Women's Adventure Travel, Women Only Vacations, Travel for Women, Womens Trips, Trips from AdventureWomen

We hope you’ll help us celebrate AdventureWomen’s 27th year by joining us for one of these exciting adventures in 2009!

When you find your “must do” adventure, just click on the link at the end of the trip description for full details. If the trip isn’t up on our website yet, send us your name and email address. We’ll make sure you’re one of the first to receive the itinerary and full details when they’re available.

1. January 25 – 31, 2009
WOMEN'S DOWNHILL SKI WEEK IN MONTANA
An all-inclusive ski school and ski vacation week in the glorious Rocky Mountains. Ski Montana’s incredible snow, called the “cold smoke” because it’s so light and fluffy. Small groups, expert women instructors, and a safe environment in which to develop, or polish your skills. $2,495 ($600 deposit) All Ability Levels.
> Click here for details.

2. March 6 - 18, 2009
THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS AND THE HACIENDAS OF ECUADOR
Ecuador is unequalled for its variety of environments and incomparable wildlife: a microcosm of the great diversity found in South America. Vibrant green-terraced highlands, colorful Indian markets, snow-capped volcanoes, turquoise crater lakes, the Andean charm of its elegant 16th century haciendas, and the world’s most extraordinary up-close wildlife viewing in the glorious Galapagos Islands—Darwin’s “Enchanted Isles.” This adventure combines it ALL: Quito, five days in Ecuador’s spectacular Andean highlands, and a five-day voyage on one of the most luxurious catamarans that cruises in the Galapagos, viewing birds, reptiles, and mammals unique to the Galapagos alone. This is the BEST of Ecuador. $6,795 ($800 deposit) Moderate.
> Click here for details.

3. March 8 - 14, 2009
CARIBBEAN SAILING, SNORKELING, AND SCUBA DIVING IN THE BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS
In the warm, turquoise Caribbean waters, on the world’s largest, most luxurious trimaran sailboat, be pampered in paradise. This adventure has been rated "one of the top five vacations in the world" and features fabulous sailing, snorkeling, scuba diving, sea kayaking, and sailing hobie cats; 3 gourmet meals each day; 10 deluxe double staterooms; and an incredible crew. An activity level for everyone. $2,995 ($600 deposit) Easy to Moderate Last year for this great price!
> Click here for details .

4. April 16 - May 1, 2009
PAPUA NEW GUINEA AND AUSTRALIA’S GREAT BARRIER REEF
An extraordinary adventure to encounter the fascinating traditional cultures and natural beauty of mysterious Papua New Guinea, an island of incredible diversity. This is a photographer's paradise: colorful, exotic, and vibrant! Visit vast, untouched rainforests and verdant highlands, journey to spirit houses, then meet an amazing world of more remote tribal cultures along the mighty Sepik River. Combine this with five days on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef at a beautiful 5-star beach club and spa, located on the ocean and at the edge of the rainforest. Cruise, swim, and snorkel on the Great Barrier Reef, glide over Australia’s World Heritage listed Tropical Rainforest canopy by gondola, visit the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Center for a dynamic look at 40,000 years of culture, and just relax in splendor at our resort! $7,295 from Cairns, Australia ($800 deposit) Moderate.
> Click here for details.

5. May 2 - 15, 2009
SOUTH AFRICA, BOTSWANA, AND VICTORIA FALLS SAFARI
This NEW Southern Africa Safari explores 3 countries and experiences unique to each of them. We begin on the Eastern Cape of South Africa at a private game lodge: walking safaris and game drives; visit a lion park to cuddle the cubs; spend a fascinating day with a game vet; and interact with the local peoples. Then we’ll fly to northern Botswana and Chobe National Park, which hosts the largest concentration of wildlife in southern Africa and is famous for its huge buffalo and elephant herds and unsurpassed wildlife viewing opportunities. Stay in luxury safari accommodations and enjoy a river boat cruise, game drives, and a walk to a traditional village. For our grand finale, we’ll fly to Victoria Falls to stay in a beautiful hotel at the falls, the perfect setting from which to enjoy one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World! From the falls we'll also have an elephant back safari and “Walking with the Lions,” a thrilling encounter that may prove to be a highlight of your trip. Africa doesn’t get any better than this! Price $6,995 ($800 deposit) All-inclusive from Dulles. Moderate.
> Click here for details.

