Worldwide Adventure Travel and Eco tourism Vacations

Pipestone Travel specializes in organizing a selection of active and special interest overseas holiday packages.

We can help you in trip planning from idea to detailed planning, from family or group tours to individual adventures.

Listed below are a few samples of the many trips that we offer. Please contact us for alternate or customized itineraries.

Intrepid through the Lens

An impressive program of photo-focused adventures for you to experience. Accompanied by world-renowned photographers, travelers will explore some of the most photographic places in the world, experiencing their cultures, colors and sights up close and through the lens.

Intrepid’s photography trips are for travelers with some experience behind the lens and a special interest in photography. The journeys are in the Intrepid Comfort style and ensure a real life experience with a softer landing, so all your energies can be poured into your photographs. The itineraries are designed to take in the country’s most photographic sights, making the most of the light and our photographer’s expert insight into the art of travel photography.

Whether photography is your future or you simply like to get the most out of your traveling imagery, then these may be the trips for you…

Did he fall or was he pushed? No one has succeeded in unraveling the mysterious death by the shore of Lake Starnberg of Bavaria’s eccentric King Ludwig. This walk is amongst the favorite in Germany and was particularly dear to King Ludwig himself who was a keen walker. It starts near the site of his death, and ends 60 miles later by his fairy tale castle at Neuschwanstein.

The plains surrounding Munich give way to gentle rolling hills that become ever higher as one approaches the great wall that marks the start of the Alps proper. The route passes two of Bavaria’s most scenic lakes and through charming villages of geranium bedecked chalets with typical onion shaped church spires. There are masterpieces of baroque architecture, the Andechs monastery, the wonderful cathedral of Diessen on the Ammersee lake, the monasteries of Wessobrunn and Rottenbuch, as well as the Wies or ‘Meadow’ church are on the route. The highest point (988m) on the walk is the summit of Hohenpeissenberg hill, considered by many to be the finest viewpoint in Bavaria. We end our tour at King Ludwig II’s most famous architectural masterpiece- the castle Neuschwanstein and at castle Hohenschwangau, in Allgau on the Austrian border, where he spent most of his childhood. To celebrate the 150th anniversary of King Ludwig II (in 1995), the route was lengthened to begin at the Votivkapelle in Berg. It is a very popular walk and thus early booking is recommended.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Munich. Travel by train (S-Bahn every 20 minutes from the airport with one easy change in central Munich; journey time 1 hour 20 mins) to Starnberg where your hotel is just across the square from the station and lakeshore. Those arriving early can take a boat trip to Leoni on the first afternoon and walk the first 7km/ 4 miles of King Ludwig’s Way back along the lakeshore via Berg (where a chapel overlooks the point in the lake where King Ludwig died) to Starnberg. Overnight Starnberg.

Day 2: Walk from Starnberg via the Maisinger See nature reserve and the Andechs church and monastery (famous for its brewery) to Herrsching on the Ammersee lake. Ferry to Diessen on the other shore of the Ammersee. Overnight Diessen.

Day 3: An opportunity to visit the baroque cathedral (Marienmuenster) in Diessen before walking through the forest to Wessobrun monastery. An opportunity for lunch at a wayside Gasthof in Wessobrun. Continue via St Leonhard-im-Forst to the slopes of Hohenpeissenberg hill with its splendid views. Overnight near Hohenpeissenberg.

Day 4: The most strenuous day of the tour, starting with an ascent through forest to the summit of Hohenpeissenberg hill (988m/3241 feet), the highest point on King Ludwig’s Way. Then a long descent across haymeadows via Hohenpeissenberg village and on down into the depths of the romantic Ammerschlucht (Ammer Gorge). The main trail through the Ammerschlucht to Rottenbuch is very slippery (slick) in wet weather, but we describe an alternative route avoiding the trickiest parts. Rottenbuch’s Augustininian Abbey, formerly a Stiftskirche (now a Pfarrkirche), was originally a Romanesque basilica dating back to the 11th Century. It was extended in gothic style and between 1730 and 1750 it was decorated in the rococo style. The jovial nature of the style is seen in its decoration with cherubs. Overnight at, or near Rottenbuch.

