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Sunday, October 5, 2008

Mongolia

Off The Map Tours specialize in mountain bike tours in Mongolia because our company founder, Ts. Darjaa, was Olympic trainer for the Mongolian National Cycling Team and many of our Mongolian staff were professional cyclists.

Cycling Tours in Mongolia:

We have designed all our own routes and know the track, scenery, river crossings or bridges, climbs or technical sections, and camping places for each trip. The combined use of jeeps and bikes allows us to see a substantial part of Mongolia, with its wild and varied scenery. All tours are fully supported and guided throughout.

Starting in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia’s cultural capital, you’ll make your way to the Gobi desert and on to the Khangai mountain range for the adventure of a lifetime.As you cycle through this region, you’ll marvel at its natural beauty and breathtaking views. The undisputed trip highlight the five days riding in the mountains covering over 240 kilometers and multiple terrains. If landscape variety enhances your cycling experiences, sign on for this tour right now.

Adventure tour in Mongolia:
Sight-Seeing Tour Ulaanbaatar Ulaan Baatar Mongolia
You'll feel ecstatic and elated by treading across flamming cliffs famous for the discovery of dinosaur fossils, visiting a camel breeder's family or by being served by hospitable Gobi nomads. Our adventure tours will provide you with companionship.

Our tour will give you the real insight into the distinctive culture of the Mongolian nation and nomadic civilization in the vast steppes of Mongolia . Our tour will introduce you to what Mongols were like in past centuries and how they live today, but also it will deliver to you some incredible and uncanny information which will bring unique satisfaction to the intellectually minded. You'll feel ecstatic and elated by treading across flamming cliffs famous for the discovery of dinosaur fossils, visiting a camel breeder's family or by being served by hospitable Gobi nomads. Our adventure tours will provide you with companionship, learning, breathtaking landscapes, exquisite food, and a chance to become acquainted with a country of unsurmountable scenic and cultural beauty . But most of all, an adventure tour must be a lot of fun.

Mongolian horse riding adventures:

What better way to see Mongolia than as the locals do, by horse ? Chinggis Khaan and his armies travelled to Europe by horse, and to this day it remains the most common and reliable form of transport. Horses can go where roads and petrol do not exist, and where walkers would be exhausted by the rough terrain. Most nomadic families have a herd of horses, the size of the herd being a status symbol. In the summer months mare's milk is fermented to make "airag", a drink which is much loved by all Mongolians and drunk in huge quantities. A good horse would be a man's most prized possession, and all animals are well cared for.

On our horse riding tours we take with us local horsemen to look after the animals. The nomadic people, who have probably been riding since they were two years old, use wooden saddles, sometimes finely decorated with big silver studs. For foreigners these are like a form of torture, therefore we use English or Russian style saddles. We try to find horses that are suited to your riding experience, and the distance and speed at which you ride can be adapted to suit you.

Burto Chono:(The camp)

Our camp has been established in 2003 at the bank of Kherlen River. We are located in a territory of Baganuur district which is 130km away from Ulaanbaatar and 8km away from Baganuur district. 
We serve our tourists and guests in Mongolian national gers and 2 floor wooden houses capacity of 80 people at once.

Sight-Seeing Tour Baganuur district Ulaan Baatar Mongolia and it is 7 km away from Baganuur district.

Accomodation:

Lion Hotel, Ulaanbaatar--You will find a quiet and serene atmosphere at Lion Hotel. Lion Hotel is secure and convenient. The hotel is located near Ulaanbaatar Centre railway station and 11 km from Buyant-Ukhaa Airport.

  • The restaurant with a capacity to seat 60 people, offers a variety of exciting Asian and European food, high quality local and world class beverga and soft drinks. 
  • The modern business centre offers telfax, copying, internet, e-mail service etc.
  • Call on laundry service, to make sure that your clothing is always clean and in order.
  • A heated indoor garage is available in case you need to take care of an automobile during your stay.

