Adventure Travel

Hiking in Gran Canaria

TheAdventureTravel.net — Tue, 24 Nov 2015 11:46:50 +0000

One of the most astonishing things about Gran Canaria, is the impressive variety of its scenery. The island can offer not only lots of golden beaches, but also a spectacular mountains landscape, with a maximum altitude of 1,949 meters. There are plenty of possibilities for hiking in Gran Canaria. You can choose from the easy and short hikes to the more challenging “caminos reales” (king’s highways).

There are some ideas for hiking in Gran Canaria:

Barranco de los Cernícalos. Take a marked path from Lomo Magullo to Los Arenales, leading through the lush valley to some waterfalls, which is a rear view in Gran Canaria. As the valley is well watered, it is a perfect trip for flora lovers. An out and back hike takes about 2-3 hours. The route is not very difficult, but be careful at some places, as the path might be slippery. In period of rainy days the path may be impassable at all.

From Santa Lucía to La Fortaleza. It is a 3 hour hike, which starts at the 49^th kilometre of the GC-65 road. During this hike it is also recommended to visit an amazing La Sorrueda reservoir.

Barranco de la Virgen. A 3 hour hike starts at Valleseco, leads through Valsendero and ends at Las Madres. It is another great opportunity for flora lovers to see rare native plants.

Visiting the dams. It is one of the best routes for hiking in Gran Canaria. During the 7 hour trip you can visit three of the island’s reservoirs. The hike starts at GC-605 road at the north of the reservoir of Cueva de las Niñas and ends at Cruz Grande. During the trip also the reservoirs of Soria and Chira are visited.

Roque Nublo. As it is one of the most visited places on the island, it is probably one of the most popular paths for hiking in Gran Canaria. The route is based on “camino real” – the ancient mountain highway. It is quite an easy and short hike, starting at the La Goleta car park, two kilometres away from Ayacata. It will take about 50 minutes to get to the base of the Nublo.

Roque Nublo, Gran Canaria

If you are looking for a longer and more difficult hike, there is an alternative. Start your trip at La Culata and follow the marked path to La Goleta. It will take another 50 minutes.

Hiking nearby Cruz de Tejeda. Many years ago there was a crossroad of caminos reales (king’s highways). The paths were well restored and offer a big variety of routes around the island’s centre. If you are looking for a tougher trip, try a hike from Cruz de Tejeda to Puerto de las Nieves, located on a northwest coast.

A hike to Güigüí beach. It is one of the best destinations for beach-lovers, who would also like to try hiking in Gran Canaria. There are two possible routes to reach an almost mythical Güigüí beach: from Puerto de la Aldea and Tasartico. Both routes are quite difficult and the shorter hike from Tasartico will take at least 2 hours.

A trip to Caldera de Bandama. Hikers can take a journey down to the crater bottom, which is 200 meters deep. This trip is preferred by fauna and flora lovers.

Barranco de Guayadeque. It is a paradise for hiking in Gran Canaria, as there is a big variety of routes of different difficulty. Ask at the tourist office in Ingenio for a map where all the paths are marked. It is another great place for flora and fauna lovers, as you may see 80 species of plants, lots of reptiles and even the only island’s native mammal – bat.

Visiting Pino Grande. Take a two hour long downhill trip from Cruz Grande, which will lead you to the Pino Grande, the tallest pine tree in Gran Canaria. It is a perfect journey full of tranquillity and wilderness, as this place is rarely visited.

Island’s mountainous relief brings a lot of possibilities for hiking in Gran Canaria. Although there is a good network of routes, some of them might be out of date or damaged by heavy rains. It is advisable to ask for hiking maps at the tourist information office. You may also ask the local people if the path still exists. For the best Gran Canaria resorts visit Luxury-resort-guide.com. For more tourist activities and things to do in Gran Canaria go to SingleTripAdvisor.

As the paths usually lead through the places with no shadow, it is important to take plenty of water and hat.

More Gran Canaria Travel Tips

Cycling in Gran Canaria
Climbing in Gran Canaria
Shopping in Gran Canaria
Festivals in Gran Canaria
Sights in Gran Canaria
History of Gran Canaria
Museums in Gran Canaria

Heritage and Hospitality on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail

TheAdventureTravel.net — Mon, 09 Nov 2015 11:15:00 +0000

Steeped in history and surrounded by nature, distilleries of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail welcome newcomers and connoisseurs of whiskey.

