History
Travelers like you, particularly ones with a penchant for adventure travel, often peg themselves as history lovers, and as such they are eager to become immersed in the years of lore and legend that have created and defined a destination. Our history expeditions journey to the cradle of civilization, to ancient archaeological sites, to World Heritage Sites around the world, and to World World II sites throughout the Pacific. You may find yourself exploring the Monastery of St. Catherine on Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula one day, then visiting the rose-red city of Petra the next. Embark on a Mediterranean history adventure tour, complete with exquisite Roman ruins, the ancient Hippo Regius, and Roman Carthage in Tunisia.
Our British Isles expedition explores three timeless lands steeped in the lore and history of the Celts, Anglo-Saxons, King Arthur, Sir Walter Raleigh, and Macbeth. Or, perhaps you’ll choose a history expedition to the South Pacific, where you’ll learn about the world’s biggest and heaviest currency—Yap’s limestone Rai. Divers combine history and eco travel as they head into the depth of Chuuk Lagoon to view sunken WWII vessels and aircraft.
As always, you’ll travel with a superb team of expert lecturers and leaders, many of them renowned historians. They will add a depth to your history adventure tour that is both rare to find and immensely memorable. Join us for truly illuminating adventure travel.
The itineraries we offer vary from year to year; below please find our upcoming history-focused expeditions.
Africa
Mali, Burkina Faso & Ghana with Timbuktu
Our 15-day Mali, Burkina Faso & Ghana expedition, with Timbuktu, aims to introduce you to several of the unique ethnic groups that reside in this stunning region, which spreads from the Sahara Desert in the north to the Atlantic Ocean to the south. By private aircraft, we wing our way to meet the Tuareg, Timbuktu’s exotic Blue Men of the desert; the Gouruonsi people; and the Ashanti, who will be celebrating Akwasidee, the culmination of their 42-day religious calendar, while we are there.
Upcoming Departures
None scheduled. Call to inquire.
Mozambique Odyssey with Tanzania & South Africa
Our Mozambique expedition, from Zanzibar to South Africa, is a revelation of the natural and cultural wonders along the eastern coast of Africa. Our cruise through the Mozambique Strait makes for spectacular wildlife travel: we enjoy exceptional marine and bird life viewing and superb snorkeling and diving, with some of the finest reefs and highest concentrations of marine life in East Africa. The cultural highlights of our Mozambique tour include visits to small coastal towns steeped in Arab, French, Dutch, and Portuguese history, and tours of colonial forts, cathedrals, and markets.
Upcoming Departures
North Africa's Roman Legacy: Spain, Algeria, Tunisia, Sicily & Greece
Delve into the cultural extravaganza that combines Spain, Algeria, Tunisia, Sicily, and Greece on this Mediterranean adventure travel expedition. Aboard the casually elegant, 110-passenger Clipper Odyssey, we visit Byzantine churches in Tunisia, traverse the Corinthian Canal on our way to Athens, and explore Algeria’s notable Roman sites, undoubtedly the centerpiece of our tour. In fact, no fewer than 10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites are included in our Mediterranean expedition.
Upcoming Departures
None scheduled. Call to inquire.
South Africa & Namibia By Sea
Our South Africa expedition takes us from the cultural melting-pot of Durban, along the rugged, untouched Wild Coast with excursions inland to view Africa’s iconic wildlife. Explore South Africa’s scenic Garden Route and round the southernmost tip of Africa at Cape Agulhas. We include a multi-day Cape Town tour, where exquisite natural beauty and a chic cosmopolitan vibe co-mingle. Our Namibia adventure travel itinerary takes us to the mysterious ghost town of Kolmanskop, which is slowly being buried under the shifting sand dunes of the Namib Desert.
