INTERNATIONAL EXPEDITIONS’ JULY AMAZON AND GALAPAGOS FAMILY VOYAGES

Custom Family Safaris Also Available Through New “Inventing South Africa” Desk

BIRMINGHAM, AL, February 13, 2008 – International Expeditions’ 10-day family adventures to the Amazon and the Galapagos Islands provide life-long memories that pack more meaning than any photograph.  The world leader in nature travel, International Expeditions is unsurpassed in bringing families face to face with some of the world’s rarest wildlife in unspoiled natural environments. 

Each family expedition caters to the needs of both children and adults to help create those unforgettable experiences.  All family departures involve International Expeditions’ world-class expedition leaders and a special assigned Family Director, along with a Young Explorer’s kit and a kid-friendly menu to suit most appetites. 

Amazon Voyage

Unlock the mystery of the mighty Amazon on the greatest voyage in natural history. Aboard International Expeditions’ comfortable riverboats guests scout for indigenous wildlife as they navigate over 445 miles along the mighty river, through its less-visited narrow tributaries.  New for 2008, International Expeditions has added an extra night to its Amazon Voyage, taking young naturalists and their families deeper into the Pacaya-Samiria Reserve than any other outfitter.

            The adventure begins with an overnight in Lima and a short flight over the Andes to Iquitos before boarding a 28-42-passenger riverboat, home for the next seven nights.  Games on board introduce kids and parents to the plants and wildlife before they search for more than 100 kinds of birds, pink and gray Amazon River dolphins, eight species of monkeys, sloths, giant otters, and nocturnal animals such as caimans and capybaras.

International Expeditions’ long history in the Peruvian Amazon has created long-lasting relationships with the local Ribereño communities along the river.  As guests convene in the open wooden schoolhouse (for all ages), the students proudly sing songs.  In turn, families can share school supplies brought from home, buy handmade necklaces of seeds and piranha teeth from the local women, or join a game of soccer with newfound friends.  These special encounters with the Ribereños have become much-loved experiences of International Expeditions’ past travelers, with many continuing to support the villages after they return home by sending additional school and dental hygiene supplies. 

The per person price for the Amazon Family Expeditions departing July 4, 11, 18, 25 and August 1 start at $3,198 for adults and $3,048 for kids (aged 7-16), including accommodations, most meals, transportation by land and boat, guides and group transfers.  Air is additional.

Galapagos Islands

The Galapagos family voyage explores the islands’ diverse terrain of desert landscapes, lush highland forests, volcanic soils and nutrient-rich waters aboard the 32-passenger M/V Evolution, exclusively chartered by International Expeditions.  The wildlife, isolated for thousands of years, has no instinctive fear of humans, so families can get up close and personal with the inquisitive creatures.

Expect to explore the volcanic Fernandina and Isabela Islands and the powder-white sands of Cerro Brujo for sightings of blue-footed boobies, yellow warblers and finches.  Not to be missed is the visit to the Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz Island to learn about current conservation efforts before a close encounter of the incredible kind – seeing giant Galapagos tortoises in the lush highland forests.  Genovesa (Tower) Island, home to one of the largest and most diverse bird populations in the Galapagos, is a special International Expeditions highlight, as larger ships can’t access the isle.   Fun-filled days include incredible snorkeling opportunities with sea lions and turtles as swimming partners.

Families who book with International Expeditions also help preserve these fragile environments.  International Expeditions has partnered with Galapagos Conservancy, the premier advocacy and fundraising group in the U.S., and is proud to match guests’ contributions up to $250 with a certificate good for future travel with International Expeditions.

The per person price for the Galapagos Family Expeditions departing July 4 and 18 start at $4,498 for adults and $4,148 for kids (aged 7-16), including accommodations, most meals, transportation by land and boat, guides and group transfers.  Air is additional.

Inventing Southern Africa

For families looking to create a one-of-a-kind experience, the new Inventing Southern Africa desk specializes in all types of custom travel to South Africa, Botswana, Namibia and Zambia.  Perfect for a family expedition, however large or small, the desk can custom-tailor any journey around specific dates or events including family celebrations, birthdays, graduations and anniversaries.  In addition to offering total flexibility with departures and length of journey (six-day minimum), International Expeditions arranges private trips for groups using pre-arranged transportation and accommodations.  More information on Inventing Southern Africa and International Expeditions’ other personalized itineraries to Peru, Costa Rica and Panama can be found at: http://www.ietravel.com/subpages/Custom_Journeys.asp

Founded in 1980, Inter
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