Michelle Hotel, Ulaanbaatar--Hotel Michelle is conveniently located within 15 minutes' walk from the Sukhbaatar Square in a busy youth and students street just opposite the Music & Dance College in Ulaanbaatar City.

Location: Area of Universities

Facilities:  
-Business CentreExchange
-Car Parking
-Internet available onsite
-Laundry Service available
-Non-Smoking rooms/floors
-Restaurant(s)
-Safe at reception
-Business center (Separate room/area)

Services:
-Foreign Currency Exchange
-Laundry/Ironing
-Postal/Courier Service
-Room Service
-Hotel safe

Kharaa Hotel, Ulaanbaatar--The Hotel endeavours to become the leader of luxury and hospitality, inviting you to experience their beautiful interiors, excellent service and fine cuisine together.

               Facilities:   

  •          Business Centre
  •          Car Parking
  •          Fax
  •          Internet available onsite
  •          Photocopier
  •          Restaurant(s)
  •          Safe at reception
  •          Spa facilities - indoor
  •          Room service 07.30am-10.00pm
  •          Security lockers
  •          Vip room


Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Antarctica

A choice of Antarctica holidays from leading specialist companies who operate with the highest environmental standards to help protect this pristine wilderness environment.

Antarctica cruise

One of the most exciting voyages in the South Seas, going south of the Antarctic Circle and beyond, into waters untouched by all but the lucky few 

The aim on this voyage is to head as far south as the ice and weather permit. The adventure begins in earnest when approaching the Antarctic Circle. The ice-rated ship enables us to navigate through some of the world's most breathtaking waterways - many littered with brash ice, 'growlers' and colossal, stunning icebergs. We'll attempt to land on the Antarctic continent south of the Circle and perhaps visit a scientific research station. After a few days exploring the 'deep south', there are further shore excursions on the northerly route along the Antarctic Peninsula. 

The ship is small enough to navigate through the narrow Lemaire Channel, with glacial walls towering high on both sides, leading to a jigsaw of jewel-like islands that are home to penguin rookeries, whales, elephant seals and countless seabirds. If you can spare the extra time, the rewards of such a unique icy pilgrimage are immeasurable. 

Accommodation: 12 nights on the Vavilov or Ioffe in a standard main deck twin cabin (upgrades available). Full board while on the ship.

Antarctica holiday cruise:

With visits along the way through the South Shetland Islands we arrive on the mainland, on the Antarctic Peninsula and are dazzled by perhaps the most dramatic scenery to be found anywhere on earth. Sailing aboard a well-appointed expedition vessel, we see Antarctic nature in all its glory. These areas boast an extraordinary abundance of wildlife, including five seal species and massive penguin rookeries of gentoo, Adelies and chinstraps as well as a profusion of seabirds from albatross to skuas. A wildlife highlight may well be watching a variety of magnificent whale species in close proximity as they crest the surface of the waves. 

On the White Continent, we also see remarkable landscapes of ice. At Paradise Harbour or Hope Bay we find many icebergs dotting the waters, including some that are colossal in size, containing natural caves shrouded in an eerie translucent light. On land, there is a sweeping ice sheet, masking mountains and filling trenches binding together an entire continent that is about the size of Africa. We’ll even have the chance to camp ashore on this expanse of ice if conditions are suitable. Even in the company of our experienced expedition crew, some of whom have travelled to Antarctica over 100 times, it still seems astonishing to think of the early explorers attempting to conquer this beautiful, yet formidable land.

Spitsbergen cruise to the Arctic:

This voyage delivers a full circumnavigation of Spitsbergen and its off-lying islands (dependent on ice conditions), taking us within 600 nautical miles of the North Pole. With its population of 3500 in five settlements, Spitsbergen is still virtually an unspoilt wilderness. 

The east coast is influenced by a cold sea current from Siberia and the resulting lower temperatures mean that, even in summer, frequent pack ice can make access difficult. In contrast the west coast is warmed by the Gulf Stream where an amazing variety of flora thrives. This polar wonderland is also the breeding home for walrus, polar bear, reindeer and millions upon millions of migratory land and sea birds. Several whale species are found in the waters surrounding Spitsbergen. The land is a bewitching combination of towering mountains in the west and fossil-rich polar desert in the east.