Upcoming Departures
Tracing the West Coast of Africa
Sail in the wake of explorers and traders on this West Africa adventure travel tour. Visit historic ports of call rich in local culture and colonial architecture, as well as pristine natural areas where we search for the abundant animal and bird life that call this region home. Highlights include the lush volcanic islands of Príncipe and São Tomé, the vibrant markets in Benin and Togo, and, during our Ghana tour, Africa’s only suspended walkway, in Kakum National Forest.
Upcoming Departures
Voyage to Madagascar with Mauritius, Reunion, Comoros & Zanzibar
Spectacular scenery awaits throughout this Madagascar expedition with Mauritius, Reunion, Comoros, and Zanzibar. Our East Africa expedition combines the volcanic peaks of Mauritius and Reunion, the colorful chameleons and pristine coral reefs of Madagascar, and the rugged Comoros Islands. Spend six days on a Madagascar tour as we search for mouse, black, and brown lemurs; 32 species of reptiles; and over 100 species of birds, among them rare endemics such as the Madagascar fish eagle and white-breasted mesite.
Upcoming Departures
None scheduled. Call to inquire.
Antarctica
Antarctica's Ross Sea
A once-in-a-lifetime Antarctica expedition, our month-long Ross Sea tour combines the sub-Antarctic islands of New Zealand and Australia with 24 hours of continuous daylight and the most majestic of all penguins, the emperor penguin, in the Ross Sea. Here, we spend ten days searching for these lords of Antarctica, regarded as the most difficult to see in their natural habitat, as well as the elusive Ross seal. We hope to land, ice-dependent, on Cape Adare, Cape Hallet, and Terra Nova Bay.
Upcoming Departures
None scheduled. Call to inquire.
Antarctica, South Georgia & the Falkland Islands
In the spirit of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s Antarctica expedition, our exploration of the White Continent offers in-depth Antarctica, South Georgia, and Falkland Islands adventure travel – all while seamlessly combining rich natural history with some of Mother Nature’s most rugged and dramatic landscapes.
Upcoming Departures
Asia
Five 'Stans: Hidden Heart of Asia
Join us as we follow in the footsteps of Marco Polo and the Silk Road merchants on this Western Asia expedition to the Five ’Stans. Gaze at river-studded plateau steppes in Kazakhstan and the snowcapped mountains of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. Imagine camel caravans navigating around rushing rivers and silver lakes in Uzbekistan. And glimpse the wide expanse of Turkmenistan’s Karakum Desert.
Upcoming Departures
Mongolia: Land of Chinggis Khaan
From fossilized dinosaur bones to wild horses thundering across grassy steppes, you’ll soon understand why Mongolia adventure travel is a journey to the “Land of Blue Sky.” The recreational and anthropological pursuits are countless, from horseback and camelback treks to visits with local families to learn about their traditions and customs, and the fragility of their nomadic lifestyles.
Upcoming Departures
Myanmar & Laos: Land of a Thousand Temples
Journey with us into some of the least-explored regions of Indochina—Myanmar and Laos—where countless regal temples, lovely minority tribes-people, and stunning gardens await. Your in-depth Myanmar and Laos adventure travel experience includes visits to the Shwedagon Pagoda of Yangon at sunset, a truly ethereal sight; the whitewashed Mon Temple in Bagan; the floating gardens of Inle Lake; and more monuments, temples, and markets than imaginable.
Upcoming Departures
None scheduled. Call to inquire.
Vietnam & Cambodia by Sea
From elegant Hanoi, cruise southward along the sinuous 1,000-mile-long coast of Vietnam, topping to discover new wonders daily—including the World Heritage Sites of Hue, My Son, and Hoi An. Enjoy a bicycle ride through emerald rice fields, discover the sublime beauty of Vihn Lan Ha Bay, buy silks in the centers where they are woven, photograph vibrant markets, sample delicious cuisine, cruise down the Perfume River, and snorkel over the colorful reefs of Phu Quoc.
