In this issue:

• Europe
  Greece & Ireland
• Africa
  West Africa, South Africa & Morocco
• Latin America
  Nicaragua, Mexico's Copper Canyon, Costa Rica & Brazil, Argentina and Chile
• Asia
  Himalayan Kingdoms, Japan & Myanmar (Burma)
• Middle East
  Gulf States & Israel
• Info centre
  Reconnaissance trip to Northern Peru, Arctic/Antarctic deals, Hiking in Europe & What a Site!

GREECE > IN FULL BLOOM!

Once again, wildflower season in Greece is proving irresistible for those who have always dreamed of exploring the ruins, labyrinthine villages, herb-scented island trails and golden beaches of this amazingly varied country. May kicks off our 2010 season (only a few seats left), followed by dates in summer and autumn, when crowds have thinned, temperatures have cooled and beachgoers find the sea is at its warmest. Hikers love our XGI island trip, our "Classical" tour (GC2) appeals to the avid historian and our combination itineraries include a little bit of everything. Wiith the longest coastline in Europe and some of the most compelling human history ever recorded, this ancient land is always in season.

IRELAND > A TREASURE OF THE OLD WORLD

Eire and Northern Ireland comprise countless works of human hand and imagination that reach across the centuries, and in some cases, across the millennia. A stone's throw from modern, thriving cities lie Neolithic tombs, Bronze Age forts, early Christian monastic sites, Viking walls and Georgian estates. Ireland is one of those special places that just seems to have been designed for touring; small, but incredibly diverse (culturally, historically and geographically). One can see and experience a great deal on this amazing little island with little time or effort. Our next trip (IE1) departs in May and will book up soon. Dates also available in August and September.

WEST AFRICA > CLOSE TO DEADLINE FOR JANUARY

Our unique and exciting exploration of six friendly West African neighbours will soon be closing for our late January 2010 departure. We're very proud of this regional odyssey through Senegal, Mali, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Togo and Benin. Our itinerary has been fine-tuned and is now jam-packed with highlights; our leaders, local guides and contacts are experts and, in many cases, old friends who have worked with us for over a decade; and the diversity of our destinations and hospitality of our hosts never fail to astonish even the most seasoned traveller. This tour only runs twice a year; our January cutoff looms and October is already booking.

SOUTH AFRICA
Now Bigger and Better

We have just improved our flagship tour of South Africa, Swaziland and Victoria Falls (SA2). To ease up the pace and add more content in the Western Cape, we have added an additional night along the famed Garden Route and a night in Cape Town, one of the world's most isolated and beautiful cities. These changes enhance an already amazingly diverse tour, which features the roaring spectacle of Victoria Falls, the wildlife of Kruger Park, the mountain scenery and unique culture of Swaziland, and the natural and historical intrigue of the Cape Peninsula. You can also combine this tour with Namibia and Botswana.

Traveller Testimonial:
"We couldn't get over how much knowledge [Tour Leader] Rob Kruse had. He answered just about every question that was thrown at him; he was on top of each and every area. He was interesting and fun. I just can't rave enough about him. One of the clients was so happy when she found out that Rob was leading the tour; she told us how wonderful this trip would be with him and she was right!"Manfred G, SA2, Oct. '09.

Find out more about Rob Kruse and all our expert Leaders on our Leader bios page, here.

MOROCCO
Closer than you think

Exotic Morocco, the kingdom called al-Maghreb al-Aqsa, "The furthest land of the setting sun" in Arabic, lies only a 1.5-hour ferry ride away from Europe. Morocco's culture, peoples, food and sights seem a world away, and yet so familiar: Spanish and French colonialism have left their subtle marks on a land which was once called home by Carthaginians and ancient Romans. These influences, and those of a colourful melting pot of African, Arabic and Berber peoples, combined with sunny beaches, and the endless sand dunes of the Sahara, make Morocco one of Africa's most fascinating destinations.

NICARAGUA & EL SALVADOR > ALMOST GUARANTEED!

