From On Board: Temple touts take to the Nile

#expeditioncruising .

From On Board MS Semiramis II
Location: River Nile at Luxor

"Hello! hello! One dollar! One dollar!"

This is my wake-up call at 8am as two brazen chaps in a flimsy wooden dingy afix themselves to our river boat and proceed to spruik their wares loudly in several languages. James from Adelaide in an adjoining cabin, perhaps unwisely, engages them and suddenly plastic wrapped products are being hurled through his cabin window as our Nubian pirates identify a target.

Intrepid Travel launch Antarctica 24/25 season

#expeditioncruising .

Intrepid Travel, the B Corp-certified leader in responsible travel, celebrated the launch of their Antarctica 24/25 season with an agent event held at their Melbourne headquarters last week.

Cuban Time Machine

#expeditioncruising .

Words and pictures: Roderick Eime

“Date un toque,” says Benito in his boisterous and charismatic style as he pours us both a shot of his homemade rum. “Kill the rat!” - which I take to mean 'hair of the dog' or similar.

Intrepid Travel polar expedition cruise program for 2021/2022

#expeditioncruising .

Intrepid Travel has announced their polar program for 2021/2022, which includes a total solar eclipse voyage as well as a Christmas and New Year sailing.

Huge savings on Intrepid sailings: Galapagos and Zanzibar

Intrepid Travel is offering up to 40 per cent off select sailing trips to the Galapagos Islands if travellers book before 15 June 2018, and up to 30 per cent off Zanzibar sailing trips booked before 31 July 2018.

Famed for its wildlife, the seven day Galapagos Northern Islands adventure was $4,209 and is now $2,589 per adult in a twin share room for the 14 and 28 June 2018 departures. There are also discounts on itineraries departing from July to September. Travellers will learn about the island's history at the San Cristobal Interpretation Centre, wander through the Opuntia Forest and visit seabird rookeries on Genovesa. They'll also snorkel amongst turtles and diamond stingrays off Darwin Beach, inspect the unique flora of Bahia Sullivan and stroll along Isla Rabida's rust-coloured sands.

The ten day Ultimate Galapagos Central Islands departing on 12 June 2018 was $6,689 and is now $4,077 per adult in a lower deck twin bunk room. This trip combines off-the-beaten track gems with iconic sights like the Pinnacle Rock. Travellers will enjoy minimal contact with other travellers as they traverse the remote west coast of Isabela on a small Panga boat, and venture to the far-west Fernandino, home of the highest density of marine iguanas.

For those with less time, the 19 June departure Galapagos at a Glance Southern Islands was $3,479 and is now $2,151 per adult in a lower deck twin bunk room. Travellers will spy pink flamingos wading through the lagoons of Punta Cormorant, snorkel through the underwater wonderland of Devil's Crown and watch albatross take off along Punta Suarez.

Three June departures of the seven day Zanzibar Spice Islands Sailing Adventure were $2,265 and are now $1,586 per adult in a twin share room. The adventure explores some of the 40 islands which make up the Zanzibar archipelago, with guests enjoying visits to local fishing villages, snorkelling among coral reefs and hiking through the Ngezi Rainforest. Travellers can choose to relax on deck, dive into crystal-clear waters, cast a line overboard and savour a BBQ dinner of freshly caught fish while watching a magnificent sunset. Late June and July departures are also on sale starting from $1,649.

Intrepid sailing trips include all meals onboard, tea, coffee, water, beach towels and snorkelling equipment. As part of Intrepid's commitment to responsible travel practices, all trips are carbon offset and staff live and work in local areas, meaning they benefit from each trip.

For more information visit www.intrepidtravel.com.au

Cuba Small Ship Cruising: Into the ancient Valley of Tobacco

 #expeditioncruising

Benito welcomes me to his farm as I enjoy one of his products. (RE)

Foreman, Ismael, rolls a cigar in
the age-old fashion (RE)

With Intrepid Travel and Peregrine Adventures in Cuba aboard MV Callisto

Benito Camejo Nodarse is a local legend in Cuba's western Pinar del Rio province, the UNESCO World Heritage region renowned as the supposed birthplace of modern tobacco cultivation.