Day 5: Carry on to Wies (also known as Wieskirche), which boasts Bavaria’s most beautiful Pilgrimage church, built in 1745-54 under the supervision of Dominikus Zimmerman. The name means ‘meadow’ or ‘meadow church’, and the vast church is still very much out of the way and surrounded by hay meadows. After lunch at the conveniently situated Gasthof you continue along the base of the densely forested Alpine escarpment to the prosperous village of Trauchgau. Overnight at Trauchgau or at the next village, which is called Buching-Berghof.

Day 6: The final day’s walk takes you via the Pollath gorge to the castles of Neuschwanstein. Descend to Hohenschwangau castle and the Alpsee Lake, before walking on to the historic town of Fuessen where you overnight. (18kms / 11.25 miles).

Day 7: A day to explore the town of Fuessen and its beautiful surroundings. You can even nip across the border into Austria (only just over a mile away). Overnight Fuessen.

Day 8: Depart by train (one train per hour, journey time 2 hours, mostly direct) from Fuessen to Munich, where you can change onto the S-Bahn to reach the airport (every ten minutes; journey time 45 minutes).

What’s Included

The price is based on two people sharing a twin or double bedroom bed and breakfast accommodation in hotels and guesthouses. Except on night 3 all rooms are equipped with either bath and toilet or shower and toilet.

Baggage transfers between hotels are also included.

Not Included

Evening meals, lunches

Boat tickets on the Starnberg Lake (optional excursion from Starnberg to Leoni or Berg on Day 1) or on the Ammer Lake (Herrsching to Diessen on afternoon of Day 2).

Extra Nights

A second night in Fuessen is already included in the tour. Extra nights can be arranged at the time of booking at any point along the route or in central Munich. Starnberg (night 1) is a very attractive place for an extra night, especially if you will be recovering from a long flight. For an extra night in a quiet village with possibilities of extra walks we suggest Rottenbuch (night 4). Please enquire for prices.

Level of Difficulty – Moderate

Day Stages: Each day stage involves approximately 15 to 20km/9 to 12 miles walking, which can be shortened by the use of public transport if so desired. Much of the walk is on gravel tracks or quiet asphalt lanes, but there are also long stretches of footpath. The traverse of the Ammerschlucht can be difficult in wet weather but it can be bypassed by taking our alternative route between Hohenpeissenberg and Rottenbuch.

Waymarking: The trail is easy to follow and mostly well waymarked with a special distinctive King Ludwig ‘k’ logo and signposts with distances in km. On some sections waymarks are scarce and it is necessary to pay close attention to the maps and route notes.

Accommodation & Meals

Is in guesthouses and hotels of a comfortable standard. On most nights (apart from night 3 at Hohenpeissenberg) all rooms have private facilities. Bed and breakfast only are included. Evening meals and lunches (picnic or sit-down) are available locally.

Contact Us to for more information on this tour or to receive information on our many other European Adventures.

This is an astonishing adventure into the heart of the Peninsula. It is a heady and inspiring cocktail of towering blue icebergs, which refract searing blues and greens, whether against a piercing clear sky or slate grey one. It is home to an extraordinary array of wildlife: penguins of almost all descriptions, leopard and smaller seals and the incredible whales, seen from the shore, the zodiacs and from on board. Imagine a pair of Humpback whales, at least 14 tons of mammals, rising imperiously against a turquoise ice-wall viewed from a zodiac only a few meters away, and you have the essence of the Antarctic. This is a journey that appeals to many: photographers, wildlife enthusiasts, ornithologists or those who simply want to marvel at the peaks of Deception Island or the striking colors of Iceberg Alley in the most immaculate wilderness anywhere.

Itinerary

1: Start Ushuaia. Board the ship and sail the Beagle Channel.
2-3: Cross the Drake Passage.
4-8: Explore the Antarctic Peninsula.
9-10: Sail back through the Drake Passage.
11: End Ushuaia.

