iExplore

Ever dreamed of a vacation to the Outback?  We've got an amazing trip just for you filled with excitement and discovery.  Save today on your exploration of Australia's Northern Territory!   

 

Full of endless natural beauty, breathtaking sites and fascinating Aboriginal culture, your Outback adventure is sure to please.  From riding in an air balloon to enjoying a silent dinner under the stars, you'll enjoy every moment spent in Australia's Northern Territory.  Ayers Rock is a monolith that stands higher than the Empire State building and changes colors before your eyes at sunrise and sunset, and is just one of the many extraordinary sites to be seen. 

 

Don't miss the perfect opportunity to receive two free nights on your dream trip - a savings of $500!  Book today and get ready for the ultimate Aussie vacation!  Click here to book now!

Save $1,000 on an 8 day trip through Switzerland including Lucerne & the Alps!

At the heart of Europe lies Switzerland, bordered by Germany, France, Italy and Austria.  You'll absolutely love the pristine scenery, cultural blend and fascinating historical sites while travelling through the Swiss Alps.

Hiking, cruises, wine cellars and the Nestle chocolate factory are just a few of the things you have to look forward to.  You'll spend time in the medieval city of Lucerne, see beautiful mountain ranges and lakes, go hiking and maybe even ski the Alps.  Book today to start your adventure!

Get a top-of-the-world perspective while you stand on a mountain, breath the fresh crisp air and explore Switzerland.  Book now for your European vacation of a lifetime!

For those who have always wanted to go to Israel, now is the perfect time!  We're offering $1,000 off our 8-day/7-night tour through Tel-Aviv, Jerusalem and beyond!

While Israel is one of the oldest countries in the world, it is also home to the modern city of Tel Aviv, where your trip starts.  There is something for everyone there, with bustle and activities available 24-hours a day!

This is your chance to visit the Dead Sea, Jerusalem, Bethlehem, and even drive through Jericho, the oldest city in the world.  You will have the opportunity to see synagogues, museums, and the Tomb of King David.  The trip takes you through ancient ruins, Mt. Zion and Yad Vashem (a memorial to the Jews killed in the Holocaust).

 

If you ever wanted to learn about the history of this country (and the world), this is a trip you do not want to miss out on!  Click here to book today!

Does the heat of summer having you dreaming about a cool escape? Antarctica is the coolest place on the planet, and right now we are offering a great deal on select voyages!

 

 

Get a $1,500 air credit if you book one of these select itineraries and departure dates:

 

Crossing the Circle:

 

This 15-day extended expedition cruise is for people who hanker to travel south of the Antarctic Circle, where the sun never sets. You'll visit a research station and explore Marguerite Bay. Denizens of penguin rookeries will amuse you. Seals will show you how to relax as they laze on ice floes in bays defined by walls of ice.

See the eligible departure dates

 

Explorers Quest

A relaxed sail through the Southern Ocean from the tussock covered Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) to the Antarctic Peninsula via the wildlife paradise of South Georgia. Landings and Zodiac cruising enable close-encounters with penguins, whales and seals when conditions permit. All activities are delivered in a environmentally responsible manner.

See the eligible departure dates

 

Hurry, bookings must be made by July 30th and availability is limited!

 

 

 

 

We are offering a great deal to Vietnam-$1,000 value 3 day/ 2 night Angor Wat extension is yours FREE when you book a Vietnam trip by 6/12/2010.

Top 4 Reasons To Book Your Vietnam Trip!

·         Hiking - Whether it's exploring rural Vietnam, or trekking back into the city, there are a plethora of options for hiking Vietnam.  Especially in Northern Vietnam, hiking is an exciting way to gain insights on the lives of those living in rural villages in Vietnam, face exquisite scenery, and see the unusual wildlife the rainforest has to offer.  From endangered species to those recently discovered, the diverse landscape of Vietnam provides a range of wildlife unlike any other.  Discover the wonder of the Ho Chi Minh Trail using tunnels, paths and trails used during the Vietnam War.  The options for hiking Vietnam are many, and allow you to create your own unique vacation experience.  Check it out!

