Picchu ........................................ 86

Patagonia ............................................... 90

How To Plan Your Trip ................

..................................

Preferred Travel Outfitter For

nationalgeographicadventures.com

1-888-689-2557

Where Will 2012 Take You?

IDEAS FOR 2012

New Trips for 2012Argentina: Mendoza to Salta ...........p. 94

Arizona’s Sonoran Desert ................ p. 73

Australia: Great Aussie Coastline ....p. 78

Australia: Outback Spirit ..................p. 79

Australia: Rainforest & Reef .............p. 79

Bosnia and Herzegovina & Serbia: A Walk Through Time ................... p. 54

Brazil: In Search of the Jaguar ..........p. 99

Chile: Colchagua & Lake District .....p. 93

Colombia Trekking ............................p. 97

Costa Rica Off the Beaten Path ......p. 100

Croatia: Islands of Paradise ...............p. 55

Iceland Epic Coast to Coast ..............p. 63

Malaysian Borneo Adventure ........... p. 43

Mont Blanc for the Both of You .......p. 47

New Zealand: The Best of North Island .............................................. p. 81

New Zealand: Fjords, Glaciers, and Mountains ......................................p. 80

New Zealand: National Park Explorer ..................................p. 80

Patagonia’s Bahía Bustamante & Iguazú .........................................p. 95

Sicily Explored .....................................p. 53

Sudan Cultural Journey .....................p. 22

Walking the Classic Swiss Alps ........p. 49

Zambia & Zimbabwe Safari ..............p. 13

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Whether you’re celebrating a milestone, planning spring break with the kids,

itching for a quick getaway, or seeking an epic trip of a lifetime, we have the perfect

adventure for you! With over hundreds of scheduled departures, private adventures,

and custom journeys, you’re bound to find exactly what you’re looking for.

Need An Idea?Bucket List Trips of a Lifetime

Our quintessential journeys to Everest, Bhutan, Machu Picchu, Kilimanjaro, Serengeti, Galápagos, the Alps, and beyond

Best Adventures for Private Groups Getaways designed specifically for private groups—birthdays, anniversaries, reunions, clubs, corporate trips, and more!

Best World-Class Wildlife Adventures We’ll get up close to orangutans, mountain gorillas, whales, tortoises, penguins, bears, giraffes, lions, and cheetahs

Trips for Solo Travelers Enjoy the camaraderie of like-minded travelers and the company of our convivial guides

Best Family-Friendly Adventures Bring the kids! It’s guaranteed fun for ages 6 to 96!

Top Active Adventures From easy multisport trips to month-long high-altitude trekking, we do it all!

Quick Escapes—One Week or Less! Short on vacation time? You’ll be surprised how much we can do and see in seven days or less

MTS LEADS THE WAY

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Best Value of All

Gurus & Guides

Proper Field Research

Buttoned Up (& Down) Staff

Options & Flexibility to Create Your Dream Trip

Challenge treks

Dedication to Sustainable Travel

the areas we travel

How We Lead the WayOver the past 43 years, we’ve honed our trips to provide what matters most to you, our guests—the broadest range and the best value.

We strike an unbeatable balance between adventure and the comforts of a high quality, fully-supported, all-inclusive trip.

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Custom Journeys

Private Departures

Scheduled Departures

Find Your Perfect Fit

CUSTOM & PRIVATE ADVENTURES

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TESTIMONIALS

Our Guests Say It Best

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“enthusiasm and professionalism” “best guide I’ve ever had”Both my daughter and I thought the best part of the trip was our guide, Namgay. We thoroughly enjoyed both the cultural and trekking experiences equally. Namgay’s enthusiasm and professionalism were above the grade of excellent. His knowledge of culture and wildlife was superb. Namgay added his own personal touch, which made the entire trip a magical experience for the two of us…the trip was perfect!

~ Bhutan Sampler

Alaska is the place that brought me alive, heart and soul, and brought my mind to utter peace. That’s why I go back so often—for that experience. And every trip is my favorite because MTS guides are the best in the world!

~ Glacier Bay Escape

I read good things about Mountain Travel Sobek’s safety precautions and long

euphoria! I think you all have this trip down to a science and would encourage friends to go with you for that reason.

~ Climb Kilimanjaro

This was my eighth MTS trip and the second to the Galápagos. On all the other MTS trips I’ve taken, I have had excellent guides—I’ve never been disappointed. Having said this, I want you to know that Greg Estes has been by far and away the best guide I’ve ever had. He has a great ability to impart his knowledge of the Galápagos, but also to regale us with entertaining anecdotal stories that enhance the experience. He has a knack for making every person on the trip feel as if they are the most important. I hope to return to the Galápagos on a future trip with more of my family.

~ Galápagos Islands

A prominent reason we have chosen MTS as our favorite adventure travel company has been the excellent travel guides. This adventure has certainly been no exception. Kalia is a very valuable member within your team—well-versed in the history and cultures of the Hawaiian Islands. She knows the flora and fauna, where they came from, and their uses. Kalia is friendly, compassionate, and willing to structure the trip to the needs and desires of her guests. Through Kalia, we were able to obtain an in-depth understanding of all aspects of Hawaii. Kalia made our Hawaiian adventure very special!

~ Adventures in Hawaii

“our favorite adventure travel company”

“every trip is my favorite”

“utter euphoria”

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TESTIMONIALS

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The guides were phenomenal, the scenery beautiful, the food great, plus the hiking, waterfalls and whitewater were beyond belief! It was the highlight of our lives as a family. What a beautiful country, what beautiful people—we will miss everyone sooooo much. We couldn’t have asked for a better mix of people on the trip. We laughed, talked, and got along great. I am in love with your company!

~ Adventures in Costa Rica

When my group was deciding which travel company to choose for our dream trip to Peru, Karen wrote describing what MTS could do for us. Everything Karen promised came true, and much more! Our trip was perfect and not one person in my group had a complaint—we were all very happy with MTS. Your staff was perfect, your choice of hotels was excellent, and as a bonus, the weather was fantastic. We are very satisfied with our choice of MTS, and you will be first on our list when we plan our next trip.

~ Inca Trail & Beyond

Our guide, Kristy Larsen, knows the country and people so well that we felt like travelers rather than tourists. She showed us Morocco the way tourists don’t usually see it. We also enjoyed the intimacy of traveling with a small group of like-minded people. Kristy was as much a part of the group as she was a guide, and was instrumental in creating a sense of cohesion. Of course, the Sahara stands out as the star of the trip. From the moment we left the paved road, we had the feeling of being adventurers in a remarkably beautiful land.

~ Morocco Camel Trek

Each day was different from the day previous, the hikes were challenging overall, and the guides were the very best. The staff at MTS is always very responsive and helpful. It is one of the reasons I have taken over a dozen trips over the years. Laurent is one of the very best guides I have ever had on any trip from any company (and I have been on over 30 adventure trips). His ability to relate on a personal, fun level is incredible. His knowledge of the local geology, biology, zoology, and culture/history cannot be matched by any guide I have traveled with. I would sign up for a trip just to travel with him again. I also appreciated that Laurent added some twists and turns to the scheduled hikes as the days progressed, and gave us options for routes he had not done in the past. I also liked that he let me (a fast hiker) go ahead at times.

~ Hiking the GR5: Alps to the Sea

This trip was so far beyond our expectations. At the end of the first day, after a spontaneous swim with more than 3 dozen dolphins and having had a baby sea lion lick her toe, our 10-year-old daughter said, “Mummy, this is the best day of my life.” It was all gravy from that point, and just kept getting better. Thank you, MTS!

~ Galápagos Islands

Thank you very much for making my dream trip to the Cordillera Blanca, the Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu a reality. All the guides were fantastic. I had thought that the primary job of a guide was to lead the group from site to site; instead, I acquired knowledge of history, geology, botany, astronomy, religion, and the Spanish language. It was wonderful to be woken each morning with a “buenos dias,” a cup of hot tea, and a basin of warm water for washing. One very special treat was the pachamanca, a traditional Andean feast, which the staff cooked for us on the last night of the trek. All the external arrangements (drivers, airplane flights, transfers, trains, hotels) took place as promised, and everything flowed seamlessly. Traveling to other countries and experiencing different cultures can be life-changing experiences, and this trip was no exception. Although I have been to South America three times before, this trip truly changed my attitude about many things in life. Thanks again. Although this was my first trip with MTS, it won’t be my last!

~ Cordillera Blanca

“always very responsive & helpful”

“so far beyond our expectations”

“everything flowed seamlessly”

“in love with your company”

“first on our list”

“the feeling of being adventurers”

ADVENTURE EXPERTS

Adventure Experts

Africa & The Middle East

(7 years)

Growing up in New England, Laura never dreamed that one

day she would earn a living crafting adventure trips in Africa, the Middle East, Antarctica and the North Pole. After earning a degree in anthropology from

backpacked around the world, living for periods in Costa Rica and Australia before settling down in California.

(15+ years)

Barbara is one of the most well-traveled people we know. Her expertise

as an ethnologist and guide has taken her from the heights of the Hindu Kush to the Sahara. She has a passion for traditional cultures and societies, and her knowledge and involvement in local cultures has gained her the respect of chiefs and leaders, while providing her guests with exceptional cultural experiences.

(10+ years)

James was born in Arusha, Tanzania, and is passionate about the biodiversity

and conservation of African wildlife. Previously employed as an interpreter, James speaks a number of languages,

from English and Kiswahili, the national language of Tanzania, to the local dialects of Chagga and Maasai. He enjoys using his knowledge of other languages to communicate with people from a broad cultural spectrum, and loves sharing his experience with travelers from around the globe. He has led travelers up Kilimanjaro for over a decade.

(20+ years)

Kristy fell in love with Morocco 30 years ago, as a Peace Corps volunteer. After all these

years she is still startled by its seemingly endless mountains and desert valleys, and the colorful, exotic Berber culture living in a long-forgotten age. Kristy has a passion for traditional Moroccan arts and handicrafts, speaks Arabic and Berber dialects, and has a great rapport with the Moroccan people.

Asia

(26 years)

Originally from Nepal, Narendra has traveled extensively throughout

Asia, especially during his 26 years at MTS. Year after year, Narendra personally oversees our adventures in Asia—adding new exciting trips to places like the world’s oldest rainforest in Borneo, and refining perennial favorites like Nepal and Bhutan, where MTS first began. Narendra’s unique insider perspective enables our guests to experience Asia like true locals.

(25+ years)

Lhakpa was born in Namche Bazaar to a mountaineering family. (His father was a

climbing Sherpa and went to the South Col on several expeditions, including the 1963 American Everest expedition.) After completing his education, Lhakpa climbed Kanchenjunga (the world’s third highest peak) and has trekked peaks like Mount Mera. Lhakpa has a deep interest in environmental issues and has been associated with MTS since 1983, first as sirdar and now as a trekking guide. He speaks Nepali, Sherpa, and Tibetan, as well as English.

(15+ years)

Sanjeev is a graduate

India, and has been leading treks in Nepal, Tibet, India, and the Alps since 1990. He is an avid bird-watcher and incredibly well traveled, with time spent in India, Tibet, China, England, Ireland, France, Thailand,

wife and son in Kathmandu. A student of life, Sanjeev is knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the cultures, religions, and traditions of the countries where he guides.

(10+ years)

The senior manager of our Bhutan office, Namgay has been leading treks and tours

for the past ten years. A graduate of the Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management in Salzburg, Austria, Namgay speaks seven languages: English, Japanese, German, Spanish,

depth of knowledge about the history, culture, and religion of Bhutan, and eagerly looks forward to sharing his insights and experiences with his guests.

Alaska, North America, & Hawaii

(10+ years)

A naturalist, former National Park ranger, and veteran MTS Alaska

guide, John brings an incredible hands-on perspective to designing our Alaska and North America adventures. The wilderness is where John feels most at home having worked for the National Park Service in Glacier Bay, Yosemite, Mount Rainier, Kenai Fjords, Point Reyes and Golden Gate. John’s deftly crafted trips will inspire you to experience North America with renewed wonder.

When you venture into foreign lands, tackle snowy peaks or brisk whitewater—really pushing your boundaries—you want the

best guides at your side. The adventure experts at MTS offer inspirational enthusiasm, exceptional organization, and sheer

volume of knowledge (better than any guidebook!). They are true leaders at heart, and their thrill is simply to show you the way.

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ADVENTURE EXPERTS

(15+ years)

A geologist, educator, river guide and writer with a serious addiction to rivers, deserts,

mountains and chocolate, Christa has been guiding on the rivers of the American West since 1986. Though she has a home in Flagstaff, Arizona, she’s hardly ever there. Her research in archaeology, geology and paleontology has taken her around the globe, including searching for dinosaurs in Montana, fighting off dust storms and curious camels in Mongolia’s Gobi Desert, and steering clear of annoyed iguanas in the Galápagos. She teaches and guides in the spring and fall, and escapes to Alaska in the summers to guide and write. Winters are usually spent recovering or sea kayaking in Baja California.

(10+ years)

Kalia has been leading trips in Hawaii for more than 20 years, and her upbeat personality and

incredible sense of humor (her laugh is contagious!) give her the highest marks from every trip member. Kalia is extremely knowledgeable about the native culture and natural history of Hawaii, and looks forward to sharing it all with you.

Laura’s first visit to the Sierra Nevada was a three month backpacking trip along the Pacific Crest

and John Muir Trails. Since that trip, she has been obsessed with all that these mountains have to offer. She’s the first to

acknowledge that it was the backpacking, climbing and horseback riding that drew her to the Sierras, but what she finds most intriguing is the sound of the spring meltwater, the feel of warm Sierran granite, and the haze that settles over the mountains just as dusk falls. To her, these are the things that can only be realized by being here in the midst of it all, and she maintains that throughout all of her travels she has never found a better playground—or office.

Galápagos Islands

home away from home is the Galápagos, where she spends a few weeks

out of the year handcrafting amazing itineraries for our charter cruises and land-based adventures in the islands. Kayaking through secluded mangrove lagoons and snorkeling through a real life oceanarium are among Nancy’s favorite activities, which she shares in every MTS trip.

(20+ years)

Born in Seville, Spain, Luis originally moved to

Ecuador to work as a Galápagos guide over 20 years ago. With impressive degrees in both biology and ecology, Luis had studied the work of Charles Darwin and set out to learn first-hand about the incredible evolution of Galápagos species. In addition to earning the prestigious Class III naturalist guide certification from the Galápagos National Park, Luis has authored two field guides about terrestrial and marine

life in the Galápagos—you’ll be hard pressed to find an animal or plant Luis cannot tell you about! You’ll find Luis at sea guiding our small yacht charters, on land where he heads our local MTS office in Quito, and at home with his wife, daughter and twin sons. A natural-born teacher fluent in English, Spanish, and French, Luis is always eager to share his knowledge of the Galápagos with people of all ages and backgrounds.

(20+ years)

Greg first arrived in Galápagos in 1982

leading the Cambridge Darwin Centenary Galápagos Expedition to conduct research on the feeding ecology of marine iguanas. After graduating from

an honors degree in biology. Greg’s research in Galápagos has encompassed a wide range of ecological projects, including studies on sperm whales and the endangered Galápagos petrel. With his wife Thalia he has retraced Darwin’s footsteps through Galápagos using information from his original notebooks and manuscripts of the famous voyage. Their research was published in “Notes and Records of the Royal Society,” and was the basis of their book Darwin in

Galápagos: Footsteps to a New World. Greg has served as a licensed naturalist guide of the Galápagos National Park Service since 1982 and continues to work as naturalist and expeditions leader in the islands.

Europe ~

(11 years)

Anne is a 3rd generation Italian and German American who has traveled to over 30

countries in Europe—often in hiking boots—regularly for decades. Anne spends several weeks out of each year personally scouting and fine-tuning our European adventures. Off-duty, you

speaking on behalf of the Breast Cancer Fund, or in the outdoors hiking, running, and mountain biking.

(23 years)

Erik was born and raised in the Asturias region of Northern Spain, home to the big

range of mountains called the Picos de Europa and Cordillera Cantabrica. An accomplished climber who has summited Mont Blanc numerous times, Erik has been with MTS since 1989 and has long held a reputation as a favorite of our guests. A recipient of the coveted

highest professional award attainable in mountaineering—he has written two guidebooks on hikes and climbs in the Picos de Europa. And as if that weren’t enough, Erik holds his masters degree in

(12 years)

Silvia is an Italian, born and raised, who calls Tuscany her home. While she is an architect

by training, she has over 20 years of professional experience as a trip leader.

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ADVENTURE EXPERTS

Silvia lived in Toronto, Canada for over a decade, where she mastered her English language skills. Since then, she has led both walking and bicycle trips throughout Europe, and now guides our trips in Tuscany, Southern Italy, and Sicily.

(17 years)

Laurent hails from Normandy, France. At 19, Laurent joined the

French alpine troops, and after a year of service, moved to Chamonix. In 1991, he obtained his European Mountain Leader certification, and in 1995 he was awarded the coveted patch of the Compagnie des Guides. An avid sports enthusiast and inexhaustible hiker, Laurent has hiked the Tour du Mont Blanc more than 100 times. He is also an accomplished mountaineer, having summited Mont Blanc three times, as well as several other mountains over 13,000’. Laurent’s knowledge of the culture, history, plants, birds, and the name of every single peak and glacier along the trail is a wonderful complement to his guiding skills. During the winter months, when he isn’t guiding for us, he’s a ski patrol monitor in the mountains above Chamonix.

Latin America

(22 years)

Alicia was born in Mexico City and began exploring the countries

of Latin America as a teen. On her first trip to South America, Alicia fell in love with the wildlife and mysterious ruins of early civilizations. Alicia joined MTS back in 1990 for its reputation as the first company to bring adventure groups to

Peru and Patagonia. Since then, Alicia has wandered every corner of her native continent in search of new exciting adventures to share at MTS—from trekking in Colombia to tracking jaguars in Brazil.

André, a mountaineering and scuba instructor, fell in love with Patagonia at first sight and has

made it his home for the last 10 years. He has participated in more than ten mountain expeditions in the region, accomplishing many first ascents, including the summits of the North and South Towers of the Torres del Paine. André has a great interest in the development of sustainable tourism and is always looking for other regions to explore within Patagonia. A very enthusiastic guide, André’s love for nature and respect for the mountains is infectious to all who travel with him.

(15+ years)

Manolo is one of Peru’s most experienced adventure travel guides,

with more than 15 years of experience leading treks and whitewater rafting trips. A resident of Cusco, Manolo is well versed in the rich history of the Andes as well as the classic trekking routes that follow the ancient Inca trade paths. His knowledge of the country, its people, and traditions adds immensely to your appreciation of the trip. Manolo is fluent in English as well as Spanish, and conversant in Quechua—the historic language of the Incas, plus he has a gift for instilling confidence in every trekker.

(20+ years)

A native of Mexico, Sergio is MTS’s senior climbing guide, with over 20 years

of experience (his climbing resume is eight pages long—the short version, that is). Besides leading our climbing expeditions in Ecuador, Bolivia, Peru, and Argentina’s Aconcagua, he also loves to lead some of our more challenging treks in Nepal and Peru. Having led more than 100 trips for MTS, Sergio has acquired a considerable, loyal following!

Pacific

A native Aussie, Tanya has been designing and running adventure programs in the Pacific

for over 10 years. Tanya is a true global explorer with a commercial pilot’s license and 52 countries under her belt. Growing up in Australia and New Zealand, Tanya is passionate about all water sports, especially surfing and scuba diving. Tanya’s local expertise shines through in the breadth of unique adventures we offer throughout the Pacific.

Rivers

(17 years)

As former captain of the Costa Rica National Rafting team, Danilo has

barreled down over 50 of the world’s most famous whitewater rafting rivers including the Zambezi, Futaleufú, and Middle Fork of the Salmon River. Born and raised in Costa Rica, he discovered his passion for rivers while working as

a guide after high school. Ever since then, Danilo has been designing and running kayaking and rafting trips around the world, including the past 17 years for MTS.

Chris’ passion for the wilderness began in Montana nearly 20 years ago. Despite receiving a

graduate degree in engineering, he has dedicated his personal and professional life to mountains, rivers, and travel. Chris began river guiding in 1997 and has worked on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River with wife Sara (see below) since 2006. They’re passionately dedicated to providing a safe, fun, and unforgettable experience on the Middle Fork. Chris’ other passion is international ski mountaineering, which has taken him to Peru, Chile, Argentina, New Zealand, and Switzerland.

A year-round guide based in Stanley, Idaho, Sara spends summers rafting wild rivers, and winters

skiing from helicopters and huts. Spring and fall are for travel and enjoying her own backyard with her husband and fellow guide, Chris (see above). Sara has been river guiding since 2001 and has over 10,000 river miles under her belt—most of these on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River. She’s studied biology, and is always seeking to improve her knowledge through continuing education and guiding courses. Most of all, she enjoys sharing the incomparable wilderness experience of the Salmon River with others.

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Water, vast plains, and wildlife. That’s southern Africa, home both to Victoria

Falls and the Kalahari Desert. Here you’ll find not only the world’s biggest

waterfall but the world’s largest inland delta, the Okavango Swamp, a yearly

recipient of 2.9 trillion gallons of water. You’ll experience Botswana’s wealth

of wildlife: egrets, cranes, leopards, and buffaloes. Navigate Okavango’s laced

wetlands by mokoro, a canoe that is carved out of a kigelia tree and pole-

steered by traditional boatmen. On our new Zambia & Zimbabwe adventure,

you can float down the Zambezi, one of the greatest rivers in Africa, weaving

around hippo and elephant, bedding down on the banks of the river.

Our safaris keep you grounded in Africa—except when you’re up in the air,

on a chartered flight, soaring majestically over the African dreamscape. You’ll

experience seamless adventure—tracking game on

foot or by 4x4, relaxing in luxury camps overlooking

lagoons, taking your meals around the fire, and

enjoying hot showers under the stars.

AFRICA & THE MIDDLE EAST

Soar over the marvels of Botswana, from the Kalahari Desert to the wetlands of the Okavango Delta. You’ll be whisked by plane from one exclusive luxury private camp to the next. On safari, take in the fragile Kalahari ecosystem in Deception Valley, home to herds of springbok, ostriches, lions, and cheetahs. Botswana also boasts immense landscapes of wetlands and savannahs. As one of the first American companies to operate trips in the country (since 1982), we’ve scouted and carefully honed our exclusive itineraries to give you Botswana’s very best, including all the continent’s classic wildlife: elephant, lion, buffalo, giraffe, hippo, and a variety of antelope.

Botswana, Zambia

Botswana Flying SafariSouthern Africa’s ultimate wildlife safari

Activities Game viewing by 4-wheel-drive vehicle, boat travel, night drives, walking, mokoro ride

Trip Level EasyLodging 9 nights luxury tented campingDepartures May, June, July, August,

September

Duration 10 daysLand Cost From $6,795Learn More Enter trip name or trip code “BUL” in the Search Box on mtsobek.com

In Southern Africa

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12 FOR DETAILS, ITINERARIES, AND MORE VISIT WWW.MTSOBEK.COM

On Safari

For those with a sense of adventure, a visit to not one but two of southern Africa’s best areas for walking safari—South Luangwa National Park and Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools—is in order. Spend four nights in the valleys of Luangwa River, where the unspoiled bush and seasonal waters offer a lush habitat for giraffe, lion, buffalo, civet, elephant shrew, and kaleidoscopic bird life. Trace the footsteps of the first walking safaris, and leave ample time for early morning game walks, night game drives, and river trekking. Our adventure continues on the sprawling Zambezi River in Zimbabwe, where we’ll camp on the riverbanks by night and canoe downstream by day—35 miles in all! We’ll see herds of hippos and elephants along the river, and walk the nearby floodplains among huge albida trees. Treat yourself to a night in a luxury hotel as we cap off our adventure at spectacular Victoria Falls.

