Friday, March 30, 2007

Washington D.C. City Tours


Washington D.C. is the capital of the United States of America.

The spring and fall seasons are the most pleasant time of the year in Washington D.C. The average temperatures during these seasons reach a high of 60o F. So the best time of the year to visit Washington D.C. is in the fall and also the spring times, when the weather is extremely pleasant and the cherry trees are just starting to flower.

Washington, DC is a city where fun and excitement coexist with the fancy, the heart of the American Experience.Washington D.C. City Tours
You may start in the heart of the city with its well-known monuments and inspiring memorials. Then, step off the mall and journey into DC's soul. From luxury hotels and charming inns to upscale boutiques, cozy antique shops and vibrant outdoor markets abound in Washington, DC's neighborhoods, while bargain-filled outlet malls are located just minutes from downtown. Washington, DC is not only the proud of the nation, it is a sophisticated city in its own right. And It’s a Shopper’s Paradise!!
One of the best ways to experience Washington is on foot. You may visit the inspiring monuments and museums found on the National Mall as well as the intimate museums, world-class theatres and splendid gardens, squares and circles throughout the District.
The City Museum of Washington, D.C. is a place to discover, Here, You may find a city of vibrant neighborhoods, a national capital rich in local history and an international metropolis with exciting diversity. You may visit The Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Itwas built in Constitution Gardens in Washington, D.C., through private donations from the public. It is now one of the most visited sites in the city of Washington. The Lincoln Memorial is a tribute to President Abraham Lincoln and the nation he fought to preserve during the Civil War (1861-1865). The architechture of the Lincoln Memorial is based after a Greek Temple. It has 36 Doric columns, one for each state at the time of Lincoln's death. The Washington Monument was erected to honor the greatness of the city of Washington, originally. It rises 555 feet above the National Mall, fifty flags surround the base of the Monument, one to symbolize each state in the Union.

Washington, DC provides you so much to do in so many places and at such an appropriate time. Culture, heritage, nationally-acclaimed theater, FREE musical concerts, festivals, world-renowned shopping and all the inspiring monuments and museums you expect, offer ideal touring choices.

Source: http://www.tours4fun.com

Sunday, March 25, 2007

San Diego Actractions



Your one-stop resource for San Diego travel destinations like SeaWorld, LEGOLAND, the San Diego Zoo, Old Town, and great beaches...

San Diego, with its sunny days and year-round mild climate, invites you to relax and play. This visitor-friendly city features dozens of world-class attractions within a short drive: SeaWorld, the Wild Animal Park, LEGOLAND®, and the most famous San Diego attraction—the San Diego Zoo, located in beautiful Balboa Park. Another favorite is Old Town, where you can experience the beginnings of San Diego history, shop in the Plaza del Pasado, and dine on great Mexican food. Picture a stroll through beautiful La Jolla as the sun sets over the blue Pacific Ocean.

San Diego Southwest Airlines Vacations provides a convenient way to book your San Diego vacation. Your flight, hotel, rental car, and tickets to attractions and activities can be booked effortlessly online. Spend a day at SeaWorld®, the world-famous San Diego Zoo, or LegoLand® California. Choose a sightseeing tour of Old Town or a shopping excursion across the border to Tijuana. San Diego offers phenomenal weather and local activities. Book your San Diego, California vacation package today!

Travel planning services for San Diego’s best attractions...

San Diego Attractions helps you with a variety of travel planning services. Use the links below to find the best hotel rates in the best locations and buy discounted tickets and package deals. Or call 1-800-969-9932 to speak with a local representative.