 

·         Elephant Rides - On your trek to Vietnam, you won't want to miss the opportunity to take a ride on the back of an elephant.  Children and adults alike will be fascinated as they try out this unfamiliar method of transportation.  Whether it's a quick ride, or an entire day tour, you are bound to find a multitude of locations to take your very own elephant ride. Learn more!

 

·         Sailing  - Sail the seas aboard a beautiful junk while enjoying fine dining and stellar views.  These gorgeous Chinese sailboats are a sight to see, but hop aboard and get a chance to view Vietnam from a new perspective.  These cruises often supply meals, tours, and day trips for you to enjoy. Book now!

 

·         Cooking - The unique cuisine of Vietnam is underwritten, however with the fresh flavors and delicious dishes the meals are sure to please.  It is enough to simply enjoy the food, but cooking classes give you the opportunity to learn to prepare your own tasty Vietnamese meals.  The classes are one exciting way to immerse yourself in Vietnamese culture during your stay. Book now!

 

·         Nightlife - Nightlife is rich and getting richer, especially in the larger cities such as Ho Chi Minh.  Clubs, bars and pubs are making a splash in these cities, providing fun and entertainment along with famously inexpensive drinks.  Try local brews throughout Vietnam, and experience nightlife unlike anywhere you've been before.  View powerful local shows displaying exciting and beautiful traditions that help you further explore Vietnamese culture.

Hurry, quantities are limited and deal expires on 6/20/2010 so BOOK NOW!

This summer at iExplore we've got Summer Sizzlin' deals, featuring a different deal every week for  10 weeks!  This week only, save $2,000 dollars on a 7-day exploration of Egypt!  A $3,675 value yours for $1,675! Hurry, quantities are limited and the deal expires on June 13^th!!

 

 

 

 

Here are 5 reasons to book now:

1.     Your Own Personal Egyptologist - Upon arrival to Egypt, you will be met by your own personal Egyptologist.  Your Egyptologist will act as a personal guide, and have thorough knowledge of the history and facts surrounding each site.  Providing lectures and fascinating information, your Egyptologist will help you get the most out of every stop in your exploration.

 

2.     5-Star Nile Cruise - Spend four astounding days and nights aboard a 5-star cruise.  With an experienced staff, and plenty of stops along the way, the cruise provides the perfect balance of activity and relaxation to give you an exclusive experience unlike any other.

 

3.     Entertainment - Onboard your 5-Star cruise there are bountiful experiences to be had.  From dances that allow you to dress in traditional Egyptian attire, to Egyptian cooking lessons, you will enjoy life onboard the cruise as much as you enjoy the magnificent stops as you travel the Nile.  

 

4.     History and Culture - Egypt has a rich and mysterious history dating back more than 5,000 years, giving you 5,000 years of history to explore, experience, and a unique culture to immerse yourself in.  You will visit more than ten ancient sites and ruins, see entrancing hieroglyphs, stand before immense structures and witness the remains of an ancient society.

 

5.     Food - Delicious gourmet food will be available every step of your trip.  You will taste Egyptian food, drink delectable afternoon tea infused with various flavors, and enjoy endless cake, cookies, finger food, and a range of cocktails.

 

Don't delay....book now!

We are excited to share the new iExplore.com with you! Now it is even easier to plan a fantastic adventure vacation using our new trip finder. The new  "Experiences" section offers in depth content on amazing destinations and activities all over the world written by leading travel writers so you can have a conversation with an Egyptologist, discover the best local food in Barcelona and learn how to survive crossing the Drake passage en route to Antarctica--and much more! 

You will also find an expanded selection of small group tours, as well as our privately guided tours--ensuring that we have the right trip-of-a-lifetime for you!  The new site features stunning photography, a fresh, clean design and intuitive navigation! Be sure to check it out (and bookmark it--iexplore.com)

Starting June 7th, our "Sizzling Summer Deals" promotion launches--one great travel deal a week for 10 weeks--starting with 40% off Egypt! Quantities are limited so be sure to check back frequently!

Happy Travels!