The tour bus opened its doors and the Kentucky summer heat rushed in. White stone buildings lined a narrow lane, iron tracks paralleled the roadway, and several painters worked leisurely at their easels. At the Woodford Reserve Distillery, the silence was as thick as the humidity, poked through by birds chirping in the trees and gravel crunching under my shoes. Waiting for the other passengers to gather around the guide, I soon surmised that the distillery was not a factory slogging out bottles of booze. The workers nodded hello, assisting barrels down the rails from one building to another. My guide Ken greeted them back by name. There weren’t any machines cranking or smokestacks billowing ominously. The property was gentile and peaceful. Surrounded by horse farms, historic landmarks, and verdant nature, the distilleries embody the heritage and hospitality of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.

How to Get to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail

Accessible from Lexington or Louisville, the Kentucky Bourbon Trail branches off the Bluegrass Parkway. Leaving Lexington, most independent travelers head to Versailles then make their way west towards Elizabethtown and Shepherdsville. Visitors receive a stamp in their Bourbon Passport when touring the official distilleries of the trail. Since each site can be up to an hour apart, multiple trips to the area may be required to fill the Bourbon Trail Passport. A popular place to spend the night, Bardstown offers unique accommodations such as haunted inns and jailhouses for adventurous travelers. The bars in Bardstown stock many of the Bourbons made in the area. So if you missed out on a few stops, ask the bartender about specialty labels. Many have worked for the distilleries themselves or have relatives who do. So they are a great source of information.

Touring the Distilleries of the Bourbon Trail

Each distillery on the Bourbon Trail carries its own history and offers tours unique to their individual styles. Tour guides are friendly, informative, and love their jobs. So, newcomers to whiskey will be as entertained as connoisseurs.

Woodford Reserve

With roots dating to 1797, Woodford Reserve distills the official Bourbon of the Kentucky Derby. Neighboring several famous thoroughbred farms, the property and buildings are considered National Historic Landmarks. Woodford Reserve is the only distiller that continues to utilize copper stills and triple distillation. Bourbon tours are hands-on and guests are often invited to taste the whiskey throughout the process: from sweet mash to post-aging.

Wild Turkey

Famous for 101 proof spirits, Wild Turkey began as Austin Nichols, a wholesale grocer. When Prohibition ended, the company shifted its focus to distilled spirits. During an annual turkey hunt in 1940, a group of distillers nicknamed the bourbon, Wild Turkey. Master distiller Jimmy Russell has overseen production of Wild Turkey Bourbon since 1954.

Four Roses

With Spanish Mission-style architecture, the Four Roses Distillery opened in 1920. When thinking of a name for his whiskey, owner Paul Jones thought of his wife who wore a corsage of roses to symbolize their love. Today, the Four Roses Distillery is renowned for its innovative aging process. Here, whiskey barrels are not stacked on giant shelves, one atop each other. Instead, casks are stored on a single rack that ages all the whiskey at the same level. This insures uniform maturation.

Maker’s Mark

Interactive and congenial, Maker’s Mark begins its tours at the Samuels family home where visitors can listen to talking paintings, play with antique phones, and sit in comfortable armchairs. The Bourbon tour includes a walk along well-kept grounds and steam-filled buildings. After whiskey tastings, visitors can purchase bottles of Maker’s Mark and hand-dip them in wax.

Heaven Hill

Located in historic Bardstown, Heaven Hill is the largest independent, family-owned bourbon producer in the United States. In 2008 and 2009, Whisky Magazine presented Heaven Hill with its Distiller of the Year Award. The tasting room is constructed in the shape of a whiskey barrel. In 1934, the Shapira brothers filled the first barrel. Decades later, Heaven Hill Distillery continues to produce Bourbon as well as brandy, vodka, and select liqueurs.

Jim Beam

Just South of Louisville, Jim Beam Distillery sold its first barrel of whiskey in 1795. Seven generations of Beams later, the distillery has filled over 10 million barrels of Bourbon. During the tour, visitors explore the grounds that include the Beam house and its oldest warehouse, storing over 20,000 barrels. The tasting room offers a variety of bourbons to sample including Jim Beam Black and their small batch Basil Hayden.