Friday, March 23, 2007

PORTUGAL - The Wild Islet and the Medieval Village



The Royal Ice Factory is a small construction dated from the 18th century, which is considered by the International Committee for the Conservation of the Industrial Heritage as a “unique example in the world due to the originality of its structures and its reasonably preserved condition”. And this is the place, at the top of Montejunto Hills – which is a Protected Area – where this PortugalBike Tour begins. Another interesting point of this tour is the Peniche Peninsula, a place of fishing traditions and from where you can admire one of the largest fishing and diving sanctuaries – the Wild Islet of Berlenga, also known as Berlenga Natural Reserve. This is a wonderful place to take a bath in the clear waters on the coast of this islet. Another highlight of this Tour is the Medieval Village of Obidos. Originally a Roman village, it was taken from the Moors in 1148. Its castle is classified as a national monument and it is a perfect example of a medieval fortress. This is a “village-museum”, perfectly preserved and walled by its high walls which perpetuate its medieval character. On our way to Obidos we will visit another smaller Peninsula - Baleal - where we can also refresh ourselves in the ocean. The next day we will ride along the beautiful Atlantic coast towards Nazare, the most typical beach in Portugal. This is a place full of old traditions and today we can still see the fishermen drying the fish under the sun as they did in the past. This is also a wonderful place to refresh ourselves in the blue waters or take a walk along the golden sand. Finally, there is a visit to the Natural Park of Candeeiros Hills where you can admire some prehistoric humanisation aspects of the landscape. We will also have the opportunity of visiting the most beautiful caves in Portugal with its stalactites and stalagmites.

The World Heritage of Sintra Hill
Sintra Hills – World Heritage – place of residence of many kings and queens, earls and barons and also Portuguese bourgeoisie. There are many palaces in Sintra (Sintra National Palace, Pena Palace, Moorish Castle, Monserrate Palace, Seteais Palace, etc.) and the exuberant forest hides the most beautiful natural corners. And all this presents a very romantic and mystical environment; a paradisiacal and majestic place where no-one can remain indifferent to the charms of the hills.

The Natural Park of Sintra-Cascais includes three different types of landscapes: the rural landscape of the plain (the vast area northward from Colares), the luxuriant vegetation landscape (Sintra Hills) and the coast with its slopes or small cliffs, from the mouth of river Falcão and Cascais citadel, dominated by Cape Roca. Sintra Hills is a granitic massif formed about half a million years ago. The special characteristics of the soil originated unique vegetation and landscape. Its perimeter is approximately 30km and its highest point is Cruz Alta in Pena National Park (540m high).

The occupation of the hills and the grounds where the town is located today is confirmed since the Stone Age. The Romans called it Monte da Lua (Moon Hill) and Cynthia to the village and there they prayed to the Sun and the Moon. In the 9th and 10th centuries the Arabs described Sintra as having fertile soil, abundant water and multiple species of trees. With an enviable geographical position, its limits offer the best strategic defence positions and yet it was always more loved than desired, more sacred than envied. It was always a place of cult and adoration, a temple of oblation and rituals and never the scenery of bloody battles. It is said that Sintra never witnessed bloodshed.

The castle was taken by D. Afonso Henriques – it is said that there were only 4 Moors in the castle who gave their weapons peacefully. Several generations of Portuguese Kings dedicated themselves to the town, the castle and its surroundings perpetuating the respect and veneration. The 15th and 16th centuries were palmy days for the social, economical and artistic development of Sintra. In the 19th century the old Franciscan monastery in Pena was converted into the present exotic Pena Palace. This is one of the monuments that is worth visiting in Sintra, apart from the Sintra National Palace (with its 33m high chimneys), the Moorish Castle (with its amazing view), Monserrate Palace (with its park of luxuriant vegetation), Seteais Palace (from where you can see the ocean and the tilled plain and at the top of the hill Pena Palace), Santa Maria Church, Peninha Sanctuary, etc.
PICTURES

Pena Palace is a unique architechtonical example merging many different styles in one monument.



The village of Sintra and its Palace with its two peculiar chimneys. The village has a romantique atmosphere with its narrow and winding streets.



Pena Palace is in the top of Sintra Hills within the Natural Park of Sintra-Cascais which is classified as World Heritage by UNESCO.




