JOURNEYS 25
To Choo Choo
Travel company Metropolitan Touring will be adding travel on the iconic Tren Crucero steam train to its itineraries in Ecuador from June. Operating since 1953, the Tren Crucero now sails across the remarkable Ecuadorian landscape on four day itineraries between Quito and Guayaquil thanks to a recently multi-million dollar restoration of major track networks. Boasting only four beautiful carriages and catering to just 54 guests, the train’ s open viewing terrace in the last car becomes a coveted spot from which to enjoy the ever-changing vista. Itineraries include accommodation at the 31-room boutique hotel Casa Gangotena in Quito, with departures in June, July, August and September 2013. From US $ 1,447 per person; www. metropolitan-touring. com
Beyond the Pale
Explorer the blissfully undeveloped Quirimbus Archipeligo off Mozambique with a new Dhow Safari from Acacia Africa. Heralded as a global leader in conservation, the archipelago features unspoilt beaches, stunning water and world-class diving experiences. The eight-day expedition includes a stay on Ibo Island, one of several tropical islands in the untouched north, the surrounding waters boasting some of the world’ s finest coral reefs, many of which are as yet unexplored. Once an important Portuguese trading hub, this intriguing location has also remained culturally unchanged for hundreds of years. The painted faces of the Island women, ancient colonial settlements and stunning bleached sands place this part of Mozambique at the top of any escapist’ s bucket list. Based in the same archipelago, Mogundula Island, an uninhabited tropical paradise, and Ulumbwa Island will also be reached by traditional dhow, the latter one of the best places to explore the bird filled mangroves that lie in wait for those in search of a wilder kind of Africa. Accommodation is in shared tents and in air-conditioned lodge rooms and departures are available year round. From GBP1,595( US $ 2,414), twin share; www. acacia-africa. com
Southern Summer
Antarctica is another destination seeing a dramatic increase in popularity as access increases and travellers look for unique ways to encounter the White Continent. There are few ways more unique than with White Desert, which has released its dates for the 2013 Arctic Summer. With itineraries ranging from three to eight days on the ice, and with air access via Cape Town, would-be polar explorers stay in special Antarctic pods complete with ensuite bathrooms, warm bedding and writing desks for contemplative prose. By day, you’ ll visit colonies of emperor penguins, climb icy cliff faces, explore ice caves and tunnels and even kite surf, and by night, you’ ll enjoy the culinary talents of chef Jenna Viney while the expedition team, led by adventurers Patrick Woodhead and Robyn Garratt, discuss the issues facing Antactica and its fragile ecosystem. The summer season starts in November. www. white-desert. com
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