The Secret Ingredient in American Whiskey

Summer in the American South is an oppressive season, like a warm wool blanket you can’t shake off. It sticks in your lungs and clings to the back of your neck. But as I followed my distillery guide, Ken, I learned that heat is the secret ingredient in bourbon distillation. Centuries ago, Scottish immigrants came to Kentucky with their recipes in hand. The heat changed the aging process and consequently, the flavor notes. Instead of aging whiskey for years in the cool Scottish highlands, Kentucky Bourbon required a fraction of the time. Heat makes the barrels swell and absorb the alcohol into the charred staves. As the heat recedes, the casks contract and squeeze the liquor back into the barrel’s center with a new amber blush and smoother taste. Year in and year out, the cycle continues until the whiskey reaches a precise age and hue.

History on the Bourbon Trail

While traveling the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, I was most surprised and curious about the history in the area. At the distillery, Ken discussed the horse farms, limestone water, and families who’d revised their Scotch recipes into distinctly American bourbon. At the Old Talbotts Inn, I learned about our B&B’s legacy as the oldest stagecoach stop in Kentucky. While falling asleep in my four-post bed, I could not help but think about the people who’d lodged under the same roof, including Jesse James, exiled King Louise Phillipe, and the man who’d stayed in my suite, Abraham Lincoln.

Waterfalls in Cullman, Alabama

TheAdventureTravel.net — Mon, 09 Nov 2015 11:11:11 +0000

Visit Cullman, Alabama to find a variety of interesting and beautiful waterfalls. Cullman, Alabama is home to many interesting and picturesque waterfalls. Cullman’s county park system and the City of Cullman’s park and recreation department provide access to natural areas for residents and visitors to the county and the central city of Cullman. Small town southern charm and the scenic beauty of lakes, rivers and waterfalls make Cullman, Alabama an enjoyable southern destination.

Hiking Trail Waterfalls

Hurricane Creek Park in Cullman, Alabama is a 67 acre natural area at the southern end of the Appalachian Mountains. This park features many miles of scenic hiking trails, several of which take hikers near waterfalls. These waterfalls are not named, but offer hikers and waterfall seekers an opportunity to enjoy their beauty. To enjoy the waterfalls, take the Hi-Trail from the park entrance and pass over the natural bridge. This trail also takes hikers across a swinging bridge to the picnic area with a large variety of wild flowers along the way.

Mountain Biking Trail Waterfalls

The Free Ride Mountain Biking Trail in Hurricane Creek Park also features a large waterfall that is part of a natural dam. Waterfall lovers who enjoy mountain biking can take the 3-mile loop on the New Gauntlet Trail. The New Gauntlet Trail has many built-in challenges for mountain bike riders and at the end of the trail there is a picnic area. At the picnic area, riders can enjoy the waterfall spilling over into a pond from the natural dam. This picnic area, pond and waterfall are at the bottom of a 500 foot canyon that is a part of the park.

Neighborhood Waterfalls

Cullman, Alabama is also home to one of the largest waterfalls in the state. Larkwood Falls is located in the Larkwood subdivision, a neighborhood built near Lake Catoma in Cullman. The waterfall is the natural spill-over from the lake and is active year round. The falls are well-hidden, but well-worth finding for the waterfall lover. The falls are over 75 feet tall and 100 feet wide.

Highway Waterfalls

Highway 67 runs through the City of Cullman and Cullman County and intersects with Highway 69. For waterfall lovers who enjoy a scenic byway, take Highway 67 and enjoy the natural waterfalls along the way. There are at least two large waterfalls and one smaller waterfall along this highway. You can access Highway 67 from Interstate 65 South by taking exit 334. Highway 67 runs southeast around the outside of Cullman and intersects with Highway 69 which takes visitors through the center of town.

Whether you enjoy scenic byways, hiking trails, mountain biking or stopping at a roadside park, Cullman, Alabama has something for waterfall lovers of all kinds.

Five Best Natural Attractions of The Canaries

TheAdventureTravel.net — Thu, 22 Oct 2015 17:18:49 +0000

The Canary Islands are one of Spain’s true gems; combining fascinating culture and a laid back atmosphere. But, the real attraction of any holiday to the Canaries is the array of beautiful natural areas on offer – and here are five of the best.

Sand Dunes in Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria offers a beautiful array of scenery that is well worth a visit, with leafy green rainforests and harsh desert environments. Yet at the top of the must-see list is the stunning Dunas de Maspalomas.

