Spirit of Adventure

Everyone at Peregrine is very proud of our local tour leaders. Time and time again they are mentioned in feedback that we receive from travellers and the theme is always the same – they made the trip what it was, and were a vital part of the overall holiday experience. We’re not surprised, as after all, who better to show you around than someone born and raised in the region. Each year we pick the best of the best, so listed below are our 2009 Tour Leader Award winners. Congratulations to them all, we’re very proud of you!

Australia - Adam Slade
Central Asia - Aminov Davlat
China and Tibet - Annie Li
East Africa - James Phillip Urio
Egypt - Mostafa Gamal
Ethiopia and West Africa - Solomon Girmay
Europe - Antonia Maricic
India - Shaliendra Singh
Jordan, Syria and Turkey - Samer Younes
Latin America - Dennis Berk
Morocco - Said Baadoud
Nepal, Bhutan and Tibet - Passang Sherpa
South East Asia - Khamla
Southern Africa - Tracker Spokes

As part of celebrating all of our leader’s tireless passion for their homeland and their diligent approach to their role, we thought we’d feature a short profile of three of the worthy winners:

Southern Africa - Tracker Spokes
Tracker Spokes has a deep-seated intimate love for the bush. It’s his life! When he is not on safari he often sets up a tent in his own backyard, longing to be ‘closer to nature’. What Spokes wants most is to be immersed in the wilderness and share his passion for the bush with his guests. Exploring the wildlife with Spokes is an experience, but wait until you hear his animated camp fire stories. Ask him for his uncle’s honey badger encounter and you will truly laugh your heart out. He needs to write a book! There were quite a few tears shed when we parted at the end of our two-week adventure.
Yes, Spokes had given us exhilarating insights into the wonderful nature of Botswana and its people,
but we all had grown to love him as a friend.

C.M. who travelled with Spokes in August 2008

Nepal, Bhutan and Tibet - Passang Sherpa
On 19 May 2006 Passang fulfilled his lifelong ambition of summitting Everest. Passang mainly leads our climbing and exploratory trips. He comes from the Solu region of the Everest area, but has travelled widely having lived in Bhutan and India as well as Nepal. He has worked for Peregrine for many years and has an excellent knowledge of the Himalayan peoples, their customs and folklore. ‘Passang Sherpa is a truly remarkable man. Diligent and 100 percent professional, he is the most inspirational person I have met. Trekking with him was truly a privilege. Thank you Passang. ’

MH, Melbourne who trekked with Passang in October 2008

Europe - Antonia Maricic
Antonia Maricic has been a tour guide in Croatia for many years and we have been lucky to have her lead our Peregrine trips over the past couple of years. Antonia is proud and passionate about her homeland and has a vast knowledge on the history, culture and traditions of Croatia. She loves nothing more than sharing this knowledge with visitors from around the world. She particularly enjoys leading groups from Australia and New Zealand, as she feels a real connection with these cultures after having spent time here in her youth. Antonia’s enthusiasm, her professionalism and her ability to make people feel like guests in her country make her an exceptional tour leader.

We are very excited to introduce a selection of new self guided walking and cycling adventures in Europe! These holidays are perfect for those seeking a flexible and independent experience travelling with just their partner, family or friends. An itinerary, detailed route notes and maps are provided by us, and your accommodation in comfortable hotels and lodgings, as well as luggage transfers, are booked for you, allowing you to walk or cycle from one place to the next at your own pace! Plus self guided does not mean unsupported, as our local offices are always only a call away, 24-hours a day.

Whatever your choice of destination, our self guided adventures will take you into the heart and soul of Europe’s most spectacular regions. Just one of these journeys is our new 7 day Jewels of Liguria; Cinque Terre & Portovenere, a region recently explored by our very own Paddy Scott.

“Strolling through Portovenere at the end of our Ligurian adventure it was clear that this was a special place to be. The beautiful Italian fishing port, dominated at one end by a fairytale church perched high up on a cliff, is made up of brightly coloured Fishermans’ houses, so painted to aid the view from the sea for the returning fisherman. These days the fishing is still in evidence, but the harbour has now been overtaken by enormous multi-million dollar yachts, and the rocky cliffs are now home to sunbathing Italians, to whom posing is a full time job. This is the Italian Riviera at its very best!