We're just a couple of travellers short of guaranteeing our cultural, historical and natural tour of Nicaragua and El Salvador, 14–27 February 2010. This is an in-depth exploration of two unspoiled 'up-and-comers', with interesting cultures, charming colonial architecture, breathtaking scenery, and friendly, curious locals. This program was designed by one of our senior Tour Leaders who travelled extensively in the area. Check out our core itinerary; code NI2

MEXICO'S COPPER CANYON
A New High

Isolated by obscurity and the incredible ruggedness of its terrain, this region in the Sierra Tarahumara Mountains boasts some of the most breathtaking landscapes on the North American continent, but none of the mass commercialism that one might expect from such a distinction. Combine this with a fascinating cultural aspect and one of the most dramatic train journeys in the world, the Chihuahua-Pacifico Railroad, and you have the blueprint for a trip of a lifetime. Our tour highlights the region's amazing wilderness, unique wildlife and flora and compelling human history, with easy day walks and accommodation in small, comfortable hotels and inns. Call for your copy of this exciting itinerary; code MX6. Next departure March 10.

COSTA RICA
Limited space!

Costa Rica's dry season falls between December and April when conditions are just right for exploring this green gem. This peaceful little country is brimming with bright butterflies, lazy sloths, chattering monkeys, impossibly colourful frogs and birds, all set against a dramatic backdrop of soaring volcanoes and palm-fringed beaches. This is always one of the most popular trips in Central America, which also pops into Guatemala for a three-night stay in beautiful, lakeside Granada. CR2, Costa Rica, 14 days; only 7 spaces left!

BRAZIL, ARGENTINA AND CHILE > A WORLD OF POSSIBILITIES

Any one of these spectacular countries can provide an immensely varied travel experience, but if you're going to go that far, why not see them all on the same ticket? We are pleased to offer numerous combinations involving all three, and even more tours featuring only one or two, for those with less time or specific interests. The bulk of our offerings are cultural and natural, while the more active can stretch their legs on some classic Patagonian hiking trails. We have recently improved the flow and content of our Argentina trip to include Bariloche, Mendoza, and a Patagonian Lake crossing into Chile. NOW GUARANTEED FOR FEB 2010
Click here for all our 2010/2011 offerings.

JAPAN > SELLING OUT FAST!

Our April rail tour of Japan only has a few spots left. This is a popular time for this immersive journey as it coincides with the cherry blossom season when festivals are held all over Japan to celebrate the new season. Our April 10 trip covering the highlights of Honshu and Kyushu islands (Kamakura, Osaka, Hakone, Kyoto, Nara, and Kumamoto). Utilizing Japan's famously efficient rail system for many of our longer journeys allows us to mingle with the locals and keep this comprehensive trip much more affordable than a bus-based tour. Browse through tour codes JP1 and JP2 for Japan alone, or combine with Korea on tour codes KR2 and KR3.

HYMALAYAN KINGDOMS
Time to celebrate!

Our spring Himalayan Kingdoms tour will participate in Bhutan's annual Paro Festival. Only a few Westerners have have been lucky enough to witness the fascinating "Tsechus" of Bhutan, Buddhist religious festivals where masked dances depicting the events from the life of Padmasambhava, the 8th-century Nyingmapa Buddhist teacher, are staged. The Tsechu provides the local populace with a wonderful occasion to gather, dress up and enjoy in a convivial, light-hearted atmosphere. It is also an occasion to renew their faith and receive blessings by watching the sacred dances or receiving "empowerment" from a lama or Buddhist monk. Our five different itineraries can include different combinations of Bhutan with Nepal, Tibet, Ladakh and Sikkim (India). See codes HM1, HM2, HM3, HM4 and HM5.