This National Park features an array of pristine sand dunes to explore, with the sand accessible by foot or camel back for those interested in something a little more unique. At the end of the day, visit the Hotel Riu Palace Maspalomas and enjoy the beautiful botanical garden full of native shrubs and varied plant life.

Reserva Natural Especial Dunas de Maspalomas, Gran Canaria

Mount Teide in Tenerife

There’s much to love about holidays to Tenerife and the stunning natural environment far outshines the busy resorts and crowded nightclubs. Located in the beautiful Teide World Heritage National Park, Mount Teide is the highest peak on Spanish soil.

You can scale the 3,718m on foot or take the cable car to the summit for an easier journey. The atmosphere of the area means a sea of clouds often form in the backdrop, creating a dramatic and visually impressive setting for the peak.

Tenerife Teide

Los Gigantes in Tenerife

This enormous mountain range also shares its name with the local seaside resort, but don’t be lured in by the sun lounges and pool decks! Far more spectacular views are on offer with a trip to theseven million year cliffs known affectionately as The Giants.

The views available from the top are a photographer’s dream, so be sure to venture up at sunset when the sun fills the skies with a spectacular array of light and colour.

Los Gigantes Cliffs

Charco de los Clicos in Lanzarote

Head to the tiny seaside village of El Golfo and explore the stunning Charco de Los Clicos, a lagoon environment unlike any other. Surrounded by spectacular volcanic mountaintops, the bright green water in the lagoon stands in stark contrast to the eerily black sand to create a fascinating landscape travellers are sure to enjoy.

Garajonay National Park

Located on the island of La Gomera, the Garajonay National Park features a beautiful array of plant life with many species no longer found on the mainland. The lush landscape also includes several burbling springs and streams and the park is perfectly suited for hiking and nature excursions.

Around 70% of the park is covered by laurel forest, providing a unique environment for travellers to explore. It achieved UNESCO World Heritage status in 1986 after being declared a national park five years previously.

Alicante holidays

TheAdventureTravel.net — Thu, 22 Oct 2015 17:02:30 +0000

Looking out on the Mediterranean Sea, the Spanish city of Alicante has long been used to visitors thanks to its historically popular sea port, but flights to Alicante these days will find you in an altogether different set of bustling crowd. As tourism has slowly taken prominence, the structure and indeed attitude of the city has followed suit meaning that it is now one of Europe’s favourite tourist destinations.

Alicante

And as you’d expect of a popular Mediterranean location, their beaches are to die for. Though many places will lay claim to “being famous for their beaches”, arriving at any of those on offer along the gorgeous Costa Blanca you’ll be left in no doubt that these really are some of the best you’ll find anywhere in the world.

Found at the base of Mount Benacantil and easily the most popular of Alicante’s beaches, Playa del Postiguet is everything you will expect – golden sands, crystal clear, convenient parking and abundant nearby amenities. And due to the curved nature of the coastline, the beach proves an excellent point from which to view the rest of Alicante.

Alicante bay

If you need a break from the sand, the Explanada de Espana promenade runs alongside Playa del Postiguet and along its picturesque run-up to the harbour area provides a slew of authentic Spanish cafes. Its walkway is an attraction in its own right, not only for its seemingly never-ending lines of tropical palm trees but also the intricate 3D-effect marble-tile designs which run the course of the promenade.

And when feeling the need to escape the tourism hot-spots, thankfully there are more than enough beautiful smaller beaches nearby to help. The beaches of Playa de la Almadraba and Playa del Coco provide equally impressive sands, and if you’re willing to trek slightly further afield a tram to Playa de San Juan will find you at a beach that can not only rival most others but also boasts an 18-hole golf course.

Best Time to Visit Bora Bora All Inclusive Resorts

TheAdventureTravel.net — Mon, 05 Oct 2015 09:57:47 +0000

Bora Bora enjoys a pleasant tropical climate that is hot and humid all year round. No matter what time of year you plan your visit to the island, you are still guaranteed a unique experience. However, in defining the best times to visit Bora Bora and enjoy what Bora Bora All Inclusive Resorts could offer at luxury-resort-guide.com, your personal preference plays a major role.

It all depends on what type of weather that suits you, your holiday budget, and the activities you hope to partake on your visit. Applying all three of these factors, the best times to visit Bora Bora is during the shoulder season, which is November and April. This time of the year is best because weather-wise you’ll be between season and can still enjoy the best of the island’s weather; and budget-wise you won’t have to spend as much compared to that in peak season.