Antarctic diving expedition

This expedition will focus on some of the best dive sites in the Antarctic Peninsula. We can take just 24 divers on this voyage and who will enjoy guidance from an onboard team of diving professionals who are pioneers in polar diving. This expedition does not involve cutting a hole in the ice to dive. Using zodiac inflatables we will dive off the edges of ice flows and around icebergs where we so hope to see sealions and leopard seals. Marine life on the Peninsula also includes kelp walls, sea-snails, crabs, sea butterflies, shoals of Antarctic fish, shrubby horsetails, jellyfish, sea hedgehogs, starfishes, krill and giant isopods. New species are being discovered in Antarctica all the time.

The ice itself forms one of the special features of diving in Antarctica. At times we will dive beneath shallow pack ice and at other times dive alongside great walls of ice to feel and observe their extraordinary forms. Sunlight penetrating the water here to adds to the extraordinary atmosphere you can only appreciate in this wild and remote part of the world.

Antarctica & South Georgia icebreaker cruises:

The Antarctic Peninsula, one of the World’s last frontiers, is a perfect example of where water, wilderness and wildlife combine with breath-taking perfection. It inspires visitors with its majestic beauty and dramatic ice scenery. The towering white mountains, sweeping glaciers and icebergs form an unrivalled backdrop for the unique and abundant sea birds and marine mammals which reside here. Fin, Right and Minke whales, Leopard, Ross, Weddell and Crabeater seals are common. Seabirds are abundant, including the Albatross, Gentoo, Chinstrap and Adelie penguins.

South Georgia is home to over 200,000 pairs of inquisitive King Penguins, thousands of Fur and Elephant Seals and the majestic Wandering Albatross. This inspiring island was the mainstay of the whaling industry and is the land renowned for Sir Ernest Shackleton’s epic rescue during the Endurance expedition. For many, the overwhelming abundance and variety of wildlife, combined with the rich and fascinating human history of South Georgia makes this island one of the highlights of an Antarctic experience.

Antarctic cruise & Patagonia Mountains:

Antarctica - Torres del Paine National Park - World Class Hiking - Stunning Mountain Scenery - Walk with Light Packs - Cruise to Antarctica. Combine exploration of two dream destinations in one unique holiday. Complete the circuit of Torres del Paine National Park, one of the world’s great hikes. Enjoy the freedom of walking without heavy packs. Cruise to Antarctica on board a first class vessel for just 78 passengers. Visit Antarctica with one of the most experienced teams in the region.

Price includes; Flights from LON/MAN; All domestic flights in Chile; 12 nights in first class hotels (twin share) and 4 nights refugio accommodation; Full time guides in Chile; luggage porters in Torres del Paine; private transport throughout; 10 night Antarctic Cruise with twin/double cabin on Amundsen deck. All activities mentioned; and meals (b,l,d) as per itinerary.

Whae Watching:

Visiting Antractica doesn't get much more exciting than spotting a pod of humpback whales cavorting off the coast of Western Australia. These gentle giants are often spotted in the ocean near Cape Leeuwin on their annual pilgrimage from Antarctica to the warm tropical waters of the northwest coast.

If sailing the seas rather than watching them is more your thing, Western Australia is simply brilliant. From catamaran beginners to wannabe pro-yachties, there are excellent conditions to suit all skill levels.

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Alaska

Krog's Kamp:

Located on the banks of the famous Kenai River in a beautiful setting, Krog's Kamp offers the finest in luxury accommodations and world class salmon, trout and halibut fishing. Come and join the Krog's Kamp family....you'll be glad you did.Executive lodge on Alaska's famous Kenai River. Home of world record king salmon. Come and enjoy the trip of a life time at Krog's Kamp.