Zambia, Zimbabwe

NEW! Zambia & Zimbabwe Walking and Canoe Safari Unparalleled on foot journey traversing South Luangwa, the Zambezi,

and Victoria Falls

Activities Walking safari, canoeing, game drives

Trip Level ModerateLodging 5 nights mobile camps, 2 nights

luxury tented camps, 1 night hotelDepartures June, July, August

Duration 9 daysLand Cost From $5,995Learn More Enter trip name or trip code “ZZS” in the Search Box on mtsobek.com

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NEW SOUTH AFRICA Got South Africa on your travel radar? We’re happy to announce two NEW adventures—one for wildlife lovers, and one for activity seekers. South

Africa Wildlife Safari focuses on the fauna-rich expanses of famed Kruger National Park, and South Africa Ad-

venture is a multi-activity exploration of Cape Town, the Garden Route, and the stunning Drakensberg Mountains. For more information call a Regional Specialist, or enter “South Africa” in the Search Box on mtsobek.com.

AFRICA & THE MIDDLE EASTAFRICA & THE MIDDLE EAST

You are on safari in the remotest corner of the Serengeti. Barely a soul

has visited in the last 50 years. (Never mind that this area is where

archaeologists dredged up some of our earliest human relatives). The only

reason why you’re able to be here—to find prides of lions, to hear the

trumpeting elephants, to watch the determined dung beetles in action—is

because we’re on foot. MTS pioneered the first walking safari in the 1970s in

Kenya, and—what luck!—we now explore many countries in Africa on foot.

MTS’s East Africa trips deliver on all your safari dreams: whether you

imagine yourself peering out the roof-hatch of a 4x4 or exploring

the grasslands on foot. In glorious settings—vast expanses of plains,

baobab-studded grasslands, and lush green

crater walls—you’ll track thousands of zebra

and wildebeest, along with elephant herds,

lions, leopards, buffalo, rhinos, and peerless

birdlife. Comfortable lodges or deluxe tented

camps top off each day.

Trek 110 miles of game trails across Kenya’s largest national park on an unforgettable journey through an area strictly off-limits to other visitors. Led by top MTS safari guides, you’ll hike the entire length of the palm-fringed Galana River in Tsavo National Park—home to hippos, crocodiles, great herds of elephant, and the infamous maneless male lions. In a land where elephants have learned to keep to themselves, your guide’s uncanny ability to read the wind will bring you amazingly close to massive herds. Be mesmerized by these incredible social beings as they wrestle, trumpet, spray water, and carouse along the river. In addition to hiking, you’ll relax on leisurely optional game drives and in authentic safari camps.

Kenya

Great Walk of Africa Africa’s greatest walking safari, and an MTS exclusive!

Activities Game viewing by 4-wheel-drive vehicle, hiking

Trip Level StrenuousLodging 10 nights deluxe tented

camping, 2 nights hotel Departures July, September

Duration 13 daysLand Cost From $6,295Learn More Enter trip name or trip code “TGW” in the Search Box on mtsobek.com


In East AfricaI E t Af i

On Safari



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t East Africa is the perfect place to go big, and this comprehensive trip has it all: Serengeti, Tarangire, Amboseli, and Masai Mara. Witness the Great Migration, where millions of animals gallop and graze their way through the southern and eastern plains of the Serengeti. You’ll explore Ngorongoro Crater, a tranquil misty world that invites comparison with the Garden of Eden and Noah’s Ark. In glorious settings—grasslands, lush green crater walls, and the snow-topped peak of Kilimanjaro in the distance—you’ll encounter wildebeest and zebras, elephant herds, lions and leopards, buffalo, rhinos, and amazing birdlife. A sweeping introduction to the best of both Tanzania and Kenya, this easy wildlife safari ends each day in comfortable lodges or tented camps.

Kenya, Tanzania

Great Parks of East AfricaKenya and Tanzania’s best game viewing on a lodge-based safari

Activities Game viewing by 4-wheel-drive vehicle Trip Level EasyLodging 9 nights lodges, 4 nights deluxe tented campingDepartures January, March, July, September, December

Duration 14 daysLand Cost From $6,595Learn More Enter trip name or trip code “KTS” in the Search Box on mtsobek.com

Just three years ago, MTS became the first company ever to offer walking safaris over the great plains of the Serengeti, and there’s still time to be a pioneer on this revolutionary adventure. In addition to a romping good time on foot, this trip also covers Tanzania’s four great parks in open-hatch vehicles. You’ll visit Tarangire, graced by its unique baobab woodlands and fantastic concentrations of game; Lake Manyara, home to tree-climbing lions and water birds of every variety; Ngorongoro Crater, a veritable Eden in its 102-square-mile crater floor; and the legendary Serengeti, home to the world’s largest and longest migration. You’ll have the unique opportunity to meet the Maasai in their boma (village) and get acquainted with the traditions they have carried on for centuries. At night, relax in lodges and private safari camps, allowing for comfort and privacy in the wilds of nature.

Tanzania

Serengeti on FootIn the footsteps of Africa’s early explorers—an MTS first!

Activities Game viewing by 4-wheel-drive vehicle, walking

Trip Level ModerateLodging 4 nights deluxe tented camping,

3 nights camping, 4 nights lodgesDepartures January, February, June, July

Duration 12 daysLand Cost From $5,595Learn More Enter trip name or trip code “UTS” in the Search Box on mtsobek.com

Find much more on all our trips, including detailed itineraries and best times to go, on www.mtsobek.com

CALL TOLL FREE 1-888-MTSOBEK (1-888-687-6235) 15


With the touching humanity of Rwanda’s mountain gorillas, it’s no wonder many MTS guests claim this journey is one of their most moving experiences ever! Forge your way through rainforest for a rewarding encounter with these highly endangered apes—they don’t survive in captivity, and less than 700 remain in the wild, so you can only see them here.

Find fig trees heavy with chimps as you walk through the misty equatorial rainforest, and gaze at rare tree-climbing lions in Ishasha. Journey overland through the arresting beauty of Uganda: deep green jungles, volcanoes, wetlands, crater lakes, and open savannas. On game drives, see leopards, elephants, lions, and up to 30,000 hippos!

Rwanda, Uganda

African Primate SafariRare encounters with Africa’s endangered primates—an experience of a lifetime!

Activities Game viewing by 4-wheel-drive vehicle, hiking

Trip Level Moderate to StrenuousLodging 8 nights lodges, 2 nights luxury

tented camping Departures May, September, December

Duration 11 daysLand Cost From $5,595Learn More Enter trip name or trip code “URG” in the Search Box on mtsobek.com


Absolutely remarkable experience!

We expected to love the gorillas and

chimps if we saw them (and we

did—and how!) but did not expect

the savannah wildlife to be as

wonderful as it was.

Suzette & John Sommerer—MTS guests

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Custom AdventuresWe understand that travel to Africa is the trip of a lifetime. We all have specific places or animals we want to see, or cultures we’d like to experience. Our 40 years of pioneering the most authentic safaris uniquely qualify us to make your special, custom adventure a reality. For example, we have created a wide variety of personalized itineraries for guests from solo travelers to prestigious institutions, family vacations to honeymoons, and even a wedding or two! So whether it’s a walking, driving, or flying safari you’re dreaming of, give us your wish list and we’ll get to work helping you create something absolutely unique!

Private AdventuresMany of our guests find that they don’t really need a fully customized safari—what they’re really after is a trip that mirrors one of our scheduled group departures, but with their choice of date. If that’s you, we have preset Private Adventure itineraries based on our most popular group trips.

Need ideas?

Fantastic game tracking in South Luangwa National Park. Off-the-beaten-path exploration of Tanzania’s less visited parks.

Sossusvlei, Etosha, and the Skeleton Coast. The gems! Charter flights mean less travel time, more safari time!

A great way to share the safari magic with your kids. Wildlife and beach time? Paradise, indeed!

Experience this Eden at its most vital. Unparalleled game tracking and walking safaris.

The Great Pyramids and more. Find your inner Lawrence of Arabia in Petra and Wadi Rum!

The MTS WayPrivate Adventure or full-blown custom safari, you’ll be assured of the best

accommodations, the best guides in the business, and the who’ve been making travel dreams come true for over four decades!

Call a Regional Specialist today at 1-888-MTSOBEK (1-888-687-6235).

Design Your Dream Safari



This route, beautifully showcased in the 2002 IMAX film Kilimanjaro, begins and ends in the varied expanses of Tanzania. Camp inside Kilimanjaro’s inner crater before heading for the summit, pushing all the way up to 19,340 feet for stunning views from the roof of Africa. Our trip includes an extra day for acclimatization and porters carry all the gear, except for your daypack. You’ll see Mount Meru, home to colobus monkeys, bushbuck, and leopards, and befriend the fascinating Maasai—pastoralists who have tended cattle and built their homes with cow dung for centuries. Cap off your trek with an epic safari through the Ngorongoro Crater, one of the world’s largest collapsed calderas, and the Serengeti plains, with its wealth of big game: lion, elephant, buffalo, zebra, and gazelle.

Tanzania

Climb Kilimanjaro: The Western Breach RouteThe classic route to the peak, with an epic wildlife safari in Tanzania

Activities Game viewing by 4-wheel-drive vehicle, hikingTrip Level Ultimate ChallengeLodging 13 nights camping, 1 night hotelDepartures January, February, June, July, September, December

Duration 15 daysLand Cost From $6,095Learn More Enter trip name or trip code “TKM” in the Search Box on mtsobek.com

A black rhino lumbers across the grassy plain, unaware of the rarity of his

species. A pride of lions, bellies flat to the ground, close in on a skittish zebra.

Your head begins to spin. Am I really in Africa?

Gazing up, you steady your sights by the massive peak of Kilimanjaro.

Hemingway said it was “as wide as all the world, great, high, and

unbelievably white in the sun.” That peak, like some icy oasis soaring above

the limitless grasslands of Tanzania and Kenya, has daunted since prehistory.

In fact, one of the origins of the name Kilimanjaro—a botched pronunciation

of the Chagga phrase “Kile-lema-irho”—means “we failed to climb it.” You

will not fail: 98 percent of those that climb with MTS reach the top.

Kilimanjaro is a wonderfully diverse

mountain, so MTS offers two routes to

the summit—both under the expert

wing of the region’s most experienced

guides, of course!

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The Roof of AfricaTh R f f Af i

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The comparatively gradual Rongai Route up Kilimanjaro begins in the dry open plains of Kenya. En route to the summit, you’ll cross the spectacular terrain of “The Saddle,” where Kilimanjaro’s two highest peaks link above the treeline, and then set off at midnight to reach the top by sunrise. The sprawling views from Uhuru Peak can only be matched by Amboseli National Park and its elephant herds, immortalized by Cynthia Moss in her book, Elephant Memories. Indulge your safari fantasies at Masai Mara, where half a million wildebeest migrate across the river each year. You’ll meet animals whose names you might not know—fringe-eared oryx, the graceful gerenuk, tree hyrax, and bushbaby—but whose sight you won’t soon forget. Led by experienced naturalists, this trek covers forests of camphor and East African olive, acacia woodlands and marshy areas harboring year-round waterholes. Overnight at lodges or tented camps on the savannah, surrounded by the sounds of lion herds and hyena packs.

Kenya, Tanzania

Kilimanjaro: The Rongai RouteThe road less traveled begins with an iconic safari in Kenya

Activities Hiking, game viewing by 4-wheel-drive vehicleTrip Level Ultimate ChallengeLodging 8 nights camping, 2 nights lodge, 2 nights hotelDepartures March, May, August, October

Duration 13 daysLand Cost From $6,195Learn More Enter trip name or trip code “TKC” in the Search Box on mtsobek.com

= Climb Kilimanjaro: The Western Breach Route

= Kilimanjaro: The Rongai Route


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“CLIMB ONLY” OPTIONS FOR KILIMANJARO Interested in just climbing the mountain? We have “Climb Only” options for both of these itineraries (you’ll just have to come back to experience the exhilaration of a classic East African safari). Call a Regional Specialist at 1-888-MTSOBEK for details.


Adventure Experts

Field director of MTS in Kenya, Iain has lived there since the age of nine. He is incredibly

knowledgeable about African wildlife, speaks fluent Swahili, and is deeply involved in wild-life conservation issues. Iain pioneered new routes on both Mount Kenya and Kilimanjaro, and is the author of Guide to Mount Kenya

and Kilimanjaro and Snowcaps on the Equator. Iain is also a central figure in Rick Ridgeway’s The Shadow of Kilimanjaro, and was featured in the May 2000 National Geographic

Adventure article “Among the Man-Eaters.”

sYEARSYYEEEAAARSSRSRS


Isolated by millions of years and 250 miles of Indian Ocean, Madagascar’s exotic wildlife, cultures, and landscapes transport the intrepid traveler into a strange and wonderful world. All of the island’s mammals, most of its birds, and over 80% of its plants are found nowhere else on Earth, creating a nature-lover’s dream. Be captivated by lemurs dancing across trails, gigantic baobab trees framing tropical sunsets, and brilliantly colored birds and butterflies flying among a thousand species of orchids.

Just as Madagascar is unlike anywhere else, our journey to this otherworldly destination differs from any other tour. Rather than sight-seeing only from vehicles, we get out and hike deep into the most remote mountains, river valleys, and rainforests. This is an ideal trip for active travelers who long to experience firsthand Madagascar’s unparalleled nature on a once-in-a-lifetime expedition!

Madagascar

Hidden MadagascarAn African safari like no other!

Activities Hiking, wildlife viewingTrip Level ModerateLodging 15 nights lodgesDepartures June, October

Duration 16 daysLand Cost From $5,095Learn More Enter trip name or trip code “MAD” in the Search Box on mtsobek.com

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Almost any MTS trip can be enjoyed as a Adventure. Take advantage of MTS’s decades of experience designing the best itineraries available, but pick your dates and your travel companions. Call a Regional Specialist for details!

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We’ve been exploring Morocco since 1975, and it shows—this trip offers the most authentic immersion in Morocco’s culture, landscapes, and history. MTS guide Kristy Larson’s expertise and personal connections allow for exceptional encounters with locals and fresh insight into this fascinating and vibrant country.

Indulge your senses in Morocco’s rich culture, and journey into the Sahara Desert on camelback. With scenery nothing short of spectacular—perfectly blue skies, peach-colored sand dunes, lush oases, and volcanic mountains—our four-day camel trek follows an ancient caravan route. And camping in the Sahara for four nights will immerse us in its timeless magic and solitude.

Then be equally enchanted with Morocco’s royal cities: In Marrakesh, the “Jewel of the South,” we’ll encounter a host of snake charmers, acrobats, Gnaoua dancers, henna artists, and story tellers at the carnivalesque market. Survey the stunning traditional Moroccan architecture of Fès, oldest of the Imperial Cities. We’ll explore the Drâa, Dadès, and Ziz Valleys, where date-palm oases are scattered with the mud-brick architecture of kasbahs and fortified villages. And unlike other companies, we use 4x4 vehicles that allow us to roam the back roads.

Morocco

Morocco Camel TrekUnravel the magic and mystery of the Sahara with MTS favorite Kristy Larson

Activities Hiking, camel ride, 4-wheel-drive travelTrip Level ModerateLodging 8 nights hotels, 4 nights campingDepartures February, March, October November, December

Duration 13 daysLand Cost From $4,295Learn More Enter trip name or trip code “MOC” in the Search Box on mtsobek.com

ancers henna artists and story tellers


Adventure Experts Kristy Larson ~

Kristy fell in love with Morocco about 30 years ago as a Peace Corps volunteer. After all these years she is still startled by its seemingly endless

mountains and desert valleys, and the colorful, exotic Berber culture living in a long- forgotten age. Kristy has a passion for traditional Moroccan arts and handicrafts, speaks Arabic and Berber dialects, and has a great rapport with the Moroccan people.

YEARSYYEEEAAARSSRSRS

We had such a good time! Kristy is

very enthusiastic, has lots of knowledge

and friends among the local Berbers.

She does a terrific job!

Andrew & Wendy Dworak—MTS guests


If solitude and a deep sense of history call to you, embark with us on the first ever MTS trip to Sudan. Egypt’s vaster and less tourist-trodden neighbor to the south, Sudan shimmers with all the rich culture and fertile landscape that a 500-mile stretch of the Nile can muster. Despite five millenia of Coptic, Muslim, and Kushistic civilizations, and Sudanese hospitality renowned the world over, much of this complex country—one of Africa’s largest—remains unexplored. We begin where the White Nile meets the Blue at the historic city of Omdurman (near Khartoum), and skirt the great river northward toward the ruins and pyramids of the Kushistic kingdom of Meroë. We’ll stay in a unique Nubian guest house and camp out under the stars, encounter vast Nubian sand dune deserts and the holy mountain of Jebel Barkal, and marvel at the painted tombs of El Kurru.

Sudan

NEW! Sudan Cultural JourneyAn exploratory adventure to the less-frequented land of the Nile

Activities Cultural touring, archaeologyTrip Level Easy to ModerateLodging 5 nights hotel, 4 nights basic camps, 2 nights permanent tented campsDepartures February, November

Length 12 daysLand Cost From $5,495Learn More Enter trip name or trip code “SUD” in the Search Box on mtsobek.com


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Explore the timeless Kingdom of Jordan, where deep canyon walls, stunning desert architecture, and the legacy of ancient civilizations bring history to living color. Examine the ruins of Jerash—dating to 3,000 B.C.—stroll the ancient city and modern-day capital of Amman, marvel at the stunning rock architecture of Petra, the famous “Lost City,” and ride camels and hike rugged trails in Wadi Rum (where Lawrence of Arabia was filmed). Our guides’ deep understanding of Jordan’s history and culture will have you immersed in this magical land. All this adventure is balanced with luxury, from spa treatments at the Dead Sea to gourmet Arabic cooking lessons.

Jordan Adventure: Beyond PetraDeep in the heart of classic antiquity, on foot and camel

Activities Hiking, touring, camel ridesTrip Level ModerateLodging 8 nights hotels, 2 nights campingDepartures May, October, November

Duration 11 daysLand Cost From $4,595Learn More Enter trip name or trip code “JOR” in the Search Box on mtsobek.com

This stretch of West Africa knows how to celebrate its rich, living history. From the great Ashanti empire to the isolated Tamberma and Somba peoples, West Africa’s cultural vitality is on display in Yoruba mask ceremonies, vividly drawn Fulani face tattoos, and crimson togas at Ashanti funeral dances. We’ll see it all as we traverse these lands’ vast spectrum—from colonial Portuguese cities like Ouidah, across savannah and rainforest, to Ganvié, Africa’s largest stilted village. We’ll sleep in beach-front resorts and traditional tata desert huts, and savor the bright, strong flavors of the best local fare. Choose as your highlight the Gelede festival, Benin’s Yoruba fertility mask ceremony, or the Akwasidae ritual in the royal court of the Ashanti King. In true MTS form, we won’t stand on the sidelines—we’ll jump right in to the vibrant celebrations of this distinctive land.

| NEW ITINERARY

Festivals of West Africa Step into the dazzling tribal world of Ghana, Togo, and Benin

Activities Cultural touring, walkingTrip Level Easy to ModerateLodging 12 nights hotelDepartures February, November

Duration 13 daysLand Cost From $4,495Learn More Enter trip name or trip code “FWA” in the Search Box on mtsobek.com

On this exclusive MTS trip, we’ll explore the area’s most renowned gems, and get off the beaten path to discover the more remote wonders of this ancient land. Follow our guides—seasoned Egyptologists—on a comprehensive tour of the Great Sphinx, the Giza Pyramids, the Temple of Luxor, the Valley of the Kings and Valley of the Queens, and more. You’ll also roam further afield to the Sinai Peninsula, and enjoy a scenic cruise along the storied Nile River.

Egypt

NEW! Egypt EncompassedAncient myth and modern glory in Egypt and the Sinai Peninsula

Activities Touring, hiking, cruisingTrip Level Easy to ModerateLodging 9 nights hotel, 3 nights luxury boatDepartures February, March, November, December

Duration 13 daysLand Cost From $5,595Learn More Enter trip name or trip code “EGE” in the Search Box on mtsobek.com

Ethiopia is home to a long and mystical past, written in the language of Ge’ez and the traditions of Coptic Christianity. But this ancient country also boasts a present-day plenitude of tribal cultures and lifestyles. Our journey takes us from animistic communities in southern Ethiopia, with their resplendent body decorations, textile work, and austere lifestyles, to the Amharic people of the north and their unique traditions of ancient Ethiopian Christianity.

We’ll travel across rolling savannahs, terraced landscapes, and winding mountain pathways. We’ll marvel at the sculpted rock churches of Lalibela, travel across Lake Chamo for bird- and crocodile-watching, and decipher histories of Egyptian Pharaohs, Muslim conquerors, and early Christian mystics on the muraled walls of island monasteries. At each night’s accommodations, we’ll be greeted by the region’s warm hospitality in the most picturesque of locations.

Ethiopia

Tribal EthiopiaExploring the cradle of mankind

Activities Cultural touring, walkingTrip Level Easy to ModerateLodging 13 nights hotelsDepartures January, September, December

Duration 14 daysLand Cost From $5,195Learn More Enter trip name or trip code “ETH” in the Search Box on mtsobek.com

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Alaska invites drama. The herds of caribou don’t run across the tundra, they

thunder. The whales don’t surface, they explode from beneath. Glaciers calve,

bears feast on rivers of salmon, and in summer there is daylight all night long.

How to experience this place? First, get to know the landscape. Obviously, it’s

huge: slap Alaska atop the contiguous United States and it’ll stretch from the

Canadian border to Mexico, and from Los Angeles to the Atlantic seaboard.

A “flightseeing” trip will let you get your bearings. Soar over the Alaska Range

and set your sights on North America’s highest peak, Denali, almost 6,000

feet taller than Mount Whitney, the Lower 48’s highest.

More than half of all the protected wilderness in the United States is in

Alaska. Abundant wildlife enjoy a home that has been theirs for thousands

of years. Expanses of roadless land extend in every direction—a truly

mezmerizing sight!

We’ve been pioneering adventure travel in The

Great Land since 1972—first as Alaska Discovery

and now as MTS Alaska. Our enduring local

ties and conservation efforts provide exclusive

experiences including overnight camping in

Glacier Bay National Park.

ALASKA

Few places in the world have just the right combination of elements to create a truly spectacular wildlife viewing experience, and MTS has crafted this active trip to take advantage of Alaska’s richest spots. Sea kayak at Point Adolphus, where humpback whales stay throughout the summer to feed on enormous schools of herring. The sound of the whales breathing echoes in the silence of the surrounding mountains. View the rare spectacle of black and brown bears feeding together at Anan Bear Observatory, Southeast Alaska’s best bear viewing!

To save time we use small charter planes to link our destinations easily and quickly. Plus, flying over the islands and inlets gives an added sense of dimension to the trip, linking our minds with our maps. You’ll enjoy comfortable lodgings, while getting lots of action during the day—kayaking with the whales, walking in the wildflower-carpeted mountains above Juneau, and exploring the fjords of Glacier Bay.

