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Tour Hosts Review By Patrick Leigh Posted on Adventure
 Canoeing down Papua New Guinea's Sepik River, visiting the ruins of Hellenic Greece, experiencing evolution's miracles up close or wandering through the ruins of Crusaders' castles: What on earth can these varied experiences possibly have in common? Answer: They all took or take place on islands.
Islands are unique things, each with its own dramatic story of creation. One might be a mountain rising from the sea; another a coral atoll; or a bit of land lopped off from the mainland; perhaps a remnant of the supercontinent Pangaea that was never absorbed by a larger landmass. What ever their origins, islands are certainly more than just places in the sun.
Wild Side Destinations knows that each island has its own special charm. Whether you are dreaming of grass huts in the South Pacific or the Caribbean charm of Barbados, or "Dominica Where visitors can be part of the wildlife," Owner P.J. Ott and her staff can find you the perfect island for your needs. From romance to adventure, shopping to gambling, there is a lot more to the Caribbean, and islands in general, than just lazing in the sun. Our Pick of the Month, Wild Side Destinations can assist your search for that ideal water-surrounded spot for a relaxing getaway.
Just off the coast of Honduras lie the Bay Islands. On one of them, Guadaia Bay Island, is the former retreat of an eccentric millionaire. This Spanish-style colonial mansion now houses 22 guest rooms, surrounded by lush vegetation and crystal clear aqua waters. For a wonderful all inclusive holiday there, best described as "barefoot elegance," Posada del Sol is just the place to get away from it all. There's snorkeling, fishing, romance and even a bit of Columbus history. Posada del Sol is worth your holiday consideration.
If following the footsteps of a great scientific personage and viewing an abundance of wild creatures are more to your liking, then head to the Galapagos Islands. Cruise in comfort aboard the three beautifully appointed yachts of Galapagos Network. Each ship is accompanied by two naturalist guides to insure that the strict environmental rules for the islands are followed and to provide explanations for inquisitive travelers. For the diving enthusiast, Galapagos Network also operates a live-aboard diving craft designed with the same attention to luxury as its yachts.
Imagine a canoe trip down Papua New Guinea's Sepik river learning about the arts of individual villages while staying in local homes. This is the essence of cultural travel. I can't imagine a better way to truly get in touch with a country or its people. For this and other one-of-a-kind Papua New Guinea holidays, Travel World is the place to call. Specializing in this one destination for more than 22 years, owner Greg Stathakis knows his destination and its culture. Creating custom travel arrangements to fit your schedule, Travel World also offers tours to the yearly Highland Festivals. A must for anyone looking to get in touch with man and nature in the best sense of that quest.
Africa is another place where man and nature co-exist as they did before modern civilization. Eastern Africa is home to a number of fascinating islands, Zanzibar and Madagascar among them. Join us in the wonders of nature beauty in "Madagascar: A Journey to Tsingy de Bemaraha" and glimpse into Zanzibar's culture with "Zanzibar – the Moon and the Music." The history of Zanzibar comes alive with "Secrets of Zanzibar." Steve Outram, Secrets of Zanzibar Photo Tour is a great way to experience both Zanzibar and our next stop, Greece.
The Grecian islands are familiar as the cradle of Western civilization. Three of these islands are highlighted in this issue: "Cyprus, The Isle of Copper and The Minoan Glories of Crete and Santorini." To assist in planning either an independent trip or joining a scheduled departure, Hellenic Adventures, Inc., as the name implies, is perfectly suited. Travelers looking to experience the land, not just see it, will be delighted with the knowledge and insights provided by Leftheris Papageorgiou and his team. Leftheris, a native of Athens, designs all the company's signature Travels with Leftheris© tours – he knows of what he speaks and it comes from his heart.
To the west lies Malta. Well known to Europeans as a holiday resort, for Americans the island's allure is its long and fascinating history. "The Maltese Crossroads" and "Malta: Island of Trust" show us that there is a lot more to these three islands than meet the sun bunny's eye. From the Neolithic age, through the Crusades to the present day, Malta has been the arena for 7,000 years of human activity. Local travel agent Sun Dreams Travel can assist with all your arrangements for a visit to its homeland, including accommodations, walking tours, diving trips and any other activities available on the islands.
Now that our around-the-world island hopping is done, I hope I've given you a few suggestions for the perfect holiday gift for the cultured traveler in your life. Thanks to all of you making it another great year for those of us at CulturalTravels.com
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