New Friends and New Adventures Wanted

It's a Meetup . . . in the Galápagos!!

This Meetup Event is for the nature lovers, for the curious explorers and the adventurers who want to experience nature in all its splendor & diversity.

The Galápagos Islands are a volcanic archipelago in the Pacific Ocean, considered one of the world's foremost destinations for wildlife-viewing. It's a place where lizards swim, birds walk, and humans — for once — don't take center stage. In 1835 a 26-year-old Charles Darwin introduced the Galápagos Islands to the world with his theory of evolution.

As amazing as you think the Galápagos Islands would be, they exceed all expectations of our group in 2023! That sea lion above in our group photo is not a prop! It was very real, ready to play and pose for a picture. You can see sea lions, giant lizards and many other exotic and friendly creatures, waddling on the streets, playing in the sand or just chilling (sun bathing) on a bench!

We will explore and experience:

• The famous Galapagos penguin and blue footed boobies. Swim with sea turtles and sea lions.
• Tortuga Bay Beach for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking or surfing with unique marine life.
• Get close and personal with the giant tortoises roaming in their natural habitat
• Explore the Tintoreras islet, home of the white tip sharks and its shark tunnel.
• Visit the Charles Darwin Station, to observe giant tortoises and their babies and learn about this majestic animal.
• Snorkeling around the shore of the Tijeretas Bay
• Boat ride to Kicker Rock with snorkeling
• Sailing to Santa Cruz Island.
• Sail to Isabela Island, the largest of the archipelago.
• Boat tour to Tuneles De Cabo Rosa, a formation of series of above ocean arches, creating an unique snorkeling experience.
• Explore cavernous underground Lava Tunnels.
• Tour the Galapagos rainforest habitat
• San Cristobal Island with visit to the Interpretation Center
• Visit to Los Gemelos, a haven for bird watchers!
• Visit Sierra Negra and Chico Volcano. A 10-mile challenging hike (for those who are interested)
• El Trapiche to see the old methods of extracting cane juice, roasting coffee beans and techniques of distillery.
• Quito with a full day tour and visit to the Equator line
• Visit to the town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno.

Land Tour cost $4565 per person, double occupancy
(we match roommates for those wishing to share)
Solo occupancy additional $990
***Airfare not included***

Join us on this fun adventure and make new friends!

The Orient Express...you have heard it many times. The romance, the mystery, the adventure! Of course with the opulence too!

The original Orient Express is but a memory and our journey will mirror elements of the original route, crossing Europe from Paris to Istanbul.

This trip brings back the romance and adventure of train travel, along with the mystery of new cities and countries in a special way - adding value and removing inflated expense of excessive opulence by replacing it with service and contemporary refinement.

We retrace the route of the original Orient Express, using modern Night Trains, High Speed Day Trains, as well as some short hop flights.

Our route takes us to:
Paris - - - Venice - - - Vienna - - - Prague - - - Budapest - - - Istanbul

Included:

• Train transportation between 4 cities.
• 2 nights on an actual night train with sleeping compartment
• Air transportation Paris / Venice and Budapest / Istanbul
• 11 nights in First Class hotels with best central locations
• Breakfast every day
• Some lunches/dinners
• All transfers to/from hotels, train stations or airports
• Guided tours in each city
• Entrances to many museums.
• even a wine tasting along the way.
• and more...

We travel as a group, and also have the flexibility of hop-on, hop-off tours and museum passes with "skip the line" so you enjoy a complete independence. It is all included in the price!
You are free to do your own thing, cater to your special interests, visit other sights and locations in the cities, while still being guided and helped with all the arrangements. A balance of independence when you want it and being included in all group activities when you prefer it.

The idea is: come alone, meet new like-minded people and make lifelong memories . . . without being stuck with the "one size fits all" tour formula.

Here is a basic thumbnail:

PARIS - 3 nights
· Evening fight to Venice
VENICE - 1 night
· Night Train to Vienna
VIENNA - 1 night
· Evening train to Prague
PRAGUE - 2 nights
· Night Train to Budapest
BUDAPEST - 1 night
· Late evening flight to Istanbul
ISTANBUL - 3 nights.
· Sleeper Cabins on the trains and First Class hotels in each city w/ very central locations.

What was The Orient Express?
It was long-distance passenger train service that began in 1883 with the original endpoints being Paris to Istanbul. The original name became synonymous with intrigue and was a showcase of luxury with comfort at a time when traveling was still rough and dangerous.

In Istanbul the Pera Palace Hotel, built in 1892, was the accommodations at the terminus. And we are staying in it!

The original Orient Express ceased operation in 1977 and we are not using the original old train. It no longer exists.

EVERY aspect of this trip is epic.

• Visit picturesque and storied cities.
• Enjoy trains and experience the enchantment of the rails.
• In the end you will have visited 6 countries: France, Italy, Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary and Turkey!

The tour starts in Paris on May 29 and ends in Istanbul on June 11.
$5490 total cost per person, double occupancy.
$7090 total cost for solo occupancy.

Come and meet new friends on this adventure of a lifetime!
Dine at the oldest restaurant in the world, visit iconic museums such as Prado and Guggenheim, be amazed at Gaudi's architecture, taste pinxtos, sip good Spanish wine and view the Running of the Bulls from your own private balcony! To top this off...visit Portugal with its rich history, vibrant culture and breathtaking views!

This is just a little taste of what awaits us on this awesome culinary and cultural adventure!

Spain is truly a magical and fascinating country - full of history, culture and oh...so much good food and fun time!!! Portugal's history is intertwined with Spain's, so it makes perfect sense to combine these two destinations and be amazed at the similarities and the differences.
We get to travel as locals, mostly by trains between the cities AND at the best time of year to be able to experience in person The Running Of The Bulls in Pamplona.

Discover the awe-inspiring journey to Machu Picchu with one of our three distinct options, each offering its own charm and adventure. As a Meetup, we travel as a group and still are able to tailor your Machu Picchu experience according to your preferences and interests.

This post is for those interested in the easier options to get to Machu Picchu, compared to the 5-day hiking trip via the Salkantay Trek.

We are taking The Short Inca Trail. It's a one full day of hiking in the second half of the classic Inca Trek, followed by a full day spent at Machu Picchu. This is the shorter and less difficult alternative to the Salkantay Trek. It is a memorable trip with stunning views of rainforest canopy and ancient historic sights!

The Train version is intended for people with less mobility or those wishing to glamp it a bit. The itinerary matches the Inca Trail group, except the hiking day is substituted by a comfortable train ride.