Mi 1 Big Eddy Rd
Soldotna, AK 99669

907-262-2671

Alaska's Iniakuk Lake Wilderness Lodge:

An exclusive luxury wilderness lodge catering to a clientele seeking elegance and independence in Alaska's Brooks Range. Experience unparalleled comfort 60 miles above the Arctic Circle, privately-chartered fly-out all-inclusive tours

Hiking for all fitness levels, fishing and canoeing at Iniakuk Lake, bird watching, wildlife viewing, catch and release fishing for Lake Trout, Pike and Grayling, fly-out all-inclusive tours. We recommend you choose a tour combining a stay at Iniakuk Lake Wilderness Lodge with a flight seeing adventure which includes a private float plane and pilot to take you and your guide on a day trip into the surrounding countryside. Float a river, flight see or spend the day fishing, then return to The Lodge in time for dinner.

Iniakuk Lake Wilderness Lodge, LLC
P.O. Box 80424
Fairbanks, Alaska 99708
United States

Cruising in Alaska:

Safely Cruising Alaskan Waters over 45 years 7 Days / 6 Nights * Perfect for Families * Individuals Groups up to 12 * Kids Welcome Breathtaking Scenery - Spectacular Wildlife Outstanding Customer Service Journey with us and experience the difference.

A step beyond the typical commercial “Small Ship Cruises” our guests are treated to a private, very personalized experience like no other, becoming prt of our family onboard 70’ Sundance staying away from the crowed ports instead, visiting remote areas unseen or experienced by most visitors.

70’ long, Sundance was built for the ocean and her width of 21 feet, draft (or depth) of 11 feet and weight of 150 tons makes her a very comfortable riding vessel for cruising Alaska’s waters. The modern galley emits wonderful smells of delicious pies, homemade bread and wonderful hearty meals.

Relax in the comfortable salon surrounded by large window so you are sure not to miss the scenery. The wheelhouse also provides a great place for guests to take in the view and talk with the captain.

Prince William Sound Sea Kayaking and Hiking Tours:

Sea kayak, camp and hike Alaska’s most spectacular wilderness; Prince William Sound. Paddle a rich fjord ecosystem with tidal glaciers, sea caves and abundant wildlife. Hike in rain forests. No Experience necessary. In Valdez since 1989.

Located in the northeastern portion of the Prince William Sound, 25 miles from Valdez, PWS Lodge can only be accessed by sea or air. Experience an abundance of wildlife including a variety of migratory birds, resident sea otters, seals, eagles and possibly sea lions, bears, and whales. 

Spend each day exploring by kayak or hiking. Wander through the historical turn of the century mining area. Walk the ancient lush boreal rain forest with numerous varieties of wild flowers and vegetation along a network of hiking trails. We will kayak to a tide water glacier and along the ancient forests of Tititlek Narrows.

Anadyr Adventures
225 N Harbor Driver
Valdez, Alaska 99686
United States

Alaska Brooks Range Dog Sledding Tours

Unparalleled comfort in untouched wilderness 60 miles above the Arctic Circle in Alaska's Brooks Range.

Spend your days behind a dog sled crossing frozen ponds, winding along river valleys and between snow-laden stands of spruce trees. Come home each night to a modern log cabin, fabulous meals and a place to warm your feet by the fire as the northern lights erupt in a dazzling display overhead. Explore miles of groomed trails around the main lodge skiing, dog sledding and snowshoeing. We offer 3 and 5-day all-inclusive trips from Iniakuk Lake Wilderness Lodge into Alaska's Brooks Range and Gates of the Arctic National Park.

Waterfall Resort:

Historic salmon cannery turned world class saltwater sportfishing resort. Guided fishing for salmon, halibut, ling cod, and red snapper aboard 25ft. heated cabin cruisers. Located on western shore of Prince of Wales Island.

Nothing about Waterfall is ordinary. Your adventure begins with a breathtaking flight aboard a float plane. This unforgettable journey takes you over the unspoiled Tongass National Forest, and straight towards the richest fishing grounds in North America.

