International Expeditions is expanding their offering of small-ship expedition cruises for 2013. In addition to year-round journeys to the Amazon River and Galapagos Islands, the company will operate a Turkey and Greece cruise aboard the 42-guest Panorama II departing Sept. 15, 2013. Each small-ship expedition is led by expedition leaders and guides.
Designed for history and archaeology enthusiasts, International Expeditions’ Turkey & Greece journey spans the Turquoise Coast and Greek Isles. IE’s 12-day cruise offers a survey of the region, from Bronze Age shipwrecks at Bodrum’s Underwater Archaeological Museum to an unexcavated acropolis in Lindos. Highlighting the tour are archaeologist-guided explorations of sites which were part of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World — the Colossus of Rhodes, Mausoleum of Halicarnassus and Temple of Artemis. Guests can also swimm off coves and beaches, sample food at a local taverna and independently explore. Prices for the September Turkey & Greece cruise start at $4,798.
Daily outings on IE’s small-ship Amazon River cruise take travelers into the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve to spot wildlife, hike into the rainforest and fish for piranha. During excursions into tributaries, guests may spot more than 100 kinds of birds, pink and gray river dolphins, sloths and nocturnal animals. Amazon cruise passengers also spend time with Ribereños in remote river villages, handing out school supplies to children and meeting with a local shaman. IE will launch its new custom-designed riverboat beginning in summer 2013. Prices for 2013 Amazon River cruises start at $3,898.
On the Galapagos Islands cruise, IE’s newly renovated 32-guest yacht M/V Evolution navigates to islands where the small group size allows for access to the wildlife. In addition to daily snorkeling and hiking, other highlights include a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Center, an exploration of Fernandina Island and a sailing to Kicker Rock. Galapagos naturalist guides share their knowledge and bring guests within inches of giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies, sea lions, penguins and other animals. Prices for 2013 Galapagos Islands expedition cruises start at $5,098.
For more information, visit www.IEtravel.com.