"Date un toque," says Benito in typically charismatic style as he pours us both a shot of local rum, "kill the rat!" - which I take to mean 'hair of the dog' or similar.

I take mine neat like Benito and the clear liquid is surprisingly smooth and soothing, while others prefer a shot of the farm's other product, coffee. Mix the two and you have a 'carajillo' (goddam!)

Tucked away among similar, privately-owned farms of less than 25 acres each, Benito's family have been here in the Vinales Valley for five generations producing the valuable crop first cultivated right here by the Spanish in the 16th century. Modern tobacco is derived from the wild 'cohibo' weed used by the long gone Arawak indian 'belique' (shamans) during ceremonies.

From that rough leafy plant sprung a most valuable primary product that has become a major contributor to the Cuban economy alongside coffee and sugar.

The karst outcrops typify the UNESCO-listed landscape and are
surrounded by scores of tiny private tobacco farms. (RE)

A few moments earlier, Benito's foreman, Ismael, had shown us the art of hand rolling the cigar into its familiar, leafy tube. Leaves from the mature plant are selected at different times and for different purposes and 'cured' in a thatched barn identical to those used by the early Spaniards. Leaves are hung on horizontal wooden poles for weeks to dry and 'cure'.

For instance, the top leaves are called 'volado' (hot) are harvested first and used as a binder for the cigar's contents. Next, a week or so later, the 'ligero' (light) leaves are plucked and used as the wrapper. Finally, the lower leaves or 'seco' (dry) ones are gathered and used for the filler. These will dictate the final flavour and aroma of the cigar.

New shoots appear, while in the background is
Benito's traditional thatched tobacco 'barn'. (RE)

Typically 90 percent of Benito's crop is selected for agreed government production under controlled conditions while any remainder is left for him to sell as he wishes. This is typically as 'cleanskin' cigars which come without any certified branding but smoke as well any Cohiba or Monte Cristo for a fraction of the price. Yes, I bought a clutch of 10 for not much more than a buck each.

From the Vinales Valley we continue southwest to meet MV Callisto, waiting for us at the farthest western point of the island, in the Guanahacabibes National Park.

ExpeditionCruising.com is travelling as a guest of Peregrine Adventures and Variety Cruises on the 'Cuba Panorama Cruising' itinerary aboard MV Callisto. See www.peregrineadventures.com/en-au/cuba

Cuba Small Ship Cruising: Snapshots of Cuba

#expeditioncruising .

Cuba is one big story and myriad vignettes at the same time. Founded in Spanish colonial 16th century and fought over, argued about, raided, plundered and isolated on and off for the next 500 years, Cuba contains a distinct set of time capsules from every era of its tumultuous evolution.

Here are just a few 'freeze frame' captures from my last week on and around the island while sailing aboard Variety Cruises' MV Callisto with Peregrine Adventures.

Presidio Modelo (RE)

Isla Juventud: (Island of Youth) Just one of the five cavernous, abandoned jail blocks of the Presidio Modelo that once held both Fidel and Raul Castro following their arrest in 1953. The massive 'panopticon' prison is a carbon-copy of the Joliet Prison in Illinois. Construction began in the late 1920s and abandoned in 1959 following the Castro brothers' revolution. Most of the prisoners were political prisoners and quick to embrace the new regime. The island itself sees very few tourists and enjoys a relaxed lifestyle.

Late 1940s Ford Mercury

Pre-1960 US Cars: This magnificent Mercury convertible was parked on the cobbled, UNESCO World Heritage streets of Trinidad de Cuba in the country's south-east. For many years after the embargo, these vehicles were all Cubans had and their preservation was as much by necessity as nostalgia. Of course, most do not look as well kept as this example. The vast majority are pressed into service as ad hoc private taxis and seemed to be held together by magic as they rattle, belch and bounce along Cuba's pot-holed highways.