To determine the time to visit Bora Bora that is best for you, consider the features that accompany the following travel periods.

May to October travel period is considered peak season when the island sees the highest number of crowds. This is because it coincides with the dry season when Bora Bora welcomes refreshing sea breezes. Late September is the full moon period which offers mesmerising views as the sun heightens the islands and the moonlight sets a dramatic backdrop to the mountains. The lagoons are amazing as they reflect the sun and moon, giving off the most indescribable glitter from the surface of the waters.

Key events that take place during this time are the Tahiti Pearl Regatta in May and the Heiva I Bora Bora in June-July. However, the accommodation rates for Bora Bora resorts and hotels also peak during this period.

November and April are the shoulder seasons. The crowds are not as packed and the weather is still enjoyable just before the wet/dry season kicks in. You’ll find that Bora Bora resorts may start promoting some good deals around this time too. The key event during this month is the Hawaiku Nui Va’a held in November.

December to March is the low season in Bora Bora and is the height of the wet season, with February and March being the hottest months. The weather is unpredictable with sunshine one minute and sudden downpours the next. Since Bora Bora has a micro-climate, it could be raining where you are but sunny on the other side of the island.

However, there is plenty of clear skies in between, and it’s this inconsistent weather that makes the island quiet and ideal if you’re looking for bargains. Bora Bora resorts and hotels are at their cheapest during this time. You’ll find that you have more choices of resorts to choose from at lower prices and if you’re lucky you might even get an upgrade! The key events during this period include the Bora Bora Liquid Festival help in December.

Your first visit to Bora Bora is an important one and first impressions do count. That said, Bora Bora is best experienced in the dry season, with clear blue skies that make the lagoons even more majestic than it is. The waters are also better for water activities and you won’t be spending your time covered in mosquito bites as you would in the more humid and rainy season.

Cheap Vacation Homes Nearest Disney World

TheAdventureTravel.net — Sun, 27 Sep 2015 13:29:27 +0000

Want to spend your vacation enjoying the magic of Disney World and at the same time not spend a lot on the hotels deals. The money that you spend on hotels can be well spent on enjoying your trip to the fullest. With over a million of tourist visiting Disney World every year and most of the Orlando hotels located near the theme park, there are plethora of options available. For Disney World value hotels and resorts go to www.luxury-resort-guide.com

There are several cheap vacation homes near Disney World which provide same amenities as the Disney value resorts but at much more attractive prices. Lately even the vacation pool homes are becoming popular amongst economy visitors.

Some of the popular cheap vacation homes nearest Disney World under $100 are:

Masters Inn Kissme:

Location: This vacation home is about four miles from Disney World, 10 miles from the Sea world and is within one and half mile of the Old town.

Guest room and amenities:

Each room of four is well equipped with modern facilities like TV’s.
Breakfast and swimming pool
Complimentary shuttle service to one of the major theme park of Disney World.

This mid Atlantic themed hotel is situated within 2 miles from Disney World and is about 17 miles from the Universal studio and Sea world.

Guest room and amenities:

Each room of is well equipped with modern facilities like TV’s, mini refrigerators and high speed internet connection.
Recreational amenities include waded swimming pool, miniature golf course, and playgrounds for kids, game room, sports bar and pool bar
Complimentary shuttle service to one of the major theme park of Disney World.

Mike Ditka Resorts – Runaway Beach Club

Locations: This beach club is located just 1.5 miles from Disney World and only about 5 miles from Epcot and Sea World.

Guest room and amenities:

There are 1, 2 and 3 bedroom guestrooms available and all of them are well equipped with modern facilities like TV’s., refrigerators and fully functional kitchen, DVD players
The beach club has a tropical landscape with lagoon, 2 swimming pool, and miniature golf playgrounds for kids, game room, sports bar and pool bar and 24 hour fitness center.
Complimentary shuttle service to one of the major theme park of Disney World.

The Palms Hotel Main gate east

Location: This four storied condo is about a mile from Disney world and about 7 miles from the downtown Disney.
Guest room and amenities

There are 164 floral themed room condos available and all of is well equipped with modern facilities like TV’s., refrigerators, coffeemakers
The condo hotel has tropical landscape, a heated swimming pool, and miniature golf playgrounds for kids, game room, sports bar and pool bar and 24 hour fitness center.
Complimentary Shuttle service to one of the major theme park of Disney World.