MYANMAR
Back on the roster

Myanmar (Burma) has returned to our tour schedule with an improved itinerary and some new combinations with neighbouring countries. Your choices from late 2010 onward:

MYANMAR
11 days - SE5

CAMBODIA & MYANMAR
17 days - SE6

VIETNAM. CAMBODIA & MYANMAR
30 days - SE7

LAOS, VIETNAM. CAMBODIA & MYANMAR 37 days - SE8

MEKONG WORLD HERITAGE
24 days TH5
NOW GUARANTEED FOR FEB 2010

THE GULF STATES > FILLING UP FOR OCTOBER

Don't miss out on our comprehensive regional tour of the Persian Gulf States (Kuwait, Oman, the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain) in October 2009. Our tour provides a rare and fascinating glimpse into the traditional lifestyle of the Arab Sheikhs, as well as the natural and historical wonders of contemporary Arabia. Fortunately, none of these countries require visas in advance, but hotels and internal flights have limited space so the earlier the booking, the better. Reserve your spot on our October adventure before this popular tour sells out!

ISRAEL > COMBINE FOR A REGIONAL EXPERIENCE

Israel is HOT this year, and most of our travellers are selecting our combination itineraries that also include other countries in the region. Our top three tours that feature Israel:

IS2 ISRAEL & EGYPT

JO4 JORDAN & ISRAEL

JO9 JORDAN, ISRAEL & EGYPT

RECONNAISSANCE TRIP TO PERU

Trip Account by Ross
Adventures Abroad's IT Manager/Copywriter

"Having recently returned from a two-week 'familiarization' trip to Peru with some cute souvenirs, great photos and fantastic memories, I now understand why South America's third-largest country has come to enjoy the fastest growth rate of repeat tourism on the continent. Our tour, hosted by the country's tourism authority (Prom Peru), focused on the often-overlooked northern regions, where tourists are still few and opportunities for unique adventures are many. After a fortnight strolling along deserted, paradisiacal beaches, trekking through lush, wildlife-brimming jungle and marvelling at the remarkably intact remnants of ancient civilizations, I am in no doubt that the North's enormous potential will soon see its reputation equal the South's as a world-class tourist destination. And though it might not be the case for long, right now Northern Peru remains an undiscovered gem just waiting to be explored. I recommend visiting it before all that changes."

Look out for more information about Northern Peru coming soon to our travel blog:
http://www.adventures-abroad.com/travel-guides/

Discover Peru on our 17-day itinerary that features both the North and South: code PR1

FROM POLE TO POLE

Find out how you can save 15-20% on a fantastic cruise in the Arctic or Antarctic. Peruse the many itineraries and dates available, then contact us for space availability and discounted pricing.

For Arctic tours, click here	For Antarctic tours, click here

X MARKS THE SPOT

Spring marks the start of the 2010 season for our ever-popular European series of walking tours, each of which is indicated by a code beginning with X. These trips are specially designed, hotel-based tours with the more active traveller in mind. They all feature day hikes (you carry only your day pack) of easy-moderate difficulty in some of the continent's most scenic areas.

XGC BOHEMIA & MORAVIA RAMBLER, Vienna to Prague

XCT TUSCANY & LIGURIA HILL WALKER

XGI HIKING THE GREEK ISLES: Tinos, Naxos, Amorgos, Santorini

XAD CROATIA & MONTENEGRO

XIE IRELAND, Hiking in County Kerry

XPR THE WAY OF SAINT JAMES, Walking El Camino de Santiago

WHAT A SITE! - Hasankeyf, Turkey

Hasankeyf is a town and district located along the Tigris River in the Batman Province in southeastern Turkey. The town and its surrounding limestone cliffs are home to thousands of human-made caves, 300 medieval monuments and a unique canyon ecosystem, all of which combine to create a beguiling open-air museum. Despite widespread protests from local authorities, archaeologists, preservationists and environmental groups, the massive Ilisu Dam is expected to inundate the site's caves and flood most of its structures. The threat of the project prompted the World Monuments Fund to list the city on its 2008 Watch List of the 100 Most Endangered Sites in the world. Visit Hasankeyf on our tours of Eastern Turkey, TE2 and TE6.