Archive for category Gap Adventures of the Week
Yucatan Family Adventure
Posted by TravelDesigned in Gap Adventures of the Week, Mexico on May 2nd, 2010
Yucatan Family Adventure
A Discovery Gap Adventure
$1199 Per Adult
$1149 Per Child
Prices subject to change and availability
Day 1 Arrive Cancún
Today we can arrive in Cancún at any time. There are no planned activities until the evening, so we can head out and enjoy the city. In the evening, we will have a welcome meeting to learn more about our trip and get to know the group.
Day 2-3 Mérida (2B,2L)
Today we will head to the capital of the Yucatán, Mérida, where we will explore the city’s museums, plazas, architecture, open markets and outdoor cafés. Upon arrival, we will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant where our guide will walk you through the menu, explaining the local specialties. Following lunch, we will hit the bustling and colorful market on a brief orientation walk through downtown Merida, known as La Ciudad Blanca, the White City. Here we will have the opportunity to learn about Mexico’s fascinating mix of cultural influences. We can buy traditional crafts, such as hammocks or Guyabera shirts and a good selection of Maya replicas. We can also dare to try the authentic food items, such as the El Yucateco, a fiery liquid made from habanero peppers. On day 3 we will enjoy a guided tour of a local Hacienda (plantation), before taking a dip in the crystalline waters of a nearby on-site cenote, or underground sinkhole.
Day 4 Chichen Itza / Tulum (B,L)
En route to Tulum, we will stop for a guided tour of the famous Mayan ruins of Chichén Itzá, one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. Chichén Itzá houses some of the finest examples of Mayan architecture ever excavated, including El Castillo. The attention to detail and fusion of architecture, science and religion within the structures and throughout the city planning will no doubt impress. After our tour, we will travel to the lazy town of Tulúm on the Caribbean with free time for swimming and exploration.
Day 5 Tulum / Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve (B,L)
Today we will travel a short difference south to the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, where we will spend the day exploring by boat, on foot and by swimming. The largest protected area in the Mexican Caribbean, this UNESCO World Heritage site is known for its unique geography including wetlands and fauna of over 100 mammal species and over 300 birds. Sian Ka'an is Mayan for "where the sky is born" or "gift from the sky". We will have the opportunity to explore this gift on an educational sight-seeing boat tour – learning about the coastal flora and fauna while floating through lagoons and canals. After our afternoon local treat, kick back and relax as we float in our life jackets downstream in a lazy freshwater river.
Day 6-7 Isla Mujeres (2B,1L)
After spending the morning exploring the ruins of Tulúm, we will travel by van and ferry to the nearby island of Isla Mujeres – Spanish for 'Island of Women'. Long and narrow, this small island offers much to explore with a nice selection of restaurants, shops and some of the best beaches in the area. On day 7, we will continue to explore the island starting with the Tortugranja Turtle Farm – a sea turtle sanctuary. After visiting the turtles, we will visit the lighthouse and check out fantastic views of the Caribbean blue. We will then take some time for snorkeling and swimming and enjoying the slow pace on the island.
Day 8 Depart Isla Mujeres (B)
Today we will bid farewell to Isla Mujeres and we will tranfer by ferry to the Cancun Pier.
You can book this adventure directly with Travel Designed by Stephanie or with Gap Adventures by clicking on the graphic below:
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Brazil Tall Ship Sailing Adventure
Posted by TravelDesigned in Gap Adventures of the Week, South America, Sustainable travel on March 27th, 2010
Tall Ship Sailing in Brazil with Gap Adventures
Day 1 Arrive Rio de Janeiro (D)
Arrive in Rio – board at 12 o'clock noon.
Day 2 Set sail from Rio de Janeiro (B, L, D)
Embark on your adventure with a scenic 12 hour sail along the Brazilian coast with unbeatable views of Rio's famous horizon, lush rainforest and long, lonely beaches. Onboard duties will be set out for everyone who wishes to help out.
Day 3 Ilha Grande, Enseada das Palmas (B, L, D)
Anchor at beautiful Ilha Grande. Explore Enseada das Palmas by sea, with a snorkel or kayak, or on foot. Settle your heart rate by watching the sun set at the stunning Lopes Mendes beach. Conclude your fun-filled day with dinner and drinks on the beach.
Day 4 Lagoa Azul, Saco do Ceu (B, L, D)
Set sail for Lagoa Azul (Blue Lagoon), Sítio Forte and Saco do Céu, with the possibility of a small hiking adventure through landscapes of beautiful deserted beaches. In the evening phosphorescent sea plankton give us a fantastic fluorescent show. Anchor at Saco do Céu.
