San Diego Photo Safari
Sunday, October 16 – Saturday, October 22, 2011
Join professional nature photographers Tom and Pat Cory to capture rich photographic images in and around San Diego, California, from rugged seacoasts, tide pools, sunsets and light houses to Spanish missions, naval vessels and unusual flora and fauna. At Torey Pines, discover colorful paragliders soaring above the ocean, a state reserve with chaparral, elegant Torrey pine trees, fascinating rock formations and an unspoiled beach. Point Loma features the famous Cabrillo monument, the Old Point Loma Lighthouse, sandstone cliffs and tide pools and the unforgettable sight of hundreds of rows of white headstones on gentle grassy slopes overlooking the ocean and bay at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery. We’ll visit the famous San Diego Zoo’s Wild Animal Park for an African-style photo safari.
Patagonia, Chile
Saturday, November 26 – Sunday, December 4, 2011
Experience the stunning landscapes of southern Chile in Torres Del Paine
National Park with escorted nature excursions by vehicle, walking and
boat. See magnificent condors, foxes, puma, guanacos and glaciers –
plus the Otway Magallenic penguin colony in Punta Arenas!
Costa Rica – Off the Beaten Path
Butterflies, Volcanoes and Rainforests
Tuesday, Feb. 7 – Thursday, Feb. 16, 2012
Join us on a nature expedition to Costa Rica where our professional native guide promises to show you the real side of his beautiful country. Walk among hundreds of tropical butterflies at The Butterfly Farm where the Tennessee Aquarium attains chrysalis for its Butterfly Garden. Discover coffee’s colorful history on an interactive tour of a coffee plantation with humorous but insightful guides. Traverse a lush virgin rainforest en route to meet a butterfly farmer who raises these jeweled beauties to supply The Butterfly Farm. We’ll explore the Arenal Hanging Bridges that overlook a dense rainforest canopy with close-up looks at wildlife and fantastic views of the Arenal Volcano. Hike to majestic waterfalls, search for Quetzels, watch for monkeys, birds and crocodiles on a nature river float, and immerse yourself in relaxing mineral springs. Stay at quiet authentic resorts, even at a sustainable organic ranch on beautiful Lake Arenal, with optional activities like zip-line canopy tours, horseback riding, kayaking, massage or Yoga in a rainforest.
Spring Wildflower Weekend in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Thursday, April 19, 2012 @ 9 a.m. - Saturday, April 21 @ 3 p.m.
Discover the special beauty of Spring in the Smokies during the peak of wildflower season! From the tiniest spring ephemerals to White-fringed Phacelia so thick it looks like snow, we’ll pay witness to this world-renowned preserve of wildflower diversity. Experienced guides will lead you on their favorite trails and share their extensive knowledge about the interesting names, historical uses and folklore of mountain plants. Aquarium Lead Horticulturist Christine Bock, an 18-year veteran Wildflower Pilgrimage leader, will be joined by well-known local naturalist and outdoor educator Wanda DeWaard. Overnight at the charming Lazy Bluff Lodge in Townsend, nestled in a peaceful setting with three cozy wood fireplaces. Included: naturalist guides, transportation by Aquarium van, 2-night’s lodging in group accommodations, one continental breakfast, picnic lunch and dinner. (Level walks on unpaved trails; Adults; Limited to 12, minimum of 8)
Mongolia: Land of the Blue Sky
Monday, Aug 27 - Friday, Sept. 7, 2012
If you treasure exploring unspoiled and less-traveled places and learning from the diverse and wondrous cultures of the world, travel with us to Mongolia. Explore cosmopolitan Ulaanbaatar before venturing into “Outer Mongolia” staying in authentic felt-lined Gers, the Mongolian equivalent of African tented camps. Our journey takes us from the vast rolling grasslands of the steppe and forested mountains of the north, south to the shifting sand dunes and stunning landscapes of the arid Gobi Desert.
Lake Hosvgol, known as Mongolia's Dark Blue Pearl, is situated among the most pristine forests, mountains and meadows of the world. Kayak on the lake, drive or trek on horse-back into the spectacular native forests of the Khoridal Saridag Mountains and meet a local nomadic family to learn about their ancient lifestyle. Then stay in luxury Gers at the Three Camel Lodge, an award-winning eco-lodge located in the heart of the world's northernmost desert, the Gobi. Join nature walks, see the brilliant glow of the Flaming Cliffs, a legendary paleontological site, and view ancient petroglyphs in the mountains. Meet “camel wranglers” before learning to ride atop these beautiful animals to explore the surprisingly varied desert landscape, habitat for two-humped Bactrian camels, Goitered Gazelles and many uncommon bird species. The Gobi is also home to some of the Northern Hemisphere’s most rare and elusive mammals, such as the Asian wild dog, snow leopard, and Gobi bear. This trip promises to change you forever!
For questions or a trip brochure, call or e-mail Travel Coordinator Betty Miles at (423) 785-3008 or (800) 262-0695, ext. 3