Cuban relief wood sculptor, Lazaro Niebla

Local artist, Lazaro Niebla: Most of the available Cuban souvenirs are a bland homogeneity of state-produced trinkets that seem to populate every street stall. Relief wood sculptor, Lazaro Niebla (43), is based in Trinidad de Cuba and a refreshing example of home-grown Cuban talent. His sculptures take about two weeks to complete and are carved from salvaged antique cedar windows and shutters. Each work represents an otherwise unremarkable elder of Cuba who he sees as the living heritage of the nation. Niebla has exhibited internationally and his works range in price from $2000-$15,000. www.lazaroniebla.com

Cigar smoking woman in traditional colonial attire (RE)

Old Town, Havana: An unmistakable image of Havana are the ebullient women dressed in bright colonial attire who are delighted to pose for tips. Some solo, some in small groups, some with props like umbrellas, flowers or cigars, these ladies and their male equivalents have become one of the enduring tourism trademarks of the 500-year-old capital and blend harmoniously with the restored buildings around the city's central square.

ExpeditionCruising.com travelled as a guest of Peregrine Adventures and Variety Cruises on the 'Cuba Panorama Cruising' itinerary aboard MV Callisto. See www.peregrineadventures.com/en-au/cuba

From today, we transfer to MSC Opera for a new Caribbean adventure. www.msccruises.com.au

Cuba Small Ship Cruising: Into the ancient Valley of Tobacco

#expeditioncruising

The karst outcrops typify the UNESCO-listed landscape and
are surrounded by scores of tiny private tobacco farms. (RE)

With Intrepid Travel and Peregrine Adventures in Cuba aboard MV Callisto

Benito Camejo Nodarse is a local legend in Cuba's western Pinar del Rio province, the UNESCO World Heritage region renowned as the supposed birthplace of modern tobacco cultivation.

"Date un toque," says Benito in typically charismatic style as he pours us both a shot of local rum, "kill the rat!" - which I take to mean 'hair of the dog' or similar.

I take mine neat like Benito and the clear liquid is surprisingly smooth and soothing, while others prefer a shot of the farm's other product, coffee. Mix the two and you have a 'carajillo' (goddam!)

Foreman, Ismael, rolls a cigar in the
age-old fashion (RE)

Tucked away among similar, privately-owned farms of less than 25 acres each, Benito's family have been here in the Vinales Valley for five generations producing the valuable crop first cultivated right here by the Spanish in the 16th century. Modern tobacco is derived from the wild 'cohibo' weed used by the long gone Arawak indian 'belique' (shamans) during ceremonies.

From that rough leafy plant sprung a most valuable primary product that has become a major contributor to the Cuban economy alongside coffee and sugar.

A few moments earlier, Benito's foreman, Ismael, had shown us the art of hand rolling the cigar into its familiar, leafy tube. Leaves from the mature plant are selected at different times and for different purposes and 'cured' in a thatched barn identical to those used by the early Spaniards. Leaves are hung on horizontal wooden poles for weeks to dry and 'cure'.

For instance, the top leaves are called 'volado' (hot) are harvested first and used as a binder for the cigar's contents. Next, a week or so later, the 'ligero' (light) leaves are plucked and used as the wrapper. Finally, the lower leaves or 'seco' (dry) ones are gathered and used for the filler. These will dictate the final flavour and aroma of the cigar.

New shoots appear, while in the background is
Benito's traditional thatched tobacco 'barn'. (RE)

Typically 90 percent of Benito's crop is selected for agreed government production under controlled conditions while any remainder is left for him to sell as he wishes. This is typically as 'cleanskin' cigars which come without any certified branding but smoke as well any Cohiba or Monte Cristo for a fraction of the price. Yes, I bought a clutch of 10 for not much more than a buck each.

From the Vinales Valley, we continue southwest to meet MV Callisto, waiting for us at the farthest western point of the island, in the Guanahacabibes National Park.