Another amazing view from the top of the Moorish Castle also located in the Natural Park of Sintra-Cascais.

Wednesday, March 21, 2007

The Best of Las Vegas In Two Days

Just came back from my 4th trip to the "Sin City". What amazes me most is that in the last decade none of my visits to this city was the same. They are always adding something new and fascinating. If you visited Vegas before 1995 you would not recognize the city today. The skyline is completely different and so are the attractions. It is "Orlando" of the west and you will surely have lots of fun.

Following is a list of must-see in order of preference and after that I will suggest an itinerary to see it all.

1- The Hoover Dam Tour

2- The Water Show at the Bellagio lake;

3- The view from the "Eiffel Tower" in Paris, Vegas;

4- The "Shark Reef" at Mandalay Bay;

5- The "Desert Passage" at Alladin;

6- The "Luxor" atrium and architecture;

7- The "Stratosphere" Tower;

8- The "Venetian" canal;

9- The "Manhattan Express" and skyline at New York, New York;

10- The Treasure Island and Mirage outdoor shows.

How can you save time and see all of these in a short time? It is easy unless you are a gambler and get stuck in the first casino you enter. A solution: break in change whatever you can afford to loose (in my case it was $20.00 in nickels and that's a lot of coins!). That way every place you visit you can play the slot machines for a while and try your lucky. If you are not familiar with casino rules it is my duty to inform that you can drink for free as long as you are playing. So, waste a few coins and you can sip a drink in every casino while you rest between walks. All you have to do is tip the nice attendant girl $1.00 . Sometimes the drink takes a while, so play slowly. Believe me, I drank way more worth than my $20.00 + tip. So, if I did not win a penny at least I drank for free. Who knows? You might also hit a jackpot by chance! One more thing? stop drinking and playing if you finish the coins you were allowed to loose. You've gone too far by then.

Now that we are all set let's start our city tour. You must divide The Strip (Las Vegas Blvd) in 4 sections. Each takes about 1/2 day to cover. So, you can do it in just 2 days, but if you have more time in town go slower and enjoy more of each casino and attractions.

SECTION ONE: Mandalay Bay/Luxor/ Excalibur/N.Y.N.Y and MGM.

You should do this tour in the morning since the only thing you might wanna see at night in this area is the bright light coming out of the top of the pyramid at Luxor, but you can easily do that later at night driving by car along The Strip.

I suggest you to park at N.Y.N.Y since it is well situated, free and has walkways over the strip to 2 other casinos. To reach the further ones you will take a tram.

The N.Y.N.Y main attraction is the Manhattan Express, a really scary roller coaster that runs outside and inside the casino. I love those type of rides but this one is way out of control . It is also pricey at $12.00 but if you are not dizzy enough at the end of the journey, the second ride is "only" $5.00. Would you dare? Be warned: in the beginning when the cars are climbing you can see your reflection at the mirrored windows of the hotel skyscrapers and that by itself will freeze your heart. It is very, very high as you have absolutely no idea looking at it from the street level. There are 2 horrifying dips and what I think is the worst, you will shake like crazy and have a pain in your neck at the end. You do not feel as safe as you do when riding Disney's roller coasters, that is for sure. Should you go? It's up to you, but don't blame me.

Besides the coaster you want to walk down to the casino throughout New York alleys and neighborhoods filled up with restaurants and shops and go outside to see the statue of Liberty and Brooklyn Bridge replicas up close. If you are looking for the best spot where you can frame the whole building in a picture you'll find that at the Tropicana Casino in the opposite diagonal corner. The view from here is not obstruct as it is from the caged walkways over the streets.

Next you can either go to MGM for a free look at the lions or cross the walkway to Excalibur. At the latter you will have photo opportunities at the entrance to the castle. Wander around the casino a bit and immerse yourself in a medieval time. Take the tram all the way to the Mandalay Bay. Here you must visit Shark Reef ($14.00). It is an awesome aquarium where you will be surrounded by sharks in every single direction, that is, above, bellow and all side walls. Worth the price!