The South Shetland Islands and the channels of the Antarctic Peninsula form arguably the most spectacular and certainly the most pristine wilderness on earth

Activities:

• Cruising
• Bird watching
• Whales
• Glaciers
• Cruising
• Marine Wildlife

Accommodations: 10 nights in a standard main deck twin cabin (upgrades available; please call for more details).

Meals: Full board while on the ship.

Contact Us to for more information on this tour or to receive information on our many other Antarctic Adventures.

]]> http://www.pipestonetravel.com/?feed=rss2&p=247 0 http://www.pipestonetravel.com/?p=27 http://www.pipestonetravel.com/?p=27#comments Thu, 31 Aug 2006 04:33:36 +0000 Scott http://www.pipestonetravel.com/?p=27 Wilderness Adventure -15 Days

Experience the warm hospitality of Thailand’s colorful hilltribe people. We’ll go elephant riding, bamboo rafting, canoeing, tubing and jungle walking, before rounding off the adventure with time to chill out amidst the spectacular limestone karsts, sandy beaches and secluded bays of Krabi.

Itinerary

Day 1, BANGKOK Arrive Bangkok.

Day 2, BANGKOK Free day before taking the overnight train to Chiang Mai.

Day 3, CHIANG MAI Arrive Chiang Mai and transfer to the guesthouse. Meet our trekking guide for a briefing about the days ahead with the hilltribes of the north.

Day 4, HILLTRIBE TREK Drive by pick up truck to Mok Fah Waterfall via a local market. Swim at the falls and continue to a Shan village for lunch. After lunch trek to a Lisu village. Dinner and overnight in the village. (BLD)

Day 5, HILLTRIBE & ELEPHANT TREK 3 hour trek. After lunch elephant ride to rafting camp. (BLD)

Day 6, BAMBOO RAFTING – CHIANG MAI Bamboo rafting visiting riverside villages of Karen, Lahu and Shan tribes along the way. Return to Chiang Mai in the late afternoon. Why not treat yourself to a traditional Thai massage or relax by the pool? (BL)

Day 7, CHIANG MAI Free day. In the late afternoon we board the overnight train and head south. (B)

Day 8, RIVER KWAI – BANGKOK Disembark and transfer to Kanchanaburi. We visit the infamous Bridge over the River Kwai, JEATH Museum and War Cemetery. In the afternoon we return to Bangkok.

Day 9, BANGKOK A full free day to explore. Overnight train to Surat Thani.

Day 10, KHAO SOK NATIONAL PARK Transfer to Khao Sok National Park. Afternoon nature walk & wildlife spotting. Overnight in jungle huts! (LD)

Day 11, KHAO SOK – RAJA PHRABA LAKE Boat ride along Raja Phraba Lake. We spend 2 nights in this beautiful setting staying in rafthouses. This afternoon we explore caves & waterfalls of the National Park and after dinner we take a night safari in search of the nocturnal animals of the jungle. (BLD)

Day 12, KHAO SOK Free morning. Afternoon canoeing, or if the water in the river is high, we can shoot rapids on inner tubes! (BLD)

Day 13, KRABI Transfer to Krabi Province, famous for its magnificent limestone karst scenery.

Day 14, KRABI PROVINCE A free day with a wide choice of activities – canoeing or sea kayaking, exploring the surrounding islands, caves and waterfalls or snorkelling. Then again, you may just choose to chill out on the beach or shop for souvenirs.

Day 15, KRABI PROVINCE Tour ends.

ITINERARY NOTE This tour finishes in Krabi to enable you to extend your time on the beach or continue onto Malaysia, however we can also arrange an overnight train transfer back to Bangkok.

Maximum Group Size: 18

Trek Grade A / B: Easy / Moderate

Arrival Transfer: Airport transfer to hotel day 1

Fully Escorted: By tour leader, services of local guides while trekking and in Khao Sok National Park

Transport: Local transport, buses, minibus, pick-up trucks, tuk-tuks, ferries, longtail boats, sleeper trains

Activities: Hilltribe trek, elephant riding, bamboo rafting, jungle safari in Khao Sok National Park, canoeing, tubing

Accommodation: 4 nights simple hotels, 3 nights sleeper train, 2 nights village houses, 2 nights rafthouses, 2 nights beach bungalows, 1 night jungle huts

Meals: As per itinerary. B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner On days where meals are not included, allow US$12 per day

Contact Us to for more information on this tour or to receive information on our many other Asian Adventures.