Ducking up through a gate in the castle walls you reach the ‘main street’, dotted with ‘trattorias’ and delicatessens that send your taste buds crazy. Finally you burst out to a ‘plaze’ and take some steps that lead up to the church, proudly overlooking the Byron’s Grotto, where Lord Byron is said to have cooled off in the sea on hot days. The view from the church stretches along the entire coastline that houses the Cinque Terre’s beautiful villages.

At night, the port comes alive with the clinking of glasses and laughter of friends enjoying dinner at one of the post side restaurants. Our weary legs, from days of spectacular walking, gladly sank into the inviting chairs. The food was as exceptional as it was simple – grilled fish, caught that morning by the local fishermen, washed down with a cold glass of the local white wine. We were right – this really was a special place to be!”

Central Europe has endured a tumultuous past, from the ruins of WWII and decades of communist rule, but has come out the other side with grand palaces and monuments still standing as a proud testament to its rich history. Prague, Cesky Krumlov, Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest and Krakow have found the happy marriage of past and present, with modern day cosmopolitan cities whose monuments, culture and legacies will carry you back through the centuries.

Whether you are seeking the high culture in Vienna or a romantic cruise down the Danube in Budapest our comprehensive Journey through Central Europe has it all! The next guaranteed departure is on the 27 September and with so many great flight deals on for Europe at the moment it’s a perfect time to book your next European sojourn!

The secret is out… autumn is the best time to explore Europe! Peregrine runs a number of great walking, cycling and cultural tours in Europe throughout September and October, and there are lots of reasons why you should consider venturing into the luxurious European countryside in autumn:

• The temperatures are milder and the days are clear and crisp, which are ideal conditions for walking, cycling and touring.
• Travelling during autumn means less visitors and you will escape the hordes of the peak tourist months of July and August.
• Restaurants offer wonderful autumn menus with culinary delights such as truffles and wild mushrooms.
• Autumn is the harvest season for olives and grapes, with many towns and villages celebrating this season with food and wine festivals.
• The vines and foliage are ablaze with stunning bright colours making the countryside even more spectacular - the clear autumn light also makes for great photographic opportunities!
• Make the most of the numerous Europe airfare specials currently on offer for travel in September and October; these deals are helping to make travel during this time of year great value for money.

Here are some amazing adventures you can enjoy in Europe during autumn…

Colours of Tuscany
Flavours of the Dordogne
Crete & Santorini Explorer

Just the thought of Europe conjures up images of cobblestone laneways, romantic castles in the French countryside, cosmopolitan cities with vibrant cultures and scrumptious cuisines – this is Europe at its best! We have many amazing trips exploring Europe, from Spain to Poland our adventures take it all in. Here are two HOT new trips to tempt your travel tastebuds…

Central Turkey & The Black Sea
This spectacular two-week journey takes you through the Black Sea region and the country’s heartland to discover its beauty, serenity and old-world charm.
Highlights include:

• Coastal towns of the Black Sea
• World Heritage site of Safranbolu
• Colossal statues of the gods at Mt Nemrut National Park
• White Valley, Pigeon Valley and Rose Valley

Crete & Santorini Explorer
Can you imagine anyone saying they don’t want to visit the Greek Islands? It’s impossible not to want to experience the Grecian paradise of Santorini with its picture postcard scenery and shimmering blue seas and the lively, colourful atmosphere of Crete!
Highlights include:

• Discovering the wonderful Venetian city of Hania, Crete
• Staying in the old British Embassy in Hania
• A scenic walk through Agia Irini Gorge, finishing with a refreshing dip in the Mediterranean Sea at the village of Sougia
• A sunset walk in Oia – a wonderful cliff-top village
• A morning walk around an ancient caldera (rim of a volcano)

We have so many great new trips this year it’s almost impossible to choose, but here’s our pick of five of our favourite new trips for the coming year.

South Greenland
This is a walking tour like no other, through the unfenced wilderness of South Greenland. Witness the clarity of light and the raw power of nature on a four-day trek to the foot of the world’s largest glacier – the Greenland ice cap. Walk through modern farmlands pondering the fate of the Nordic settlers who followed in Eric the Red’s footsteps. An excellent tour combining an intoxicating mix of history, culture and magnificent natural scenery.