Alaska

Alaskan Wildlife Explorer Inn-to-inn multi-activity and wildlife adventure in verdant southeastern Alaska

Activities Sea kayaking, hiking, wildlife viewingTrip Level EasyLodging 5 nights lodgesDepartures July, August

Duration 6 daysLand Cost Call for pricing Learn More Enter trip name or trip code “INN” in the Search Box on mtsobek.com


The Great Land

Alaska

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This is a rare chance for a unique experience in the stunning Alaskan wilderness! While most adventure companies don’t let you overnight in the unspoiled wilderness of Denali National Park, this trip offers three splendid nights in the park under the spell of Mount McKinley, the highest peak in North America. You’ll hear the crunch of centuries-old ice underfoot as you trek on a glacier, thrill to true wilderness whitewater as you raft through the heart of the Alaska Range, kayak past enormous tidewater glaciers in Prince William Sound, and literally get a bird’s-eye view from a flight above Alaska’s ceaselessly dramatic landscape. But best of all, you’ll explore this pristine corner of the wilderness with expert MTS guides who are all seasoned Alaskans, so you’re assured of getting a real insider’s view of the 49th state!

Alaska

Alaskan Classic Signature MTS tour of Denali and Alaska’s glacial wonderland

Activities Hiking, glacier hiking, sea kayaking, rafting, wildlife viewingTrip Level EasyLodging 7 nights lodgesDepartures July, August

Duration 8 daysLand Cost From $4,995 Learn More Enter trip name or trip code “ACL” in the Search Box on mtsobek.com

Adventure Experts John Baston ~ Program Director

A naturalist, former National Park ranger, and veteran MTS Alaska guide, John brings an

incredible hands-on perspective to designing our Alaska & North America adventures. The wilderness is where John feels most at home having worked for the National Park Service in Glacier Bay, Yosemite, Mount Rainier, Kenai Fjords, Point Reyes and Golden Gate. John’s deftly crafted trips will inspire you to experi-ence North America with renewed wonder.

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4-DAY DENALI-ONLY OPTIONFor an incredible wildlife experience, consider an independent stay at Camp Denali, a beautiful natural haven deep in the heart of Denali National Park. Each day choose from hiking the backcounty, canoeing, mountain biking, and fishing. And all guests have superlative mountain views of Denali itself! For details search “CDL” on mtsobek.com.

ALASKA


We call this trip the “ultimate” because it bundles the highlights of our many Alaskan trips all into one expansive sea kayaking adventure. We hold difficult to obtain permits to overnight inside Glacier Bay National Park, and we use them to bring you deep into the fjords, where glaciers descend steeply from the St. Elias Mountains and heave ice into the ocean. We’ll observe the breadth of wildlife in Glacier Bay—nesting puffins, black and brown bears, and massive Steller sea lions. At Point Adolphus in the Inside Passage, generations of humpback whales, each the size of a school bus, come to feed on schools of fish—and, we’ll have a front row seat from our kayaks. A mix of camping and comfortable inn accommodations round out this action-packed MTS Alaskan masterpiece.

Alaska

Ultimate Alaska Sea Kayaking Expedition The most comprehensive sea kayaking expedition among Alaska’s legendary wildlife

Activities Hiking, sea kayaking, wildlife viewingTrip Level ModerateLodging 3 nights lodges, 4 nights campingDepartures June, July, August

Duration 8 daysLand Cost From $3,195 Learn More Enter trip name or trip code “UEX” in the Search Box on mtsobek.com

ALASKA


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ALASKA

Ever since John Muir paddled a 50-foot hollowed-out log canoe into Glacier Bay in 1879, visitors have steadily come to witness the grandeur of this portion of the Alaskan coastline. Here high mountains meet the ocean and multiple ice ages have left steep-sided shorelines and fjords scoured by advancing and retreating glaciers. Here animals abound—you can see a mountain goat and a sea star in the same sweep of the eye.

Glacier Bay is a place for naturalists to learn about our world, its plants and animals. It is a place for photographers to play amid fresh landscapes painted in bold hues by the ever-changing light. And it’s also a place for kayakers and hikers to paddle calm waters and stroll diverse beachscapes. About the size of Massachussetts, Glacier Bay encompasses ocean, forests, and icefields. Throughout its history, it has seen native Tlingit villages, early American explorers, and cutting-edge scientists grappling with change. The more time one spends in Glacier Bay, the more wonderful and mysterious the world seems.

Alaska

Glacier Bay Small Ship Adventure See all of Glacier Bay National Park and enjoy the comforts of a floating basecamp

Activities Hiking, sea kayakingTrip Level Easy to ModerateLodging 5 nights aboard shipDepartures May, June, July, August, September

Duration 6 daysLand Cost From $3,800 Learn More Enter trip name or trip code “AKB” in the Search Box on mtsobek.com

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ALASKA

This is one of the classic sea kayak expeditions in Alaska! Glacier Bay National Park has it all—glaciers that calve enormous icebergs into an ocean teeming with humpback whales, sea otters, orca, seals, and sea lions. Its forests are home to a healthy population of both black and brown bears, and the calm, glassy seas of the inside passage mirror and magnify the grand panorama of the Alaskan landscape. The National Park Service strictly limits camping—MTS holds these rare permits—making this a peaceful, spacious camping experience. This is a true expedition-style journey where we will pack our kayaks, move camp, and paddle 50 miles of Glacier Bay’s diverse shoreline, experiencing new plant and animal habitats every day. And your first-class MTS guides will be there to enhance your understanding of this all-too-rare wilderness, making the magic of Glacier Bay come alive for you. So whether you’re an enthusiastic beginner or a seasoned paddler, this is a not-to-be-missed trip of a lifetime.

Alaska

Glacier Bay Expedition Rare opportunity to kayak and camp in one of America’s most

stunning national parks

Activities Sea kayaking, hikingTrip Level ModerateLodging 5 nights camping, 1 night lodgeDepartures June, July, August

Duration 7 daysLand Cost From $2,295 Learn More Enter trip name or trip code “GBE” in the Search Box on mtsobek.com

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ALASKA

Truly two of the greatest rivers in the world, the Alsek and Tatshenshini Rivers are a deep dive into a wilderness of unparalleled beauty and scale—25 million acres encompassing two Canadian and two American national parks. Slicing between towering peaks with a casual grace and flowing past wildflowers and sweeping glaciers, these two rivers cut a path through the habitat of grizzly and black bear, mountain goat and moose, bald eagle and osprey. Our expert guides include published authors on these rivers—so they know their stuff! MTS ran the first commercial rafting trip on the Tatshenshini way back in 1976. Join our experts for the rafting expedition of a lifetime!

Alaska

Alsek & Tatshenshini RiversRaft among glaciers and icebergs on one of the world’s epic rafting journeys

Activities Rafting (Class II/III rapids and one IV rapid), hiking, wildlife viewingTrip Level Moderate to StrenuousLodging 11 nights campingDepartures June, July, August

Duration 12 daysLand Cost From $3,795Learn More Enter trip name or trip code “ALK” in the Search Box on mtsobek.com

Alsek River

Activities Rafting (Class II/III rapids), hiking, wildlife viewingTrip Level ModerateLodging 8 nights campingDepartures June, July, August

Duration 9 daysLand Cost From $3,195Learn More Enter trip name or trip code “TAI” in the Search Box on mtsobek.com

Tatshenshini River

Alaska

Hulahula & Kongakut RiversRafting and hiking in the wildest, most far-flung reaches of northern Alaska

These spectacular rafting and hiking adventures will introduce you to the beauty of Alaska’s famed Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, as you pass through some of the most scenic portions of this “Serengeti of the North.” En route you’re likely to encounter portions of the 100,000-strong Porcupine Caribou Herd, as well as grizzlies, dall sheep, and wolves. On the Kongakut River you’ll begin with a scenic bush flight to its headwaters. On the Hulahula you’ll get on the river in the heart of the mighty Brooks Range. Both rivers pass through the Arctic coastal plain on their way to the sea, giving you the ride of a lifetime! Rafting days are complemented by leisurely layover days to photograph, explore, and just enjoy this fascinating and ecologically diverse national treasure.

Activities Rafting (Class III/IV rapids), hiking, wildlife viewingTrip Level Moderate to StrenuousLodging 11 nights campingDepartures June

Duration 12 daysLand Cost From $4,995Learn More Enter trip name or trip code “HUL” in the Search Box on mtsobek.com

Hulahula River

Activities Rafting (Class II/III rapids), hiking, wildlife viewingTrip Level ModerateLodging 9 nights campingDepartures June, July

Duration 10 daysLand Cost From $4,895Learn More Enter trip name or trip code “KGK” in the Search Box on mtsobek.com

Kongakut River


ASIA

Everest is almost six miles high—it practically reaches into the stratosphere—

but for a moment let’s drop down below that superlative peak and peer

into the Himalayan splendor of Nepal. “Khumbu” is what they call the

land around Everest, and it’s a place where your spirituality is awakened, in

the most refreshing way. Ancient Buddhist monasteries seem alive with the

sounds of worship, exquisite species of rhododendron grace the hillsides, and

the boulders around Sherpa villages are carved with prayer inscriptions.

The dizzying bazaars of Kathmandu, along with Kipling’s “wildest dreams

of Kew,” will beckon you. From that exotic capital, you might fly to Lukla,

perched high on a mountainside above the River of Milk, where you’ll begin

your trek through lively sherpa villages. Descend

into the deep Dudh Kosi Gorge—one of the most

beautiful valley walks on Earth. Or trek to the

foot of Everest, the world’s highest mountain,

an indescribable thrill and, for many, the

realization of a lifetime dream.

Since 1969, MTS has been pioneering trekking in Nepal and establishing local ties in the Khumbu region. This classic trek takes us on a stunning round-up of must- see destinations in the Khumbu, all while bedding down each night in the finest lodges. Wander through local villages, enjoy the solitude of ancient monasteries, and experience the warmth of the people.

From famed Tengboche Monastery, nestled in the heights of jagged mountains, we’ll have a sublime view of Mount Everest. Aside from this celebrated peak and star of the show, we’ll have a stunning panorama of other Himalayan giants as well: Kangtega (22,340'), Thamserku (22,208'), and the obelisk of Ama Dablam (22,494'). Take your feet to the roof of the world in this pristine labyrinth of peaks.

Nepal

Everest Lodge to LodgeAn insider’s look at Everest’s famed Khumbu region with MTS exclusive guides

Activities TrekkingTrip Level Moderate to StrenuousLodging 9 nights lodges, 4 nights hotelsDepartures April, May, October, November, December

Duration 14 daysLand Cost From $3,395Learn More Enter trip name or trip code “EVE” in the Search Box on mtsobek.com

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The World’s Highest Peak

Everest

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New this year: enjoy staying in comfortable lodges for this epic journey through the lofty and legendary passes of the Himalaya. Known in Tibetan as Chomolangma—“Mother Goddess of the Snows”—Everest is the star of the Himalaya and an irresistible lure to adventurers far and wide. Very few have stood on Everest’s daunting summit, yet trekking to its flanks is still a phenomenal feat to claim. With over 40 years of experience, MTS is the go-to company on the mountain, with top-notch veteran guides who are all seasoned mountaineers.

After a plunge into the exotic bazaars of Kathmandu, take a mountain flight to Lukla at 9,200 feet and trek through lively Sherpa villages en route to Everest, where you’ll absorb the serenity inside ancient Buddhist monasteries. On the rocky heights of Kala Patar (18,192') we’ll first set our eyes on the face of Everest, the Big One. We’ll trek to Base Camp (17,600'), with views of otherworldly 50-foot-tall seracs (the blocks of ice among the crevasses of the glacier).

Nepal

Everest Base Camp TrekJourney to the base of the world’s highest peak—now without camping!

Activities TrekkingTrip Level Ultimate ChallengeLodging 14 nights lodges, 4 nights hotelsDepartures April, May, October, November

Duration 19 daysLand Cost From $4,595Learn More Enter trip name or trip code “KHU” in the Search Box on mtsobek.com


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Adventure Experts Lhakpa Norbu ~

Guide: Nepal Lhakpa was born in Namche Bazaar to a mountaineering

family. (His father was a climbing Sherpa and went to the South Col on several expeditions, including the 1963 American Everest expedi-tion.) After completing his education, Lhakpa climbed Kanchenjunga, and has trekked peaks like Mount Mera. Lhakpa has a deep interest in environmental issues and has been working with MTS since 1983—first as sirdar and now as a trekking guide. He speaks Ne-pali, Sherpa, and Tibetan, as well as English.

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Get up close to the Annapurna Range’s sacred peaks and intimate trails without giving up a good night’s sleep. Our lodge-to-lodge trek starts each day from the area’s most comfortable accommodations and takes us to some of the best vistas in the entire region—elevated encounters with the sacred and unclimbed Fishtail Mountain, sweeping views of the entire Annapurna Range. Hike beside terraced hillsides, through subtropical forests covered with tree orchids, rhododendrons, and magnolias, visit small mountain hamlets, and sleep in lodge rooms that look out on the mountains.

In addition, explore this truly unique and untouched topography by rafting along the Seti River. Local guides and porters welcome us into their homes, providing an intimate, insider’s view of regional highland culture. Very few tourists ever come here: you will know what it really means to get away. A serene float (no big whitewater!) takes us from Damauli down to the Seti River Camp, where the safari-style tents are large and include attached bathrooms, and where virtually nothing stands in the way of an unspoiled encounter with teeming natural landscapes and remote village life along the banks.

Nepal

NEW! Annapurna Lodge to LodgeEasy rafting and trekking in the heart of the serene Annapurna Range

Activities Hiking, raftingTrip Level ModerateLodging 4 nights hotels, 3 nights lodges, 2 nights safari-style campDepartures January, March, October, November, December

Duration 10 daysLand Cost From $2,795Learn More Enter trip name or trip code “ANL” in the Search Box on mtsobek.com

ASIA


Almost any MTS trip can be enjoyed as a Private Adventure. Take advantage of MTS’s decades of experience designing the best itineraries available, but you pick your dates. Call a Regional Specialist for details! 1-888-MTSOBEK.

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There’s something about the Himalaya that speaks of romance and adventure, of mystical religions and exotic lands. Take a step back in time and join us on this enriching, non-trekking journey for an eye-opening look into traditions and cultures far removed from our own. Not so long ago, this Himalayan odyssey would not have been possible (unless you wanted to emulate Alexandra David-Néel or other intrepid early explorers who traveled on foot for months or years). Now air travel makes short work of what was formerly an arduous journey.

You’ll begin your Himalayan visit in the hidden mountain kingdom of Bhutan, a true bastion of tradition in a globalized world, home to an independent people who have not rejected their ancient spiritual heritage for modern ways. From there you’ll travel to Nepal on a breathtaking flight with spectacular views of the eastern Himalaya—including Chomolhari, Jichu Drakye, and Tsering Kang. In Nepal you’ll visit Pokhara, where you’ll spend time hiking in the Pokhara Valley and taking in the breathtaking views of the Annapurna Range before flying on to Kathmandu, Nepal’s capital. Kathmandu is an unforgettable melting pot of Hindu and Buddhist cultures, and in the markets and bazaars you’ll rub shoulders with some of Nepal’s very diverse people. Hindus offer alms at pagoda-like temples, sacred cows roam the streets, and the exotic scents of incense and alien spices float on the breezes.

Your Himalayan odyssey ends on a high note as you fly to Tibet to meet the indomitable Tibetan people, who’ve maintained their spiritual identity in the face of overwhelming odds. You’ll spend five days here, visiting various sites including Samye—the first monastery of Tibet—and Lhasa, Tibet’s long-forbidden capital city at 11,800 feet. You’ll also tour the major monuments, including the legendary gold-roofed, thousand-room Potala Palace.

Bhutan, Nepal, Tibet

Himalayan PassagesThe most comprehensive cultural tour of three Himalayan kingdoms

Activities Touring, hikingTrip Level ModerateLodging 15 nights hotelsDepartures April, October

Duration 16 daysLand Cost From $5,795Learn More Enter trip name or trip code “BNT” in the Search Box on mtsobek.com

ASIA



Golden mustard fields. Rooftops covered in drying red chilis. High passes

marked by fluttering prayer flags. This is Bhutan, landlocked, guarded by

gigantic ice-clad mountains and shrouded in thick primeval forests. It

remains a mystery, open to tourists only since 1980 (although MTS has

been pioneering travel here since 1974).

It’s no wonder Bhutan is known as the happiest country in Asia. You can

see proof of that in the people: in the smiling red-robed lama teacher who

lives in a 16th-century monastery, and in the tranquil domestic routines of

a family gathering herbs, making fresh cheese from yak milk, or weaving

beautiful textiles. Treks here are breathtaking, sometimes literally—in other

words, they can be quite strenuous (and commensurately rewarding!). You’ll

loop around a gorgeous realm of snowy peaks that

includes the 24,000-foot Chomolhari, Bhutan’s

most sacred mountain, said to house a goddess

that watches over the Himalayan kingdom.

ASIA

This trip perfectly blends a ridge-top trek with an off-the-beaten-path cultural journey through Bhutan. Our exclusive itinerary offers scenic panoramic vistas of sacred Chomolhari (23,997') and other Himalayan peaks with their verdant valleys below. The Haa Valley, a cornerstone of this journey, has only been open to travel since 2001, so trekkers are few and the trails unspoiled. You’ll climb through rich forests of pine and dwarf rhododendron, plus visit Taktsang, a cliff hermitage nestled in a granite wall above the Paro Valley. The trip will leave you mezmerized by the beauty of Bhutan’s rich Buddhist heritage and its landscape of neat whitewashed homes tucked away on terraced rice and buckwheat fields.

Bhutan

Bhutan SamplerThe best of the Himalayan kingdom

Activities Hiking, touringTrip Level Moderate to StrenuousLodging 7 nights hotels, 3 night campingDepartures April, October, November

Duration 11 daysLand Cost From $4,195Learn More Enter trip name or trip code “BHS” in the Search Box on mtsobek.com


Kingdom in the Clouds

Bhutan

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MTS was the first company to offer trekking in Bhutan, and we’ve developed steadfast relationships with the locals since 1974. Trek with us through a gorgeous realm of snowy peaks topped by Chomolhari (23,997'), Bhutan’s most sacred mountain. Visit Bhutan’s extraordinary dzongs (fortress-like citadels) and delight in rare migratory birds and herds of blue sheep. Follow snow leopard tracks, and gear up as the mountain trail becomes rocky, yet rewardingly strenuous. Your journey includes a visit to a 17th-century frontier post and to Bhutan’s National Museum, with its collections of spectacular bronze statues and thangkas (religious scroll paintings).

Bhutan

The Chomolhari TrekA comprehensive tour around Bhutan’s holiest peak

Activities TrekkingTrip Level Ultimate ChallengeLodging 7 nights camping, 7 nights hotels Departures April, October, November

Duration 15 daysLand Cost From $5,095Learn More Enter trip name or trip code “BCT” in the Search Box on mtsobek.com

Adventure Experts Namgay Dorji ~

Guide: Bhutan The senior manager of our Bhutan office, Namgay

has been leading treks and tours for the past ten years. A graduate of the Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management in Salzburg, Austria, Namgay speaks seven languages: English, Japanese, German, Spanish, Hindi, Nepali, and Urdu. He has a great depth of knowledge about the history, culture, and religion of Bhutan, and eagerly looks forward to sharing his insights and experiences with his guests.

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Appreciate the beauty of Bhutan without having to trek! This cultural odyssey takes you back in time to a world guarded by gigantic mountains and covered with thick primeval forests. Our unique trip includes lively festivals and day hikes, along with insider explorations of the small town of Punakha. Attend the magnificent Tsechu religious festival, where elaborately costumed dancers perform masked dance-dramas. Mingling with the locals at this joyous celebration is a unique honor bestowed to a limited number of visitors each year.

Bhutan

Festivals of BhutanInsider access to spectacular Bhutanese festivals

Activities Touring, hikingTrip Level ModerateLodging 8 nights hotelsDepartures March, September

Duration 9 daysLand Cost From $3,295Learn More Enter trip name or trip code “CFB” in the Search Box on mtsobek.com



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On this 13-day immersion in legendary Rajasthani culture, stay in 17th-century castles, trek through unspoiled preserves, and visit undisturbed villages that date back to the time of the maharajas. Stay in regal carpeted tent accommodations just outside the fairgrounds of the Nagaur Fair, an ancient and vibrantly colorful annual desert event renowned in India and abroad. We’ll introduce you to local families, many of noble lineage, and take you through remote villages for an in-depth cultural experience.

In Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary, share the woods with wild boar, antelope, wolf, and exotic bird life. Explore Kumbhalgarh Fort, a massive structure stretching 24 miles across the Aravali Mountains (the oldest mountain range in the world), surrounded by 13 peaks, guarded by 7 gates, and unlike any fortress you’ve ever seen. The total hike of 4½ days takes you beyond Kumbhalgarh into remote villages, forests, and the little-known lake district of Rajasthan. Come with us to experience the magic and magnificence of India!

India

Royal Rajasthan TrekIndia the magnificent—palaces, fortresses, and wildlife

Activities Cultural journey, hiking, touringTrip Level Easy to ModerateLodging 9 or 11 nights hotels, 1 or 2 nights campingDepartures January, November

Duration 13 daysLand Cost From $5,295Learn More Enter trip name or trip code “RRT” in the Search Box on mtsobek.com


Our Regional Specialists can help you combine itineraries and assist with internal flights between destinations to help make your dream exploration of India become a reality!

Visit the best known sites of northern India—Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur, and Agra— all in one week! You’ll be transported back in time to a romantic, turbulent era of turbaned warrior-princes, martial valor, and cloistered harems as you tour the enchanting palaces and forts of the maharajas, including the Red Fort, and experience a spectacular sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal. 8 days. From $4,295

Experience the contrasting religions and cultures of central India—from Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain faiths to Portuguese Christianity. Explore the rock-cut cave temples of Ellora and Ajanta, and visit medieval churches in the Portuguese colonial town of Goa—all UNESCO World Heritage Sites! 7 days. From $3,495

Explore southern India from coast to coast—from the spice trade of the Malabar Coast to the colonial influences on the Coromandel. Float through the beautiful serene waterways of the Kerala backwaters, witnessing the everyday life of the local people fishing and farming; view game by boat at Periyar National Park, where we’ll look for elephants, guar, and the elusive tiger; plus visit Old Cochin and the astounding temples of Madurai. 7 days. From $3,395

Call a Regional Specialist at 1-888-MTSOBEK (1-888-687-6235) to create your

dream trip to India!

India

Design Your Own India Adventure Three exciting Private Adventures designed to be taken as stand-alone

journeys or in combination as part of exploring the entire country

Treasures of North India

Splendors of Central India

Images of South India

ASIA

With its white sand beaches, spices, diverse wildlife, and over 2,500 years of recorded history, it’s no wonder that early Arab explorers to Sri Lanka called it “Serendib.” It’s hard to imagine a more serendipitous combination of history, culture, and ecologically preserved natural beauty. Our sampler of Sri Lanka’s wonders takes us to five of its seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites, like the huge red stone Sigiriya, an astonishing 5th-century rock fortress.

Look for incredible wildlife in three national parks: sloths, elephants, leopards, crocodiles, spotted deer, mongoose, water buffalo, and a plethora of birdlife. We’ll also hike through villages and eat curry with local families; explore the ruins of ancient cities; and witness the harvest of tea, coconuts, and rubber. We’ll relax at some of the most remarkable hotels in Sri Lanka, like Vil Uyana Resort, where villas are nestled within the cover of a forest, or hover on stilts over water or paddy fields. Alternating between hiking and 4x4 vehicles, this active journey is exclusive to MTS!

Sri Lanka

Magical Sri LankaMTS’s exclusive showcase of the majestic Pearl of the Orient

Activities Hiking, nature walks, jeep safari, touringTrip Level Easy to ModerateLodging 11 nights hotelsDepartures February, October

Duration 12 daysLand Cost From $4,895Learn More Enter trip name or trip code “SRL” in the Search Box on mtsobek.com

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Follow in the footsteps of shoguns, samurai and merchants who once traveled on foot or horseback on a network of ancient kaido, or trails, linking the imperial capital to provincial towns and small villages that dot the Kiso Valley. This journey begins in today’s cultural capital of Kyoto, home of 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, where we visit Kinkaku-ji—the Golden Pavilion—built by the Ashikaga Shogun at the end of the 14th-century, and stroll the famous Philosopher’s Path lined with cherry trees, ethereal with blossoms in springtime.