ExpeditionCruising.com is travelling as a guest of Peregrine Adventures and Variety Cruises on the 'Cuba Panorama Cruising' itinerary aboard MV Callisto. See www.peregrineadventures.com/en-au/cuba

Cuba Small Ship Cruising: Viva la Revolution!

With Intrepid Travel and Peregrine Adventures in Cuba aboard MV Callisto

To use the term 'bucket list' is to yield to both superficiality and cliché but, if I were honest, Cuba has been on my 'places to see before you die' list for nearly 20 years.

With the world tumbling headlong into a multinational homogeneity quicker than you can say "would you like fries with that?", it's refreshing to see Cuba retain a staunch individuality that goes against the tide of global blandness. But for how much longer?

Let's remember that Cuba came to a virtual standstill in 1960 after Fidel Castro and his revolutionaries overthrew a corrupt, US mob-backed government and immediately fell victim to a long-standing US trade embargo that continues more-or-less to this day. A glimmer of hope was raised with some relaxation of sanctions by the Obama administration, but quickly slammed shut again by a protectionist Trump. Right now, Cuba is in a sort-of renaissance twilight zone, ready to move forward, but hampered by an unpredictable fog on the road ahead.

Combined with Castro's curious brand of Latino socialism which all but eliminated private enterprise, the freehold property market and capitalism generally, Cuba found itself in a real life time capsule. The populace had security of shelter, education, medical and food, but little or no incentive, nor mechanism beyond that. 

"We have a wonderful heritage in our architecture and culture," says Pedro Vazquez, a noted Cuban architect and urban designer, "but the lack of ownership means little or nothing has been done to maintain it."

Vazquez is referring to the urban sprawl of civic and residential structures all over Havana that portray a confusing mixture of proud colonial revival and sad neglect. Most buildings in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed 'old town' are preserved and maintained by the state and host many thousands of tourists on a regular basis, but not far away are signs of a frail, teetering metropolis. Demolition may be forbidden, but without attention, many ageing structures fall victim to the salt air and elements and simply collapse of their own accord.

As an unabashed car nerd, my attention is immediately drawn to the mobile motor museum continuously on the move around the streets of Havana. I'm told tens of thousands of pre-1960 US-made cars still rattle and belch around the roads, kept alive by hybrid engine transplants and lashings of body filler. Chevrolet, Ford, Buick, Dodge, De Soto, Lincoln and even extinct brands like Studebaker and Turner can be spotted by the astute car buff. 

One excursion provided as part of our combined Intrepid/Peregrine/Variety itinerary is a ride to 'Finca Vigia', Hemingway's former residence in a pair of well-maintained Chev Impalas operated by local auto-entrepreneur 'Nostalgicar'. Keeping these old girls in such neat trim is a non-stop labour of love as well as a healthy budget few resdident Cubans can afford. Most of these thousands of old cars operate as ad-hoc taxis, supplementing the shortage of reliable public transport and expensive (for locals) official cabs. 

Next, we travel overland from Havana to the bioreserve region and beachside playground of Maria la Gorda in the island's extreme south-west.

ExpeditionCruising.com is travelling as a guest of Peregrine Adventures and Variety Cruises on the 'Cuba Panorama Cruising' itinerary aboard MV Callisto. See www.peregrineadventures.com/en-au/cuba

Images:

• Women in colourful costumes pose for photographs and tips around the Old Town (RE)
• Our driver, Oscar, poses with his 1959 Chev Impala. Behind is the 1960 model. (RE)
• Preserved section of the Old Town shows Havana's colonial glory (RE)
• Away from the maintained Old Town, the fading facades depict a frail city. (RE)

Peregrine triples Europe cruise program in 2018 as 'overtourism' concerns grow

Peregrine Adventures is tripling the number of its small ship Adventure Cruising departures in Europe in 2018 in response to growing demand for more sustainable cruises.

After almost 40 years as a leader in small group adventure travel on land, Peregrine Adventures' first season of small ship cruises has been an overwhelming success with a pilot charter trip along the Croatian coast 95% sold out.

