Passport to Adventure

Seek out the real Connecticut, cycling through pristine countryside and meeting locals who have roots generations deep. Wherever you go, American history comes alive in Connecticut. At the Mystic Seaport, our 19th century maritime heritage is recreated in the streets of the village, and the historic ships docked in the harbor. In Hartford, step into the life of American literary icon, Mark Twain.

Spas, equestrian centers, wineries & the splendors of Budapest make Hungary ideal for 5 star travel on a budget. Thermal waters, enjoyed by the Romans and Turks, continue to ooze up through the earth in spas all over Hungary. Romans also get credit for bringing the first grape vines to Hungary. Sample the legendary wines of the Tokai region and cycle through vineyards and medieval towns.

Locals call it one of the seven wonders of the world, surrounded by towering volcanoes. Lake Atitlan provides a stunning backdrop for sailing, horseback riding and paragliding. Mark and Julie gallop through cloud forests and coffee fields for a misty lunch on top of a volcano, and ride out a sudden storm on the lake in a catamaran.

Stand in the very spot where the frozen body of the " Ice Man" was discovered. With archaeologists as guides, they uncover significant clues to our Stone Age past. In the Oetz Valley, climb along a sheer rock face with a raging waterfall. Join a multinational group of guides to raft the white water of the Inn river. In Innsbruck, explore the historic city center.

The indigenous people of Guatemala have kept their culture alive. Tikal, where the Mayan culture thrived over a millennium ago, then mysteriously disappeared. Explore the surrounding jungle, using flashlights and fireflies as guides, ascend one of Tikal's majestic temples to witness sunrise over the mystical jungle landscape. A fresh and exciting look at the ancient Mayan culture.

India is a land of contrasts and extremes. Julie's journey through Rajasthan begins with a horseback trip in the Aravalli mountains and a ride through the ruins of an ancient hilltop fortress. Rajasthan is also home to some of India's most romantic cities. In Udaipur, Julie visits a Maharana in his lavish palace to discuss his role in modern day Indian society.

Lush jungles and raging rivers renowned for white water rafting and kayaking. Descend the infamous Rio Pacuare in rafts, then hook up with Olympic kayakers as they practice slalom racing on the Reventazon. At a rainforest reserve, they explore the jungle canopy from a network of suspension bridges! Important lessons in biodiversity and the importance of saving the world's rain forests.

Go to Pushkar to attend India's largest desert festival and mingle with the thousands of people and animals that assemble each year to worship and trade. After a week of camels and horses, she makes the migration to an incredible bird sanctuary, then takes a peak beyond the walls of India's most enduring symbol, the Taj Mahal.

The port of La Paz, Mexico is the launching point for this aquatic discovery. Playful sea lions, a protected species once slaughtered for their skins, now a favorite with snorkelers. On the Isle of Espiritu Santo they meet a giant squid, climb strange rock formations and kayak picturesque bays. Hop on mountain bikes to experience the desert and meet some nomadic surf rats on a quest for waves.

Stories of mysterious disappearances in "the triangle" make Bermuda one of the most misunderstood islands on earth. Strategically located in the middle of the Atlantic, Bermuda played an important role in American history. Towns like St. George's and Hamilton bear the mark of the British colonies with pastel colored buildings and residents who speak 'proper' English!

Traveling in Romania is like entering a kaleidoscope of history - the countryside, redolent of times past and the cities exploding with the promise of the future. Explore Transylvania's medieval villages, splendidly preserved castles and cycle the forests of the Carpathian Mountains. They also visit Bucharest, where Roman's, French, Germans and Russians all left their distinctive marks.

Explore the magnificent Na Pali coast from sea level in a zodiac & board a helicopter for incomparable aerial views! Outrigger canoes are as much a part of the lifestyle today & today's canoe clubs embrace this ancient culture. With all of these adventures, one could forget that Kauai has some of the islands most beautiful white, sandy beaches & the only navigable rivers in the Hawaiian islands.

Adventure begins in the chaotic city of Delhi, where she explores the old section of the city and it's bustling bazaars in a rickshaw. The white water of the Ganges is her vehicle to explore this exotic and deeply spiritual region. Her three day raft trip descends through thrilling rapids, and past farms, villages and temples. Take a tour of one of India's many national parks on elephant back!

Canada's First Nations culture comes alive at aboriginal sites like " Head Smashed In Buffalo Jump", and her earliest residents are gloriously displayed at the Royal Tyrell Dinosaur museum, where we get a back room tour! We'll get back-to-nature at Waterton International Peace Park, get up close & personal with Tara the buffalo, then delve into Alberta's vibrant foodie scene in Calgary!

Landing in Edmonton, we step directly into Canada's railroad history before embarking on the scenic train ride to Jasper. Touring the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks, we stalk elk with our lenses, ride the " Sno Coach" onto a glacier, hike, canoe and learn about the early adventurers that made this area a renowned mountaineering center, and a mecca for nature lovers from around the globe.

Our journey continues in the southern part of the region, where glaciers loom over crystal clear lakes, cows graze beneath snow-covered peaks, and fly-fishermen come in search of their nirvana. Julie kayaks through magnificent marble caves, hikes on a glacier, shares "mate" with the local fishermen, and enjoys pisco sours with an interesting mix of innkeepers.

We explore a truly off-the-beaten-path region of Patagonia. In Aysen, the main highway is mostly unpaved, travel is rugged, and the scenery intoxicating. Waterfalls tumble over lush mountainsides, wild flowers carpet riverbanks and dolphins frolic in pristine fjords - all of nature's wonders crammed into one destination

Whether you fly, ferry, sail or motor to the islands, you be swaying like a palm in the tropical breeze by the time you depart. We'll explore the cays and bays of the BVI - snorkeling where pirates once buried treasure, climbing granite boulders at the " Baths", and hanging out with the local characters at iconic beachside watering holes. You'll have a real adventure.

Fusion of the Portuguese & Chinese cultures has merged casinos with Buddhist temples, coconut milk and cod fish, Grand Prix racing with old world architecture. Portuguese chefs shop in the Chinese market to create one of the world's most interesting cuisines. Residents practice Tai Chi in city parks, waves lap on the shores of sandy beaches, ancient neighborhoods hang on tightly to their identity

Turquoise waters, lush jungles, cosmopolitan shopping and a plethora of historical sites await the traveler that makes the trek to Guam. The island is an endearing mix of 1960s America, Asia, and exotic Pacific Island. The weekly Fiesta, swim in waterfalls, snorkel the coral reef and meet a refreshing group of teenage dancers passionate about preserving their colorful heritage.

Quiet coves and pristine islands for kayaking, an enchanting desert for mountain biking, the original California missions, and an unspoiled Mexican town. Kayak the Sea of Cortez, ride mules through the hinterland, and visit "ranchos" owned for generations by the same families, getting intimately acquainted with the landscape, the history and the people of Baja California.

Trains, ferries, & fjords, nature & man coexisting. From clean, green, cosmopolitan Oslo, to artsy, hip Bergen, Norway's cities blend seamlessly with its pristine countryside. In Oslo, tour the city on bicycles and ferries before embarking on one of the world's most spectacular train adventures. Explore the majestic fjord in kayaks and hike. In Bergen,stroll the historic wharf and fish market.

When legendary crooner Tom Jones pined for "the green, green grass of home", he was reminiscing about the rolling pastures, flower-filled fields & hedge lined country roads of Wales - ideal for hiking or cycling, then snuggling up to a fire at a cozy B & B. Hike stunning coastline, ride a steam train, learn to pilot a canal boat, and visit a vintner, a cheese maker and a whiskey distillery.