We’ll hike along the Yamannobe-no-Michi, literally “path beside the mountains,” said to be the oldest road in Japan, and travel by train along the scenic Nankai railway to Mount Koya, a high bowl-shaped valley filled with stands of towering cedar trees. The center of the Shingon sect of Buddhism, this region is home to more than 100 monasteries.

We’ll stay in traditional shukubo (temple lodgings) and dine on shojin ryori (Buddhist vegetarian fare) near Mt. Koya. We’ll continue along the Nakasendo, one of Japan’s principal trade routes during the time of the shoguns. Beautifully preserved juku (post towns) lie along the route, and you’ll enjoy the hospitality of villagers who have converted their traditional machiya houses into inns. You’ll also get to relax those walking muscles in hot spring baths in lovely mountain ryokans. We wrap up our journey in bustling Tokyo, with visits to the elegant Ginza shopping district, the Imperial Palace and the Grand Meiji Shrine.

Japan

Walking Japan Stroll back in time to the villages of old Japan on this MTS exclusive

Activities Hiking, city touringTrip Level Easy to ModerateLodging 10 nights hotelsDepartures April, September, November

Duration 11 daysLand Cost From $4,995Learn More Enter trip name or trip code “JAP” in the Search Box on mtsobek.com


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Tucked in a remote corner of the Tibetan plateau, Mt. Kailas is revered by Hindus and Buddhists as the ultimate pilgrimage site. Their belief is that by devoutly circling the sacred peak on foot, one can be cleansed of earthly sins. Your own pilgrimage starts in Lhasa and then travels to Lake Manasarovar, where you’ll make a full kora (circuit) before heading to the mountain itself to make the 32-mile trip around its base. Hardy Tibetans make this circuit in a day, but we’ll do it in a more relaxed four days.

Tibet | FOLLOW THE LEADER WITH CATHY ANN TAYLOR

Kailas: Sacred Mountain of TibetJoin devout pilgrims on a holy circuit around this Buddhist and Hindu

pilgrimage site

Activities TrekkingTrip Level Ultimate ChallengeLodging 13 nights camping, 6 nights hotels, 2 nights guesthouseDepartures September

Duration 22 daysLand Cost From $7,395Learn More Enter trip name or trip code “KAI” in the Search Box on mtsobek.com

North of the Annapurna Circuit, the Nar and Phu Valley (13,600') beckon the most dedicated high-altitude trekkers. Trip leader Cathy Ann Taylor heads up this first-ever MTS journey though the remote Nar Phu Valley region, which is as rugged and isolated as when it first opened to outsiders nine years ago. We’ll hike at a challenging pace, traversing the region’s high peaks and passes, forest cover, and alpine pastures, experience mountain life through encounters with the people of its virtually undisturbed villages, and camp in lofty alpine settlements at night. We’ll take the added challenge of ascending Kang La (17,200') and Thorong La (17,771') passes, where panoramic views of Annapurna II, Gangapurna, and Tilicho peaks will reward us.

Nepal | FOLLOW THE LEADER WITH CATHY ANN TAYLOR

NEW! Nar & Phu: The Forbidden Valleys Our first ever trans-Himalayan trek to Nar Phu Valley and Thorong La Pass

Activities TrekkingTrip Level Ultimate ChallengeLodging 5 nights hotels, 17 nights campingDepartures October

Duration 23 daysLand Cost From $5,995Learn More Enter trip name or trip code “NAP” in the Search Box on mtsobek.com

Marco Polo called Myanmar “one of the finest sights in the world.” In the centuries since then, this rich land has only gotten better. Leading this trip is MTS trailblazer Gary Wintz, whose credentials—traveling to over 210 countries and spearheading humanitarian projects in Asia—are matched only by his masterful storytelling, deep historical sense, and contagious wanderlust! We’ll discover spectacular treasures like gilded Shwedagon Paya, the towering reclining Buddha of Chaukhtatgyi Paya, and extraordinary 800-year-old temples at Bagan. Explore sacred Buddha caves, spend two full days at beautiful Inle Lake, and learn about traditional fishing and silk weaving, all while staying in the best five-star hotels and resorts.

Myanmar | FOLLOW THE LEADER WITH GARY WINTZ

Burma Explore the cultural highlights of this magical Southeast Asian treasure

Activities TouringTrip Level Easy to ModerateLodging 14 nights hotelsDepartures November

Duration 15 daysLand Cost From $4,795Learn More Enter trip name or trip code “WMY” in the Search Box on mtsobek.com

Take an eye-opening journey into the heart of the Bengal tiger territory by elephant, open 4x4 vehicle, and on foot. We’ll learn about current threats to their survival, and explore what can be done to save this magnificent cat from extinction. MTS makes a $300 contribution per participant to The Fund for the Tiger, a non-profit organization that, to date, has raised over $200,000 toward preventing the tiger’s disappearance from the forests and jungles of Asia. Take this unique opportunity to support the survival of Bengal tigers while learning about them and seeing them as they should be seen—in all their wild glory.

India | FOLLOW THE LEADER WITH BRIAN WEIRUM

Save the TigerMTS’s educational adventure to support tiger conservation

Activities Game viewing by elephant and 4-wheel-drive vehicleTrip Level Easy to ModerateLodging 14 nights hotelsDepartures March

Duration 15 daysLand Cost From $7,095Learn More Enter trip name or trip code “SAV” in the Search Box on mtsobek.com

Kailas: Sacred Mountain of Tibet

Save the Tiger


ASIA

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Be among the first guests of the Naga tribes in the eastern Himalayan foothills and partake in their rich traditions—folklore, singing, and weaving—and meet their king! This rare immersion in living traditions is one you can only get with us. Mahesh Sriram, our guide, has local connections and 20 years of guiding in India, which ensures an intimate insider’s experience.

Travel down the Brahmaputra River, explore the world’s largest river island, then walk the terai (Himalayan foothills) in search of red pandas, elusive leopards, Asian elephants, water buffalo, and the endangered one-horned rhinoceros. Explore 14th-century Ahom monuments, trek through montane forests and tea gardens, and immerse yourself in Hindu, Buddhist, and animist traditions. Step into locals’ homes for a cup of tea and spend nights in comfortable camps or locally run eco-friendly resorts.

India

India’s Northeast Frontier: Nagaland and AssamWildlife, rich cultural immersion, and meeting with a king—only with MTS!

Activities Hiking, tribal cultural interaction, touring, elephant safariTrip Level ModerateLodging 8 nights hotels, 4 nights campingDepartures March, November

Duration 13 daysLand Cost From $5,595Learn More Enter trip name or trip code “NAG” in the Search Box on mtsobek.com

Join Everest summiteer Jamling Tenzing Norgay (son of Tenzing Norgay, who made the first ascent of Everest in 1953 with Sir Edmund Hillary) on his favorite trek: an eight-day hike on his home turf of Sikkim, culminating in unbelievably spectacular views of mighty Kanchenjunga (28,208'), third highest mountain in the world. Jamling, a devout Buddhist, also tells us that this trek is a significant spiritual journey because Padmasambhava—the 8th-century saint who brought Buddhism to Tibet—is said to have meditated in the caves along these same trails. While in Sikkim, you’ll also visit grand monasteries that are thriving centers of Sikkim’s Mahayana Buddhist tradition, and have a festive farewell repast at the Tenzing Norgay residence, where you’ll have a chance to mingle with other legendary Everest climbers (friends of Jamling) and gain insight into 50 years of mountaineering history.

India

Trekking in SikkimIn the shadow of Kanchenjunga with MTS favorite Jamling Tenzing Norgay

Activities TrekkingTrip Level Moderate to StrenuousLodging 6 nights camping, 6 nights hotels Departures April, October

Duration 13 daysLand Cost From $4,495Learn More Enter trip name or trip code “TIS” in the Search Box on mtsobek.com

Formerly the kingdom of Lo, Nepal’s Mustang region lies hidden behind the Himalayan giants of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna at the very roof of Asia. Long isolated from the outside world, its people have maintained a way of life almost unchanged for centuries. As you make your way through this secluded land you’ll pass brightly painted chortens (Buddhist shrines), enormous monasteries, and arresting views of the snow-covered Himalaya. In the capital of Lo Manthang, you’ll appreciate the timelessness of an ancient culture marked by the ruins of old forts, monasteries rich in art and history, and caves replete with magnificent religious statues.

Nepal | IT’S BACK!

Mustang: The Hidden Kingdom Step into the past and explore a kingdom long isolated from the outside world

Activities TrekkingTrip Level StrenuousLodging 6 nights hotels, 13 nights campingDepartures May, September

Duration 20 daysLand Cost From $4,995Learn More Enter trip name or trip code “MUS” in the Search Box on mtsobek.com

Mustang


ASIA

ASIA

Strung like pearls across the verdant Indochina Peninsula, the countries of Southeast Asia have long evoked images of the exotic and mysterious. Our adventures in Southeast Asia are designed to be joined together to create a custom exploration of the idyllic landscapes and rich cultures of this incredible region.

We’ll help you combine itineraries, and assist with internal flights between destinations, to ensure your dream trip is perfect for you.

Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam

Journey through Southeast AsiaMix and match trips to create your dream adventure

Activities Touring, boating, hiking, kayakingTrip Level Easy to ModerateLodging Hotels, deluxe ships, lodges, home stays

Departures November–FebruaryDuration 7-15 daysLand Cost From $750

Cambodia’s Angkor WatNothing prepares you for the experience of seeing Angkor Wat for the first time. Explore the temple complex itself and the no less spectacular Angkor Thom, once a city of a million inhabitants. 3 days. From $750

Vietnam’s Ha Long BayExplore Ha Long Bay, Vietnam’s most stunning natural treasure and a UNESCO World Heritage Site comprised of approximately 3,000 islands that rise from emerald waters, creating a dramatic seascape. 4 days. From $1,395

Vietnam South to NorthVietnam is an incredibly beautiful country with a unique and rich civilization. Visit Ho Chi Minh City (old Saigon), Da Nang, the Marble Mountains, Hoi An (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Hué, and Hanoi. 8 days. From $2,795

Undiscovered VietnamThis active adventure combines our love of sea kayaking with enriching encounters with tribal ethnic minorities. Visit Ba Be National Park, an undiscovered jewel, then explore Ha Long Bay in a sea kayak! 13 days. From $4,795

Ancient Monuments & Culture of MyanmarDive into one of the most beautifully unspoiled parts of the world. Discover Myanmar’s spectacular glories—sacred pagodas, ancient Buddhist temples, and monasteries that defy the imagination—and enjoy the charm of the stilt villages and floating gardens of Inle Lake. 10

days. From $3,295

Hill Tribes and Temples of Northern ThailandVisit the wats (temples) in Chiang Mai, the Burmese-style wats Jong Kham and

Jong Klang in Mae Hong Son, plus take an elephant ride through the forest and a long-tail motorboat ride on the Pai River. 4 days. From $1,195

Laos: Highlights of Luang PrabangIn 2008, The New York Times rated Luang Prabang the #1 destination in the world, where mountain villagers live unimpacted by the outside world. Explore caves along the Mekong River, ride through the forest atop an elephant, and swim under cool waterfalls. 5 days.

From $1,595

Mix and match the following trips


Ancient Monuments & Culture of Myanmar

Cambodia’s Angkor Wat

Vietnam’s Ha Long Bay

If you crave something new—and lots of it—head to Borneo. It’s hard to top more than 1,200 species of orchids, the oldest rainforest in the world, and at least 44 species of endemic mammals (Bornean orangutans, clouded leopards, Asian pygmy elephants, the Sumatran rhinoceros, and the Bornean gibbon, to name a few). From the top of Mt. Kinabalu we’ll watch the sun rise over Borneo’s sprawling rainforests, mountain woods, and mangrove jungles. This trip is for adventurous MTS travelers—our 12-day journey includes challenging treks through jungles and mountain terrain, as well as travel by boat and land vehicles. We’ll spend nights in remote eco-lodges, and have a chance to visit a local forest restoration project. We’ll soak up some sun at Borneo’s beautiful beaches, and take canopy walks through untouched Danum Valley. Always on the lookout, of course, for the region’s most well-known resident—the endangered Bornean orangutan.

Borneo, Indonesia

NEW! Malaysian Borneo Adventure: Following the Footprints of the Orangutans Hike untouched jungles in search of orangutans in the world’s oldest rainforest

Activities Hiking, wildlife viewingTrip Level Moderate to StrenuousLodging 8 nights hotels,

3 nights eco-campDepartures May, August

Duration 12 daysLand Cost From $5,795Learn More Enter trip name or trip code “BOR” in the Search Box on mtsobek.com

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EUROPE

The cowbells, the chalets, the fondue—there’s a cozy charm to the Alps,

but underestimate them at your peril. Hannibal certainly didn’t. The

Carthaginian general willed his armies (and his 37 elephants) over the

highest peaks in Europe, and for the next 2,000 years these mountains

towered over the European imagination. Artists like John Ruskin and

Gustave Doré depicted them as an adventurer’s paradise, but a

challenging one, where summiteers tested their limits.

Particularly fearsome was Mont Blanc, that Alpine titan, and the

Matterhorn, its pyramid-topped rival. But beneath those peaks is a

glacial wonderland, home to whistling marmots (a plump squirrel

with an operatic pitch) and the humongously horned ibex. There’s pristine

forest and fields of almost edible greenness where

you’ll enjoy a gourmet picnic of berry cobbler

and potato gratín. Every day you’ll descend to

a veritable snow-globe of a village in the Alps,

situated at the crossroads of three great

European cultures.

Beginning and ending in Chamonix, France, this classic 10-day circuit around Western Europe’s highest peak (15,781') weaves past chiseled mountaintops, glistening glaciers and traditional Alpine villages with picturesque wooden chalets. You’ll hike into Italy via grassy trails and old Roman roads. Then follow an old smuggler’s path above the Rhone Valley into Switzerland, overnighting in historic inns. Intricate mountainside picnics include a bounty of local products, like Alpine goat cheese, Savoyard wines and fresh-baked bread. All of our guides are local Alpinists whose expertise in the area is matched only by their great love of its history and terroir.

France, Italy, Switzerland

Tour du Mont BlancThe classic alpine rite of passage in signature MTS style

Activities HikingTrip Level Moderate to StrenuousLodging 11 nights inns and hotelsDepartures June, July, August, September

Duration 12 daysLand Cost From $3,895 Learn More Enter trip name or trip code “MBC” in the Search Box on mtsobek.com

The AlpsTrue High Adventure in Europe

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Our streamlined Tour du Mont Blanc shaves four days off the journey but contains enough cowbells, mountain passes, forests, flowering fields, and gourmet picnics to fulfill all your Alpine fantasies. You’ll explore the gardens of Courmayeur, the chalets of Champex, and the vine-covered slopes around Martigny. And of course you’ll behold Mont Blanc itself, the high point of the Alps and the birthplace of modern mountaineering. Our seasoned local guides will help evoke the region’s rich history, from its dramatic geological origins, Hannibal’s fabled crossing and the travails of Mont Blanc’s earliest adventurers.

France, Italy, Switzerland

Tour du Mont Blanc Express The most famous Alpine adventure in half the time

Activities HikingTrip Level Moderate to StrenuousLodging 7 nights inns and hotelsDepartures June, July, August, September

Duration 8 daysLand Cost From $3,395 Learn More Enter trip name or trip code “MBX” in the Search Box on mtsobek.com

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EUROPE

A GREAT NEW OPTION FOR MONT BLANC Longing to experience Mont Blanc with your companion, but only one of you likes strenuous hiking? Try our NEW Mont Blanc for the Both of You trip. One of you hikes during the day while the other enjoys easier but no less wonderful activities. For details, itinerary, and more, search by trip name or trip code “MBU” on mtsobek.com.

Adventure Experts Laurent Langoisseur ~

Guide: The Alps An avid sports enthusiast, accomplished mountaineer,

and inexhaustible hiker who wears the coveted patch of the Compagnie des Guides, Laurent has hiked the Tour du Mont Blanc over 100 times. His knowledge of the culture, history, plants, birds, and every single peak and glacier along the trail is a wonderful complement to his guiding skills, making him a perennial favorite among MTS guests.

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The time-honored Haute Route is classic, traversing the heart of the Swiss Alps with no fewer than 10 passes in 10 days, taking you from the foot of Mont Blanc in France to the Matterhorn in Switzerland. Travel with our local MTS guides, who each have over 15 years of experience guiding with us.

On our most challenging trip in the Alps, feast your eyes on some of the highest mountains in western Europe—the legendary Mont Blanc, Matterhorn, and the Dent Blanche, and many other peaks topping 13,000 feet. Amble through Swiss chalet villages, stumble upon ibex and whistling marmots, and refuel your feet with hearty potato gratín and a cold panaché.

France, Switzerland

Hiking Mont Blanc to the MatterhornHike the epic Haute Route from Chamonix to Zermatt

Activities HikingTrip Level StrenuousLodging 11 nights hotels, inns, or mountain hutDepartures July, August

Duration 12 daysLand Cost From $4,595Learn More Enter trip name or trip code “HHR” in the Search Box on mtsobek.com


EUROPE


MORE OPTIONS If Mont Blanc calls to you, but not on the dates you’re free, try our Mont

Blanc Private Adventure. You’ll get all the local flavor and scenic grandeur of our classic Tour du Mont Blanc, but you choose the dates and your travel-ing companions! For details, itinerary, and more, search by trip name or trip code “6MB” on mtsobek.com.

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Now, you can skip the challenging hikes but still see the Alps in all their glory, on our more leisurely-paced tour of Switzerland’s iconic peaks. Via cog trains, lifts, and light alpine walks, we’ll cross glacial mountain slopes, larch forests, and idyllic valleys, lush with asters, geraniums, and cornflowers. We’ll reach the heights of the Gornergrat viewpoint, where sweeping views of the massive Matterhorn await us. Visit sparkling alpine lakes and the crackling Aletsch Glacier, the longest glacier in Europe. In the Valais village of Simplon Dorf, taste freshly made traditional Raclette cheese. Explore cozy mountain hamlets Zmutt and Törbel, where sloping pine forests shelter clusters of dark wooden homes, and relax in elegant 4-star hotels throughout. We’ll take you straight into the Alps for the full experience—but without the strenuous hiking.

Switzerland

NEW! Walking the Classic Swiss Alps Alpine villages and peaks: Zermatt, the Gornergrat, and the Matterhorn—

minus strenuous hiking

Activities HikingTrip Level Easy to ModerateLodging 8 nights hotelsDepartures July, August, September

Duration 9 daysLand Cost From $3,595 Learn More Enter trip name or trip code “SWW” in the Search Box on mtsobek.com

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EUROPE

MORE OPTIONS Looking for a different sort of hiking experience in Europe? Try our Trails of the French Riviera trip. Hike in the Calanques and along the Mediterranean coast on a 9-day journey through some of France’s most picturesque scenery. For details, itinerary, and more search by trip name or trip code “MBB” on mtsobek.com.


The distinctive summits of the Bernese Oberland make up one of the most stunning landscapes of the Alps. Separated from the Valaisannes Alps by the Rhone Valley, these mountains are entirely situated in Switzerland, and count no fewer than nine summits over 13,200 feet! Starting from the Rhone Valley, we’ll traverse the Bernese Range on a challenging seven-day journey, punctuated by a myriad of rewarding views.

We’ll take in the regal Wildstrubel massif overlooking Engstligenalp’s bright green plains, tackle a remarkable ascent along the gorges of Trummel, sleep in a mountain farmhouse in Bundalp, and hike along a ridge to Chindbettipass, with reflecting glacial lakes far below. And we’ll stay in charming Swiss villages along the way, including Kandersteg and Grindelwald.

Switzerland

Hiking the Bernese Alps: Eiger, Mönch, & JungfrauInspiring hikes among the most famous Swiss peaks of the Bernese Oberland

Activities HikingTrip Level StrenuousLodging 8 nights hotels and innsDepartures August

Duration 9 daysLand Cost From $3,795Learn More Enter trip name or trip code “HBO” in the Search Box on mtsobek.com

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Adventure Experts Stéphane Berger ~

Guide: The Alps Stéphane is a true man of the mountains, with a Savoyard

father and Swiss mother. He grew up in Chamonix, then left the valley to follow his first love, architecture. But the call of the wild proved too strong: numerous travels in North Africa, Siberia, and the Himalaya opened a new door to him—the profession of hiking guide. Nowadays, Stéphane lives in a chalet in Chamonix from which he escapes frequent-ly to travel the mountain areas of the world. “Steph” has now been a member of the Compagnie des Guides for many years, with

over 100 trips in the Alps under his belt.


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No one else offers a trip like this: hiking the best sections of the Grand Randonnée 5 (GR5), considered one of the world’s superb hiking trails. Starting in the storied alpine heights of the Mont Blanc Massif, we’ll wind through remote valleys, cross sun-dappled meadows thick with wildflowers, and explore the pristine national parks of the French Alps where marmots, ibex, and even wolves can be found. Your efforts are rewarded with a dazzling finish on the luxurious shores of the French Riviera, where the sparkling azure waters of the Mediterranean are an inviting respite after this strenuous hike.

If you want to see the Alps in an entirely new light, then come out of the mountains and head down to the beach on this exquisite journey through France’s finest landscapes.

France

Hiking the GR5 from the Alps to the SeaBest of the best of the famed GR5—only with MTS!

Activities HikingTrip Level StrenuousLodging 13 nights hotelsDepartures June

Duration 14 daysLand Cost From $4,995Learn More Enter trip name or trip code “MBM” in the Search Box on mtsobek.com


This exhilarating hiking adventure is a comprehensive itinerary of the eastern and western Dolomites and showcases the best of this stunning mountain playground. Each day, we’ll hike up to ridges and over passes for spellbinding views of huge peaks, pinnacles and colossal rock walls—all tinted in soft shades of rose, yellow, and gray. Then we’ll descend to bucolic valleys of wildflowers and storybook villages.

At day’s end, your hotels offer warm hospitality and the delectable cuisine of Italy and South Tyrol, restoring you for further discovery on foot.

Italy

Hiking the Best of the DolomitesExplore Cortina to Corvara, the heart of the Dolomites—the MTS way!

Activities HikingTrip Level ModerateLodging 7 nights hotels, 1 night mountain innDepartures July, September

Duration 9 daysLand Cost From $4,895 Learn More Enter trip name or trip code “IDO” in the Search Box on mtsobek.com

MORE OPTIONS Enjoy challenging hiking through the awesome peaks and emerald meadows of the Dolomites and choose your departure date and traveling companions! Try our Dolomites Private Adventure. For details, itinerary, and more search by trip name or trip code “6DO” on mtsobek.com.

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Sicily is an island of fiery volcanoes and gods, culinary feats and cultural wonders, thanks to millennia of seafaring civilizations. Traverse Sicily’s striated topography along bright river valleys and rocky lava terrain, past lemon and olive orchards, in pursuit of Doric temples, Greek theatres, gleaming Mediterranean coastline—and that perfect glass of Sicilian wine. Our guide is MTS favorite Silvia Giacon—native Italian, expert on the arts and architecture, and an avid foodie to boot! From medieval Taormina poised on cliffs facing Mt. Etna, we’ll venture over to Castelmola for unending 360-degree views. We’ll escape the beaten path to coastal Vendicari—migratory refuge for swans, heron, and cormorants, and home to some of Sicily’s most pristine beaches. Take a challenging or leisurely hike—it’s up to you. We’ll rest in elegant farmhouses, preserved medieval monasteries, and four-star villas, feasting on locally sourced Sicilian specialties.