Now the carbon-neutral travel company will add four new charter itineraries to its Adventure Cruising range in Europe, with a total of 20 departures available in 2018. Peregrine Adventures will also offer a wider range of trips operated in partnership with Variety Cruises, which are carbon-offset by parent company, the Intrepid Group.

Cruise is one of the largest growing sectors in the global tourism industry, but the sector has been in the spotlight lately for sustainability issues with locals protesting against mass tourism in European cities such as Venice and Barcelona.

Peregrine Adventures Adventure Cruising range is operated by small ships with no more than 50 travellers onboard, enabling travellers to visit the small ports that big ships can't get to and explore little-known towns and villages in some of the world's hottest travel destinations. It's a conscious choice, enabling the renowned responsible travel company to operate in the same immersive local style as it offers on almost 2000 trips on land each year.



"Travellers are increasingly aware of the impact they can have on holiday," says James Thornton, CEO of the Intrepid Group. "We've heard from local leaders that cruise ship travellers are now being called 'ice cream tourists' because that's all they're buying when they visit an increasingly overcrowded city like Dubrovnik."

Thornton says he believes the demand for a more sustainable style of small ship cruising is so big, that Adventure Cruising travellers may outnumber those on Peregrine Adventures land-based trips in another ten years.

"We're starting small, but we have big ambitions to grow a more sustainable style of cruise ship travel. There has been an overwhelming response to this first season. By 2025, we may even see more Peregrine customers travelling on small ship cruises than on our land-based trips."  

As part of its commitment to sustainable tourism, in 2018 Peregrine Adventures has banned all single-use plastics such as straws, cups, and water bottles on board its Adventure Cruising charter trips. Cloth bags and refillable water bottles will be provided.

Intrepid and Chimu in joint partnership

#expeditioncruising .

The Intrepid Group has announced a strategic partnership with Polar and Latin American specialist, Chimu Adventures.

Intrepid has taken a 50 per cent stake in the Australian-owned company to meet a growing demand for sustainable travel experiences from increasingly adventurous travellers.

The investment from the Intrepid Group will fuel further growth for both companies, enabling Chimu Adventures to quickly scale globally and the Intrepid Group’s to further expand its tailor-made product offering across the multi-brand business.

Motivated by potential growth opportunities and shared business values, together, the two companies will be one of the largest sellers of travel to Antarctica globally.

James Thornton, the Intrepid Group chief executive explains that a priority for the new joint venture partnership is to launch a range of charter cruises to the Arctic and Antarctica.

“This year we launched our first Adventure Cruise range and had a phenomenal response.

“We know there is a huge appetite for a more sustainable and experiential style of cruise so it is our intention to expand in to polar charters as part of this cooperation.”

This is the Intrepid group’s first investment since the company returned to independent ownership two years ago when the original founders of Intrepid Travel bought back the company after a shareholder split, in order to grow the market for sustainable experience-rich travel.

The Intrepid Group has seen record sales since the split from TUI, with sales up by 19 per cent across the group this year.

The deal includes a 50 per cent stake in Chimu Adventures, Get About Asia, and three sales offices in the United Kingdom, Sydney and the Sunshine Coast.

In addition, the agreement will also include 50 per cent investment in Chimu’s three South American destination management companies, which will enable both companies to expand their global network of local destination management companies.

The addition of Chimu’s $30million business will add close to ten per cent of revenue to the Intrepid Group, which is already in excess of $300 million.

The Melbourne-based Intrepid Group, which employs 1,600 staff in 27 offices, is now one of the world’s largest provider of adventure travel experiences.

Chimu Adventures will remain independent of the multi-brand Intrepid Group under the new agreement, with co-founders Greg Carter and Chad Carey continuing to have complete autonomy to run the company where it will be business as usual.

“I am thrilled be partnering with the fantastic team at Intrepid Group, in order to grow the business that we started 13 years ago in a London apartment with a second hand laptop to a global level.