Highlights of Greece
Zeus, Poseidon, Hercules, Aristotle, Archimedes, Alexander the Great and Athena Nike - discover the Greece of yesteryear that is still very much alive today. From picture-perfect islands to the earthly abodes of ancient gods, the history and beauty of Greece have to be experienced to be believed!

Tibetan Explorer
The friendly and curious nature of the Tibetan people will make any journey in this stunning region unforgettable. Their unique culture and faith underpins their resilience over many years, and your time spent travelling across the vast expanses of China, to a once forbidden land, immersing yourself in the diverse cultures of the Middle Kingdom, will stay with you for many years after you return home. Tibet and its people could change the way you view the world, so beware - this could be your best ever travel experience!

Volcanos & Glaciers of Iceland
The ‘land of fire and ice’ has incredible geographical diversity and is one of the world’s most remarkable islands. Taking in the famous Geysir and Gullfoss, Skaftafell National Park, the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lake and Laki Volcano, we will hike through stunning volcanic scenery with breathtaking panoramic views over glaciers and spectacular mountain peaks. Surrounded by glaciated lagoons and gushing geysers, you’ll feel like you’re on another planet.

Trails of the Shogun, Japan
A walking tour though Japan that will show you a different side of this unique country. Walk a segment of the famous Nakasendo highway, an ancient route used by warriors and royalty in the 8th century; climb to the summit of Mount Yarigatake and the iconic Mount Fuji; and explore the cities of Kyoto and Tokyo on foot. This up-close exploration will help you work up a sweat as well as give you an in-depth look into a country that, in many ways, has changed little over the centuries.

Highly Commended
Dancing at world’s end by Vijay Ramaswamy

An Indian dancer colleague of mine was in his elements at this view point in what is called the Snow Road between Aurland and Laerdal. I was wondering nobody’s watching, but the stage was one of parallel universes.

Trip of the week: Volcanoes and glaciers of Iceland
Do you like what you see? Then why not have a look at our Volcanoes and glaciers of Iceland trip. Hike through stunning volcanic scenery with breathtaking panoramic views over glaciers and spectacular mountain peaks on this 7-day adventure.

Sign up to Image of the week!

The more undiscovered region of Southern Italy conjures up images of stunning blue waters and a looming Mt Vesuvius. Naples is a superbly positioned city, located on a beautiful bay, and is full of energy and colourful characters. On the Highlights of Southern Italy 8-day discovery adventure you can explore this region from Naples to Bari on the east coast.

The Basilicata region of Southern Italy is the epitome of the ‘deep south’, and the beauty and diversity of the landscape here is a major drawcard for travellers. In the unique city of Matera where much of the town lies underground and is built into caves, you’ll discover the famous ’sassi’ or stone houses which tell a dramatic story of southern Italy’s peasent society. Reaching the heel of Italy’s boot, the region of Puglia, you’ll discover whitewashed cottages, unique ‘trulli’ structures and gently rolling hills.

Southern Italy promises to impress with all its grandeur and visual pleasantry, you will leave this region wanting to purchase your own vineyard and settle in a local village.

Sicily has a unique blend of history, culture, scenery and mouth-watering cuisine waiting to be discovered by travellers from around the world. The 7-day Spirit of Sicily adventure showcases the cultural highlights and incredible natural wonders of this delightful Mediterranean island.

You will explore stunning towns on foot, like charming Taormina and the Alcantara Valley which are sure to be highlights. Also on your highlights list will be your visit to Europe’s largest active volcano, Mt Etna, which stands at an impressive 3326 metres and covers an area of 1190 square kilometres. Here you can take a wonderful circuit walk of the Sartorius Mountains finishing up at a mountain hut, with spectacular views over the Strait of Messina.

Your taste buds will be very satisfied in Sicily, as the cuisine here is rated amongst the best in Italy due to its hot and spicy flavours and unique dishes influenced by many cultures including Greek, Roman, Arabic, French and Spanish. Be sure to try the Caponata in one of the many restaurants you will visit on this trip, it’s a hearty and full-bodied appetiser made from eggplant and other Mediterranean ingredients served with crusty bread.

In the Anapo Valley, you will take a beautiful exploratory walk past prehistoric caves, Byzantine churches and Baroque buildings before travelling onto Syracuse, once the most powerful Greek city in the world. In the baroque city of Noto you will explore ancient ruins and sample local wines, including the world-renowned Nero d’Avola.