CHICAGO – Named as one of National Geographic’s “Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth”, the iExplore team prides themselves on catering to every traveler’s needs and concerns as well as offering supreme flexibility on each of their itineraries. iExplore’s travel expert, Amanda Sundt, has organized a gaggle of once-in-a-lifetime travel adventures. Whether you’re a history buff, outdoor enthusiast or looking for a family trip, iExplore can organize something truly amazing.
Japan
Samurai Experience
The Samurai’s are revered warriors and masters of the sword. This trip offers a truly unique and rare experience—a glimpse into the secret world of the Samurai! Take a privately guided tour of the Samurai museum in Akita with a Samurai scholar giving you first hand insight on the history, attire and philosophy of the Samurai. Then, go to one of the last remaining Samurai Training Schools in Kyoto where you will tour the facilities and attend a private demonstration! Here a Samurai in training and his master will allow you to observe (and participate—for the more adventuresome) the techniques and discipline required to handle the sword. Your journey concludes with a privately guided tour of the sword museum in Tokyo. BEST FORJapanese history buffs and martial arts loversBUT BEWARE—you may have to swing a sword! Cost: $1,400 per person, excluding airfare.
Antarctica
Chill Out This Summer: Once in a Lifetime Tour Explores Emperor Penguin habitat in Antarctica
Only 150, 000 visitors have even been to Antarctica. A select few scientists and researchers have been privileged enough to actually stay on the continent and explore. Be one of them! Join researchers at the Halley Research Station operated by the British Antarctic Survey. Arrive by charter jet and begin this truly “insider’s experience”. Among the highlights you will experience: a visit the Emperor Penguin Colony, located near the station and a trip to the “hinge zone” where the floating ice shelf is joined to the continent. This remarkable, once-in-a-lifetime experience is only available through iExplore.BEST FOR Adventurous types who want some great travel bragging rights BUT BEWARE your plans need to be flexible as the weather is very unpredictable in that part of the world and your charter flight may not be able to take off on your set date. Cost: $5,738 per person for charter flight from Ushuaia to St. George’s Island and time on research base.
Russia
Insiders Moscow – Brezhnev to Baryshnikov
The Cold War may be over, but the politics and mystery of that era continue to intrigue and fascinate many. Experience a first-hand account of cold war Russia by having lunch with an ex-KGB agent in a Moscow restaurant that was a known KGB “hotspot” during the cold war. This remarkable experience will allow you to live history and get a up close and personal account of the Cold War era. BEST FOR: This is a great trip for families—especially with teens. BUT BEWARE: Availability is very limited. Cost: $250 per person
If Russian culture is more your forte, get an insider’s look at Russia’s renowned ballet. Take in a performance of the Bolshoi Ballet Company—one of Russia’s oldest and most highly regarded ballet companies. You will attend the performance— with a noted ballet critic and historian. After the performance, enjoy a backstage tour and introduction to the company Then, go on to tea, where the critic will share his insights on the performance. Truly a world class experience for any ballet lover. BEST FOR: families, particularly who have ballerinas in training.BUT BEWARE: This opportunity is only available when the ballet is in season. Cost: $500 per person
Botswana
Elephant Experience
Spend a day with three amazing semi-habituated elephants. Two of the elephants, Jabu and Thembi, were orphaned in a Kruger National Park culling operation more than 20 years ago. Doug Groves adopted them back then and has been caring for them ever since. He adopted a third member of the herd, Morula, after she was orphaned in Zimbabwe. He uses his organization, Living With Elephants, to "foster harmonious relationship between people and elephants". Walk alongside the elephants and see how they go about their day from grazing, bathing and drinking. End the day with a new appreciation for and understanding of these gentle giants. BEST FOR: Animal lovers of all ages who want to really get up close and personal. BUT BEWARE: You might end up all wet after an elephant takes a nice long drink!Cost: $350 per person
Argentina
Man vs. Nature – Create Your Own Old Man and the Sea Legend
The Dorado is the “river tiger” of Argentina. To try your hand at catching the Dorado you will journey to a remote part of this gorgeous country—near the town of Romang. Here you will meet up with your private fishing guide and spend the next 5 days fishing in the freshwater with your private guide.While you may be here for the fishing, the accommodations at Timbo Lodge are truly luxurious and will change the way you think about a fishing lodge. The lodge only has 4 rooms and the chef will prepare all meals to your specifications. Truly a world class fishing experience. BEST FOR the diehard fisherman who is looking for a challenge BUT BEWARE you must be strong enough to lift up your prize dorado for a photograph!Cost: $3,975 for 10 days—includes 3 days/ nights in Buenos Aires. Excludes airfare.