Day 5 Mamanguá Ecological Reserve (B, L, D)
Depart early for Mamanguá Ecological Reserve, the only fjord in Brazil. Improve your tan relaxing on the beach or partake in your choice of activities for an up close and personal encounter with the local flora and fauna. After lunch enjoy a rainforest hike or waterfall expedition before nighttime festivities on the beach. Anchor at Mamanguá.
Day 6 Ilha da Beixiga, arrive Paraty (B, L, D)
Sail today to the pristine waters and islands of the Paratimirim Peninsula. Have a Robinson Crusoe moment during a visit to the stunning Ilha da Beixiga, a private island which only we have permission to visit. Only a short sail away is the historic port town of Paraty, a quintessential Brazilian colonial town famous for fantastic seafood, the Brazilian drink Cachaça, and the rhythms of Bossa Nova.
Day 7 Depart Paraty (B)
Explore the 16th century fort on the island and enjoy this tropical paradise for your final morning. Disembark the Tocorimé around noon. Boa viagem!
Cruise Only Price: $1549
Prices subject to change and availability
What's Included:
Active Yucatan Jungles and Ruins
Posted by TravelDesigned in Gap Adventures of the Week on March 22nd, 2010
Active Yucatan Jungles and Ruins
Limited Dates & Space Available
Day 1 Arrive Cancún
Arrive in Cancún any time.
Day 2 Tulum
Take a short trip south to the ocean side Mayan ruins of Tulum. Enjoy a guided tour of the ruins before taking a stroll down the beach or a swim in the turquoise waters of the Mayan Riviera.
Day 3-6 Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve (3B,4L,3D)
Spend the next four days in the diverse Sian Ka'an Biosphere reserve. Explore the reserve by bicycle, kayak and boat, take a snorkelling trip, swim in freshwater caves and visit the ruins of Cobá and a nearby monkey reserve.
Day 7-8 Mérida
Travel across the Yucatán Peninsula to the bustling, historic city of Mérida, stopping en route for a guided tour of the famous Chichén Itzá Ruins. Optional activities include a visit to the incredible ruins of Uxmal, Progreso Beach or the Celestún Bird Reserve to the East. The city itself is lively and full of great museums and frequent cultural events.
Day 9 Playa del Carmen
Head back to the Mayan Riviera and the cool tourist centre of Playa del Carmen. Spend the afternoon shopping or on the beach before one final night out on the town.
Day 10 Depart Playa del Carmen
Land Only Price: $1599 per person
Prices subject to change and availability
Contact me TODAY to reserve YOUR Gap Adventures!
Culinary Mexico Mezcal and Mole
Posted by TravelDesigned in Adventures, Gap Adventures of the Week, My Travelin' Tweeps, Sustainable travel on February 13th, 2010
Culinary Mexico: Mezcal & Mole
Limited Dates & Space Available
Day 1 Arrive Mexico City (D)
Arrive in Mexico City at any time. Enjoy your first of many group meals exploring the tantalizing flavours of Mexican cuisine.
Day 2-3 Oaxaca (2B, L)
The colourful and lively markets and impressive Zapotec ruins of Monte Alban are just two of many reasons to visit wonderful Oaxaca. Enjoy an included cooking class to get the most out of the Mexican cuisine experience. Also visit mezcal factory which produces the fiery "other tequila" that is this region's specialty. Careful of the worm! Famed for its local handicrafts, Oaxaca is also an excellent spot to pick up souvenirs.
Day 4-5 Puebla (2B, D)
Head to Puebla, famous for its hand-painted tiles, unique handicrafts, mouth-watering Mole Poblano and rich colonial history. Visit the market here and learn how to make the famous mole sauce. Enjoy a meal at the famous Fonda de Santa Clara, where you'll be able to sample Puebla's unique seasonal specialties ranging from "chiles en nogada" (stuffed chilies covered with a creamy walnut sauce and sprinkled with pomegranate seeds) to "escamoles" or ant larvae sautéed in butter.
Day 6-7 Veracruz (2B, D)
No Mexican menu would be complete without the phrase "a la Veracruzana" somewhere on it; hit an ocean-side local restaurant while you're here to sample it. Don't forget to try the seafood – straight from the water!
Day 8 Mexico City (B)
This multi-layered megalopolis is home to an endless list of cultural wonders, including the best anthropology museum in the country, filled with Mexican archaeology, the largest plaza (the Zocalo), Aztec historical sites and a vibrant street life.
Day 9 Depart Mexico City (B)
Land Only Price: $1299 per person
Prices subject to change and availability
Contact me TODAY to reserve YOUR Gap Adventures!
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