If you're like me, the days of long hikes, followed by setting up your own tent, sleeping outside and eating some granola and beef jerky are long gone.  Even the thought of it makes me cringe and wonders how I ever did it.  However, quite the alternative now exists for hiking to Machu Picchu. This more luxury experience addressed all of my "less masculine" needs: the "Machu Picchu Lodge to Lodge" tour.  You cannot do better than hiking up to your nightly lodge and having exotic juices, hot cocoa tea and a damp washcloth to wipe down your face waiting for you as you enter each majestic lodge.  The fact that your heavy backpack has been carried by mule and is now waiting in your spacious, hot water, clean room is just icing on the cake.

After arriving in style, I would have been happy just taking a nap and having a bite to eat before heading to bed, but this tour takes things up a few notches.  Coffee, tea and pastries await each traveler in the early evening, bird and flower tours can be had before dinner and then just sit back and have a 3-course gourmet meal brought your way with all the trimmings.   

At this point, only a massage could have ended my day better- oh wait, they have an on-site masseuse at each lodge to cater to your aching body.  Needless to say, I took advantage of every amenity possible before heading back to my heated bed where I could finish my day while sampling the best Peruvian chocolates.

In the morning, you are greeted to a full breakfast buffet of anything you can ask for, before heading out on that day's picturesque journey.  One of the greatest advantages of the Salkantay Trail over the Inca Trail is that you virtually don't see other groups on your hike.  You have Peru's Andes Mountains to yourself- for good or bad!  With ample water and snacks provided and as much information from the highly educated guides, your focus is only on making that next step up the trail- just how I prefer it!

When you think of Australia, I would imagine one of four images come to mind: The Sydney Opera House, Uluru (you may know it as Ayers Rock), The Great Barrier Reef or kangaroos.  Visitors to Australia are often trying to maximize their time down under.  Many don't realize that Australia is equivalent in size to the contiguous states or Europe.  It is difficult to experience all that Australia has to offer in just a couple of weeks.

That being said, I am always surprised to hear people took the time to travel to the center of Australia to see Uluru (named after the tallest peak, Mt Olga) are just over 15 miles from Uluru.  I had read very little about The Olgas before my journey to the center of Australia.  As my wife and I watched a sunrise over Uluru I kept turning my head and looking at the odd grouping of rocks off in the distance.  As soon as the light show on Uluru's face completed, my wife and I jumped in our truck and headed for the Olgas. We spent much of our day exploring this great attraction.

From the outside you see smooth domed rocks that are the size of small mountains.  You would be short-changing yourself if you simply viewed the Olgas from the viewing area.  Plan ahead and bring a day pack and plenty of water and plan to spend several hours exploring the Olgas by trail.  We chose to hike the longer "Valley of the Winds" trail. Midway through this five-mile hike an inner hidden gem reveals itself to you.  Within these dry rocks is a lush valley of rolling hills, creeks and trees.

Hiking the Olgas is a great way to spend a day that should be book-ended with sunrise and sunset viewing of Uluru.  Uluru is absolutely magnificent to watch as the sun changes the color throughout the start and end of the day.

A favorite experience for visitors to Chicago or tourists in their own city is taking a Chicago Architectural boat tour on the Chicago River.  Chicago is a city rich with architectural heritage and there is no better way to enjoy it then from the river.  Take in the historic Wrigley Building, Chicago's tallest building the Willis Tower and the newest addition to the riverfront Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago.

A great alternative for those looking for a more active experience is to take a kayak tour of the Chicago River. Kayak Chicago offers a variety of  tours but one of their most popular is the architectural and history paddle on the Chicago River.  A three hour adventure in which you learn about the history of the city, buildings and people of Chicago, all the while looking up at the looming skyscrapers from the comfort of your kayak. 

Combine a workout with a bit of education and site seeing on your next visit to Chicago. Tours operate from the beginning of May all the way through October.  The great part about a self-powered kayak tour is you burn off enough calories so as not to feel guilty taking advantage of Chicago's great restaurants or enjoying our famous Chicago style pizza.

Not a water lover, your in luck you can also enjoy Chicago's phenomenal architecture while be active through the Chicago Architecture Foundations walking tours.

Enjoy a few photos from my recent paddle down the Chicago River.

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