6. May 9 - 17, 2009
HIKING CROATIA’S DALMATIAN COAST
Hundreds of islands make up the archipelago along the beautiful Dalmatian Coast, one of Western Europe’s best kept secrets. From the Renaissance architecture and UNESCO World Heritage sites on the island of Split and inside the walled city of Dubrovnik, we will immerse ourselves in this unique culture that has come from both Venetian and Roman heritage. We’ll follow ancient trails through fishing villages, lush forests, and market towns. And we'll hop by boat to some of the lesser known and marvelous islands and towns - one which claims Marco Polo as its own! The history, architecture, natural wonders, diverse landscapes, and marvelous Croatian cuisine make this an ideal “moderate” walking vacation. Price $3,695 ($600 deposit) Moderate.
> Click here for details.

7. June 7 - 14, 2009
ALASKA BEAR VIEWING AND WILDLIFE SAFARI
Fly by bush plane to our spectacular and remote bear camp (“Best U.S. Bush Camp,” Outside Magazine), plus hike, sea kayak in Resurrection Bay, whitewater raft through the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, glacier cruise from Seward, and visit the charming town of Homer “at the end of the road” on this action-packed adventure in the BEST of Alaska’s Parks and Kenai Peninsula. $3,995 ($600 deposit) Moderate Last year for this great price!
> Click here for details.

8. June 14 – 20, 2009
CITY SLICKERS: HORSEBACK RIDING ON A WORKING MONTANA CATTLE RANCH
The backdrop from the movie “The Horse Whisperer” dominates the panorama from this gorgeous family-owned and run ranch. The view is a sweeping collection of igneous peaks, 23 of which are over 10,000 feet. Before the 1870’s, elk, antelope, and buffalo roamed these grassy slopes, but the land seems little changed as its descendents work cattle along the same creek banks in the ever present shadow of the mountains. From cozy log cabin accommodations, we’ll ride the canyons and open country, work cattle, and savor the freedom and serenity of this expansive landscape. The riding possibilities are UNLIMITED: there are no trails, and these are real ranch horses (NOT nose-to-tail dude horses)! Our days spent riding are restful, uncomplicated, and time-warped. $2,595 ($600 deposit) Moderate.
> Click here for details.

9. June 21 - 28, 2009
LUXURY WHITEWATER RAFTING ON THE COLORADO RIVER THROUGH CATARACT CANYON, UTAH
A few hundred miles north of the Grand Canyon, the Colorado River cuts through Cataract Canyon, the first canyon of the Colorado River, and the stunning red rocks of southeastern Utah’s Canyonlands National Park. Whitewater rafters consider this to be among the best white water rafting in the country—112 miles of breathtaking rafting, excitement, and the gorgeous geology of the earth’s history.

AdventureWomen’s new 2009 exclusive all-women’s Colorado River raft trip is different than any we have done before. After a day exploring the wonders of Canyonlands National Park in Moab, UT, we are off on a whitewater rafting expedition in luxury, experiencing the rugged nature of the Colorado River while wrapped in the comforts of a moving hotel and gourmet restaurant. Raft all day; hike side canyons to rock art, cliff dwellings, and hidden pools and waterfalls; then pull up to a private beach to enjoy hors d’oeuvres and chilled drinks. Camp staff sets up our tents while a trained chef prepares a fabulous dinner served on linen covered tables with spectacular views. A MUST–DO raft trip for all adventurous women! $2,995 ($600 deposit) Moderate.
> Click here for details.

10. August 1 - 7, 2009
MONTANA’S GLACIER NATIONAL PARK: HIKING MAGIC
Recognized as one of the truly outstanding wilderness parks in the world, this trip combines all the elements that make a hiking week in the wilderness spectacular: top-rate guides, beautiful park lodge accommodations, and the absolute grandeur of Glacier National Park. It doesn’t get any better than this. $2,695 ($600 deposit) Moderate with some High Energy.
> Click here for details.

11. August 9 - 16, 2009
ICELAND DISCOVERY ADVENTURE
An exciting multi-activity trip full of surprises and close to home, Iceland is a “hot” and exotic destination of majestic landscapes, deep fiords, thundering waterfalls, steaming hot springs, free-roaming horses, huge glaciers, and ancient Viking history! With our fabulous Icelandic driver and guide, we’ll walk through sand deserts and a black lava volcanic crater; see boiling mud pots and eerie lava fields; snowmobile across a magnificent glacier; sail the islands of Breidafjordur Bay to view whales and seabirds; whitewater raft on a broad and beautiful river; take a horseback ride on the smooth-gaited Icelandic horse; and sea kayak along Iceland’s south coastal shore. This adventure also includes a stay on an Icelandic farm, time to explore the pristine capital city of Reykjavik, and a soak in the warm, mineral-rich waters of the famous “Blue Lagoon.” $3,995 ($600 deposit) Moderate .
> Click here for details.