Now you can either walk or take the tram back to the Luxor next door. This casino has an amazing architecture, probably as remarkable as the original pyramids in Egypt if you do not consider the historical value of the latter. Here you'll find rides and an IMAX theatre which pale compared to the rest. Definitely the huge atrium interior is something so extraordinary that you can't avoid contemplating it with your mouth opened for quite some time. The elevators are called "inclinators" because they ascend diagonally, but unfortunately you have to be a registered guest nowadays to ride one to the top. The pool area on the other hand is one of the few ones in Vegas where you can wander free and it's worth to see the building from this perspective. Also take a look at the Sphinx (you have to go under it to go back to the tram station). Don't forget to come back here at night to see the light coming out of the pyramid summit. It can be seen even from space!!!

Time to retrace your steps back to N.Y.NY., get in your car and go on to the next area.

SECTION TWO: Alladin/Paris, Vegas/Caesar Palace/Bellagio

This is one of the best areas on the Strip. Choose to do it in the afternoon and evening hours so that you can enjoy the lights and the outdoor shows.

Park at the Caesar. The shopping here used to be the best in town a few years ago, but now some newer casinos have outshine it a bit. Still, it is an impressive casino that you can not afford to pass by. Go to the Forum and then watch the statues to come alive hourly. Take the walkways to the outside area to contemplate the gardens and roman statuary. At this time this area is under construction and you bet it will be amazing in a near future with the Coliseum addition.

Next door is Bellagio, the beautiful! The most dramatic and inspiring of them all. If you only have time to visit one casino, look no further, this is the one. Belaggio is also the most luxurious. The splendid blue lake at its entrance and the dancing-water show will take your breath away and make you fall in love with the place right the way. The best picture you will take of the Eiffel tower (located across the street) can be taken from the higher grounds around the mid section of the lake sidewalk near the casino main doors. The water show starts at 3PM, but during the night hours it runs more frequently at 15 minutes intervals. Explore every corner of this building you can possibly go to, it is exuberant in every aspect. Do not miss the colorful sculptured glass-flowered ceiling at the main lobby.

I had the opportunity to watch "O" at the Bellagio. This is by far the best show I've seen from the Cirque du Soleil which I admire immensely . What an incredible acrobatic circus in the water spectacle ! Probably one of your best night out choices in Vegas.

Now, take the outside moving walkways and go to the Alladin, located across L.V.Blvd. This casino is a newer version that replaced the old one imploded a few years ago. The best here is the mall next door called "Desert Passage", an adventure à la Arabian Nights storyteller. Either if you like shopping or merely browsing around my advice is not to miss it.

Finally finish up this section at the Paris, Vegas. The heart of the casino is the Eiffel Tower foundation against a realistic blue and cloudy sky. Lights are dim and the atmosphere is naturally romantic at the "sidewalk cafes" and bistros. Even the hostess will greet you in French! This is certainly a good area to have dinner and a cocktail. A must is to cross the bridge and take the elevator to the top of the Eiffel tower itself (U$12). This is in my opinion a better view than the one offered at the taller Stratosphere because it is more centered on the Strip and so you will have a great close-up view of the surroundings. You have to remain at the tower top plateau at least to glimpse the water show at the Belaggio Lake down bellow. You can hear the music all the way from up there! Also, check outside the casino some other famous landmarks like the "Triumph Arch" and the "Louvre" museum façade.

SECTION THREE: Mirage/Treasure Island/Venetian

In a second day start by visiting this area. You can park for free at the Venetian. Go to the Grand Canal to do some shopping or to admire the view of the gondolas crossing the inner waterways all along the path. Check out the San Marco Square and the exterior Italian architecture.