Buena Vista Suites

Location: This hotel is about a mile and half from Disney world and is within 8 miles form Universal studio, sea world and other theme parks.

Guest room and amenities:

The rooms are well equipped with modern facilities like TV’s., refrigerators, High-speed internet connection, microwave and coffee makers.
Outdoor spa tub, poolside bar, outdoor pool, gym, fitness center, game room and basket ball court
Complimentary buffet breakfast is included in the package
Complimentary shuttle service to one of the major theme park of Disney World.

Quick travel guide: Andorra – La Vella, Pyrenees, skiing, Encamp, Soldeu, duty free shopping

TheAdventureTravel.net — Sun, 13 Sep 2015 12:26:01 +0000

Facts for visitors on the Bishop of Urgell, Casa de la Vall, Arinsal, Pal, El Tarter, Pas de la Casa and Grau Roig, Catalan, walks and the church of Sant Roma de les Bons.

Location: Andorra is a small principality in the Pyrenees mountains, sandwiched between France and Spain in Western Europe.

Capital city: Andorra La Vella is the capital, and indeed, only city of Andorra. In terms of setting, it is surrounded by mountains, and it is regarded as a bit of a shopping paradise. Many people enter the city simply to buy duty free drinks, luxury goods and electronics as they are considerably cheaper here than over the border in Spain or France. If you’re interested in how this bizarre nation is run, then head to the Casa de la Vall, which is the country’s parliament house.

Other major cities: There aren’t any other cities. La Massana, Canillo and Ordino are the closest you’ll get to urban delights, but they’d be regarded as villages anywhere else.

Population: Only 70,000 people live in Andorra, and many of them aren’t actually Andorran citizens. This makes for a rather easy election count and a truly woeful football team.

Languages spoken: Catalan is the official language of Andorra, and by law all signs are in that language. However, in practice, some of the residents don’t speak it and Spanish is more commonly used. French is also quite common, but not as much as it is billed to be. Certainly if you go in with the assumption that everyone speaks French, you are in for a surprise. English is widely spoken in the ski areas due to the tourist industry’s impact.

What we know it for: Many people don’t even know that Andorra exists, let alone that it’s an independent nation. The country dates back to AD803, when the Holy Roman Emperor, Charlemagne, granted it independence. Andorra is a co-principality, with its twin heads of state being the French President and the Bishop of Urgell in Catalonia.

Why you should go: Most visitors to Andorra are there for the shopping or the skiing. It is justifiably regarded as having the best slopes in the Pyrenees, and the main resorts are Arinsal, Pal, Soldeu, El Tarter, Pas de la Casa and Grau Roig. However, the fun doesn’t have to stop when the snow melts, as the walking is just as good as the skiing. In summer, the mountains are a wonderful place to put on the hiking boots and explore.

Great place to visit: The town of Encamp plays host to a few attractions worth seeing. These include the National Automobile Museum and the Romanesque frescos in the church of Sant Roma de les Bons.

Italy’s Sella Ronda – A Ski Adventure

TheAdventureTravel.net — Sun, 13 Sep 2015 12:09:44 +0000

Ski and snowboard enthusiasts recognize that northern Italy offers some of the finest ski runs in the world. Perhaps the most exciting day of skiing the peninsula has to offer is the famous Sella Ronda.

UNESCO World Heritage

The Dolomite Mountain range in north central Italy is so breathtaking in its beauty it is on UNESCO’s list of Natural Heritage Sites.

Dolomiti Superski

An area of 12 connected resorts in North Central Italy is a skiers paradise. Each resort offers the full range of ski possibilities – from gentle training hills for beginners to heart pounding expert runs used for World Cup Championship races. Add to that over 1200 kilometers of slopes and 460 top of the line lifts moving skiers quickly, and the Dolomiti Superski simply cannot be beat.

The Sella Ronda

The crown jewel of the Dolomiti Superski area is the Sella Ronda. Located in the center of the Dolomite mountain range, the Sella is a massive rock formation over 3100 meters (10171 feet) high, rising above all of the surrounding landscape. The Sella Ronda (“Around the Sella”) is a full day ski adventure that circles the huge mountain, passing through four of the largest areas of the Dolomite Superski Region.