“We share many common ideas on sustainable travel and we believe it’s a perfect fit for both businesses,” said Greg Carter, Chimu Adventures co-founder

While the partnership is motivated by the potential growth opportunities for both Intrepid and Chimu and that the companies have many similarities including a network of local destination management companies, Thornton says it was shared values and culture that sealed the deal.

Intrepid helps African women climb Kilimanjaro to highlight female land rights

#expeditioncruising

Female farmers will be joined by Women’s AFL players

This week, Intrepid Travel will lead over 30 women farmers from all over Africa to the peak of Mt Kilimanjaro, to help them raise awareness for women’s land rights.

Led by Intrepid’s expert guides and in partnership with ActionAid, travellers will trek alongside these courageous African women, in a show of support as they fight for land rights and gender equality.

On October 15, to coincide with the UN International Day of Rural Women, the climbers will join over 250 African women at a mass assembly, where those involved will produce a charter of demands for equal land rights to be presented to the United Nations and the African Union. The climb and assembly comes during the African Union’s yearlong focus on the “Rights of Women” in 2016.

In rural Africa, smallholder farmers (the majority of whom are women) produce close to 80% of the continent’s food. From sowing, weeding and fertilizing, to processing and transporting, these women form the backbone of Africa’s food security and production industry. Despite their vital contribution, most African women lack secure rights to their land and any access is usually through a male relative.

Geoff Manchester, Co-founder of Intrepid Travel and Chairman of The Intrepid Foundation said: “Gender issues are very much in the news right now. And while women from all over the world face challenges in their workplaces, these African rural women are trying to overcome a struggle for the most basic equal rights on the land that they work on. Kilimanjaro is Africa’s highest peak and it’s a tough climb by anyone’s standards – and overcoming it will give these strong women the highest possible platform to show the world that it’s time to change the outlook for rural women on the continent.”

Intrepid Travel leads hundreds of travellers up Mt Kilimanjaro every year. Intrepid provides fair working conditions to all of their porters, often beyond government regulations, and employs locals from disadvantaged communities.

Women’s AFL players – Katie Brennan of the Western Bulldogs and Melissa Hickey from the Melbourne Demons – are also joining the climb to support gender equality.

ActionAid has been working with women farmers in rural Africa, to help them seek justice and fight for the basic rights they deserve to give their families a chance for a secure future.

Together, Intrepid Travel and ActionAid are helping lead the way for women’s land rights in Africa. Together, they will help women move mountains.

For more information visit: www.intrepidtravel.com/women-move-mountains

Intrepid Launches Sailing Adventures to Burma's Remote Islands

Adventure tour operator, Intrepid Travel has launched two new sailing adventures that will take small groups of travellers to some of the world's most remote islands, off the coast of Burma. The first departures will take place in November.

Despite Burma's recent tourism boom, the 800 islands in the Myeik archipelago remain well off the tourist track as they are difficult to reach. On Intrepid's new Burma Sailing Trip, travellers will be able to relax on Myauk Ni Island's secluded, white sand beaches, swim among schools of colourful fish and spot giant whale sharks at Palu Bada, snorkel with turtles near Ba Wei Island, take a jungle hike on Kho Yinn Khwa Island and meet a nomadic tribe of 'sea gypsies' on Bo Cho Island.

Intrepid will offer two itineraries, one starting in Burma's former capital, Yangon and the other starting in the Thai capital, Bangkok. Both will fly south to Ranong and transfer by boat to Kawthoung, at the southernmost tip of Burma, before setting sail around the islands on a skippered yacht and then flying back to the city where the tour started. Prices start from AUD2,295/ NZD2,940 (ex-Yangon) and AUD1,895/ NZD2,425 (ex-Bangkok) for a nine day trip, including return flights from Bangkok or Yangon, two nights' hotel accommodation, six nights in a twin berth cabin, snorkelling equipment, excursions, and most meals.

"While backpackers and honeymooners have long-flocked to Thailand and Indonesia for a slice of beach paradise, Burma's islands are one of the world's best-kept secrets," said James Thornton, Intrepid Travel's Managing Director. "Travellers who sail around Burma's islands with Intrepid will be impressed by pristine coastlines, jungle forests and historical sites dating back to the Stone Age, and they will also get a glimpse of a culture that remains virtually untouched by tourism."