Across the street visit the tropical and lush Mirage. Go to the check-in area to see the aquarium and visit the free White Tiger exhibition. They also have a small zoo and Dolphin Habitat that costs $10 to get in. I particularly did not care much for it, but would definitely recommend for kids.

Late in the afternoon you must watch the Buccaneer Bay pirate show a the Treasure Island . It gets crowded, so try to get a sit at a table at one of its restaurants to observe the "battle" comfortably. Expect fire, smoke and visual effects. It is not too long, but it is free. Right after that go back to the Mirage to catch up a volcano explosion every so often atop its front courtyard waterfall.

Now, head to the last section of the Strip toward the tall Stratosphere tower.

SECTION FOUR: Stratosphere/Downtown

You should get here by sunset, so that you can admire the view from the tallest structure in town. You can see the entire city, as far as the mountains and the desert all around. At the top you can dine, ride a corkscrew roller coaster or do the "Big Shot" up on its antenna like shaped pinnacle. Both are fun, but I preferred the latter . You can combine it all with the third ride (the elevator itself to the top) to save some money.

When the night falls go to downtown Las Vegas at Freemont Street. Here the lights are the old Vegas style and great for pictures. Quite hot under it too! You must wait for the top of the hour when they have the Fremont St. Experience show. This is an unforgettable moment and a highlight of your trip to Vegas. Suddenly the casino lights are turned off all at the same time and above you , extending 4 street blocks , millions of computer controlled micro-lights will form pictures, as if it was a movie rolling on the sky, accordingly to the music that fills up the air. It is a surreal sight, something like the future in a different planet or a dreamlike fantasy like this 2 incredible days you just had in Las Vegas.

There's more to see while here, but you can rest assured that with little or no time in your hands you will see absolutely the best you could possible see and know the city like a pro. Enjoy it!

For More Information

Paradise Found Tours maintains a website for Hoover Dam at http://www.paradisefoundtours.com. The site provides information for hoover dam tours, special news, fees and other pertinent information.

Tuesday, March 20, 2007

NEPAL AS SEEN BY THE WORLD

1. Nepal among 50 places to see before one dies- by BBC

2. Climbing Mount Everest among BBC’s 50 things to do before you die

3. Everest Base Camp listed in the 20 journeys of a lifetime by the UK’s observer


4. 4. Annapurna trail of Nepal declared one of the 12 best walks in the world by Modern Maturity USA’s largest circulated travel magazine.

5. 5. Explore voted Annapurna Circuit as No. 1 in iExplore’s Hiking & Trekking Trips.

6. Best Eco tourism Destinations in the world by Tourism market Trends.

7. Sirubari Village Tourism Project won the Prestigious PATA Gold Award in Heritage and Culture at the PATA Gold Awards 2001.


Monday, March 19, 2007

World's Most Visited City

London, England
Big Ben London

The largest city in Europe, London is also one of the world's most visited cities. You can spend weeks trying to visit all of London's attractions, from museums, theatres, famous churches, streets and parks, to sporting arenas, entertainment and shopping venues.

London is also a shopper's paradise. For department stores, head to Oxford or Regent Streets. Harrods and Harvey Nichols are located in Knightsbridge. As for boutiques, browse along Bond Street, Kings and Brompton Roads in Chelsea and South Kensington. For markets, visit Covent Garden, Camden Town, Portobello Road and Petticoat Lane.

From fish and chips to fashionable eateries owned by world-famous chefs, London boasts a huge range of cuisine and restaurants. In addition, with over 5,000 pubs, you will always find a place to tempt your taste buds.

The West End theatre district is home to many famous productions and shows, and there are always international acts in town. London is also famous for its world-class plays, ballet, opera and orchestras.

Attractions and Sightseeing

In London:

click to enlarge map
  • Take a Hop-on, Hop-off Bus Tour.
  • Enjoy one of the fabulous musical or theatre productions.
  • Take advantage of free entry into many of London's museums and galleries.
  • Use your London Pass for discounted visits to over 50 London attractions.
  • Browse for bargains or antiques in one of London's many street markets.
  • Sample the delights of London by purchasing a London Dining pass.
  • Take in the sights of London on the London Eye.
  • Enjoy an evening of entertainment on the Thames with the London Showboat.
  • Take a Red River Rover Cruise on the Thames.