Waterfall offers the largest private fleet of custom built Almar cabin cruisers in the state, all equipped with Volvo Penta diesel engines, heated cabins, air suspension seats and the latest Furuno marine electronics including fish finders, radar, and gps. Stepping aboard your assigned boat you'll be greeted by your personal guide. It doesn't take long to get acquainted. After a short, scenic ride you reach the ideal fishing spot.

Monday, September 29, 2008

Namibia

The Sossusvlie

Namibia's famous highlight in the heart of the Namib Desert, is a huge clay pan, enclosed by giant sand dunes. Some of the spectacular hills of sand are, at a height of 300 metres, the highest in the world. Only after a heavy rainfall, which is a rare event in this area, does the vlei fill with water. As the clay layers hardly allow any water infiltration, a turquoise lake will remain for quite some time.  
 The dunes of the Namib desert have developed over a period of many millions of years. It is thought that the vast quantities of sand were deposited into the Alantic Ocean by the Orange river. This material was subsequently moved northwards by the Benguela current to be dumped back onto the land by the surf.

Harnas Wildlife Foundation:

Harnas farm which was once a cattle farm has become a sanctuary for injured and orphaned animals by the owners. Later Harnas Wildlife Foundation has been established for the purpose of supporting of activities of the orphanage and controlling of donations. The Foundation is the only animal welfare foundation of its kind in Africa.

Harnas Lion, Leopard and Cheetah Farm was registered in April 1995 as a guest farm. The high costs of animal care necessitated this move. The Van der Merwe family had been taking in animals since the late 1970's and operated the farm on the income generated from cattle farming. The expenses and orphans grew quickly and by 1995, the farm housed some 200 creatures.
Since the establishment of the guest farm, Harnas has grown to become part of the public consciousness and therefore the Trust Fund and Wildlife Foundation was established during mid 1997 to control donations and monies received.
Today, Harnas operates as an animal sanctuary and orphanage. We are currently embarking on a new Wild Dog rehabilitation program which will utilize our dogs as a breeding colony.

Kolmanskop Ghost Town:

Kolmanskop is a ghost town in southern Namibia, a few kilometres inland from the port of Lüderitz. In 1908, Luederitz was plunged into diamond fever and people rushed into the Namib desert hoping to make an easy fortune. Within two years, a town, complete with a casino, school, hospital and exclusive residential buildings, was established in the barren sandy desert.

But shortly after the drop in diamond sales after the First World War, the beginning of the end started. During the 1950's the town was deserted and the dunes began to reclaim what was always theirs.

Desert Express:

Desert Express was designed and built in Namibia, and it took 250 000 manhours during a period of 18 months to complete the construction of the train. The workforce consisted of 40 skilled artisans, 3 supervisors, 2 technical superintendents and 2 senior engineers. Where possible, Namibian products and skills were used. Desert Express was launched on 3 April 1998 by the President of Namibia, Dr Sam Nujoma.

Lay-out of Desert Express

1)Rhino 
Power Car and Storage

2)Meerkat 
6 Compartments - Accommodation coach

3)Springbok 
6 Compartments - Accommodation coach

4)Oryx 
6 Compartments - Accommodation coach

5)Kokerboom 
6 Compartments - Accommodation coach


6)Spitzkoppe 

Lounge and Bar


7)Welwitschia 
Restaurant

8)Stardune 
Bristo Bar

9)Starview 
Function/Conference Venue

 The nine coaches are permanently linked via drawbar to minimise coupling and for improved ride comfort.

Spitzkoppe / Erongo:

The Spitzkoppe between Usakos and Swakopmund is also described as the "Matterhorn of Namibia". Rising to a altitude of about 1800 metres, the Spitzkoppe is by no means Namibia's highest mountain, however, due to its striking outlines, it is regarded as the most well-known mountain in the country. Situated in an endless, dry plain, the island of mountains can be seen from far away. 
   
 The granite massif, which is part of the Erongo Mountains, was created by the collapse of a gigantic volcano more than 100 million years ago and the subsequent erosion, which exposed the volcanic rock, granite.


