April 2010
With trips on the road throughout Europe and North America, the spring season is well underway. If you haven't booked your vacation plans for this spring, summer or fall, satisfy your wanderlust and let yourself be tempted by one of our trip offerings. If you want to visit Vietnam from the armchair, here are Robbin's 'notes from the road' from our January trip.

Guaranteed Departures with limited space:

Jun 27-Jul 3:Tuscany

Jul 4-10: Provence Classic (family)

Jul 5-11: Kettle Valley Trail BC

Jul 10-17: Kettle Valley Trail BC

Jul 8-15: Tour de France Alps

Jul 19-26: Tour de France Pyrenees & Paris

Aug 23-29: Provence (family)

Sep 3-9: Tuscany

Sep 8-14: Tuscany

Sep 9-15: Puglia

Sep 24-30: Provence South

Sep 28-Oct 8: Turkey

Oct 15-21: Croatia

Dec 7-16: Morocco

Dec 22-Jan 1: Morocco Luxe

Tuscany: Yoga and Cycling

Enjoy yoga and cycling? We do too, and have created an inspiring trip through the Tuscany countryside taking in Siena, Castellina in Chianti, Sovicille, Asciano and Pienza, each a delightful village. This journey will regenerate your mind, body and spirit; combine daily yoga sessions with invigorating cycling, pleasant walks and cultural interactions that will blend together to provide a truly memorable journey. The trip will be guided by Ellee Thalheimer, who wrote the Lonely Planet guidebook 'Cycling Italy'.

Departure- Sep 8-14, 2010
US$2450 (7 days/ 6 nights)

Click here for more information

Gulf Islands, BC

Satying closer to home this summer? This trip is in our backyard and yet seems world's away from the bustle of city life. You will meet wine makers, marine biologists, artists and eclectic locals while cycling through lush forests and along stunning coastal routes. For additional activities, kayak quiet coves or hike along beautiful trails with views over the this wondrous archipelago. Or relax and spa in our carefullly selected inns and lodges including Old Farmhouse, Galiano Lodge, and Oceanwood Inn.

Guaranteed Departure: Jul 26-Aug 1, 2010
US$1950/ CAD$1950 (7 days/ 6 nights)

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Kettle Valley Trail, British Columbia

This trail is a former railway route and remains one of the longest trails of its type in North America, passing through the stunning scenery of British Columbia. Incorporated into the Trans-Canada Trail, Bicycle Magazine rated it as one of the top trips on the planet. Having pioneered the route, we think so too. Our July trip will benefit thebigwild.org which is an organization that seeks to protect Canada's wild places. Joe Kurmaskie, AKA The Metal Cowboy, best selling author (USA Today called him 'Mark Twain on two wheels') and adventure cycling addict will be joining our July 10 departure.

 

Guaranteed departure- July 10-16, 2010
US $995 (7 days/ 6 nights)

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Our guides are what distinguish Great Explorations from others. Your trip leader might be a musician, artist or naturalist, but above all, they will be adept at ensuring that you enjoy yourself and learn about the region.


Food and wine are important on all of our trips- on the Kettle Valley trip, we pass through the Okanagan region which provides healthy and plentiful choices in food and wine. Bon Appetite!

 

Tour de France: Burgundy, Annecy & Alps

$500-$1100 off!

Our Tour de France Alps trips still has space left and to ensure we sell out, we are offering between US$500-$1100 off per person. Call for details. As an official tour operator, we ensure you will have access at start and finish zones and staying at 4-star hotels such as Hotel Le Cep in Beaune and Grand Hotel in Uriage Les Bains will make this trip memorable. Lance vs Alberto. Go Lance Go.

Departures:

Jul 8-15, 2010- Burgundy, Annecy and Alps

US $2,850-$3,450 (8 days/ 7 nights)

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Vietnam
Robbin McKiney, President of Great Explorations recently returned from a recent cycling trip to Vietnam and summed up the experience: "In the 22 years I have been leading and taking trips, this was one of the most enjoyable trips ever. The biking is superb, scenery stunning, people lovely and hotels extraordinary." Read more here. When asked, 'What did you enjoy most about the trip' a guest wrote, 'Riding along rice paddies, past acres of daisies, jungle, mountains, through villages, meeting the kids. The routes were all fantastic."

Special Departure Vietnam Luxe- Jan 12-22, 2011

US $ 3450 ( 11 days/ 10 nights)C

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Great Explorations

www.great-explorations.com

info@great-explorations.com
Tel: 1 604 730 1247
Fax: 1 604 738 7655
Toll Free: 1 800 242 18 25