Cycling mainly on quiet back roads and farm tracks we discover the magical region of Cappadocia in central Turkey, where soft lava and ash rock has eroded over millennia to form a fairytale landscape unlike any other on earth. Bizarrely shaped rock forms and exotically contoured cliffs feast the eye while underground a fascinating network of tunnels, rock-cut churches, caves and even whole cities are waiting to be explored. Our route takes us through the best of Cappadocia’s landscapes but also to areas seldom visited by tourists which seem to belong in a different age.

Rock-cut Churches of Ihlara
Our first ride takes us through the narrow valley of Ihlara, where majestic cliffs rise on either side – up to 170 metres in places. Dozens of rock-cut churches puncture the cliff sides, carved here in the Byzantine era by early Christians who painted wonderful frescoes in black, orange and carmine on the vaulted ceilings and walls.
Amongst the Fairy Chimneys
We explore the extraordinary underground city of Kaymakli and then cycle into the heart of the region, through valleys lined with cones and ‘fairy chimneys’ (tall columns of ash rock protected from erosion by blocks of basalt perched precariously on top). Whilst the landscape itself is dramatic the route we follow is relatively undemanding, following gentle trails along the valley floor.
Anatolian Villages & Hospitality
Cycling from village to village and staying in small, family-run pensions, we encounter the hospitality for which Turkey is famous. Plenty of time is allowed each day for unplanned breaks: pause to watch the harvest being brought in, accept an invitation for tea or join the locals in a game of ‘tavla’ (backgammon). During our time in this remarkable landscape we cycle through the perfectly contoured White Valley to Uchisar – a near vertical tower of rock honeycombed with tunnels and passages – climbing to the top for panoramic views of the whole region: a truly magical sight.

Local guide and support driver privided. A support vehicle moves on luggage; you carry only what you need for the day. The leader and guide cycle with the group while the support driver transfers luggage and is available to assist you.

Grade A/B – 130km/5 days, (average of 27km per day), plus an optional 35km day ride on Day 5. We cycle mainly on small, unsurfaced farm tracks and occasionally on minor rural back roads. There is relatively little ascent/ descent each day, but routes can easily be extended for keener cyclists and your tour leader can show you some more challenging off-road sections. Cycle on 50% farm tracks; 50% asphalt.

Contact Us to for more information on this tour or to receive information on our many other Cycle Adventures.

This Highland multi-activity experience will take you from the colonial splendor of the city of La Antigua to the most beautiful lake in the world, Lake Atitlan, with its crystal blue waters and three surrounding volcanoes. You will pass through highlands with volcano views, greet traditional Mayan people as they go about their daily life in their colourful dress and witness the strange rituals that surround “Maximon”. At the village of Totonicapan you will experience elements of Mayan culture such as the traditional dances, music and crafts as well as staying overnight with a local Mayan family. Deep in the highland Altiplano you will hike in some world class volcanic scenery and camp within a local village community. This trip will truly involve you in the real Mayan culture and provide you with a once in a lifetime adventure that few people experience.

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive in Guatemala City. You will be met at the airport in Guatemala City and transferred to the colonial city of Antigua.

Antigua is a beautiful Spanish colonial town with elegant 16th & 17th century architecture, cobblestone streets, central squares, stylish hotels, luxurious shops and superb international cuisine. Antigua enjoys a unique and impressive setting, nestling beneath three of Central America’s most impressive volcanoes and surrounded by lush evergreen forests. A visit here can also include a trip to nearby coffee farms, macadamia nut farms, or villages where traditional hand woven crafts are produced. With a vast array of unique shops, art galleries, traditional crafts markets, museums and nightlife, Antigua has something for everyone. There simply is no other city in the Americas that can match the charm, beauty, and appeal of Antigua. Overnight hotel in Antigua