Italy

NEW! Sicily Explored with Silvia GiaconJoin MTS favorite Silvia Giacon exploring this island jewel in all its splendor

Activities Hiking, touring, optional swimming

Trip Level ModerateLodging 7 nights hotels and

farmhousesDepartures April, October

Duration 8 daysLand Cost From $4,695Learn More Enter trip name or trip code “SIC” in the Search Box on mtsobek.com

An island formed by volcanic eruption, Corsica is the Mediterranean’s most mountainous island and a hiker’s delight. As we hike on the “Scented Island,” our steps will be accompanied by a bouquet of wild thyme, rosemary, and lavender.

We’ll journey by foot along dramatic gorges to the rugged high-mountain Corsican Haute Route spanning the island, stopping at points like Bergerie de Radule, known for its soft white brocciu shepherd’s cheese. Following ancient mule tracks and shepherd’s paths through secluded valleys and cool forests, we’ll amble along the Mediterranean coastline—including a day of hiking on the famed GR20—and pause to quench our thirst with chestnut beer, a Corsican tradition. At night, enjoy stunning views and airy rooms in cozy mountain and seaside inns.

France

Corsica Inn to InnHike some of the world’s most beautiful—but little known—trails on

the Scented Island

Activities HikingTrip Level Moderate to StrenuousLodging 9 nights hotelsDepartures June, September

Duration 10 daysLand Cost From $4,595Learn More Enter trip name or trip code “COR” in the Search Box on mtsobek.com

EUROPE

EUROPE

Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia

NEW! Bosnia and Herzegovina & Serbia: A Walk Through Time Treasures and natural wonders where East and West meet

In a less tourist-trodden area of Eastern Europe, the poignant landscapes of Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina embody long, vexed histories, and the transition to peaceful times now makes it a fascinating place to visit. Medieval citadels and Turkish houses seem to cling effortlessly to green mountainsides, on the banks of rivers—even atop a series of waterfalls, as in the time-worn village of Jajce. We’ll experience all the cultural complexity of this land, where Muslim, Eastern Orthodox, and Roman Catholic communities coexist. Visit natural wonders like the shimmering river Neretva and Fruška Gora Park in Serbia, plus man-made masterpieces like the Mostar UNESCO Heritage Bridge and cosmopolitan Belgrade, high above the river Danube. We’ll catch the best views in Sarajevo and piece together its complex history on an extended tour of the city.

Activities Hiking, walking, cultural touring, optional river raftingTrip Level Easy to ModerateLodging 9 nights hotels, 1 night guesthouseDepartures July

Duration 11 daysLand Cost From $3,995Learn More Enter trip name or trip code “BSB” in the Search Box on mtsobek.com


Discover the hospitality and spectacular scenery of charming Slovenia. Our local guides take you into the homes of friends for an intimate experience you wouldn’t get on your own. Explore Slovenia’s western region—from the capital, Ljubljana, “the next Prague,” to a serene countryside of picturesque shepherd’s villages locked in a bygone age. Hike in the heart of the Julian Alps and Triglav National Park—still undiscovered by crowds—and Lake Bled, complete with a quintessential fairytale castle.

Ramble through the lush alpine Soca River Valley, wander the UNESCO World Heritage Skocjan Caves in Karst country, and breathe the Adriatic coastal air in the Venetian harbor town of Piran. Visit family-owned vineyards and shepherd cheese artisans.

Slovenia

Slovenia: Hiking the Julian Alps & BeyondMountains, vineyards, and Skocjan Caves of Europe’s best-kept secret

Activities HikingTrip Level ModerateLodging 9 nights hotelsDepartures June, August

Duration 10 daysLand Cost From $4,095Learn More Enter trip name or trip code “SLO” in the Search Box on mtsobek.com


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See Dalmatia’s pristine islands at their most intimate and rewarding: sailing for seven nights aboard a traditional wooden gulet. We’ll visit the region’s best places—like Hvar (above), renowned as one of the world’s 10 most beautiful islands. Or the lush island of Mljet, where mythic hero Odysseus is said to have taken refuge. Wander the cobbled streets of UNESCO-protected Dubrovnik and see Diocletian’s Palace in Split. Each day we’ll have the option to kayak the islands’ remote coves and hidden bays, or explore secluded monasteries and medieval villages. We’ll taste the best of Southern Croatia’s local cuisine—from seafood risotto, stuffed squid and brodetto to a rich array of local wines and bevanda—a flavor-rich, traditional Croatian red wine. From island to island, we’ll sail to areas inaccessible by foot, and well off the beaten path of most tourists—landscapes of pine forests, lavender and rosemary fields, dramatic seaside cliffs, and the crystalline Adriatic.

Croatia

NEW! Croatia: Islands of Paradise From Split to Dubrovnik, the best kayaking and cruising in the remote islands

of Dalmatia

Activities Sea kayaking, hiking, touringTrip Level Easy to ModerateLodging 7 nights aboard guletDepartures June, September

Duration 8 daysLand Cost From $5,495Learn More Enter trip name or trip code “CRI” in the Search Box on mtsobek.com

EUROPE

Beginning with a two-day in-depth historical tour of Istanbul, this adventure showcases the very best of Turkey: the ruins of Ephesus, the underground cities of Cappadocia, and the dramatic beauty of the Turkish Riviera. Dine on fresh, local cuisine, shop at colorful spice markets and village bazaars, and enjoy a relaxing six- day cruise aboard a traditional Turkish luxury sailing yacht—stopping to swim, kayak and explore the ancient Greek city of Myra. Take an optional hot-air balloon ride and see the whirling dervishes. Discover the tragic history of Xanthos and the eerie beauty of Levissi, a depopulated town now home only to wildflowers. Our expert local guides, several of whom have degrees in archeology, will bring the country’s rich past back to life.

Turkey

Treasures of TurkeyDelight in the very best of Turkey on land and at sea

Activities Touring, cruising, hiking, swimming, kayakingTrip Level EasyLodging 8 nights hotels, 5 nights guletDepartures May, September, October

Duration 14 daysLand Cost From $5,495Learn More Enter trip name or trip code “TUH” in the Search Box on mtsobek.com


EUROPE

Anatolia, first century B.C. Two bodies splash into a jewel-blue bay. He is

a Roman politician, she the last pharaoh of Egypt. In a decade, fate will tear

them apart, but now, bobbing in the bay, Antony and Cleopatra are happy

and in love. You imagine their moonlit dip, and you choose to believe

it really happened because you’re in a pretty unreal situation yourself.

You’ve come to their bay, now called Goçek, on a gulet, a luxe double-

masted yacht built in the traditional Turkish style, with oriental rugs

everywhere. Maybe you’re nursing a raki, digesting the lavish spread of

meze that was just served on the open deck. And you’re trying to decide

what you prefer—this magical bay, or the pine-scented cove you swam

in yesterday. You’ll have to find out,

you think, plunging into the

sparkling Mediterranean.

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TurkeyThe Turquoise Coast & Beyond

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ABOUT THE GULETS

Gulets are floating oases that allow us to explore hidden coves and landmarks most accessible from the sea. Traditional two-masted, motorized yachts, the gulets we charter are well appointed, very comfortable, and sure to make you feel utterly spoiled!

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MORE OPTIONS Want to see Turkey, but group travel’s not your thing? Visit the classical sites of antiquity—Istanbul’s Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia—and cruise the Bosphorus on our Turkey Private Adventure. For details, itinerary, and more search by trip name or trip code “6TU” on mtsobek.com.

The Pyrenees are an irresistible lure to hikers. Come be enchanted by landscapes of flower-filled meadows, 1,500-foot waterfalls, and spectacular mountain amphitheaters, with centuries-old paradores to sleep in along the way. Led by the best Spanish guides in the business, we’ll take challenging hikes that cut a swath from Bilbao to Barcelona. On this all-inclusive MTS journey—with the best of both hiking and culture—stay in restored convents and castles, savor traditional Spanish cuisine, and enjoy the region’s eclectic mix of Basque, Aragon, and Catalan culture.

Spain, France

Across the PyreneesThe best of hiking, castles, and cuisine on the fascinating border of Spain

and France

Activities HikingTrip Level StrenuousLodging 8 nights hotels and paradores Departures July, September

Duration 9 daysLand Cost From $4,695Learn More Enter trip name or trip code “PVP” in the Search Box on mtsobek.com


EUROPE

Adventure Experts Erik Perez ~ Guide: Spain Erik was born and raised in the Asturias region of Northern Spain, home to the big range

of mountains called the Picos de Europa and Cordillera Cantabrica. An accomplished climber who has summitted Mont Blanc numerous times, Erik has been with MTS since 1989 and has long held a reputation as a favorite of our guests. A recipient of the coveted IFMGA/UIAGM guide certification—the highest professional award attainable in mountaineering—he has written two guidebooks on hikes and climbs in the Picos de Europa. And as if that weren’t enough, Erik holds his masters degree in history from the University of Oviedo.

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Meet another side of Spain on this exclusive MTS hike through the Picos de Europa, a beautiful mountain range soaring to nearly 9,000 feet, 29 miles from the Bay of Biscay. See impressive limestone spires, wander through cavernous gorges, and traverse rugged trails leading to villages accessible only by foot. You won’t find castanets or flamenco on this remote side of Spain, but you will find challenging mountain trails and a rich Asturian culture that blends ancient Spanish and Celtic traditions.

Erik Perez, a native of Asturias who has been hiking these mountains since his childhood, is our guide for this exclusive trip—no other company takes hikers on this itinerary—and his native expertise will initiate you into a captivating landscape and a lesser-known local culture. This is Spain for the hikers at heart.

Spain

Hiking the Picos de EuropaThe less-visited side of Spain with MTS favorite Erik Perez—an MTS exclusive!

Activities HikingTrip Level Strenuous Lodging 7 nights hotelsDepartures July, September

Duration 8 daysLand Cost From $3,395Learn More Enter trip name or trip code “SHH” in the Search Box on mtsobek.com


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This trip ranks as “one of the best” of

my many (10+) adventure trips. Erik is

a tremendous guide and very quick to

enhance someone’s overall experience.

I loved the mountains, the hiking, the

climbing. I also loved staying in the

paradores rather than camping.

Jane O’Dell—MTS guest

Summon the full sweep of English history on this challenging trek, voted one of the 10 best long-distance hikes in the world. You’ll see prehistoric mounds, Roman roads, ancient nunneries, and William Wordsworth’s writing retreat, not to mention some of the best, most traditional pubs on Earth. The ramble across the top of England cuts through three of its most beautiful national parks: the Lake District, where England’s higher mountains are found (England’s highest inn, too, where you’ll spend the night); the long green valleys of the Yorkshire Dales; and—on August departures—the pink and purple heather of the North Yorkshire Moors. Hiking west to east means you’ll have the wind at your back. You’ll need it: Some days the hikes are as long as 19 miles.

England

England Coast to CoastCross Britain on one of the 10 best long-distance hikes in the world—

in MTS style!

Activities HikingTrip Level StrenuousLodging 15 nights hotels and innsDepartures June, August, September

Duration 16 daysLand Cost From $4,595Learn More Enter trip name or trip code “ECC” in the Search Box on mtsobek.com

Adventure Experts David Lunn ~ Guide: U.K. David is an avid traveler who has led trips in more than 60 countries, from the high

Himalaya to the African plains, from the deserts of Australia to the fjords of Norway. But his vast knowledge of his native country is what makes him truly special as a leader for our trips in Britain. David is an easy going fellow who enjoys the outdoors and has a special interest in British history. He’s also a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society of London.

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Come visit Ireland’s best walking country and the heartland of Gaeltacht, where English is understood, but the ancient Gaelic language still rules. We’ll get an in-depth look as we spend a week hiking Connemara’s wonderful long-distance trails, some of them old packhorse roads or ancient routes between early Christian settlements.

We’ll wander past picturesque whitewashed cottages and old stone walls; through glens, bogs and moorland, and colorful coastal villages. From open hilltops, there are always views across green valleys to wild and rugged mountains, forests and rivers. At the end of each day, we’ll relax and enjoy a hot meal and brew.

Ireland

Ireland Walking: The Gaelic Explorer A spectacular storybook walk through Ireland’s emerald countryside

Activities HikingTrip Level Easy to ModerateLodging 7 nights hotelsDepartures May, July, August

Duration 8 daysLand Cost From $2,995Learn More Enter trip name or trip code “IRE” in the Search Box on mtsobek.com

Join us on this exclusive itinerary through the picturesque Scottish Highlands—land of purple heather, secluded glens, and ancient clan castles. Join MTS as we hike Scotland’s famed West Highland Way. We’ll take the high road to the “bonnie banks” of Loch Lomond, hike up Ben Nevis (4,406'), Britain’s highest mountain, and travel through the remote and ruggedly beautiful Glencoe, historic site of the infamous Glencoe massacre.

Scotland boasts a drop-dead panorama of breathtaking landscapes and captivating people. And, best of all, you can end each day at a pub with a pint of cold cider or beer! If you join us in August, we’ll also attend the famous Military Tattoo Festival.

Scotland

Scotland: Hiking the Scottish HighlandsWander the historic glens and bens of Scotland’s serene countryside

Activities HikingTrip Level ModerateLodging 6 nights hotelsDepartures July, August

Duration 7 daysLand Cost From $2,995Learn More Enter trip name or trip code “SCO” in the Search Box on mtsobek.com

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There’s good reason Víknaslódir Trail (“Trails of the Deserted Inlets”) was named one of the 25 most beautiful treks in the world by National Geographic Adventure, and we do it best! Most companies take you only to selected spots—we also take you to the northeast, a remote landscape of volcanic peaks, lava fields, rushing waterfalls, vast ice caps, and dense puffin colonies.

Hike up 1,200-foot passes, explore sandy beaches, and end with a relaxing soak in Reykjavik’s iconic Blue Lagoon. If it’s ice you’re after, we’ll find plenty of it at the Öraefajökull glacier. Then take in the power of the 180-foot Black Waterfall before a drive on the scenic South Coast Road to Reykjavik. No one else takes you farther into the wilderness and into the colorful pink and orange rhyolite mountains.

Iceland

Hiking Iceland’s Mountains & FjordsThe Land of Fire and Ice, by air and on land—only with MTS!

Activities Hiking, touringTrip Level ModerateLodging 5 nights inns and hotels, 3 nights hiker’s huts or camping, 1 night guesthouseDepartures June, July, August

Duration 10 daysLand Cost From $4,695Learn More Enter trip name or trip code “ICE” in the Search Box on mtsobek.com

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Only the most intrepid of MTS travelers will dare to tackle this complete traverse of the epic Icelandic highlands. Flanking the North Atlantic volcanic rift north to south, we’ll trek to Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier, and Dettifoss, its most powerful waterfall. We’ll cross the Ódáðahraun Desert and head toward the Dyngjufjöll Mountains, along terrain that changes drastically each day: black sand beaches, rose-colored rhyolite mountains, grey-green crater lakes—backdrops of many a mythical Icelandic saga. And we won’t miss the freshly hardened lava fields of 2010’s Eyjafjallajökull eruption. While our trip is fully 4x4 vehicle supported—you carry only your daypack—don’t forget, this is an “Ultimate Challenge!” The unbeatable face-off with towering glaciers and expansive lava fields—punctuated by cozy mountain hut overnights and even the occasional hot shower!—makes this cross-country feat worth the effort.

Iceland

NEW! Iceland Epic Coast to Coast A cross-country journey worthy of early Viking explorers—but with

a lot more comfort!

Activities TrekkingTrip Level Ultimate ChallengeLodging 15 nights huts, 12 nights camping, 2 nights hotelsDepartures July

Duration 30 daysLand Cost From $11,995Learn More Enter trip name or trip code “ICP” in the Search Box on mtsobek.com

Sixteenth-century maps called it “Insulae de los Galopegos,” or the Islands of the Tortoises. Those tortoises

helped Darwin define his theory of evolution, and the young naturalist delighted in their size (some grow to

800 pounds). “I frequently got on their backs, and then giving a few raps on the hinder part of their shells,

they would rise up and walk away.” The Galápagos remain a natural playground, where adults are reduced to

mezmerized schoolchildren by the sight of rare creatures: blue-footed boobies, iguanas, waved albatross, and

the very curious Galápagos sea lion, which happily wobbles right up to you and barks a greeting.

Hop aboard your own version of Darwin’s H.M.S. Beagle—in this case an

upscale yacht. Guided by the region’s top naturalists, you will sail to secluded snorkeling hotspots where

you’ll swim with sea turtles far from cruise ship crowds—all the while in a kind of comfort that Darwin

and his shipmates could never have imagined!

Prefer a land-based tour of the islands? Then settle into comfortable lodges and explore facets of the

islands not usually visited by tourist boats. Kayak and snorkel in coastal waters, hike up Sierra Negra

volcano, and learn about efforts to preserve the islands’ namesakes by visiting a tortoise breeding center.


Darwin’s “Enchanted Isles”

Galápagos

GALÁPAGOS

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Celebrating 42 Years in GalápagosMTS was the first to lead a commercial trip to Galápagos (that’s co-founder Allen Steck, at left, in 1970). Since then we have fine-tuned our operations to the highest degree.

Local Knowledge and Insider Access Our Galápagos National Park-certified naturalist guides live locally and know every plant, animal, cove and beach like the backs of their hands. And our dedicated in-country office in Quito ensures a seamless adventure.

Three Ways to Travel

Private & Custom Trips From private charters to family celebrations, we do it all!

GALÁPAGOS

Sail in style through the Galápagos on an MTS charter aboard one of our upscale yachts for the best up-close wildlife encounters. As Darwin could testify, each island in the archipelago has surprisingly diverse wildlife: blue-footed boobies, waved albatross, fur seals, giant tortoises in the highlands, flightless cormorants, and hordes of marine iguanas. You’ll swim, snorkel and sea kayak and hike a volcano, all in the company of one of our top MTS guides, superior naturalists whose depth of knowledge and passion for this truly unique wildlife paradise comes through in everything they do.

Explore the archipelago as Darwin did—by boat—in the company of a top

MTS Signature Guide

Activities Adventure cruising, hiking, swimming, snorkeling, sea kayakingTrip Level EasyLodging 5-7 nights aboard yacht, 3 nights hotelDepartures Year-round

Duration 9 or 11 daysLand Cost From $3,795 Learn More Enter trip name or trip code “G09” (9-day) or “G11”

mtsobek.com


Charter the Entire Yacht

your own private yacht. We offer private and custom charters on any of our Signature Guide yachts as well as many othersyachts for your own very special Galápagos vacation! For details call a Regional Specialist at 1-888-MTSOBEK [email protected].

Galápagos—the MTS Way!

MTS Signature Charters

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Sagitta

Mary Anne

Reina Silvia

MaryAnne, Reina Silvia, and Sagitta—all pictured here—and for those who need

MTS Upscale Yachts

GALÁPAGOS

MTS Signature Guides We hand-select the best naturalist guides to lead our Signature Charters. All have a

minimum of ten years of experience guiding in the Galápagos, and all are passionate

advocates for this truly rare and spectacular nature paradise.

Luis Die

has degrees in biology and ecology, and has authored two Galápagos field guides.

Desiree Cruz

Desiree lives in the heart of the Galápagos at Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island. Born in Guayaquil, Ecuador, she received her B.S. from the University of Guayaquil in biology with a specialty in botany. Desiree has been a certified naturalist guide

National Park Services. Desiree is fluent in English, Spanish, and German. Between guiding MTS trips, Desiree serves as an advocate for conservation in Galápagos and works part-time teaching naturalist guides.

Greg Estes

through the Galápagos, using information from original notebooks of the famous voyage. Their research was published in “Notes and Records of the Royal Society,” and was the basis of their book Darwin in Galápagos: Footsteps to a New World.

Patricia Stucki

Patricia has been guiding in the Galápagos since 1999. A native of Switzerland and originally a journalist for the Swiss News Agency, she started her career in guiding as a dive master in Honduras in 1995 and as a naturalist guide in Costa Rica. She is fascinated by wildlife, is a passionate teacher, and an active conservationist in the islands. As a Galápagos resident, she will give you an insider’s viewpoint of life in the islands. Patricia is fluent in English, German, and French.

MORE DATES TO FIT YOUR SCHEDULE

but our scheduled departures just don’t work for you? We offer departures year-round, including dates not published on our website, so be sure to contact us! 1-888-MTSOBEK


GALÁPAGOS


La Pinta

the islands.

You’ll understand the magic Darwin felt when you see the wildlife on this equatorial kingdom firsthand, from shy hammerheads darting in the shadows to prehistoric-looking lizards sunning on volcanic rocks. This is the ultimate jumping-off point for an active but comfortable vacation. So if you love the wilds, but also like coming

La Pinta and

Ecuador

Galápagos Luxury Yacht Adventure Luxurious alternative for those who prioritize pampering!

Activities Adventure cruising, hiking, swimming, snorkeling, sea kayakingTrip Level EasyLodging 7 nights aboard yacht, 3 nights hotel (or 7-nights “boat-only” option)Departures Year-round

Duration Land Cost Learn More Enter trip name or trip code

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Stay A Little LongerThere’s so much to see and do in South America! Extend your stay with one or

more of these exciting trips—a perfect complement to your Galápagos adventure


Highlands of Ecuador Hacienda Zuleta & Otavalo

famous Otavalo market, the largest market in South America. You’ll stay at historic Hacienda Zuleta, a delightful country inn rated by Outside magazine as one of the world’s “Top Ten Finds!” Here you’ll have options to hike, ride horseback, mountain bike, visit a condor rehabilitation project, and be

working ranch in the Otavalo area. 2 or 3 days. From $550

The Amazon Sacha Lodge

naturalist guide via jungle streams,

stunning canopy tower (built around a huge kapok tree), and from Sacha’s amazing and stable 900-foot-long canopy walkway, one of the largest in the world! And did we mention monkeys, macaws, toucans, sloths, and more?4 or 5 days. From $750

PeruCusco & Machu Picchu

Step into the past on our most popular

Cusco, the nearby Inca ruins of Kenko, Tambo Machay, and the famous stone fortress of Sacsayhuamán, then enjoy

Heritage Site of Machu Picchu by train (an overnight at Machu Picchu is included)—it’s a once-in-a-lifetime adventure! 4 or 5 days. From $1,595

Galápagos Safari Camp Galápagos Islands

In the highlands above Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island in the Galápagos,

55-hectare eco-safari camp. Visit the famed tortoises, go hiking, or simply

tented bungalows each have their own modern bathroom and private balcony equipped with a hammock. 2 or 3 days. From $495

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We’re offering a way to see another side of the Galápagos, not from a boat, but based at comfortable hotels and lodges on Santa Cruz Island—home to the famous Charles Darwin Research Station—and Isabela Island, the largest island of the

include a hike up Sierra Negra volcano—a chance to see fumaroles and a huge caldera, plus panoramic views of the ocean; snorkeling with Galápagos penguins and marine iguanas at a little-visited site off Isabela Island; and many other activities that can be arranged from the hotel.

Ecuador

Hidden Galápagos Private AdventureExplore the islands from your home base at comfortable hotels and lodges

Activities Nature walks, swimming, snorkeling, sea kayaking, hikingTrip Level Easy to ModerateLodging Departures Year-round

Duration 9 daysLand Cost Learn More Enter trip name or trip code

mtsobek.com

We’re the river experts, so join us on an exciting rafting trip down the Middle Fork of the Salmon River—rated by National Geographic as one of the top three whitewater rafting trips in the world. In North America’s premier wilderness, you’ll hike up side canyons to catch glimpses of wildlife from bighorn sheep to black bears, play horseshoes, and fly-fish to your heart’s content in one of America’s most beautiful canyons. You’ll have the exhilarating option of self-propelled fun through the rapids in an inflatable kayak. Cap each day with gourmet outdoor meals, hot showers, stargazing, and story-telling around the campfire. Our world-class guides are all certified in first aid and swiftwater rescue—more importantly, they know how to have first-class fun! Don’t forget to bring the kids—this trip is great for families and reunions!