12. September 12 – 18, 2009
MONTANA FALL SPECTACULAR
Fall is a very special time in Montana: clear, crisp, mountain nights; golden quaking aspen; an abundance of animals; bugling elk; and less tourists in Yellowstone! From our favorite Montana guest ranch, we’ll hike, horseback ride, fly fish, safari into Yellowstone, explore the historic gold mining towns of Nevada City and Virginia City, relive Lewis and Clark history, and celebrate our last night together with a unique “wild game” cooking class and dinner at a renowned cooking school. Price TBA ($600 deposit) Easy to Moderat.
> Click Here for details.

13. September 4 - 13, 2009
HIKING IN THE SWISS ALPS
This is a great “combination” hiking trip in one of the most beautiful areas in all of Europe: the Swiss Alps. Our adventure begins in Appenzell, a most quaint and traditional region of Eastern Switzerland, with its painted houses and rolling hills. Hike from high plateaus and meadows, and view the unforgettable scenic vistas of the Alpstein mountain range. Next we travel to Engelberg in Central Switzerland, known as the “Cradle of Switzerland,” with its fjord-like lakes and glaciated mountains. Throughout the entire trip we stay in comfortable hotel-chalets and ride traditional trains, chair lifts, and cable cars to and from our hikes. We’ll also experience a Swiss baking class, a special cheese fondue dinner, ice-caves in glaciers, tea and apple pie with a favorite local woman, and be introduced to “Nordic Walking,” one of the most effective cardiovascular workouts that there is. Switzerland is one of our favorite European hiking trips. You won’t want to miss it! Price TBA ($600 deposit) Moderate to High Energy.
> Click here for details.

14. October 9 - 23, 2009
EXPLORE EGYPT BY LAND AND NILE CRUISE, PLUS PETRA, TREASURE OF THE ANCIENT WORLD
For thousands of years, Egypt has cast a spell on the human spirit, and visitors have been drawn to this land which left behind testaments to an astonishing civilization. This vast living museum is testament to over sixty centuries of human endeavor and achievement, and its architectural legacies bear eloquent testimony in stone to the enduring genius of ancestral builders. Abu Simbel, Aswan, Great Pyramids, Sphinx, Valley of Kings and Queens, and a Nile cruise. Known as the “river of existence,” innumerable civilizations and dynasties have risen and fallen here.

Then hop to Jordan to explore more antiquities that are right out of an archeologist’s dream: the breathtaking and long-lost ancient city of Petra, a stunning World Heritage Site; Jerash, the “Pompeii of the Middle East”; the great Crusader castle at Kerak; then relax at a spa on the legendary Dead Sea. Price $7,495($800 deposit) Moderate.
> Click here for details .

15. October 8 - 18, 2009
THE BEST OF COSTA RICA
From the beaches of the Caribbean to the national parks of the Pacific, this multi-activity adventure combines the BEST of what Costa Rica has to offer. Action packed for those who want real adventure: whitewater rafting; snorkeling; jungle safaris; volcano walks; hot springs; an “Aerial Canopy Tour;” and more! Choose many of your activity options and do it “Your Way.” Price TBA ($600 deposit) Moderate.
> Click here for details.

16. October 2009
BHUTAN CULTURAL AND HUMANITARIAN ADVENTURE - BUDDHISM 101
This magical Himalayan Kingdom is a Shangri-La of astonishing beauty. Our spiritual, cultural, and walking adventure in Bhutan incorporates the country’s pristine lifestyle and culture with a variety of humanitarian projects that we will participate in. Panoramic views abound as we explore Bhutan and the ancient spiritual heritage of its friendly people. Price and Date TBA. All-inclusive from Los Angeles to Bangkok ($800 deposit) Moderate.
> Click here for details.

17. October 26 - November 10, 2009
NEPAL ANNAPURNA LODGE TREK IN THE HIMALAYAS
Back by popular demand! Experience exotic splendor in Nepal’s Himalayas on a low altitude lodge trek in the incredibly spectacular Annapurna foothills. Stay in comfortable private lodges with solar hot water showers! Then switch to rafts for a relaxing two-day trip on the Seti River, followed by a safari by elephant-back in Chitwan National Park to find rhinoceros and the elusive tiger. All this in one, exciting trip! Price TBA. All-inclusive from Los Angeles to Kathmandu ($800 deposit) Moderate/ 2 days High Energy.
> Click here for details.

18. October 28 – November 2, 2009
HALLOWEEN SEA KAYAK AND MEXICAN COOKING CLASS
Baja’s Sea of Cortez is the perfect warm water sea kayak escape from pre-holiday mania. Great guides and a comfortable safari-style beach camp, with a special Mexican cooking class to celebrate our last night together. Price TBA. All-inclusive from Los Angeles ($600 deposit) Moderate.
> Click here for details.