For more information about Burma Sailing ex-Yangon visit http://www.intrepidtravel.com/burma-myanmar/burma-sailing-ex-yangon-70452 

For more information about Burma Sailing ex-Bangkok visit http://www.intrepidtravel.com/burma-myanmar/burma-sailing-ex-bangkok-70331 

For more information about Intrepid's sailing adventures visit www.intrepidtravel.com/marine/sailing 

Savings on Arctic Polar Bear adventure

Mother bear and cub on ice (R Eime)

ADVENTURERS can save 20% on a Polar exploration cruise, when booking through Intrepid My Adventure Store before the end of the month.

The company is offering the discount of $1200 on G Adventure's Realm of the Polar Bear cruise aboard the M/S Expedition, that is now priced from $4,799* per person, twin share.

The week-long expedition sails from Longyearbyen through the remote Svalbard archipelago and puts passengers on the path to spotting polar bears, seals, reindeer, whales and polar foxes.

The small ship navigates the narrow fjord passages and sails past glaciers, icebergs and steep mountain scenery as it sails along the western coastline of the archipelago.

The price also includes onboard lectures and educational programs, airport transfers, waterproof boots, an Arctic destination guide, main meals on the ship and twin share accommodation.

The 20% discount applies to bookings made by March 31, 2013, for travel on June 18 and June 25, 2013.

Flights are not included and can be arranged through Intrepid My Adventure Store to suit travel plans.

For bookings, phone Intrepid My Adventure Store on 1300 021 123, or visit www.myadventuretravel.com.

*Prices are subject to change and availability, terms and conditions apply.

Shackleton Epic offers Antarctic 'Adventure of a Lifetime' for Ten Intrepid Explorers

Tall ship TS Pelican

Ten travellers with an insatiable thirst for adventure - and AUD $30,000 to spend - are being offered the chance to follow in the footsteps of legendary British explorer, Sir Ernest Shackleton by joining an epic 56-day Antarctic expedition to mark the centenary of his remarkable 1916 polar voyage.

The Shackleton Epic, which will be led by veteran British/Australian explorer Tim Jarvis, aims to be the first expedition to authentically recreate Shackleton's incredible 800-mile nautical voyage across the Southern Ocean from Elephant Island to South Georgia, and his subsequent crossing of the island's mountains, using a replica lifeboat and only the equipment that was available to Shackleton at the time.

Global adventure and sustainable travel company, Intrepid Travel is the presenting partner for the expedition and is offering ten fearless explorers the adventure of a lifetime as crew on the TS Pelican, a tall ship similar to Shackleton's Endurance which will be the official support vessel for the voyage.

The expedition sets sail from Punta Arenas, Chile on January 3, 2013 and is expected to reach its final destination of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil late in February. The lucky few that secure a berth on the TS Pelican will have the opportunity to help sail the vessel, gain navigational skills, learn about the Antarctic's geography and wildlife, assist with environmental monitoring and follow the internationally recognised Shackleton's Way leadership programme.

Just ten berths are available to the public and they will go on sale at www.shackletonepic.com at 12:00 British Summer Time on Friday, September 7. Interested explorers can contact Intrepid on shackleton@intrepidtravel.com or 1300 797 010 for more information, or contact their travel agent*. More information about the Shackleton Epic expedition is available at www.shackletonepic.com

The voyage is taking place to honour Shackleton's remarkable survival feat against the odds and to raise awareness of environmental changes and the need to protect the Antarctic. The expedition will raise funds for Flora and Fauna International to support its biodiversity conservation programmes.

Intrepid Travel's Co-founder and Managing Director, Geoff Manchester said, "Intrepid Travel is proud to be the presenting partner for the Shackleton Epic, as it brings together two things we firmly believe in: a spirit of fearless exploration and a commitment to protecting our natural environment.