Upcoming Departures
Western Himalayas: A Journey Through Sacred Lands
This fascinating Himalayas adventure travel expedition takes us to spectacular natural wonders and exquisite cultural landmarks. We begin with a Delhi tour, where we visit energetic bazaars, lavish palaces, and stunning British Raj and Mughal architecture. From here, we venture to Ladakh, in the Trans-Himalayan region and former commercial hub on the Asian Silk Road. Visit Lamayuru Monastery, Ladakh’s oldest spiritual center; attend a traditional Tara puja ceremony in Palampur; and explore the Tibetan complex and home of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, McLeod Ganj.
Upcoming Departures
None scheduled. Call to inquire.
Europe
Azores with Spain, Gibraltar, Morocco, Canary Islands, and Madeira
We follow in the footsteps of Christopher Columbus as we take on this Azores expedition, including a Canary Islands tour. Step ashore on the Rock of Gibraltar; delight your senses in Moroccan bazaars; and set sail for the Canaries, Madeira, and the splendid Azores.
Upcoming Departures
Baltic Odyssey: Scotland, Germany, Denmark, Poland, Lithuania, Sweden, Latvia, Estonia & Russia
During our in-depth Baltic tour, we sail aboard the 110-passenger Clipper Odyssey to nine countries: Scotland, Germany, Denmark, Poland, Lithuania, Sweden, Latvia, Estonia, and Russia. As we explore the Old Towns of Gdansk, Riga, and Tallinn, and tour the World Heritage Site of Visby on our Northern Europe expedition, the history and legends of the region come to life. Our Baltic expedition also includes visits to windswept Sylt Island, the charming villages of Bornholm Island, and stunning St. Petersburg with its opulent palaces, churches, and theaters, among other highlights.
Upcoming Departures
Circumnavigation of Iceland
Larger than life, yet just shy of Cuba’s landmass area, Iceland is a Land of Fire and Ice, natural diversity, and a hardy and hospitable population. Our Iceland adventure travel expedition makes every effort to capture the geological drama of the land, aboard the superb Clipper Odyssey, by Zodiac, by snowmobile, and on foot.
Upcoming Departures
None scheduled. Call to inquire.
Circumnavigation of Ireland
Board the elegant, 110-passenger Clipper Odyssey for this in-depth Ireland expedition. As we maneuver the waterways of the region, our Emerald Island adventure travel tour will include visits to Dún Aengus; the passage tombs of Knowth; the cliffside monasteries and defense lookout towers of the Celtic monks; the Viking legacy of Waterford; and Dublin, Wicklow, Cork, and Killarney. We explore the dramatic landscape on foot and by Zodiac, taking us to the World Heritage Site of Giant’s Causeway or to remote islands to commingle with fascinating seabirds.
Upcoming Departures
None scheduled. Call to inquire.
Circumnavigation of Sicily
Join us for our most in-depth Sicily expedition ever as we delve into one of the most fascinating islands in the Mediterranean. In Malta, visit Valletta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an architectural masterpiece. Follow ancient trade routes aboard the Clipper Odyssey, charting a course for the Roman theaters and villas of Taormina, Piazza Amerina, and Lipari. And, of course, no Sicily and Palermo tour is complete without food and wine! We stop at several vineyards, sample olive oil straight from the press, visit local outdoor markets, and savor the best local cuisine.
Upcoming Departures
None scheduled. Call to inquire.
Circumnavigation of the Black Sea
Our Black Sea expedition features all of the countries rimming this infamous sea—Turkey, Georgia, Russia, Ukraine, Romania, and Bulgaria. In the company of our expert leaders, explore lands with centuries upon centuries of history, rich architecture, contemporary cultures, and stunning landscapes. As we venture forth from Istanbul for our Black Sea tour, we discover four UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Romania’s winding Danube Delta and several archaeological masterpieces. Enjoy a local Georgian dining tradition, visit busy bazaars, and sample regional wines.