The length of the entire circuit is about 42 kilometers (24 miles). With 35% beginner slopes and 65% of medium difficulty, the route is designed for intermediate level skiers. There are a few optional expert runs for the more adventurous. No matter your skill level, the Sella Ronda is a full day effort and requires a good level of physical fitness.

The route can be followed either clockwise or counterclockwise, simply following the well-marked and color-coded signs (orange or green respectively). The highest point you’ll ski is 8185 feet at Arabba, while the lowest is 5036 feet in Corvara. Completing the circuit requires a minimum of 12 lifts and 11 runs. Expect to spend about two hours on lifts and to ride on everything you can imagine, from high speed, very comfortable six man chairs to a huge 80 person gondola or even a single person button lift.

Don’t start the Sella Ronda later than 10:00 in the morning. Most of the lifts close at 4:30, and if you start too late or take too long to finish, you will be stranded. Taxi and bus are service are available, but what could be more embarrassing than riding home in a taxi with your skis?

Best Ski Runs

Even with 42 kilometers of skiing, two of the Sella Ronda runs stand out as better than others.

SASLONG at Val Gardena. This is a terrific, 2.3-mile run. A postcard-like route through trees, Saslong starts at 7,380 feet and offers a 2,752-foot drop in elevation. The piste is wide from start to finish, and due to its eastern-facing orientation, is best tried in the morning.

LA BELLUNESE at Marmolada. Granted, it is billed as an “alternate” run, but the 7.5 miles of holding your breath is worth the extra time. La Bellunese starts off with a bang, a precipitous plunge that seems to last forever. You’ll pass a small lake, then the trail levels out for the final 2 miles into the village of Malga Ciapela. From there, catch the chair lift back to the Arabba ski area. This run is designated as red (intermediate) because it is wide from top to bottom. But the top is very steep, and the vertical drop on this baby is nearly 6,000 feet!

Explore Catalina Island’s Wild Side with the Ultimate Land and Sea Adventure

TheAdventureTravel.net — Mon, 07 Sep 2015 12:49:48 +0000

Combined boat/Hummer tour is the first to take guests to Catalina’s remote West End

The Ultimate Land and Sea Adventure is a half-day tour that takes guests from Avalon around Catalina Island’s wild and rugged coast via rigid-hulled inflatable boat to the beautiful, clear waters of Catalina Harbor. After stopping for lunch in the quaint community of Two Harbors, guests return to Avalon via a scenic coastal route in a bio-fuel convertible H1 Hummer.

“This tour gives visitors an opportunity to experience a side of Catalina Island most people never see,” says Scott Moyse, Director of Sightseeing for Catalina Expeditions. “The tour covers two-thirds of the island’s entire coastline with a nice stop at Two Harbors, which is really an unknown gem. Plus, how often do you have the chance to see both dolphins and buffalo in one trip?”

Tours begin at Avalon’s Pleasure Pier daily at 10 a.m., with one group departing in the Hummer, and a second in a rigid-hulled inflatable boat, which travels at thrilling speeds of up to 45 miles per hour.

As the boat slowly rounds the island’s exposed and uninhabited West End, guests have a chance to see dolphin pods at play, sea lions lounging on rocks and, at certain times of year, Blue Whales or California Grey Whales swimming by.

Guests disembark the boat at Catalina Harbor, a sheltered cove on the island’s windward side flanked by dramatic rock cliffs and lush green meadows, and either walk across the Isthmus or take the Hummer to Two Harbors for a one-hour lunch break and free time to explore the charming beach-side village’s shops, then return to Avalon along the Middle Ranch Road, stopping at scenic overlooks along the way. From the convertible H1 Hummer, guests may spot buffalo herds munching grass, the endemic Catalina Island fox scamper by or American eagles fly overhead. (Half of all tour participants experience the tour in reverse, traveling first by land, then by sea).

The once-daily, five-and-a-half-hour tour costs $160 per person (including a choice of boxed lunch served at Two Harbors) and runs annually from mid April through the end of October.

The Ultimate Land and Sea Adventure is the latest tour offered by Catalina Expeditions, which now also offers the popular Zip Line Eco Tour, Night Zip, Behind-the-Scenes Casino Tour, Eco Hummer Tour and many more.

Visit www.visitcatalinaisland.com for more information and reservations.