Cheetah Conservation Fund:

Founded in 1990, the Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF) has as its mission is to be an internationally recognised centre of excellence in research and education on cheetahs and their eco-systems, working with all stakeholders to achieve best practice in the conservation and management of the world's cheetahs.

The CCF is based in Namibia, the country with the largest and healthiest population of cheetahs left in the world. Its Research and Education Centre is located 44 km. east of Otjiwarongo.

Saturday, September 27, 2008

Liverpool

Albert Dock : Take a walk along Albert Dock, Liverpool's biggest attraction since the city fathers refurbished and renovated it. Filled with interesting museums, bars and restaurants, and over 50 shops, a family could spend the entire day on the waterfront enjoying what over five million visitors a year come to see.

Speke Hall: Set as it is on the banks of the Mersey, and surrounded by gardens and woodlands this magnificent half-timbered mansion is one of the finest of its kind in England. A visit allows exploration of secret priest holes, the 'eavesdrop' chamber, long walks through the gardens and woodlands, as well as a bite to eat at the tea-room.

Speke Hall(National Trust) is the finest timber framed building in England, set amidst beautiful landscaped gardens, just six miles to the south of Liverpool City Centre.
We offer the unique facility of the wood panneled Great Hall for your Civil Marriage Ceremony. Followed by a choice of locations for the all important photographs, during which canapes and Champagne can be served to your guests.

There is nowhere quite like Speke Hall, it offers the perfect setting for the most important day in your life.

Cavern Quarter: Smart, stylish Vodka Bar on the edge of Liverpool's famous Cavern Quarter, situated in between the swanky Victoria Street socialite circuit and Liverpool's party bars. Delicious food seven days a week with smooth sounds from skilled DJs by night. Two floors open at the weekend with Funky House and Classics downstairs and Funk, RnB, Soul and Hip Hop upstairs. Dozens of unique flavoured vodka shots to choose from. Located at the Mathew Street, this was the place of the Cavern Club.The Beatles used to play at this place and it became a valuable source of income. However, the place got demolished in 1973. It was rebuilt in 1984 and was back in business.

Address: 2 Temple Court, Cavern Quarter, Liverpool, L2 6py

Accomodations:

Crowne Plaza Liverpool , 4 Star 
Address: Princes Dock Liverpool Liverpool L3 1QW 
The Crowne Plaza Liverpool occupies a fabulous central position and overlooks the famous water front of this vibrant city centre. We are ideally located with onsite parking to make us a base for visits to the city's football stadiums, Aintree and other cultural attractions. Our superb Harbour Club with its extensive gym, 18 metre pool and sauna, steam and spa pool suite is a great place to relax before enjoy
ing the hospitality of our beautiful restaurant and bar.

Britannia Adelphi Hotel (Room only) , 4 Star 
Address: Liverpool Liverpool L3 5UL.
The Adelphi Hotel was built for the Titanic passengers and has been faithfully restored while adding modern facilities. There is a choice of 3 restaurants and 3 bars. The health club is state of the art and the original white marble swimming pool has been fully restored. Situated in the heart of Liverpool, the station, shops and waterfront a
re all in walking distance.

Liverpool Marriott Hotel South , 4 Star 
Address: Speke Road Liverpool Liverpool L24 8QD.
The Liverpool Marriott South is converted from the original Liverpool Airport terminal buildings. Boasting stunning art deco architecture and interiors, superb facilities
throughout, including fully air-conditioned bedrooms, restaurant, bar and use of the David Lloyd leisure centre adjacent to the hotel. (charges may apply). Park and Fly Rates include Complimentary shuttle to Liverpool Airport.

Pacific International Hotel: The hotel is a very popular choice for both business and leisure travellers who want to explorer western Sydney and Blue Mountains. The hotel has an outdoor heated swimming pool and spa, gymnasium, turkish bath and sauna. Reviewed Oct04/KT. Modern medium rise tower. On the corner of Parkes Street and Valentine Avenue. It's about 3 minutes walk from the Parramatta train station and about 5~7 minutes walk from Westfield Shopping Centre. You can very easily drive onto Great Western Highway.