Idaho

Middle Fork of the Salmon RiverWorld-class whitewater rafting in the largest wilderness in the Lower 48—

MTS does it best!

Activities Rafting (Class III and some IV rapids), hiking, swimming, fishingTrip Level EasyLodging CampingDepartures June, July, August

Duration 4,5 or 6 daysLand Cost From $1,050Learn More Enter trip name or trip code “MFS” in the Search Box on mtsobek.com

LOWER 48 & HAWAII

Sacagawea guided Lewis and Clark toward the Salmon River’s main fork,

until Clark chickened out. He said it was too “rapid.” Indeed. Here on the

Middle Fork of the Salmon River you’ll find 100 rapids in 100 miles—foamy

cascades of exhilarating diversity to be enjoyed with others in a raft or on your

own in an inflatable kayak. There’s more history in this sprawling, unspoiled

Idaho wilderness than just Lewis and Clark: real-life campfire tales of gold

rushes and legendary hermits, like Earl Parrott, who lived along the Middle

Fork for 25 years and built wooden ladders that allowed him to scramble

down its steep cliffs. More treasures await at the river’s edge: bighorn and

river otter, relaxing hot springs, Shoshone Indian pictographs emblazoned

on massive rocks. Did we mention fishing? World class fly-fishing. Blue

ribbon cutthroat trout fishing in crystal-clear waters.

In less than a week’s time, you’ll forget the

stresses of daily life. In what feels like the middle

of nowhere—no roads or phones!—we pitch

your tent while you sip wine, enjoy a gourmet

meal, and relax with friends old and new

underneath a star-drenched sky.


of the Salmon River

Middle Fork

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Indulge your senses in New Mexico’s most breathtaking landscapes, where soaring rock cliffs and mesas reflect sunlight off deep canyon walls in all shades of red, yellow, and brown. Layers of history and geology come to life on this active and immersive Southwest escape. We’ll float the Río Chama for three days, stopping for dramatic hikes along the way, camping along the forested riverbanks, hiking amidst Ghost Ranch’s stone wilderness of rocks and cliffs, and exploring the settlements of the ancestral Pueblo people. We’ll also visit the famous mineral springs resort of Ojo Caliente and have a chance to experience the healing waters and mud baths. We’ll bookend our riverside camping with nights in the 400-year-old town of Santa Fe, our nation’s oldest and highest state capital (7,000').

New Mexico

New Mexico Hiking AdventureA unique hike and float through Georgia O’Keeffe country—another MTS exclusive!

Activities Hiking, river rafting (float trip)Trip Level ModerateLodging 5 nights hotels, 2 nights campingDepartures June, July, August

Duration 8 daysLand Cost From $2,895Learn More Enter trip name or trip code “NMX” in the Search Box on mtsobek.com

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Almost any MTS trip can be enjoyed as a Private Adventure. Take advantage of MTS’s decades of experience designing the best itineraries available, but pick your dates. Call a Regional Specialist for details!

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This trip is both for those who already love the Southwest and for those who have yet to discover it. Arizona hosts a variety of habitats, from the high mountain forests of the Sierra Madre to the arid lowlands of the Colorado River. It is also home to the wettest and lushest desert in the United States, the Sonoran. Famous for its grandest specimen, the saguaro cactus, the Sonoran Desert also encompasses national forests, with islands of trees at high elevations, and some of the most beautiful, sweeping vistas in our country.

Our exploration brings us to a historic lodge at the edge of the Superstition Mountains where we stay near an oasis on the banks of the Salt River. We blend brilliant sun-drenched day hiking with comfortable lodges, great views, and stunning sunsets. We visit famous Sabino Canyon on the outskirts of Tucson. We hike in the Santa Catalina Mountains where a trip from the bottom to the top is like going from Mexico to Canada, from the saguaro cactus at its base, to thick spruce at its summit. A great late fall and early spring getaway!

Arizona

NEW! Arizona’s Sonoran Desert Discover the Southwest’s most intriguing ecosystem—from saguaro-

covered desert floor to high mountain forests

Activities HikingTrip Level ModerateLodging 5 nights hotelsDepartures March, April, October,

November

Duration 6 daysLand Cost Call for pricing Learn More Enter trip name or trip code “ASD” in the Search Box on mtsobek.com

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CUSTOM JOURNEYS IN THE AMERICAN WEST Did you know we also specialize in one-of-a-kind Custom Journeys? We’ve designed trips including archaeological expeditions of Native American lands, geologic flying safaris, paddling explorations of the San Juan Islands, and hikes around the Cascade volcanoes. To plan a Custom Journey, just give us a call: 1-888-MTSOBEK (1-888-687-6235).

With sheer walls of red rock, plunging waterfalls, and narrow slot canyons, Zion Canyon has been called a “Yosemite dressed in red.” Neighboring Bryce Canyon is a fairytale amphitheater of rock formations and pink hoodoos (pinnacles), perhaps the most unusual display of erosional forms on earth. Grand Staircase-Escalante is a geologist’s paradise, and embodies a rugged remoteness rarely found in the Lower 48. And to the south, the North Rim of the Grand Canyon boasts breathtaking vistas that go undiscovered by most visitors to this natural wonder.

These gems of the national park system receive many visitors, but few hike the more remote and out-of-the-way trails the way we do! Expert naturalist guides ensure that you see the best there is to see, while comfortable lodges set in stunning locations are oases of comfort and tranquility after an active day of exploring our American Southwest’s national treasures.

Arizona, Utah

Bryce, Zion, & the Grand CanyonHike in three national parks on the ultimate Southwest “grand slam!”

Activities HikingTrip Level ModerateLodging 5 nights hotels Departures June, August, September

Duration 6 daysLand Cost From $2,795Learn More Enter trip name or trip code “ZIO” in the Search Box on mtsobek.com

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Explore the legendary high points of the Sierra Nevada, carrying nothing but a daypack! With pack mules hauling your gear (we’re one of the few with this bonus), you’ll be free to enjoy the awesome scenery on this trans-Sierra trek through Yosemite National Park and the Ansel Adams Wilderness.

Start in southern Yosemite and hike the high country to emerge near the breathtaking Cathedral Lakes in Tuolumne Meadows. You’ll cross the Post Peak Pass and walk sections of the John Muir Trail. A summit hike to Half Dome caps our trip: no matter how many pictures you’ve seen of its sheer granite face, nothing compares to standing atop this iconic monolith.

California

Yosemite Grand TraverseHike the crown jewel of the spectacular Sierra and summit iconic Half Dome

Activities HikingTrip Level StrenuousLodging 6 nights camping, 2 nights hotelsDepartures July, September

Duration 9 daysLand Cost From $2,595Learn More Enter trip name or trip code “YGT” in the Search Box on mtsobek.com

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Activities HikingTrip Level Ultimate ChallengeLodging 14 nights camping, 2 nights hotelsDepartures August

Duration 17 daysLand Cost From $5,695Learn More Enter trip name or trip code “JMT” in the Search Box on mtsobek.com

Southbound Florence Lake through King’s Canyon and Sequoia National Parks to the summit of Mount Whitney (14,495')

Hike the iconic John Muir Trail, one of the most beautiful long-distance trails in the world, in MTS signature style. We have adopted a traditional Himalayan trekking feature: pack animals to carry your gear. Forget having to tote everything on your back; all you need to carry is your daypack. We’re the only company with hiking trips on the JMT that provides mules to carry your load. After each day of incredible hiking through the alpine lakes, verdant wildflower-filled meadows, and huge granite walls of the High Sierra, you’ll take off your boots and relax with a gourmet meal. Pick from one of the two sections of this venerable trail—north or south—or do both! Call early to reserve your space—we only do one departure in each direction, and spaces fill up fast!

California

John Muir TrailThe only way to hike the JMT is with mules to carry the load—an MTS exclusive!

Activities HikingTrip Level StrenuousLodging 10 nights camping, 2 nights hotelsDepartures August

Duration 13 daysLand Cost From $4,695Learn More Enter trip name or trip code “JMN” in the Search Box on mtsobek.com

Northbound Florence Lake to Tuolumne Meadows, Yosemite National Park


Formed millions of years ago by a still-active volcanic hotspot, the Hawaiian Islands are a stunning paradise birthed by fire and water. Our active island-hopping adventure takes you to two far-flung islands that showcase the best of Hawaii. These two islands make the perfect well-rounded active—and tropical—adventure. On Kauai, the “Garden Isle,” venture into a never-never land of lush greenery and dramatic cliffs (after all, Jurassic Park was filmed here). Hike the famed Na Pali coast, and along the fragrant trails of stunning 3,000-foot-deep Waimea Canyon (the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific”). Because it receives the

most rainfall of all the islands, water flows in abundance here, and we’ll kayak the jungle streams and hike to a hidden waterfall.

On Hawaii, the Big Island, explore Kilauea with a hike into the moon-like crater itself. At the coast, watch fiery lava plunge into the ocean with an angry hiss. Cycle past a young lava flow, visit the upland ranching town of Waimea, and enjoy a traditional Hawaiian luau.

On both islands, watch for humpback whales, and swim and snorkel with honu (Hawaiian sea turtles) and tropical fish. And of course there’s plenty of requisite beach time for surf and sand enthusiasts. Explore paradise with MTS leaders whose 20 years’ experience leading here means they truly know the islands and the meaning of “Aloha spirit.”

Hawaii

Adventures in HawaiiUltimate tropical multisport adventure across the 50th state

Activities Hiking, kayaking, cycling, swimming, snorkelingTrip Level ModerateLodging 7 nights hotelsDepartures January, February, March, August, December

Duration 8 daysLand Cost From $3,095Learn More Enter trip name or trip code “HWI” in the Search Box on mtsobek.com

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One prominent reason we

have chosen MTS as our favorite

adventure travel company has been

the excellent travel guides we have

had. This adventure has certainly

been no exception.

Carol & Burt Douglass—MTS guests

Stretching some 63 miles along Victoria’s southwest coast, the recently opened Great Ocean Walk offers a fresh way to experience some of Australia’s most breathtaking natural wonders. Visit Rainbow Falls where an inland stream meets the sea over mossy coastal rocks, and marvel at the Twelve Apostles (pictured above), where towering miocene limestone stacks cluster together just off the rugged southern Australian coastline, and continue to morph with the wind over time. Our eight-day trek across Great Otway National Park—Victoria’s newest and largest coastal park—will take us through mountain ash forests and coastal woods, along windswept cliff tops, and into manna gum forests, home to the park’s remarkable koala population. Not only will we see koalas, we’ll also meet kangaroos, wallabies, echidnas and whales, too. We’ll pause to relax at pristine Milanesia and Station Beaches by day, and rest our legs at the renowned Cape Otway Lighthouse Cottage by night.

Australia

NEW! Great Aussie Coastline An epic walking exploration featuring the towering Twelve Apostles

Activities HikingTrip Level ModerateLodging 3 nights hotel, 2 nights motel, 2 nights cottageDepartures February, March, October, December

Duration 8 daysLand Cost From $4,395 Learn More Enter trip name or trip code “POW” in the Search Box on mtsobek.com

PACIFIC


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Adventure Experts Tanya Rinaldi ~

Program Director: The Pacific

A native Aussie, Tanya has been designing and running

adventure programs in the Pacific for over 10 years. Tanya is a true global explorer with a commercial pilot’s license and 52 countries under her belt. Growing up in Australia—and New Zealand, where her mum is from—Tanya is passionate about all water sports, especially surfing and scuba diving. Tanya’s local exper-tise shines through in the breadth of unique adventures we offer in the Pacific.

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Australia’s “Red Centre” is at the very heart and soul of the outback, and we’ve designed this MTS exclusive trip to leave ample time for soaking up its essence. Here, iron-rich soil yields otherworldly rock formations in deep crimsons and auburns, endless plains, and towering mountain domes. At Standley Chasm in the West MacDonnell Ranges, a narrow canyon glows red under the sun’s midday rays. Learn the history and wisdom of Central Australia’s aboriginal culture and hike the terrain inhabited by Anangu ancestors since time immemorial—from Kata Tjuta’s sacred rock formations to the lush Garden of Eden at the base of arid King’s Canyon. We’ll sleep in remote still-operating cattle stations—a throwback to the time of early settlers. We’ll save the most time to contemplate Uluru, Australia’s best known wonder—also its most hallowed. Encounter the massive monolith up close and watch, at sunset, as the shifting light fills its countless crevices and gullies.

Australia

NEW! Outback Spirit MTS exclusive journey to the “Red Centre” of Australia’s aboriginal outback

and iconic Uluru (Ayers Rock)

Activities HikingTrip Level ModerateLodging 4 nights outback station, 1 night hotel, 1 night motelDepartures June, July

Duration 7 daysLand Cost From $4,495 Learn More Enter trip name or trip code “POS” in the Search Box on mtsobek.com

Home to one of the world’s oldest surviving rainforests, the wet tropics of Queensland flourish with rare flora and fauna—a living museum of over 400 million years of ecological history. Our eight-day trek of this species-rich area takes us on a circuit from the heart of Daintree National Park—home to two World Heritage Sites—to the volcanic craters of the Atherton Tablelands, and down to the reefs and beaches along the coastline near Cairns. Watch for kangaroos and cassowaries at Cape Tribulation, hunt for hidden waterfalls and tangled mangrove forests, and encounter wild crocodiles—from a safe distance, of course—on a ferry cruise down the Daintree River. An aboriginal forest guide will walk us through the wooded wetlands, where we’ll learn the traditional survival uses of plants for foods, medicines, and shelter. We’ll sleep in the heart of the rainforest in the historic tableland village of Yungaburra, and on Queensland’s unparalleled coastline at idyllic Mission Beach.

Australia

NEW! Rainforest to Reef Forest walks and coastal hikes through Australia’s oldest, richest wetlands

Activities HikingTrip Level ModerateLodging 2 nights tropical retreat, 2 nights hotel, 2 nights motel, 1 night tropical resort Departures July, August

Duration 8 daysLand Cost From $4,995 Learn More Enter trip name or trip code “PRR” in the Search Box on mtsobek.com

MORE DOWN UNDER ADVENTURE Combine these two amazing trips for the ultimate Aussie adventure! Call us at 1-888-MTSOBEK (1-888-687-6235).

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PACIFIC

New Zealand is, quite simply, a stunningly gorgeous and diverse country. On the itinerary for this popular adventure, you’ll wake up each day to see another incredible aspect of the country’s natural landscapes—from sounds to rainforest, from ocean to lakes. There’s a lot to see, and seeing it all on foot and by sea kayak is the best way! New Zealanders are proud of the natural beauty of their “clean and green” land, and they’ve equipped the backcountry with some of the world’s most glorious hiking trails. You’ll begin with a day in Blenheim, the center of New Zealand’s burgeoning wine industry, then head up to the quaint harbor town of Picton to go tramping (Kiwi for hiking) on the Queen Charlotte Track, which showcases the scenic coast and native forests of Queen Charlotte Sound. More hikes will take you into other environments such as rainforests, lakes, and thermal wonderlands. Sea kayak through sheltered azure waters that lap golden coves and sculpted granite headlands lined by lush native forest around the Abel Tasman National Park.

New Zealand

NEW! National Park Explorer From the mountains to the sea, come explore nature’s amazing

wonderland on the northern part of the South Island

Activities Hiking, sea kayakingTrip Level Moderate Lodging 7 nights hotels and lodges, 2 nights campingDepartures January, February, November, December

Duration 10 daysLand Cost Call for pricing Learn More Enter trip name or trip code “PPE” in the Search Box on mtsobek.com

Visit one of the most dramatic and beautiful parts of New Zealand, Fiordland National Park. We’ll explore Fiordland National Park by foot and sea kayak. Spectacular towering mountains, lush rainforests, and incredible biodiversity culminate at breathtaking Milford Sound, whose glassy waters reflect the steep 5,000-foot peaks that surround it. Spend time in Queenstown—renowned for its action-packed thrills, like jet boating, whitewater rafting, and paragliding—also known as the world capital of bungee jumping. The Rob Roy Glacier Track leads you into Mount Aspiring National Park—an amazing world of mountains, glaciers, river valleys, and alpine lakes. This day hike will bring you face-to-face with active glaciers. We’ll get close to towering ice cliffs and huge floating icebergs on a boat ride at Tasman Glacier, and marvel at the immensity of the landscape that surrounds Aoraki/Mount Cook Village.

New Zealand

NEW! Fjords, Glaciers, & Mountains The finest South Island glacial mountains, deep fjords, and mystical forest

Activities Hiking, sea kayaking, boat rideTrip Level ModerateLodging 9 nights hotels and lodgesDepartures February, December, January (2013)

Duration 10 daysLand Cost Call for pricing Learn More Enter trip name or trip code “PFG” in the Search Box on mtsobek.com


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PACIFIC

This unique itinerary squeezes a lot of adventure and cultural activities into just seven days, so you’ll see much more on this trip than in two weeks on your own. This adventure also combines well with one or both of our South Island trips. The kind of rugged untouched beauty that you’ll see on this trip is getting harder and harder to find on this planet. The native bush is laced with walking tracks, which lead to secluded natural hot springs and historic Kauri dams. Rotorua is a region of fascinating geothermal activity, where the immense power of inner Earth bubbles to the surface. This trip explores the geothermal attractions, uncovers the rich cultural past, and takes you over the world’s tallest commercially rafted waterfall. The powerful beauty of the volcanic landscape that surrounds Taupo provides a dramatic backdrop to a wonderful sea kayaking experience. Finally, glide through the darkness on a water borne barge and admire the deep silence of a cave where glow worms overhead simulate an eerie underground sky.

New Zealand

NEW! The Best of the North Island A cultural Kiwi adventure through the magnificent North Island

Activities Hiking, sea kayaking, rafting, cultural encounters, cavingTrip Level ModerateLodging 6 nights hotels and lodgesDepartures January, February, March, November, December

Duration 7 daysLand Cost Call for pricing Learn More Enter trip name or trip code “PBN” in the Search Box on mtsobek.com

POLAR VOYAGES


North Pole ExpeditionSail to the North Pole aboard the world’s largest and most powerful icebreaker. You’ll have dramatic wildlife sightings including polar bear and walrus, and enjoy thrilling helicopter flightseeing. Plus take advantage of optional hot air ballooning for a truly extraordinary Arctic experience. Easy 14-day trip runs in June and July. From $22,790

Spitsbergen Explorer The Svalbard Archipelago is unequaled in wild splendor, and on this trip we’ll make frequent shore stops to hike, watch the abundant wildlife, or simply enjoy the scenery. You’ll travel aboard the polar expedition ship Akademik Sergey Vavilov, an ideal home base for exploring this remarkable wilderness. Easy 11-day trip runs in July. From $4,990

Iceland, East Greenland, and SpitsbergenExplore three jewels of the Arctic—the Svalbard Archipelago, Greenland’s Scoresbysund, and Iceland’s Westmann Islands, the world’s youngest archipelago. Easy 14- or 15-day trip runs in August. From $6,390

NEW! Greenland’s Northern Lights This journey takes you to one of the northernmost settlements in the world, for cultural encounters with native Inuit peoples and a front row seat to the best display of the Northern Lights. Plus explore the land on an active tundra trek. Moderate 14-day

trip runs in September. From $5,890

NEW! Spitsbergen Circumnavigation A comprehensive exploration of one of the Arctic’s best spots. In this land north of the Arctic Circle the summer sun never sets, and you’ll be treated to superb wildlife viewing, including polar bear and walrus, as well as massive icebergs and expansive tundra. Easy 13-day trip runs in July. From $5,990

NEW! Spitsbergen Family Adventure The Arctic is a truly wonderful place, and it’s even more magical when you look at it through the lens of your children’s astonishment. Our new family adventure is a perfect way to create a truly lifelong and possibly life-changing memory for your entire family. Easy 8-day trip runs in August. From $3,690

NEW! Spitsbergen Snowshoeing Expedition A rare opportunity to visit corners of Svalbard where the only tracks are made by paws and hooves! No previous snowshoeing experience required. Easy to Moderate 11-day

trip runs in June. From $4,590

The Arctic differs from the southern polar region on almost every level. It is an

ocean, rather than a continent, blanketed by ice and defined by the northern

regions of North America, Eurasia and their outlying islands. It is inhabited

by both native peoples and more modern emigrants. And each of the northern

regions is independently governed. While the two poles share several species

of whales and seabirds, including albatross and Arctic terns, the Arctic has a

number of unique animals not found in the southern climes: reindeer, walrus,

narwhal, and of course, the Arctic’s iconic polar bear.

We’ve got several options for your journey, including a North Pole expedition

(with the option to view the Arctic panorama from a hot air balloon!) as well

as our new Spitsbergen Snowshoeing Expedition

for those looking for a more active trip. For detailed

information on all of our Arctic adventures, give us

a call or visit us on the web at www.mtsobek.com

and enter “Arctic” into the search box!

The Land of the Ice Bear

The Arctic

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Antarctic Explorer The Antarctic Peninsula—a 700-mile-long finger of land pointing toward the tip of South America—is a region of breathtaking scenery and spectacular wildlife that beckons even the most seasoned traveler. Millions of penguins and numerous other seabirds such as petrels, skuas, and albatross, as well as an abundance of marine mammals, including most of the world’s great whale species, call the Peninsula home. And to top it all off you’ll sail through the famed Lemaire Channel, nicknamed “Kodak Alley” for its breathtaking and oft-photographed beauty. Easy 11- or 12-day

trip runs in January, February, November, December. From $5,390

Crossing the Circle Experience all the beauty of the Antarctic Peninsula with an added bonus—you’ll join the ranks of the few who’ve traveled beyond the Antarctic Circle into a great frozen zone of dazzling blue icebergs, gossamer pink light, and shifting pack ice and snowy mountains as far as the eye can see. This is our longest and most comprehensive trip on the Antarctic Peninsula, and a must for any traveler who dreams of setting foot on some of the Earth’s last pristine landscapes. Easy 13- or 15-day trip runs in January,

February, December. From $7,790

Antarctica, South Georgia, and the FalklandsFollow in the footsteps of legendary explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton on our grandest Antarctic journey, combining the splendors of the Antarctic Peninsula with the Falkland Islands and South Georgia, where Shackelton sheltered while awaiting the rescue of the crew of the Endurance. It’s an odyssey full of natural and historical wonders, and a great immersion into the world of polar exploration. Easy 19- or 20-day trip runs in January, February, November, December. From $9,540

Antarctica is the last wild, unspoiled place on earth, and the only continent that

has been nearly free of human contact since the beginning of time. Governed by

international treaty, Antarctica has been set aside as a scientific preserve. It is a

realm whose beauty is so spectacular and otherworldly that it often leaves visitors

speechless and shatters the expectations of even the most jaded traveler.

During the short austral summer, thousands of penguins, seals, seabirds, and

whales all gather to court, then breed and raise the next generation. Witness

the miracles of this unseen, unknown land and change your life forever.

Powerful ice-class vessels provide a comfortable home base for exploring fjords,

timeless glaciers, and enormous wildlife colonies that can only be reached by

Zodiac. MTS has been exploring Antarctica for over 25 years, and we have a

number of options for you to discover The Last Continent.

