Exodus Travels has announced its 2023 line-up of “Exodus RCGS Quests,” a series of expert-led itineraries developed in partnership with the Royal Canadian Geographical Society (RCGS) and Canadian Geographic Travel. “Exodus RCGS Quests” are limited edition, small group trips that push travelers to discover and learn, accompanied by explorers, authors, photographers and conservationists. A portion of every such trip will be used to support RCGS fellowship grants, to continue to expand the boundaries of modern exploration.
Here's what to expect:
On the 15-day “RCGS: Highlights of Bolivia with George Kourounis” itinerary departing June 16, 2023 guests will be accompanied by filmmaker, photographer, TV personality, chapter chair of the Explorers Club, National Geographic explorer, and Canadian Geographic Explorer-in-Residence George Kourounis. Whether it is swapping travel and expedition stories from across the globe or gaining tips and training on photography techniques, the adventurer will be there every step of the journey to share his expertise.
Trip highlights include Amboró National Park; the town of Samaipata and the nearby pre-Columbian UNESCO site of El Fuerte; salt flats of Salar de Uyuni; a three-day 4WD adventure that reveals Bolivia’s multi-colored lagoons, cacti islands and geysers; and a visit to the cities of Sucre, Potosi and La Paz. Guests will wrap up their adventure with a night in an eco-lodge on Isla del Sol, overlooking Lake Titicaca, surrounded by snow-capped peaks of the Cordillera Real.
On the eight-day “RCGS: The Zambezi Valley with Dr. Travis Steffens” departing July 22, 2023 guests will be hosted by Dr. Steffens, a naturalist, primatologist, professor of anthropology, and executive director of the charity, Planet Madagascar. He has spent over 15 years leading wildlife expeditions, safaris, and conservation project worldwide.
The Zambezi is an excellent location for a canoe safari, taking all the excitement and thrill of a safari into an active adventure. Camping out on secluded beaches, the days are spent relishing scenery and abundant game, while passing the ever-present crocodiles and hippo pods. There is also plenty of time for game walks and drives to experience the diverse wildlife and scenery this region has to offer.
The eight-day “RCGS: Classic Dolomites in Italy with Marlis Butcher” departing September 16, 2023 will be led by Butcher, an environmental conservationist, author and photographer. A Fellow of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society and of The Explorers Club, in 2019, Butcher accomplished her goal of visiting all 47 national parks of Canada. She is also a canoeist, kayaker, hiker, cyclist, Nordic skier and world traveler.
The village of Villabassa—close to the Austrian border and sandwiched between the jagged limestone peaks—is a great base for this Dolomites walking week. From there the group enjoys a choice of routes. The itinerary ventures into the Fanes-Sennes and Dolomiti di Sesto national parks for views of the Tre Cime di Lavaredo. Along the way the group will also visit numerous open-air museums, reflecting the status of these mountains as the frontline of the battle between Italy and the Austro-Hungarian Empire in WWI.
The 15-day “RCGS: Annapurna Sanctuary Photography Trek with Javier Frutos” itinerary departs October 21, 2023. Led by photographer and Canadian Geographic Creative Director Javier Frutos, guests will trek the Annapurna Base Camp in Nepal. From photographing glaciers in the Alps to penguins in Antarctica, Frutos will be on hand to share the secrets to wildlife and nature photography.
The Annapurna Himal is a vast mountain range with several peaks above 22,000 feet. Part of the range forms a natural amphitheater known as the Annapurna Sanctuary, ringed by such giants as Annapurna 1, Glacier Dome, Gangapurna, Fang and Machhapuchhare. The trek starts through forested hillsides before arriving at the sanctuary with panoramic views of the Annapurna. Guests will have a day to explore this mountain arena before returning to Pokhara via a different route.
The 15-day “RCGS: Essential Peru with Jill Heinerth” itinerary departing November 3, 2023 will highlight Heinerth, a writer, photographer, cave diver, underwater explorer, and filmmaker for the BBC, National Geographic and PBS. Trip highlights include Andean peaks; Nazca Lines; Machu Picchu; Lake Titicaca, where the night is spent in an island homestay; and the 9,800-foot-deep Colca Canyon. On the way, the group will encounter traditional culture, condors, llamas, and a warm welcome from the Peruvian people.
On the nine-day “RCGS: Egypt Nile Cruise with Joe Frey” itinerary departing December 2, 2023 guests will discover ancient temples and tombs, traveling on the Nile by boat with Frey, chair of The Royal Canadian Geographical Society’s College of Fellows. He has visited over 80 countries and all seven continents, and is an accomplished science writer.
Boarding the cruise boat at Luxor, the group travels upstream, watching local life pass by, whilst also visiting Edfu and Kom Ombo temples along the way. Guests will visit major sites and attractions along the Nile, tasting traditional cuisine.
For more information, visit exodustravels.com.
Related Stories
On Location Tours to Launch Holiday Bus Tour in NYC
John Hall’s Alaska Announces Tour Packages for 2023
Intrepid Travel Expands Premium Range With 10 New Tours
Roadtrips Offers Packages for Soccer Fans to Attend World Cup