"Antarctica has attracted its fair share of explorers, but the heroic accomplishment of Shackleton and his crew stands out, not for flag-planting but for the endurance and hope that they showed in the face of obstacles that seemed insurmountable," he added.

Tim Jarvis, leader of the Shackleton Epic expedition said: "A berth on the TS Pelican as part of the Shackleton Epic is absolutely the stuff of childhood dreams. We are thrilled that members of the public will be able to participate in this historic re-enactment voyage."

For more information about the berths that are available for sale on the TS Pelican, please visit www.intrepidtravel.com

Intrepid and TUI combine to form PEAK Adventures

Intrepid Travel and TUI Travel PLC have agreed to enter into a strategic venture that they say will create an independently managed global leader in adventure travel. The proposal will combine Intrepid Travel with TUI Travel's international portfolio of adventure brands to create PEAK Adventure Group. PEAK Adventure GroupD will be run by an experienced management team with a solid background in the adventure travel sector. Darrell Wade, the co-founder and CEO of Melbourne-based Intrepid Travel, will become CEO of the new venture and the board will be chaired by John Wimbleton, managing director of TUI Travel PLC’s Specialist & Activity Sector.

The remaining PEAK Adventures Board members will be newly appointed Managing Director Geoff Manchester and Matt Beard from Intrepid Travel, Darren Mee and Jackie Watson from TUI Travel, and Bob Welsh, former CEO of VicSuper Pty Ltd who joins as an independent director. The executive team reporting to Wade will be made up of six senior figures across both companies and the managing directors of the individual businesses.

The new group will consist of more than 20 businesses with a combined revenue of circa £230 million/AU$400 million. Together they will take 340,000 passengers to all seven continents. Brands included in the venture are Adventure Center, The Adventure Company, Adventure Tours Australia, Country Walkers, Exodus, Gecko's, Guerba, Headwater, Imaginative Traveller, Intrepid Suntrek, Intrepid Travel, Oz Experience, Peregrine, Pinnacle Tours, Sawadee, TrekAmerica and WesternXposure. The businesses forming PEAK Adventures will operate a multi-channel and multi-brand strategy, which will provide new opportunities for growth including new products, markets and destinations.

The company’s said the proposed strategic venture will have no impact on the existing trade and business relationships of any of the brands within PEAK Adventures. "With the adventure travel market set to grow significantly in the coming years, this new venture will firmly position PEAK Adventures as the sector’s global leader,” said Wade. “In addition to providing a one-stop shop for adventure experiences, the creation of an independently managed company offers enormous potential to introduce new products for agents to sell while cost synergies across the business will potentially deliver greater value holidays to a fast-growing sector.” For more information, visit www.intrepidtravel.com and www.tuitravelplc.com

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Intrepid offer 20% off Antarctica

One of the things that has us totally addicted to travel is the 'wow moment'. That incredible instant when a real life experience slaps you in the face and says "do you realise where you are and what you are doing?" Like watching the sun rise over the Himalayas, riding a camel through the Sahara or dancing along with a Bollywood movie crowd.

Very few places can compete with Antarctica for pure wow factor, so Intrepid is thrilled to be returning to this amazing continent and we have jaw-dropping special deals to help you set sail on the adventure of a lifetime. Plus there is still 10% off our Top 10 trips and you've got the chance to WIN a fantastic Australian adventure. So when you add that all up, 'wow' doesn't even come close this week!

There is no adventure on earth quite like it. Sailing through the Southern Ocean to be one of the few people to set foot on the Great White Continent. Exploring with expert guides and having close encounters with penguins, searching out migrating whales and taking in the sensory overload of pink night skies, turquoise waters and white ice - welcome to the wow factors of Antarctica!

To celebrate Intrepid's new Antarctic adventures aboard the purpose-built icebreaker Polar Star, we're offering up to 20% OFF. Order our inspiring new brochure today and book before 15 August to receive 20% OFF selected departures and cabins, plus there are great early bird discounts and a free accommodation package on offer!

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