Alaska's Breathtaking Nature

The incredible vastness of Alaska with its seemingly endless mountain ranges is nothing short of breathtaking. The well organized park system across the state protects this spectacular wilderness with state and national parks, preserves and trails where visitors can enjoy the outdoors and watch for animals and sea life. The most famous park is Denali.
Denali National Park and Preserve is the largest protected ecosystem in the world, covering nearly 2.5 million hectares. Around 400,000 people visit the park each year. Take a bicycle tour, a park bus or guided walk. Popular summer activities are hiking, camping, rafting, backcountry travel, fishing, wildlife viewing and flightseeing.

The abundant wildlife includes grizzly bears, caribou, wolves, Dall sheep and moose. Mt. McKinley, or Denali, North America's highest peak at 6.194 meters is situated within the park. A spectacular sight on clear days it can be seen as far as 113 km away. Most pre/post cruise tours feature Denali with overnight stays at wilderness lodges. Denali is accessible between Anchorage and Fairbanks via Alaska rail or by car from the George Parks Highway.

The ice age is still active in Alaska. There are an estimated 100,000 glaciers in the state and observing them is certainly a highlight of any visit. From the deck of a cruise ship, watch and listen as tide water glaciers creak and calve with huge chunks crashing into the sea. Look for Glacier Bay, Tracy Arm, Hubbard Glacier and College Fjord on your cruise itinerary for a glacier experience.

These rivers of ice which flow from ice packs high in the mountains are magnificent when viewed closely from a helicopter. Some flightseeing tours land on the ice so you can hike or ride a dog sled. Mendenhall Glacier at Juneau is big, beautiful and one of the most accessible glaciers. Take a shuttle bus from the pier to stop by the visitors centre and enjoy the many hiking trails.

Must See and Do in Portugal

>St. George's Castle, Lisbon, is an imposing citadel captured from the Moors in 114. From the defensive walls visitors have a magnificent view of the city and the Tagus River flowing to the Atlantic Ocean. Not to be missed!

>Sintra is about a one-hour drive from Lisbon. (Train service is available from downtown Lisbon.) This historic city with its luxurious, green mountain is the former residence of kings and nobility. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site it is a must see for its palaces and historical residences, especially the Palace of Pena.

>Évora is the finest example of a city of the golden age of Portugal and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. About a two and a half hour drive south of Lisbon, here you'll find The City Museum, The Temple of Diana (built by the Romans), The Capela dos Ossos (Bones Chapel) and the Cathedral. Sit outside in one of the many cafés at the Geraldo Square, sipping a glass of the local wine while watching the city go by.

>Óbidos which can be traced to 308 BC by the Celtics, is today a well preserved walled town with small houses painted in immaculate white, blue lapis and gold, the royal colors of the past. The local Pousada (historical inn) is an excellent choice for a delightful meal.

>Serra do Gerês in Northern Portugal is one of the best preserved mountains of Europe with spectacular scenery, fresh pure air, streams of pure water, and rare flora amongst the rich greenery.

Spotlight on the South Pacific

As the dark, cold days of winter approach, wouldn't you rather be lazing on a South Pacific island, relaxing in an overwater bungalow, or taking a dip in a tranquil, azure lagoon?

Numerous island chains are dotted across the vast expanse of the South Pacific, easily accessible by those wanting a peaceful retreat for their vacation. There's plenty of adventure as well from off road jeep excursions to hiking, snorkelling in the lagoons, scuba diving, sailing and water sports.

The rich cultural heritage of Polynesia and Micronesia add to the vacation experience. History buffs will find there's much to learn as they explore the region including the migration of the early Polynesians; the expeditions of Captain James Cook; the Bounty mutiny and the exploits of Robert Louis Stevenson and Paul Gauguin, two of the many writers and artists who called the region home. Discover the Cook Islands, Fiji Islands and Tahiti Islands.

The Cook Islands

Rarotonga is the central island, where cruise ships call and visitors arrive by plane. It has all one expects of the South Pacific - high mountain peaks, lush rain forests, clear turquoise lagoons and white sand beaches.

Aitutaki is the most visited outer island. Its turquoise lagoon is massive at approximately 11 km wide by 16 km long. It's perfect for snorkelling with many coral heads to explore. Captain Bligh and his ship the HMS Bounty landed here in 1798 prior to the infamous mutiny.

Fiji Islands

This archipelago of over 330 islands is a nature lover's delight as Fiji is an unspoiled environment. Having avoided industrialization, and with its lack of dangerous animals and insects, it is a key area for Eco-tourism and outdoor adventure. The islands provide a tranquil escape at the many outstanding resorts. You'll feel very welcome here as the people are friendly and happy to have you visit.

You won't want to miss a Kava Ceremony when visiting a Fijian village. This common social custom involves sharing the herbal drink derived from the root of the Kava plant. It is said to have been the favourite beverage of the South Pacific's royal families and has medicinal as well as psychoactive properties.

Tahiti and Her Islands

The Society Islands are the best known of the French islands in the South Pacific. Comprised of Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora, Huahine, Raiatea and Taha'a they have long been admired as the most magical and captivating in the region with many visitors considering them the most exquisite islands in the world. Their jagged mountain peaks, pristine coral reefs, white sand beaches and clear lagoons teeming with colourful fish make them a true paradise. Writer James Mitchener named Bora Bora as his favourite.

Tahiti and her islands are a major cruising centre with sailings to the Society Islands available year-round. There's a wealth of luxury resorts on the islands with inviting overwater bungalows, the most exotic way to experience these romantic islands.