The Last Continent

Antarctica

Antarctica Fly & Cruise Designed for those with limited time, this brief but thoroughly engrossing journey along the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula trades 100 hours of sailing the choppy waters of the Drake Passage for a convenient two-hour flight from Punta Arenas, Chile. You’ll visit the same remarkable places, like Deception Island—a volcanic caldera in the middle of the sea where we’ll hike and visit rookeries, and aptly named Paradise Bay, where floating icebergs take on unbelievable hues in the lingering glow of polar twilight. Whatever your expectations of Antarctica are before your visit, this mystical, unearthly land is guaranteed to exceed and overwhelm them. Easy 8-day trip runs in January, December. From $9,260

Some Antarctica departures offer options to ply the glassy polar waters in a kayak or even camp on the ice! Spots for both activities are limited and go fast. See page 84 for details, or call us at 1-888-MTSOBEK (1-888-687-6235).

ANTARCTICA & THE ARCTIC

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The polar regions are perhaps the most unusual travel destinations to be

found, so its no wonder they don’t populate the pages of most cruise operators’

brochures. True, a handful of “cruise ships” venture into the Southern Ocean

to give their passengers an arms-length glimpse of the Antarctic Peninsula. But

there is simply no better way to experience the hidden treasures of the polar

wilderness than by sailing aboard a small, ice-strengthened, highly maneuverable

vessel of the caliber that carries MTS guests to the ends of the Earth.

In the Arctic, the 50 Years of Victory—the largest and most powerful icebreaker

in the world—brushes 9-foot-thick pack ice aside with no trouble at all, making

it a virtual express train to the North Pole, while the nimble Akademik Sergey

Vavilov dances in and out of Svalbard’s tight fjords like it was born there. Her

sister ship, the Akademik Ioffe—along with the Ocean Nova and Sea Spirit—

dances a similar dance in the serpentine passages of the Antarctic Peninsula to

give our guests the kind of up close encounters every polar traveler craves.

On an MTS polar voyage you won’t get lost in

a crowd of hundreds, all jostling to get ashore!

Each ship carries relatively few passengers—128

maximum—meaning you’ll spend less time

waiting on the gangway for a Zodiac and more

time soaking in the magic of these rarefied

paradises. What could be better?

with MTSPolar Cruising


POLAR VOYAGES

50 Years of Victory ~ The Arctic

The most powerful icebreaker ever built, 50 Years of Victory is without equal in plying the pack ice. She is capable of smashing her way through ice up to 9 feet thick, yet cruises at over 21 knots. 128 guests

Akademik Sergey Vavilov ~ The Arctic & Antarctica

Sister ship to the Ioffe, Vavilov shares the same benefits of speed and maneuverability, as well as a similar complement of Zodiacs and kayaks. 104 guests (see photo at top of page)

Akademik Ioffe ~ Antarctica

Originally built for marine acoustic research, the Ioffe is quiet, nimble, and lightning fast at 14.5 knots. Outfitted with kayaks and Zodiacs. 104 guests

(see photo at top of page)

Ocean Nova ~ Antarctica

Custom built with a strengthened hull to sail the ice-choked waters of Greenland, Ocean Nova is an excellent platform for polar exploration. 68 guests

Sea Spirit ~ AntarcticaA more lavish way to travel in Antarctica, the Sea Spirit is remarkably comfortable with large and stylish staterooms, some including balconies. 112 guests

KAYAKING & CAMPING OPTIONS Glide through an icy paradise, nearly at eye level with a panoply of marine wildlife. Or absorb the incredible silence of an Antarctic night from your tent on the ice. Both options are available on many of our departures, and there’s no better way to enhance your experience of these remote climes. For details, call a Regional Specialist at 1-888-MTSOBEK.

Akademik Ioffe & Akademik Sergey Vavilov

The spectral mist that swirls over Machu Picchu contains secrets. They

whisper through six centuries, and hang in the rarefied air. In 1911, the fedora-

topped explorer Hiram Bingham III hacked his way here at the suggestion of

an 11-year-old indigenous boy. “Suddenly, we found ourselves in the midst of

a jungle-covered maze of small and large walls, the ruins of buildings made

of blocks of white granite, most carefully cut and beautifully fitted together

without cement.” Your pilgrimage begins in Cusco, the holy Inca capital,

which this glorious civilization called the “navel of the universe.”

Bate your breath, as your lungs adjust to an altitude of more than 10,000

feet. You’ll follow not just Bingham’s steps but the ancient footpaths of the

Inca themselves, wending and climbing your way through wildly diverse

climes until you set sight on the jaw-dropping hilltop

aerie. The trek is tough, but a perpetual reward, as

Bingham recalled a century ago: “We made slow

progress, but we lived in wonderland.”

At last—a high-altitude trek without camping! Wind your way from lodge to lodge through the luxuriant forests and snow-capped peaks of the Cordillera Vilcabamba, the mountain range cradling the sanctuary of Machu Picchu. Following a lightly traveled trail, explore the diverse ecosystems of the Incan hinterland: pristine icy lakes and glaciers, jagged snowy peaks, giant moss-covered moraines, and lush cloud forests of orchids, wildflowers, and butterflies. Cap each day at picturesque, well-appointed lodges, complete with jacuzzi and fireplace, and excellent international and Peruvian cuisine.

The grand finale here is standing above the splendid ruins of Machu Picchu, soaring in the mist below you, sending shivers down your spine. This trip has it all, with two days at Machu Picchu, a train ride through the Andean cloud forest, time to explore the capital, Cusco, and the MTS inside edge from over 40 years of bringing travelers to Peru.

Peru

Machu Picchu Inn to InnThe Andes’ most beautiful lodge-to-lodge trek

Activities TrekkingTrip Level Moderate to StrenuousLodging 9 nights lodgesDepartures March–December

Duration 10 daysLand Cost From $4,395 (low season)Learn More Enter trip name or trip code “MII” in the Search Box on mtsobek.com


And the Sacred Valley of the Incas

Machu Picchu

SOUTH & CENTRAL AMERICA

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This popular adventure is active, yet easy, and takes in all the incredible sites that have drawn travelers to Peru for centuries. We’ll stroll the back streets of Cusco, dominated by the fine stonework of plazas and palaces created by craftsmen of ancient empires, explore the Inca ruins just outside the town, and hike to charming out-of-the-way villages. You’ll top off the whole adventure with a visit to iconic, breathtaking Machu Picchu, where you’ll marvel not only at the ruins themselves but at the thought of the long-vanished civilization that created this beautiful place.

Peru I NEW ITINERARY

Realm of the IncasThe best of Peru’s Incan legends—without trekking or camping

Activities Hiking, cultural touringTrip Level Easy to ModerateLodging 7 nights hotelsDepartures March–December

Duration 7 daysLand Cost From $3,595Learn More Enter trip name or trip code “RIK” in the Search Box on mtsobek.com

SHORT ON TIME? Take the Machu Picchu Inn to Inn Express! You’ll experience the same incredible trails, inns, and service as on Machu Picchu Inn to Inn. Experience the Andes on foot, spend some time among the Inca ruins of Machu Picchu, Tarawasi, and Llactapata, and return to Cusco via train—all in 7 days! From $2,390 (low season). For details, itineraries, and more, enter the trip name or trip code “MLP” in to the Search Box on mtsobek.com.


Adventure Experts Manolo Lazo ~

Guide: Peru One of Peru’s most experienced adventure

travel guides, Manolo has over 15 years of experience leading treks and whitewater rafting trips. His knowledge of the country, its people, and traditions adds immensely to your appreciation of the region, its culture, and its people.

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Even die-hard fans of the Himalaya concede the extraordinarily scenic beauty of Peru’s Cordillera Blanca, the highest tropical mountain range in the world. Its glacial wilderness of translucent turquoise lakes, hidden waterfalls, and dazzling ice-fluted mountains make it one of the Andes’ most stunning ranges (and also one of the world’s best-kept secrets!).

On this challenging trek you’ll hike through the heart of the mountain environs of Huascarán National Park—a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Site—where more than 40 peaks over 19,000 feet high are linked by spectacular valleys laced with trails dating from pre-Columbian and colonial times. You’ll drink in stunning vistas of the sharply ridged peaks, including the remarkably perfect

pyramid of Alpamayo (19,511'), with its striking ice fluting (it was once voted the most beautiful mountain in the world), and Huascarán (22,204'), the highest peak in Peru. On the trek you may enjoy marvelously sunny days (the climate can be downright balmy due to its proximity to the equator), walk through fields of plentiful wildflowers, and pass by cultivated farmlands and colorful villages where you’ll meet the local campesinos, hardy descendants of the ancient Incas.

This trek is best suited for experienced mountain hikers. You’ll cross seven passes (five of them over 15,000 feet), and camp at altitudes of 12,000 to 14,800 feet. Challenging? Yes, but a great summer trek for those whose hearts lie in the heights of the world (quite possibly número uno in your personal repertoire of great treks of the world!).

Peru

Cordillera BlancaAn exhilarating trek in the snowy heights of the less-traveled Andes

Activities TrekkingTrip Level StrenuousLodging 9 nights camping, 3 nights hotelsDepartures May, June, July

Duration 13 daysLand Cost From $3,095Learn More Enter trip name or trip code “BLA” in the Search Box on mtsobek.com





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Join us on an exquisite high altitude trek into the heart of the Cordillera Vilcanota, one of South America’s legendary mountain ranges. We’ll go far beyond the usual trails and head for the hills under our own steam (but with llamas to carry our gear!), trekking high into the mountains and glaciers that were the sacred spots of the mighty Incas. This is the heart of Inca country.

Despite soft nights in trailside eco-lodges, this trip is for the rugged. We’ll spend multiple days above 15,000' and top out at 17,000' as we cross the spectacular Palomani Pass. So if you’re dreaming of “high” adventure, look straight up into the clouds and then come join us on this inspiring trek along the roof of the Americas.

Peru

Ausangate Inn to InnA high altitude trekker’s dream trip—and no camping!

Activities TrekkingTrip Level StrenuousLodging 10 nights lodgesDepartures June, July, August

Duration 11 daysLand Cost From $3,695Learn More Enter trip name or trip code “TAL” in the Search Box on mtsobek.com



Nature displays a taste for the grandiose in this corner of the world: golden pampas beneath a boundless sky, forests of gnarled trees akin to oversized bonsai, and glaciers forgotten by the last ice age. On this 15-day exploration, you’ll see where the Pacific and Atlantic oceans merge on a cruise through the incredible—and otherwise inaccessible—fjords and inlets of Chilean Patagonia, home to a rich bounty of wildlife like elephant seals and Magellanic penguins. Later, take day hikes around the ice-clad peaks and granite needles of the Torres del Paine, 8,000 feet of near-vertical granite rising from rolling grasslands and beautiful lakes. You’ll also enjoy a stay at a traditional Chilean homestead where you’ll be welcomed with an extravagant asado, a smorgasbord of grilled meat.

Argentina, Chile

Patagonia ExplorerThe very best of Patagonia on land and by sea

Activities Adventure cruising, hiking, sea kayakingTrip Level Easy to ModerateLodging 10 nights hotels, 4 nights shipDepartures January, February, March, October, November, December

Duration 15 daysLand Cost From $7,495Learn More Enter trip name or trip code “PAE” in the Search Box on mtsobek.com


There’s a wealth of beauty in the far reaches of Patagonia, and we make

getting to it easy! The coastline of Chilean Patagonia is honeycombed, its

glaciers constantly calving, its fjords and inlets home to dolphins, whales,

elephant seals and penguins. It’s a Patagonia you can only really see by

boat (or, in our case, by a 235-foot ship complete with comfortable cabins

and a gourmet kitchen).

Meanwhile, beyond the waters, there are monolithic rock spires and jagged

snowy peaks, the 6,500-square-mile Patagonia ice field, azure lakes, and

grasslands bright with wildflowers. It’s the kind of wild, rugged terrain you’d

expect to find at the end of the earth, and the only way to see it is by hiking

in the footsteps of Patagonia’s greatest bard, Bruce Chatwin, who found here

“somewhere to live when the rest of the world blew up.” Pick your pleasure—

by sea or by foot—and we’ll show you the

way. MTS has been pioneering Patagonia

adventure travel since 1972.

To the Ends of the Earth

Patagonia


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Adventure Experts Sergio “TC” Bahamondez ~

Guide: Patagonia TC was born in Punta Arenas, Chile and grew up in Tierra del

Fuego, where he developed a passion for the outdoors. He has a degree in Patagonia biodiversity from Magallanes University and more than 10 years of experience as a tour leader. TC’s explorer spirit has taken him to nearly every continent. Whether at home or abroad, TC is an excellent ambassador for his country and its culture—his enthusiasm and sense of adventure are absolutely contagious!

Patagonia’s rugged beauty surpasses expectations—a hypnotic landscape of stunning granite towers thrusting thousands of feet in the air with the golden plains of the Argentine and Chilean steppes below. This pristine beauty is preserved in two exceptionally scenic national parks: the breathtaking mountain environs of Torres del Paine in Chile, and Argentina’s Los Glaciares. See the best of both on foot—from the famous ice-clad peaks and granite needles of the Torres del Paine (Towers of Paine) including a portion of the famous “W,” to the sheer-walled granite shark fin of 11,073-foot Fitz Roy in Los Glaciares National Park. Our expert naturalist guides make this an ideal adventure for those who enjoy long hikes through landscapes so scenic they’re beyond belief.

Argentina, Chile

Hiker’s PatagoniaThe best lodge-based day hikes in Paine and Glacier National Parks

Activities HikingTrip Level Moderate to StrenuousLodging 13 nights lodgesDepartures January, March, October, November, December

Duration 14 daysLand Cost From $4,995Learn More Enter trip name or trip code “HIK” in the Search Box on mtsobek.com


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Chile’s Torres del Paine National Park is one of the great scenic wonders of the world—a place to which all serious mountain-lovers must make a pilgrimage at least once in their lifetime. Here, in the wilderness of southern Chile, glaciers of millennia past have receded from the granite rock of the Cordillera Paine, leaving a massif of craggy peaks protruding a near-vertical 6,000 to 8,000 feet from the surrounding rolling grasslands.

Our trek—which we pioneered in the mid-1980s—is a full circuit of the Paine massif, including the famous “W” route, and takes you through the kind of wild rugged terrain you’d expect to find at the ends of the earth. The jaw-dropping vistas of monolithic rock spires and jagged snowy peaks, the huge expanse of the Patagonia Ice Field, tranquil azure lakes, and golden grasslands bright with wildflowers make this unquestionably one of the all-time great treks of the world.

Chile

Trekking the Paine CircuitHike one of the ten best treks in the world

Activities TrekkingTrip Level Moderate to StrenuousLodging 6 nights camping, 4 nights hotelsDepartures January, February, November, December

Duration 11 daysLand Cost From $4,295Learn More Enter trip name or trip code “PAI” in the Search Box on mtsobek.com

Best two weeks I’ve ever spent

on the trail!

Mike Jung—MTS guest


MTS packs two of Chile’s regional gems into one well-rounded trip! We begin in Colchagua Valley, recently named “The Next Napa” by Wine Enthusiast magazine, where we’ll hike the region’s steep, sun-kissed valleys and hills, from which Andean peaks are visible—and savor world-acclaimed cabernets, malbecs, and carmenères, of course. Then, we’re off to the cooler climes of the Lake District, where the influence of Mapuche locals and Swiss and German settlers translates into a delightful cultural mélange—visible in everything from the architecture (like Mapuche rukas and German shingled homes) to the language and cuisine (this may be the only place where you can order spaetzle and chimichurri in the same breath!). Here, we’ll explore dairy farms and quaint mountain villages, hike near cobalt lagoons and white-capped volcanoes, and trek through forests of domed araucaria and 1,000-year old alerce trees. We’ll enjoy the region’s exuberant hospitality, sleeping in elegant mountain cottages and enchanting bed and breakfast inns.

Chile

NEW! Colchagua & the Lake District Sip your way through Chile’s wine country and hike the stunning Lake District

Activities HikingTrip Level ModerateLodging 8 nights hotels and lodgesDepartures February, March, December

Duration 9 daysLand Cost From $3,695 Learn More Enter trip name or trip code “LCH” in the Search Box on mtsobek.com

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Your palate and your penchant for life’s finer things will lead the way on this journey to Argentina’s best vineyards and artisan communities. From Mendoza, renowned for its wines the world over (but known at home for its dramatic Andean vistas), to Salta’s música folklórica and resplendent colonial architecture, we’ll taste, hear,

and see the finest in local craftworks, traditional music, artisan cheeses—and, of course, the world’s best malbecs.

Overnight at the world’s highest vineyard, visit Argentina’s oldest working winery, and taste the selection at Clos de las Siete, a new wine venture launched by famed French vintner Michel Rolland.

Work your legs, too—on hikes along the foothills of Nevado de Cachi, where rich mineral deposits color jagged mountain rocks in sulphurous yellows, corroded

copper greens, and rich magnesium reds. At Uco Valley, bike among the vineyards in view of the Tupungato mountains, some of the highest in the Andes. Return each afternoon to our exclusive boutique suites, where you’ll savor yet another impeccable glass, watching the last glint of sunlight angle across rows of grapevines from behind the Andean peaks.

Argentina

NEW! Mendoza to Salta Art and hiking pair beautifully with Argentina’s renowned wine country

Activities Hiking, bikingTrip Level Easy to ModerateLodging 9 nights lodges and hotelsDepartures March, October, November

Duration 10 daysLand Cost From $4,795 Learn More Enter trip name or trip code “MSA” in the Search Box on mtsobek.com

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Travel the eastern coast of Argentina—“Atlantic Patagonia”—and end up in Iguazú, where the mist of the “Devil’s Throat” and almost 9,000 cumulative feet of waterfalls await you. This eight-day journey includes a stop at Puerto Pirámides for unforgettable whale watching. In Bahía Bustamante—recently featured in The

New York Times—we’ll relax at the edge of the world: great desert moonscapes, red rock coastal lands, shimmering Patagonian seas. Visit a Patagonian ranch still in operation, see the petrified forest, and hike the strange, otherworldy landscape of the southern Atlantic coast. We’ll rest in cozy estancias and historic boutique hotels along the sprawling sea. Savor meals of wild, local fare including sea algae, fish, and lamb. In Buenos Aires, we’ll see the mansions of Palermo, visit Plaza de Mayo’s neo-classical cathedral, and wander the charming cobblestoned San Telmo neighborhood.

Argentina

NEW! Patagonia’s Bahía Bustamante & Iguazú Wildlife and natural wonders, from Atlantic Patagonia to the falls of Iguazú

Activities Wildlife viewing, boating, optional horseback ridingTrip Level EasyLodging 7 nights hotels and lodgesDepartures September, October, November

Duration 8 daysLand Cost From $3,695 Learn More Enter trip name or trip code “BBI” in the Search Box on mtsobek.com

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Known as “Atlantic Patagonia,” the Peninsula Valdés showcases miles of flourishing coastline—where southern right whales give birth and colonies of Magellanic penguins and southern elephant seals thrive—a vibrant counterpoint to the Patagonia familiar to hikers. We’ll explore this rich ecosystem in kayaks as we hug the coast of one of the world’s most treasured wildlife habitats, named by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Motorized tour boats are forbidden in the area where we’ll be kayaking. We’ll explore this region’s many natural treasures by paddling the waters of Provincial Marine Park Golfo San José, taking a road tour around the Valdés Nature Reserve, and experiencing a classic on-board whale watching excursion.

Argentina

Kayaking the Peninsula Valdés Explore little-known Atlantic Patagonia’s prolific wildlife by sea kayak

Activities Sea kayaking, touringTrip Level Moderate to StrenuousLodging 4 nights camping, 2 nights hotels, 2 nights lodgesDepartures November

Duration 10 daysLand Cost From $3,495Learn More Enter trip name or trip code “PVZ” in the Search Box on mtsobek.com


Times of peace have descended on magical Colombia—and we’re heading there to take it in. From Bogotá’s red-roofed, cobblestoned La Candelaria district, to Santa Marta’s beach-side bungalows on the Caribbean, hike a terrain full of contrasts and encounter the intricate layering of pre-Columbian, colonial, and modern-day histories in the Colombian landscape.

Trek the tropical páramo of Chingaza National Park, one of the best kept secrets of Colombia’s park system, scanning for condors, eagles, deer—maybe even a puma! Witness the foothills of the Sierra Nevada give way to tropical jungles and pristine tropical coastlines as we hike the breadth of Tayrona National Park, where titi monkeys, red squirrels, and collared peccaries run wild.

We’ll cover the ancient pathways and sacred cliffs of pre-Columbian Guane and Muisca peoples, sun-bleached cathedrals and cloistered Spanish houses in colonial Barichara—and of course the timeless history of the country’s natural terrain. Here, canyons of oak and rubber forests give way to immense rock foothills, while the sprawling silence of the north Andean highlands gestures backward toward time immemorial.

Colombia

NEW! Colombia TrekkingA magical trek and tour through hidden Colombia

Activities Hiking, cultural touringTrip Level Moderate to StrenuousLodging 9 nights lodgesDepartures March, July, August

Duration 10 daysLand Cost From $3,995 Learn More Enter trip name or trip code “COT” in the Search Box on mtsobek.com

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You’ll soon come to understand why Roraima was the inspiration for Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s novel The Lost World and the Pixar film Up! Discover an extraordinary landscape of sheer-sided tepuis (tabletop mountains) towering 6,000 feet above pristine rainforests—rock formations carved by wind and water, valleys scattered with precious crystals, and views of Guyana’s dense jungle below. Along the way, you’ll learn about Roraima’s unusual plants and animals and behold immense waterfalls formed by torrents cascading over the plateau’s edge.

We combine hiking with village tours—and even regional culinary specialties (ants and termites!)—so you may fully experience the stark, pure beauty of this wild and unspoiled region.

Venezuela

Roraima & Angel FallsExplore Venezuela’s highest tepui and the world’s tallest waterfall

Activities TrekkingTrip Level Moderate to StrenuousLodging 6 nights hotels, 5 nights campingDepartures April, July, October

Duration 12 daysLand Cost From $4,995Learn More Enter trip name or trip code “RAG” in the Search Box on mtsobek.com



The Western hemisphere’s highest concentration of wildlife is in Brazil’s Pantanal, whose sprawling wetlands are home to a vast array of species—it’s the best place in the world to see giant river otters, tapirs, marsh deer, anacondas, and caimans—but very few humans. We’ll spend eight days exploring this unbounded natural sanctuary, lodging at remote camps surrounded by thick marshlands and riverine forest. It won’t take long to grow accustomed to our almost constant encounters with new and rare species of wildlife—not the least of which are the not-so-elusive jaguars, who really have the run of the place. In this far-removed, untamed region, visitors report seeing a jaguar nearly every day! We’ll take almost daily boat trips on the Paraguay River’s many channels and tributaries, and explore the marshes on foot and horseback. After sundown, we’ll head out on riveting night-spotting safaris—an unforgettable moment in a wholly epic adventure.

Brazil

NEW! In Search of the JaguarWildlife safari in the world’s largest freshwater wetlands

Activities Jungle walking, boat rideTrip Level EasyLodging 8 nights hotels and tented campsDepartures August

Duration 9 daysLand Cost From $5,995 Learn More Enter trip name or trip code “BJR” in the Search Box on mtsobek.comP

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MORE OPTIONS Travel to the heart of the Central Amazon Ecological Corridor and explore some of the most untouched rainforest in the Amazon. Cruise the river in comfort and style and see the amazing wildlife, flora and fauna that make the Amazon the greatest wilder-ness on earth. For details, itinerary, and more search by trip name or trip code “AMZ” on mtsobek.com.