Upcoming Departures
In the Wake of the Vikings: Scotland, Iceland & the Faroes
From picturesque Aberdeen on Scotland’s east coast, to the volcanic Faroe Islands, to the wonderland of fire and ice that is Iceland, our Scotland and Iceland tour is simply unforgettable. We journey in mid-summer aboard the 110-passenger Clipper Odyssey, sailing into splendid bays, pristine fjords, and remote anchorages. Pipers welcome us to Dunrobin Castle in Inverness and Zodiacs whisk us to viewpoints to see hundreds of thousands of seabirds nesting in the Faroes, including oyster catchers (the national bird).
Upcoming Departures
None scheduled. Call to inquire.
Ireland & the British Isles
Enjoy the Emerald Isle like never before on a British Isles expedition which includes a comprehensive Ireland tour. Discover mysterious Dún Aengus; the cliffside monasteries and lookout towers of the Celtic monks; the Viking legacy of Waterford; and the 17th – 18th century English fortresses, mansions, and elaborate gardens gracing Cork and Killarney. Rolling green glens are studded with shimmering lakes and dramatic cliffs, busy with breeding seabirds, that reach vertically from the sea.
Upcoming Departures
Sicily with Montenegro, Croatia, Albania & Greece
Archaeology, gastronomy, and culture collide on this 14-day Sicily and Croatia expedition that explores the azure waters of the Mediterranean and the Adriatic. Our late-summer voyage begins with a Sicily tour. After visiting Palermo, famous for its jumbled and picturesque streets, it’s off to the Greek ruins of Selinunte, wine tasting in Marsala, and the World Heritage sites of Agrigento and Syracuse.
Upcoming Departures
Wild & Ancient Britain
A trio of timeless lands is included in this comprehensive Britain expedition. Come with us as we delve into the lore and landscapes of Britain, Ireland, and Scotland. Our expedition vessel, the 110-passenger Clipper Odyssey, makes it easy to navigate the narrow channels and waterways of the most remote regions of the British Isles. Our Britain tour includes Giant’s Causeway in Ireland, St. Kilda in the Hebrides, and the Neolithic stones of Orkney, among other treasures. Savor a cuppa with the charming residents of remote Fair Isle.
Upcoming Departures
None scheduled. Call to inquire.
India and Indian Ocean
Bay of Bengal & the Andaman Sea: India, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore
Our Bay of Bengal expedition is perfect for history buffs, nature enthusiasts, birders, snorkelers, and photographers alike. After touring the bustling city of Chennai, set sail for the Andaman Islands for two days of exploration above and below the warm waters. In Myanmar, visit ancient Bagan, home to over 2,000 pagodas and temples, and Yangon, to see the Shwedagon Pagoda. Snorkel in the Mergui Archipelago and discover idyllic islands off the coast of Thailand.
Upcoming Departures
Southern India by Sea with Sri Lanka
Our India expedition explores the melting pot of language, architecture, and religion that define Southern India and Sri Lanka. We navigate the region aboard the 110-passenger Clipper Odyssey, from the bustling streets of Mumbai to the serene fishing villages of the south. Our India tour takes us to the World Heritage Site of Elephanta Island; to Kochi, the “Venice of the East”; and to rubber processing plants in Trivandrum.
Upcoming Departures
None scheduled. Call to inquire.
Splendors of India with Sri Lanka
From the high Himalayas to lush rain forests and far-reaching deserts, to the World Heritage Sites and Buddhist temples of Sri Lanka, this India expedition highlights the vast geographical and cultural riches of the region. We explore by sea aboard the 110-passenger Clipper Odyssey, taking us from the peaceful villages of the south to the cacophony of Mumbai. Our Sri Lanka tour includes stops at the fortress of Galle, the Temple of the Tooth and the Pinnewala Elephant Orphanage.
Upcoming Departures
None scheduled. Call to inquire.