Day 2. Iximche to Lake Atitlan. Biking and hiking from the Mayan site at Iximche through spectacular highland scenery to the beautiful Lake Atitlan. Iximch was the capital of the Kakchiquel Maya group. It is located in a pine forest, characteristic of the Guatemalan highlands. The remains of the temple and a ball court are part of the ceremonial center of the ancient city, which in 1524 fell to the Spanish conquerors, as narrated in the Solol Memorial. That same year, Pedro de Alvarado, the Conquistador, founded the first capital of the Kingdom of Guatemala nearby. Lake Atitlan has been called by many “the most beautiful lake in the world.” It is indeed an amazing setting with the crystal blue waters of the lake surrounded by the three lofty peaks of Toliman, San Pedro, and Atitlan volcanoes. This is a fabulous place for mountain biking, horseback riding, hiking, kayaking, or just taking a leisurely boat trip to some of the many interesting villages around the lake. Local people in villages surrounding the lake still proudly wear their unique traditional dress that distinguishes each town from its neighbors. An interesting Mayan ritual you can see in one of the villages is that of the people’s devotion to “Maximon,” a figure to whom locals pay homage by offering alcohol and cigarettes within an incensed filled shrine. Overnight hotel Lake Atitlan.

Day 3. Explore Lake Atitlan. Horseback riding on San Pedro volcano and then the afternoon free to explore the village of Santiago De Atitlan. San Pedro Volcano is on the south side of Lake Atitlan, reaching about 10,000 feet. The climb starts in coffee plantations outside San Pedro La Laguna and continues through pine and wide leaf forests. Due to the vegetation, the splendid view of Lake Atitlan and the neighboring volcanoes is only visible from the top. Santiago De Atitlan is the largest of the lakeside pueblos and is nestled between the San Pedro and Toliman volcanoes. Although it has a busy commercial feel, Santiago remains a traditional place. The beautiful village costume is still very much in use, with the woman’s xocopes being the most striking aspect. Overnight in the village of Santiago.

Day 4. Bike To Totonicapan. Bike transfer to the remote highland town of Totonicapan. Totonicapn and the surrounding area is an important colonial and artisan centre in the Guatemalan highlands. Take time to visit the majestic examples of colonial architecture, sculpture and painting preserved in Totonicapan. Outstanding is the Church of San Andres Xecul because of its baroque facade which recreates the colors and designs of the local huipiles. San Cristobal Totonicapan has a charming convent and altar pieces dating from the 17th and 18th centuries. Recently discovered frescoes make the town of San Francisco El Alto unique. Tonight enjoy a display of traditional dances. Overnight home-stay with local family.

Day 5. Cultural Program. Today you will spend the day within the Mayan community of Totonicapan discovering the arts, traditions and everyday life of the people. Regional products include glazed and painted ceramics, textiles woven on the foot loom, as well as toys, masks and wooden boxes. To advertise the manufacture of this handicraft, the House of Culture of Totonicapn organizes interesting tours of the workshops in the city. Due to the low temperatures in the region, work in wool is very popular, particularly in Momostenango, which has become famous for its blankets.

Day 6. Highland Trek. Trek into the remote, spectacular highland scenery. Camp overnight near a remote Mayan village.

Day 7. Highland Trek. Hike down through cloud forest to the hot springs at Fuentes Georginas.

Day 8. Pacific Lowlands. Bike down to the traditional town of Zunil and over ancient lava fields to the Pacific lowlands. Transfer back to Antigua. Overnight hotel Antigua.

Day 9. Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Level of Difficulty -Moderate to hard.

Activities include biking, hiking, horse riding and camping.

Accommodation and Meals – Basic hotels in the rural areas and more up-scale hotels in the towns. Meals included – daily breakfast, 6 lunches and 3 dinners.

Optional excursions -

Day Trip to Mayan Temple site of Tikal.

Day Trip to Sunday/Thursday Craft Market at Chichicastenango.

Excursion to Copan Ruins in Honduras. This can also include Rio Dulce area in Guatemala.

Contact Us to for more information on this tour or to receive information on our many other Central American Adventures.

Outside Cabin

Crew and guides

Supper Time

The Islands

Pichincha Volcano

Quito Churches

Country Side

Equator

Otavalo Market

Ceremonial Costume