WWW.MTSOBEK.COM | 1-888-687-6235 99


Let MTS introduce you to the region of Guanacaste, a beautifully diverse landscape of mountains and beach along the north Pacific coast of Costa Rica. On this exclusive MTS tour designed by Program Director Danilo Bonilla (a native Costa Rican), you’ll zip line through forests, kayak among mangroves, and relax by the ocean at Playa Hermosa, or “Beautiful Beach.” We’ll venture on foot (or horseback, if you prefer), to Oropendola Waterfall and swim in its refreshing emerald pools, and explore the tropical forests at Rincon de la Vieja National Park—all the while on the lookout for crocodiles, iguanas, sloths, monkeys and toucans! You’ll also take part in an authentic fiesta tipica, the Costa Rican equivalent to a rodeo complete with bull fights (don’t worry, it’s just for show) and festive dances. We’ll overnight at boutique eco-lodges and enjoy natural mud treatments at the Hacienda Guachipelin spa. It’s a perfect blend of multisport adventure and relaxation with a touch of culture!

Costa Rica

NEW! Costa Rica Off the Beaten Path Explore the north’s untouched beaches, forests, and volcanoes

Activities Hiking, kayaking, snorkeling, zip line, wildlife viewingTrip Level EasyLodging 6 nights hotelsDepartures November–April

Duration 7 daysLand Cost From $1,995 Learn More Enter trip name or trip code “OBP” in the Search Box on mtsobek.com

Looking for a life-sized multisport adventure in the gem of Central America? Come with us to Costa Rica! As the only U.S. company to offer kayaking in Tortuguero, we’ll quietly get up close to wildlife and kayak the jungle waterways of Tortuguero National Park—home to howler monkeys, basilisk lizards, morpho butterflies, and tropical birds. On the Río Pacuare (ranked among the world’s top ten rivers), we’ll take a rollicking roller coaster ride, with cascading waterfalls that splash us as we pass.

Back on kayaks, we explore Arenal Lake, Costa Rica’s largest and most breathtaking lake, under the shadow of Arenal Volcano—we may even see it spewing lava while we paddle at a completely safe distance (there are eruptions daily)! Then kick back and soothe sore paddling muscles in mineral hot springs set deep in the jungle. Cap it all off floating down the Peñas Blancas River on a twilight safari, watching for Costa Rica’s nocturnal mammals. This fantastic water park adventure is the perfect ticket for the kid in all of us!

Costa Rica

Adventures in Costa RicaOur high-octane multisport adventure in the land of “pura vida”

Activities Hiking, kayaking, rafting (Class III & IV rapids), wildlife viewingTrip Level ModerateLodging 7 nights hotels and jungle lodgesDepartures Year-round

Duration 8 daysLand Cost From $2,495 Learn More Enter trip name or trip code “CRA” in the Search Box on mtsobek.com



Our trip to Baja is just a short plane ride, but a whole world away. You’ll have an altogether uncommon and intimate México experience as we explore the two oceans and the mountain range that define the peninsula. On this MTS exclusive you’ll hike in the mountain reserve of the Sierra de la Laguna and discover exotic endemic plant and animal life.

Then, surf some of Baja’s best breaks (guided by its finest surf instructors), and snorkel and kayak in the Sea of Cortez, coined the “aquarium of the world” by Jacques Cousteau due to its incredible diversity of marine life. You’ll have the amazing experience of swimming with sea lion pups at Los Islotes, and horseback riding along 70 miles of prisitine beach at sunset. You’ll learn the secrets of Baja cuisine from a local chef, and ponder Aztec, Mayan, and Greek mythology while stargazing with a local astronomer. Each night you will be lulled to sleep by the sounds of the Pacific Ocean.

México

Baja Multisport AdventureInsider’s wildlife viewing, kayaking, hiking, and snorkeling—an MTS exclusive!

Activities Hiking, surfing, kayaking, snorkeling, horseback ridingTrip Level Easy to ModerateLodging 6 nights hotelsDepartures January, February, December

Duration 7 daysLand Cost From $2,295Learn More Enter trip name or trip code “BFA” in the Search Box on mtsobek.com

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ASIA & THE PACIF IC

To Book It’s easy to sign up!

Call us at 1-888-MTSOBEK (687-6235) and reserve your spot. You can also book a trip online on our website (www.mtsobek.com).If you have a favorite travel agent, we are happy to work with them, but he or she must make the booking directly with Mountain Travel Sobek. Bookings made by a client cannot be picked up retroactively for travel agent commission.

Payment Schedule Based on Land/Cruise Cost, per person

Regular Trip Departures (1), (2)

At time of reservation ................................ $400 120 days prior to trip departure ............... $800 60 days prior to trip departure .............Balance

(1) Gorilla trips require a non-refundable deposit to cover the cost of each gorilla permit ($500 per permit).

(2) The Machu Picchu Inn to Inn Express trip requires a $325 non-refundable deposit at time of booking.

Galápagos, Greece, Turkey, John Muir Trail,

Patagonia Explorer Cruise, and Glacier Bay

Historic Ship Adventure Trip Departures

At time of reservation ................................ $400 120 days prior to trip departure .............$1,200 90 days prior to trip departure .............Balance

Antarctica & Arctic Cruise Trip Departures

At time of reservation ....................... 10%–20% of Land/Cruise Cost (varies based on ship and trip

departure—see detailed itinerary)

120 days prior to trip departure ............Balance

Private Adventures, Custom Adventures, &

Special Trip Departures

At time of reservation ..............$800 or 25% of Land/Cruise Cost, whichever is greater 120 days prior to trip departure .............25% of Land/Cruise Cost 90 days prior to trip departure .............Balance

Extensions & Extra Services (including extra hotel nights)

At time of reservation ............................ $100 (3) (non-refundable)

The balance will be added to the cost of your trip, and payment will follow the applicable schedule above. Requests made 29 days or less prior to trip departure are subject to a $100 late booking fee. Once booked, each change is subject to a $50 change fee.

(3) Some exceptions apply and deposits may be higher.

Immediately after we receive your deposit, you will be emailed or faxed a Booking Verification Form that must be completed and faxed to us within 24 hours. You will then receive a detailed pre-trip packet with a clothing and equipment list, visa kit (if required), invoice, insurance information, medical certificate, trip participation information form (including a Release From Liability agreement that you must sign and return to us), and other information needed to prepare for your trip. Rendezvous instructions and final trip details will be sent about three weeks prior to trip departure.

What Your Trip IncludesThe Land and/or Cruise Cost* for most trips includes:

inns, or lodges in cities and villages, or aboard

camp and cook staffs, tents, kitchen and dining tents (on most trips), group camping and commissary equipment, necessary trip equipment (e.g. sea kayaks, rafts, personal

Ground transportation and support vehicles

evacuation insurance.

*Note—“Land/Cruise Cost” is defined as including the cost of the trip. Internal airfare, park fees, permits, and taxes may be included in the price, or broken out separately. Unless otherwise noted, payment and cancellation policies apply to the total Land/Cruise Cost, inclusive of internal airfare, park fees, permits, and taxes, even when broken out separately. Travel agent commission is calculated from base Land/Cruise Cost only and excludes tier charges.

Each trip varies slightly, so please call and speak with one of our Regional Specialists or ask for a detailed trip itinerary for the specifics (you can also download itineraries at www.mtsobek.com). International airfare, optional gratuities, and personal items are not included.

Tier PricingAdventure travel works best with a small group of people. In order to operate these small groups, our trips are priced according to the number of full-price travelers on the trip. Mountain Travel Sobek staff, trip doctors, and other discounted travelers are excluded from the count for this purpose. We invoice you at the highest tier price (the smallest group size we can operate) until final payment is due. If the price drops due to an increase in group size before your trip departs, you will be refunded the difference.

Single TravelersAccommodations (hotels, tents, and cruise cabins) are based on double occupancy. If you prefer single accommodations, you must pay a single supplement fee, which is listed in the trip itinerary. If you are traveling alone and wish to share accommodations, we will try our best to find you a roommate of the same gender. If there is no one with whom you can share, you are required to pay a “forced” single supplement fee, which varies by trip and ranges from half to the same fee as the “requested” single supplement, and is listed in the trip itinerary. Shared accommodations are guaranteed on some trips. On a few trips, single accommodations are not available.

Cancellations & RefundsBased on Land/Cruise Cost, per person

At the time we receive written notice that you must cancel your trip, the following fees will apply (all dates are from departure date):

Regular Trip Departures (1), (2)

From time of reservation until 90 days prior to trip departure .......................................$150 89 to 60 days prior to trip departure ....... $400 59 to 30 days prior to trip departure ......50% of Land Cost 29 days or less prior to trip departure ............... 100% of Land Cost

(1) Gorilla trips require a non-refundable deposit to cover the cost of each gorilla permit ($500 per permit).

(2) The Machu Picchu Inn to Inn Express trip requires a $325 non-refundable deposit at time of booking.

Galápagos, Greece, Turkey, John Muir Trail,

Patagonia Explorer Cruise, and Glacier Bay

Historic Ship Adventure Trip Departures

From time of reservation until 120 days prior to trip departure ..................................... $400 119 to 90 days prior to trip departure ....25% of Land/Cruise Cost 89 to 60 days prior to trip departure .....50% of Land/Cruise Cost 59 days or less prior to trip departure 100% of Land/Cruise Cost

Antarctica & Arctic Cruise Trip Departures

From time of reservation until 120 days prior to trip departure ............ Loss of first deposit 119 days or less prior to trip departure .............. 100% of Cruise Cost

Private Adventures, Custom Adventures, &

Special Trip Departures

From time of reservation until 90 days prior to trip departure ........................$800 or 25% of Land/Cruise Cost, whichever is greater 89-60 day prior to trip departure ...........50% of Land/Cruise Cost 59 days or less ........100% of Land/Cruise Cost

Extensions & Extra Services

(including extra hotel nights)

At time of reservation until 60 days prior to trip departure ..................................... $100 (3)

59 to 30 days .............................................50% of Extension Cost 29 days or less ....................................... 100% of Extension Cost

(3) Some exceptions apply and cancellation fees may be higher.

No refunds will be given for unused hotel rooms, meals, sightseeing trips, or trek arrangements for any reason whatsoever. Land Cost is quoted as a package and credits are not given for services not used. (Note—Extra hotel nights cancelled within 60 days of trip departure are subject to 100% of the hotel cost or $35, whichever is greater.) Cancellation and refund policy applies to entire land cost of trip, including trip cost, internal airfare, park fees, permits, and taxes. We recommend you purchase the optional Passenger Cancellation/Interruption Protection Program to protect yourself in case of an unexpected medical emergency. Refunds in excess of $500 will be remitted by check.

InsuranceFor your protection, we offer an optional supplementary insurance package called the Passenger Cancellation/Interruption Protection Program. It combines trip cancellation and interruption coverage (for covered reasons only), baggage loss protection, and medical coverage along with additional emergency evacuation coverage. For complete terms and conditions go to www.mtsobek.com/

faq#insurance.

We include the cost of this optional insurance coverage as an item on your invoice. It is effective the day we receive your designated payment for the insurance or the day your final balance is paid. Please note that deposits are not applied toward your insurance premium. If you do not wish this optional insurance coverage, you need only notify Mountain Travel Sobek in writing by time of final payment and we will remove the charge from the invoice.

Note: A basic medical expense and evacuation insurance plan is included in the Land Cost of your Mountain Travel Sobek trip. However, we strongly recommend you purchase the optional Passenger Cancellation/Interruption Protection Plan outlined above to ensure protection from trip cancellation fees for covered reasons and to increase your medical and evacuation coverage.

TransfersYou may transfer to another trip without a fee up to 90 days before trip departure on most trips. If you transfer from one trip to another within 89 days of trip departure, however, you

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW


WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

are subject to the usual Cancellation Fees outlined above (appropriate to the date you notify us in writing of your wish to transfer). No transfers are allowed on Galápagos, Turkey, Patagonia Explorer, Antarctica, and Arctic cruises; John Muir Trail, Private Adventures, Custom Adventures, or Special Departures.

Cancelled TripsMountain Travel Sobek reserves the right to cancel any trip due to inadequate sign-up or other cause that makes the trip unfeasible for us to operate, but we will inform you at least 45 days prior to trip departure. In such a case, a full refund of Land/Cruise Cost is given, but Mountain Travel Sobek is not responsible for additional expenses incurred by members preparing for the trip (e.g. nonrefundable “Advance Purchase” air tickets, visa fees if applicable, clothing, equipment, medical expenses). Do not purchase your air tickets before speaking with your Adventure Coordinator.

Delays & Cost IncreasesThe cost of delays is not included if any trip is delayed due to bad weather, trail conditions, river levels, road conditions, transportation delays, government intervention, sickness or other contingency for which Mountain Travel Sobek or its third party operators cannot make provision. Land/Cruise Costs are subject to increase without prior notice, even after you have signed up on the trip. We often publish our prices more than a year in advance. Between that time and the time of the trip’s actual departure, we are occasionally faced with significant cost increases that we cannot absorb (i.e. international currency fluctuations, fuel surcharges, or increases in cost of services). We regret this situation, and we do everything we can to avoid raising prices, but sometimes it is unavoidable. We will do our best to limit such increases and will notify you at least two months before trip departure.

AirlinesThe airlines are not to be held responsible for any act, omission or event during the time passengers are not on board their planes or conveyance. The passage contract in use by the airlines concerned, when issued, shall constitute the sole contract between the airlines and such purchasers of these tours and/or passenger. Such conveyance, etc. is subject to the laws of the countries involved. Airlines used vary in degree of safety and risk. Many air carriers have an unknown safety and maintenance record. Mountain Travel Sobek is not liable for incidents involving airline safety, cancellations, service, risk, delays, etc.; or incidents that result in injury, delay or death. Please read the conditions on the back of your airline tickets.

Medical & HealthIt is vital that persons with medical problems make them known to us well before trip departure. The trip leader has the right to disqualify anyone at any time during the trip if he or she feels the trip member is physically or mentally incapable or if a trip member’s continued participation will jeopardize the individual involved or the group. Refunds are not given under such circumstances.

Hospital facilities are often unavailable and evacuation can be prolonged, difficult, and expensive. Mountain Travel Sobek assumes no liability regarding provision of medical care. Trip members will receive appropriate health information and a Medical Certificate to be filled out and returned to us. You will need to provide us with your accurate and complete medical history for the last three years, as well as any special dietary needs. If you are age 65 or older at time of travel or a participant on any of our “Ultimate Challenge” trips or a participant on one of our high altitude treks, your physician must complete and sign the applicable section of the Medical History and Certificate. Once you have been confirmed on a trip, normal cancellation fees apply if your doctor does not approve the Medical Certificate. We can send you this form prior to making your reservation so your doctor can pre-approve you.

PhotographyMountain Travel Sobek may take photographs and/or video of its trips and participants grant Mountain Travel Sobek permission to do so and for it to use same for promotional or commercial use without payment of any compensation to participant.

Responsibilities of Trip MembersTrip members have certain responsibilities to Mountain Travel Sobek and to other trip members. Trip members are responsible for understanding the conditions implied in the Trip Itinerary and selecting a trip in consultation with Mountain Travel Sobek that is appropriate to their interests and abilities, and for preparing for the trip by studying the Trip Itinerary and supplemental trip information sent by Mountain Travel Sobek. Screening for fitness (for trips rated “Strenuous” or “Ultimate Challenge”) is made by our Regional Specialists at the time of booking. At the trip leader’s discretion, a member may be removed from the trip, without the right of refund, if the leader feels that the person’s further participation may be detrimental to the individual or to other trip members.

Limitation of LiabilityMountain Travel Sobek is defined to include Mountain Travel Sobek, Mountain Travel, Alaska Discovery, Inc., its and their owners, directors, officers, employees, representatives and affiliates, (collectively “Mountain Travel Sobek”). Except for some small water craft and some vehicles, Mountain Travel Sobek does not own or operate any entity which is to or does provide goods or services for your trip including, for example, ownership or control over hotels or other lodging facilities, airline, vessel, bus, van or other transportation companies, local ground operators, providers or organizers of optional excursions, food service or entertainment providers, etc. All such persons and entities are independent contractors. As a result, Mountain Travel Sobek is not liable for any negligent or willful act or failure to act of any such person or entity, or of any third party. Without limitation, Mountain Travel Sobek is not responsible for any injury, loss or damage to person or property, death, delay or inconvenience in connection with the provision of any goods or services occasioned by or resulting from, but not limited to, acts of God, acts of government, force majeur, acts of war or civil unrest, insurrection or revolt, strikes or other labor activities, criminal or terrorist activities of any kind, or the threat thereof, overbooking or downgrading of accommodations, structural or other defective conditions in hotels or other lodging facilities, mechanical or other failure of airplanes or other means of transportation or for any failure of any transportation mechanism to arrive or depart timely, dangers associated with animals, marine life or vegetation of any sort, dangers incident to recreational activities such as scuba diving, snorkeling, swimming, kayaking, sailing,

canoeing, rafting, hiking, bicycling, rock climbing, etc., sanitation problems, food poisoning, lack of access to or quality of medical care, difficulty in evacuation in case of a medical or other emergency, illness, epidemics or the threat thereof or for any other cause beyond the direct control of Mountain Travel Sobek. In addition, participants release Mountain Travel Sobek from its own negligence and assume all risk thereof. On advancement of deposit to Mountain Travel Sobek, the depositor therefore agrees to be bound by the above recited terms and conditions. These are partial conditions. Your participation is contingent on your signature on the full list of terms specified in the four-page Participant Information Form, which you can find on our website at www.mtsobek.com/pdf/participant_info.pdf (or call us at 1-888-687-6235 and request a copy). Additionally, some independent contractors may require participants to sign their liability release or indemnity form.

ArbitrationAny dispute concerning, relating or referring to these Terms and Conditions, to any literature concerning the trip, or the trip itself, shall be resolved exclusively by binding arbitration in San Francisco, California, according to the then existing commercial rules of the American Arbitration Association. Such proceedings will be governed by substantive (but not procedural) California law and without regard to the California Arbitration Act. The arbitrator and not any federal, state, or local court or agency shall have exclusive authority to resolve any dispute relating to the interpretation, applicability, enforceability, conscionability, or formation of this contract, including but not limited to any claim that all or any part of this contract is void or voidable.

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2012 Departures only—for 2011 and 2013 departures please visit www.mtsobek.com or call us at 1-888-MTSOBEK (1-888-687-6235)

2012 Travel PlannerKEY TO ACTIVITIES A = Adventure CruisingC = Cultural JourneyE = Expedition CruisingH = HikingK = KayakingM = Multisport

R = RaftingS = SafariTo = TouringT = TrekkingW = Wildlife & Natural History

KEY TO TRIP LEVELSE = EasyE–M = Easy to ModerateM = ModerateM–S = Moderate to StrenuousS = StrenuousU = Ultimate Challenge

KEY TO LODGINGSC = Camping, including deluxe campsH = Hotel, inn, lodge, or similar acommodationS = Shipboard

Enter a trip’s three-letter Trip Code in the Search Box at www.mtsobek.com to get complete information, including departure dates, detailed itineraries, and photo galleries.

AFRICA & THE MIDDLE EAST Page Level Lodging Activity Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Days

Benin, Ghana, and Togo: Festivals of West Africa NEW!

Egypt: Egypt Encompassed NEW!

Sudan: Sudan Cultural Journey NEW!

Zambia & Zimbabwe: Walking and Canoe Safari NEW!

ALASKA Page Level Lodging Activity Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Days

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2012 TRAVEL PLANNER


ASIA Page Level Lodging Activity Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Days

Borneo and Indonesia: Malaysian Borneo Adventure NEW!

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Nepal: Annapurna Lodge to Lodge NEW!

Nar & Phu—The Forbidden Valleys NEW!

EUROPE Page Level Lodging Activity Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Days

Bosnia and Herzegovina & Serbia: A Walk Through Time NEW! BSB

Croatia: Islands of Paradise NEW!

France, Italy, Switzerland: Mont Blanc For Both of You MBU web M H H,To Call for dates 12

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2012 Departures only—for 2011 and 2013 departures please visit www.mtsobek.com or call us at 1-888-MTSOBEK (1-888-687-6235)

EUROPE ~ CONTINUED Page Level Lodging Activity Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Days

Iceland Epic Coast to Coast NEW!

Italy: Dolomites Private Adventure 6DO web M H H Call for dates 9 Sicily Explored NEW!

Switzerland: Hiking the Bernese Alps—Eiger, Mönch, & Jungfrau HBO Walking the Classic Swiss Alps NEW!

Turkey: Treasures of Turkey TUH 56 E H,S A,H,K,To

GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS Page Level Lodging Activity Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Days

MTS Signature Charters 66 E H,S A,H,K,W

Luxury Yacht Adventure 68 E H,S A,H,K,W *8-Day Boat-Only Option

LOWER 48 & HAWAII Page Level Lodging Activity Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Days

Arizona’s Sonoran Desert NEW!

PACIFIC Page Level Lodging Activity Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Days

Australia: Great Aussie Coastline NEW!

Outback Spirit NEW! Rainforest to Reef NEW! New Zealand: Fjords, Glaciers, & Mountains NEW! National Park Explorer NEW! The Best of the North Island NEW! PBN 81 M H C,H,K,R

G09 (9-day) G11 (11-day)

GLP (11-day)GLO (8-day*)

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2012 TRAVEL PLANNER

Keys to Activities, Trip Levels, and Lodgings can be found on page 104


POLAR VOYAGES Page Level Lodging Activity Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Days

Arctic: Greenland’s Northern Lights NEW!

Spitsbergen Circumnavigation NEW!

Spitsbergen Family Adventure NEW!

Spitsbergen Snowshoeing Expedition NEW!

SOUTH & CENTRAL AMERICA Page Level Lodging Activity Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Days

Lakes and Mountains of Northern Patagonia 6NP web E-M H M Call for dates 8 Hiking the Vineyards of Argentina 6WA web M H H,R Call for dates 6 Mendoza to Salta NEW!

Patagonia’s Bahía Bustamante & Iguazú NEW!

Argentina and Chile: Cruise Cape Horn & Patagonia NEW!

Brazil: In Search of the Jaguar NEW!

Chile: Colchagua & the Lake District NEW!

Hiking Paine 6PH web M C H Call for dates 6 Colombia: Colombia Trekking NEW!

Costa Rica: Costa Rica Off the Beaten Path NEW!

Adventures in Costa Rica CRA 100 M H H,K,R,WGuatemala: Guatemala Highlands Explorer CHG web M H H Call for dates 10México: Chiapas Wildlife Adventure CHP web E-M H H,R,W Call for dates 8 Oaxaca Explorer OAX web M H C,H,W Call for dates 5 Panama: Journey Between the Seas NEW!

Amazon River Luxury Cruise NEW!

Delfin Amazon Cruise NEW!

Other Inca Trail OTH web M-S C,H T Call for dates 12 Trek to Choquequirao CHQ web M-S C,H T Call for dates 10

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2012 TRAVEL PLANNER

©2011 Mountain Travel Sobek | Printed in the USA

Art Director, Designer, and Photo Editor ~ Chris Bettencourt | Copywriter & Editor ~ Lauren Hahn | Additional copywriting ~ Marian Halls, Steve Heyman

Presorted StandardU.S. Postage

PAIDMadison, WI

Permit No. 2223

Mountain Travel Sobek1266 66th Street, Suite 4Emeryville, CA 94608-11171 888 MTSOBEK (687-6235)

+1 510 594 6000+1 510 594 6001 [email protected]

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Printed in the USA on paper containing pre- and post- consumer recycled content

©2012 Mountain Travel Sobek

Front cover photo ©Nikki Bidgood; Back cover photo ©Patitucci Photo

CST2014882-10Registration as a seller of travel does not constitute endorsement by the state of California

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2012 Mountain Travel Sobek

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