Splendors of India with Sri Lanka and the Maldives
Our India expedition takes us from Mumbai’s bustling streets to the charming former Portuguese trading center of Goa and the emerald landscapes of Mangalore. A two-day tour of Cochin reveals a mélange of international influences; we board local houseboats for a cruise through Cochin’s backwaters. In Trivandrum, cultural travel opportunities include a visit to the village of Pongumoode and a traditional martial arts demonstration. Our India tour continues to Sri Lanka, where we discover the Temple of the Tooth and the port of Galle—both World Heritage Sites.
Upcoming Departures
Wild India
With more than 5,000 years of human history to its name, India is the perfect setting for adventure travel on a grand scale. Our 19-day India and Delhi tour reveals the dramatic landscapes, varied wildlife, and rich culture of the region, from 1,000-year-old Hindu temples to the increasingly rare Bengal tiger. An in-depth Delhi tour, including sights of both Old and New Delhi, kicks off our India expedition.
Upcoming Departures
Middle East
Crossroads of Empires: Greece, Turkey, Cyprus, Lebanon, Egypt & Jordan
Our Mediterranean expedition and Suez Canal tour introduce us to the legacies of the world’s most celebrated empires. As we visit Crete, Turkey, Cyprus, Lebanon, Egypt, and Jordon, expect to be wowed by archaeological ruins, art, and architecture, from the Palace of Knossos in Crete to the World Heritage Site of Rhodes to the ruins of the Bellapais Abbey in Cyprus. Mediterranean adventure travel should always include some water time, so plan to enjoy a world-class snorkel excursion over the coral reefs of Sharm el Sheikh’s warm, translucent waters.
Upcoming Departures
None scheduled. Call to inquire.
Iran: Wonders of Persia
For those seeking an authentic immersion into the art, poetry, architecture, and history of Iran, we offer our Iran: Wonders of Persia expedition. Guided by Middle East expert Gary Wintz, this Iran expedition offers an in-depth view of the turbulent and colorful history of Iran. Formerly Persia, the country’s magnificent ruins and ancient cities, architecturally astounding mosques and citadels, and savory cuisine is sure to leave a lasting impression. We also include a Tehran tour, visiting the Sa’ad Abad Palace-complex and the National Museum of Archaeology.
Upcoming Departures
Sands of Time: Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar & Oman
A popular itinerary, we are pleased to offer this Arabian Gulf expedition. Closed to Westerners for many years, the region is an intriguing juxtaposition of gleaming cities, ancient villages, soaring mountains, and undulating sand dunes. We visit the Sultanate of Oman, several city-states on a United Arab Emirates tour, and the countries of Bahrain and Qatar.
Upcoming Departures
Voyage through the Red Sea
We start our 2012 Red Sea adventure with a two-day Egypt tour where we view the Great Pyramid and the Sphinx, along with several of Alexandria’s impressive monuments. We then explore Byblos and Baalbek, Lebanon. After a daylight transit of the Suez Canal, we resume our Egypt expedition with visits to the Monastery of St. Catherine and Luxor. Then, it’s on to Saudi Arabia, then Sudan, Eritrea, and more, as well as the sublime islands of the Dahlak Archipelago with its migrating seabirds and plethora of marine life.
Upcoming Departures
South America
Jungle Rivers of South America
Explore three rivers on this South America adventure travel tour: the Amazon, Suriname, and Essequibo. On Zodiac expeditions and jungle walks ashore we search the waters and lush vegetation for macaws, monkeys, dolphins, and the rest of these rivers’ abundant wildlife. Our cultural interactions include landings at isolated villages, presenting us with a glimpse into the lives of Amazonian Indians and other native peoples. Our South America expedition concludes with beach time and snorkeling in Trinidad and Tobago.
Upcoming Departures
South Pacific
Palau & Yap
Above and below water, a Micronesia expedition to Palau and Yap offers countless discoveries. The waters of the region teem with more than 1,400 species of fish, rainbow-hued coral reefs and walls, and marine caves. We travel aboard the intimate, 16-passenger Palau Aggressor II, making several expedition stops daily. As part of our Palau adventure travel experiences, we dive among the wrecks of Japanese planes and warships from WWII.