Circumnavigating Iceland on a 14-day expedition

In late July of 2011, Zegrahm Expeditions will be circumnavigating Iceland on a 14-day expedition that reveals the element-sculpted landscapes and volcanic wizardry that have made this Land of Fire and Ice famous. And, with 75% of Europe’s second largest island only accessible by ship, they plan to put the MV Clipper Odyssey’s fleet of Zodiacs to good use as they explore Iceland’s rugged coastlines and isolated bays. In addition to the expeditionary exploits by Zodiac, other highlights to look forward to include:

• Admiring all Iceland’s stunning landscapes: bubbling hot springs, glittering glaciers, soaring volcanoes, and plunging waterfalls;

• Walking among ruins that recall the heyday of Viking exploration;

• Searching for breeding whooper swans, along with myriad other seabirds;

• Snowmobiling across Vatnajokull Glacier, Iceland’s largest; and

• Exploring the fabled Golden Circle—Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss Waterfall, and the Geysir Center

An amazing expedition team will accompany this voyage to help illuminate the path of early explorers and bring the region's natural history and culture to life. Zegrahm directors Kevin Clement and Jonathan Rossouw will be on board to highlight the natural history and wildlife of the region. Iceland native, Ragnar Hauksson, will join the voyage to discuss the everyday life of Icelanders coupled with the folk tales, fairy tales, and sagas that have heavily influenced modern-day Iceland.

Join Zegrahm and this stellar expedition team as they circumnavigate Iceland! This itinerary will not be offered again in 2012 so go on online today to reserve your space!

For further information  visit http://www.zeco.com/ or Cruise specialists The Cruise Line.

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The Azores, Canary Islands and Ceramic Wonders

By guest blogger Steve Newman

Sail in the wake of European explorers to the Atlantic islands that once constituted the western barrier of the known world on a small ship luxury cruise. Zegrahm Expeditions' Azores voyage begins with a visit to Spain’s Alhambra with its amazng carvings and ceramic tile patterns (above) and the famed Rock of Gibraltar. Morocco offers a sensory-filled experience from mosques to souks in the exotic cities of Casablanca, Agadir and Marrakech.

Then spend several days exploring the Canary Islands, Madeira, and the Azores. These dramatic volcanic islands feature historic architecture, lush gardens and vineyards, seabirds, beautiful beaches and colourful markets.

Zegrahm's Clipper Odyssey is also perfect for this style of voyaging, a 110-passenger luxury expedition vessel carrying a fleet of Zodiacs, which allow passengers to land anywhere nature or curiosity dictates. All cabins have an ocean view, safe, minibar, individually controlled heat/air conditioner, in-room music system, and sitting area with sofa.

Dates
May 4–20, 2011

Activities
Archaeology, Birding, Culture, Photography, Sightseeing, Wildlife viewing

For more information, visit http://www.zeco.com/ or try the UK's leading adventure cruise specialists The Cruise Line Ltd.

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Circumnavigate Sumatra

By guest blogger Steve Newman

Zegrahm Expeditions will extend its tradition of offering exclusive journeys and unique “circumnavigation” voyages in 2011 when it operates a 'Circumnavigation of Sumatra' in January aboard the Clipper Odyssey.

Sumatra, located in Western Indonesia, is the 6th largest island in the world, and contains a rich diversity of natural and cultural highlights – ideal for Zegrahm’s small-ship, expedition cruising concept.

The maneuverability, comfort, and Zodiac capability of the 110-passenger Odyssey, makes the ship well-suited for a robust exploration of Sumatra. The 18-day itinerary departs January 3, 2011; sailing in a counter-clockwise direction around the island and making numerous landings for visits to remote villages, historic sites, and national parks. The voyage begins and ends in Singapore – an interesting destination itself and convenient for international flights.

This is a first-ever itinerary for Zegrahm, which has been operating innovative, small-ship voyages – and unique land safaris and land tours via sister company Eco-Expeditions – for over 20 years. Circumnavigation voyages, which provide adventurers in-depth exploration, and the sense of achievement of going "full-circle,” have been a hallmark of Zegrahm.

With Sumatra, Zegrahm presents a destination of beautiful tropical rainforests, towering mountains and volcanoes, and a vast array of ethnic peoples – boasting 52 different languages. A wealth of national parks are home to over 200 mammal species, including nine that are endemic to the main island and 14 that are endemic to the Mentawai Islands.

A special highlight of this voyage is the opportunity to view orphaned Sumatran orangutans at Bukit Lawang Orangutan Rehabilitation Station. Birders search for some of the 580 species recorded on the island, such as the blue-masked leafbird, Sumatran drongo and spot-necked bulbul.

In the highlands, the cultures of indigenous peoples have endured for generations. The Batak have a special dress code, religious beliefs and customs, and their dwellings are elaborately decorated. On Nias Island, travellers will witness the traditional practice of stone-jumping, where young boys prove their manhood by jumping over six-foot-high stone megaliths. Participants will also meet the Minangkabau, a matrilineal society that uniquely combines Islamic beliefs with their traditional animist philosophy.

For reservations or more information, please contact Zegrahm and Eco Expeditions on www.zeco.com in the USA and via www.cruiseline.co.uk in the UK.

You can also find out more in person about their voyages at the CRUISE SHOW, which will be held in Birmingham on October 16-17 and in London next March (26-27).

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Splendours of India

By guest blogger Steve Newman

India has captivated travellers for centuries, but venturing to this cultural melting-pot can be a logistical challenge. In February and December 2011, Zegrahm Expeditions will treat travellers to over two weeks of in-depth exploration in Southern India, including a stop in Sri Lanka, via the 110-passenger Clipper Odyssey (above).

Zegrahm believes the best way for travellers to immerse themselves in the countries they visit, with minimal distractions and inconveniences, is by small ship (and, having sampled their style earlier this year, I would fully endorse that view).

They are also one of the leading adventure travel companies, specialising in small-ship expedition tours and safaris to remote and intriguing destinations around the world, and their India voyage will add another string to their considerable bow, revealing yet another array of dazzling visual wonders and cultural delights.

From Chennai (Madras), the ship visits Madurai’s Meenakshi temple, then explores fascinating Sri Lanka, where you search for wild elephants and visit the sacred Temple of the Tooth.

Along India’s west coast, visits are Cochin, Mangalore and Goa, and you end your journey in Mumbai. There is no better way to explore this diverse land than by sea, affording you the opportunity to travel from the serene villages to bustling city streets all in genuine 5-Star style.

You can beat the heat, too, as the air-conditioned Odyssey allows you to travel from port to port in the utmost comfort, bypassing long, steamy drives to get to your next destination. Soak in the coastal sights as you make your way from port to port - a view of India often unseen by most tourists - and you can also choose from several shore excursions each day, all of which are complimentary.

Learn more about the February 1-17 and December 7–21, 2011, Splendours of India departures on Zegrahm’s website at http://www.zeco.com/

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