Friday, March 16, 2007

Adventure Tours in Switzerland



Switzerland is a great destination for Adventure Tours. Tourists can enjoy mountaineering, hiking, Skiing, tobogganing, skating, parasailing, cross country trekking, nature walks and a range of other adventure activity in the beautiful Swiss countryside. Adventure Tours Switzerland

With mountains such as the Swiss Alps and the Jura Mountains, snow-capped peaks, glaciers, cliffs and valleys to explore, trekkers will find lots to occupy their time when on trekking tours of Switzerland. Mountain peaks including Dufourspise, Mt. Pilatus, Grindelwald and the Matterhorn, and the scenic attractions of the Bernese Oberland make mountaineering and trekking popular adventure activities in Switzerland. You can enjoy exploring these destinations with Switzerland Flexi Tours.

Hiking trails and nature walks are clearly marked along the Swiss countryside, with yellow signposts and red and white markers. Even beginners can enjoy these nature walks on hiking outs of Switzerland. Blue markers indicate Alpine mountaineering trails that should only be attempted by experienced climbers.

Skiing is an extremely popular Alpine sport. The fantastic slopes of Switzerland attract tourists and skiers from across the world. Switzerland has some of the world's best ski resorts and slopes including St Moritz, Davos and Zermatt.


Adventure Tours in Switzerland

Switzerland tour is a dream for everyone. Dazzling snow peaks, mountains, glaciers, and parks, crystal clear lakes make this small country a paradise of the earth.
Switzerland travel package not only explored its amazing beauty but also offer you to enjoy adventurous sports like skiing, hiking and mountaineering. Adventure tour package of Switzerland help in making this dream comes true.

Considered as paradise for skiing, Switzerland tour is full of adventure sports mainly of winter sports, Switzerland provide destination to some of world's best winter sports. Skii resorts of Switzerland are very well famous in the world. December to April is the best time for skiing in Switzerland. Tourist from all over comes here to enjoy this adventure sport. Grindelwald, St.Moritz, Zermatt are the famous spot of skiing in Switzerland. Other than these are Ilanz region, Mundan, Obersaxen, Flumserberg.

Similar to the skiing is the fun of Hiking and Switzerland is the paradise for the lovers of this adventurous sport. The best time for hiking is during summer and autumn. Coloured signposts all over Switzerland mark the hiking tracks. There are many Hiking regions in Switzerland but the best is Bernese Oberland.Another one for hiking lovers is Appenzell.Irrespective of these two places, hiking tours of the historical sites, churches and near major towns are also popular among the tourists.

The excitement of mountain climbing is not less than skiing or hiking. Alps mountain peaks provide amp full opportunities of excitement for this sports lovers. Swiss Alps are the world famous destination for trekking, skiing, mountaineering and other winter sports. Beside Alps, Zura mountain range is also famous among mountain climbers. Matterhorn, Mt.Pilatus and Grindelwald are the most liked site of mountaineering in Switzerland. Adventure Tours in Switzerland offer you to be a part of the world best-known winter sport destination.

Sunday, March 11, 2007

NorwayGlaciers. Vikings. Walrus. Norway is like some ancient saga come to life.


Norway is a ruggedly beautiful country of mountains, fjords and glaciers. The 'Land of the Midnight Sun' has delightfully long summer days, pleasantly low-key cities, unspoiled fishing villages and rich historic sites that include Viking ships and medieval stave churches.

Norway prizes its stunning natural wonders and retains a robust frontier character unusual in Europe. It's not all frozen tundra, either. The temperate south includes rolling farmlands, enchanted forests and sunny beaches as well as the dramatic Western Fjords.


The Best of Europe - My Favorite European Destinations
The Best Destinations for your European Vacation

What constitutes "The Best of Europe" is a topic open to a whole lot of debate. We can do that on our travel forum. But here is an index to information on some of my personal favorite and Europe for Visitors' most popular destinations for your European vacation.

The Best European Cities- Six of Europe's top cities to visit on your vacation. These are the anchors for your European vacation. Page two includes the Italian Big Three.

My Favorite Off The Beaten Track Destinations in Europe - There are hardly any more "undiscovered" places in Europe, but here I offer my favorite places that are pretty much ignored by a majority of European travellers.

paris picture rodin thinker
The Best of Europe? He's Thinking About It!
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The Best Destinations for your European Vacation

What constitutes "The Best of Europe" is a topic open to a whole lot of debate. We can do that on our travel forum. But here is an index to information on some of my personal favorite and Europe for Visitors' most popular destinations for your European vacation.

Friday, March 9, 2007

Top Trekking Destinations

Everest: A Trekker's Guide (Cicerone Guide) The Himalayan Kingdon of Nepal is a trekker's dream. This third edition of the successful Everest guide leads the explorer through Nepal and the Sherpa's homeland. The mountain panoramas and lives of the Nepalese are clearly documented, together with the detailed needs of the trekker in this challenging but most rewarding region. Several trekking routes on the Nepalese side of everest are described. In addition there is information on a trekking route to Base Camp on the Tibetan side of the mountain.

Great Adventure TreksThe World's Great Adventure Treks (The "Top" Series) 20 treks in wild terrain that are challenging, awesome in scope and have very little infrastructure. The trek lengths start at close to 100km (60 miles) and demand a minimum of five days to complete, so for all of them meticulous planning and expert guidance is often necessary. These adventurous hikes traverse every continent, from the russet hues of Alaska's autumn forests, along the spine of the Rockies from Canada to Mexico, through South America's remote, uninhabited mountains and valleys, to the craggy heights of Europe's Alpine region, across sacred Himalayan peaks and over the jagged escarpments of Africa and Australia's coastal tropical rainforest. Treks vary from an ancient pilgrim route, a trail on a frozen river, Macchu Picchu's mystical ruins, a yak-supported trek into the heart of the Himalayas and a summit expedition up Africa's snow peak, Kilimanjaro. Route maps and fact panels are included.

Explore the Inca TrailExplore the Inca Trail (Rucksack Readers) This guide contains everything the walker needs to plan and enjoy hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in Peru, choosing from three routes taking from two to seven days. Step-by-step sections cover variations of the four-day Classic Trail from Kilometre 88, the Shortest option from Kilometre 104 and the longer, more strenuous trek from Mollepata.

Gr20Gr20: Corsica - The High Level Route Corsica is a mountainous island in the Mediterranean and its GR20 is reputated to be the toughest waymarked trail in Europe. It is an ambitious route for fit and agile walkers, covering 190km in about two weeks as it makes a complete traverse through the high mountains, backpacking the whole way, sometimes with hands-on scrambling. Facilities are limited to a dozen mountain refuges and a mere handful of hotels or gites. The 'classic' route is described, along with high- and low-level alternatives, plus extra mountain climbs. This guide explains exactly what is involved in following the GR20, Corsica, including what walkers need to carry and how difficult the route is in places, revealing everything you need to know. Detailed route descriptions and stunning photographs leave walkers in no doubt as to what is required of them to walk this exceptionally beautiful, dramatic and rugged route.

Pyrenean Haute RoutePyrenean Haute Route: A High-level Trail (Cicerone Mountain Walking S.) The Pyrenean High Level Route takes the highest possible route through the centre of the Pyrenees, crossing the French/Spanish border many times. It is probably the most beautiful, spectacular and challenging walk in the Pyrenees, and this new guide breaks the unwaymarked 800km route into 42 stages in five groups.