Tuesday, June 30, 2026

El Dorado Lives!



EL DORADO LIVES!



Just like the mythical Gilded Man, Latin America is at once an ancient land of mystery and intrigue and a continent of thriving contemporary culture. From the empty stone corridors of the vast ghost cities of Tiahuanaco, Teotihuacan and Machu Picchu, to the modern, pulsating metropolises of Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires and Santiago, Latin America has captivated and seduced both visitors and invaders alike.

Adventure Associates is delighted to announce the release of the all-new 'Latin America', a comprehensive guide to travel and adventure opportunities throughout Mexico, Central and South America.

"As Australia' first and longest established tour and travel operator to South America, we've distilled over thirty years experience into our latest publication," says Stewart Campbell, CEO of Adventure Associates.

The new brochure contains Adventure Associates' evergreen Rhumba', and 'Inca Mysteries' as well as the ecologically-focused "Galapagos and Amazon Adventure".

These core itineraries can be enhanced with tours to virtually any region between Mexico and Tierra del Fuego and to outlying destinations such as the Galapagos, Easter Island and the Falklands.

Latin America and the Caribbean are currently enjoying a healthy resurgence as adventure hungry travellers seek new, exciting destinations to satisfy their cravings. For example, LAN (formerly LanChile) are reporting increases up to 26% in Australians travelling to South America*.

Quest for the Furthest South by Ship


26 August 2005
For Immediate Release

THE QUEST FOR THE FARTHEST SOUTH BY SHIP

Adventure Associates' newest icebreaker expedition to deepest Antarctica will attempt to better the 90-year-old record held by the famous Norwegian, Fridtjof Nansen aboard the Fram.

The year 1911 was the apex of Antarctic exploration. The famous Norwegian explorer, Roald Amundsen, pipped Scott to the South Pole and the 'heroic' Englishman and his crew perished on their return.

When Amundsen's supply ship, the Fram, captained by Nansen, moored in the Bay of Whales on 14 January 1911, she immediately set a new record for furthest south by any ship. Numerous attempts and claims were made since then, but Fram's record stands undisputed. Almost 90 years to the day, Kapitan Khlebnikov made an attempt in unusually favourable ice conditions, but fell tantalisingly short.

Current Records:
Fram - 14 Jan to 15 Feb 1911 - 78°41'S
Kapitan Khlebnikov - 11 Jan 2001 - 78°37'S

The Great Antarctic Explorers - Search for the Far South:
21 January - 14 February 2006 (25 days):
Lyttelton, New Zealand to Hobart, Tasmania

In early February 2006, Kapitan Khlebnikov will again attempt to better this enduring feat at the Bay of Whales during her expedition cruise, "The Great Antarctic Explorers". Apart from a rare opportunity to be part of history, passengers will also visit the fabled Ross Sea region, the sub-Antarctic Islands, Cape Royds and Cape Adare as well as McMurdo Sound and the newly remodelled Drygalski Ice Tongue - thanks to its collision with the world's largest iceberg - B15a.

Wonders of the Ross Sea - In the Footsteps of Shackleton & Scott:
29 December 2005 - 21 January 2006 (24 days):
Hobart, Tasmania to Lyttelton, New Zealand

The Kapitan Khlebnikov will also make an earlier voyage "Wonders of the Ross Sea" which will focus on exploring the, ice-choked Ross Sea with special New Year's celebrations en route to the Antarctic continent. A special highlight is exploration of the seldom-visited Dry Valleys by helicopter. This remote area is a remarkable landscape of wind-eroded rocks and desert scenery more reminiscent of Mars than Earth.

Both Kapitan Khlebnikov voyages visit the Sub-Antarctic Islands of New Zealand and Macquarie Island en route and cruise prices start from US$13,900 per person triple share.

For further information contact Adventure Associates on 1800 222 141, email on mail@adventureassociates.com or visit www.adventureassociates.com/antarctica/


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Media Enquiries:
For brochures, images or further details, please contact Brenda Milanes, Adventure Associates on 02 9389 7466 or email: brenda@adventureassociates.com

Across the Top - Australia and Oceania

Press Release
5 October 2005
For Immediate Release

ACROSS THE TOP - AUSTRALIA & OCEANIA 2005 - 2006

Adventure Associates has launched their new Australia and Oceania brochure, which offers a variety of unique voyages aboard the new, luxury expedition ship, "Oceanic Princess", and the popular "Coral Princess" vessels in late 2005 and 2006. All voyages are of an expedition nature with on-board lecturers providing in-depth understanding of the region's history, environment and of the many diverse cultures visited.

Northern Top End: Between April and October 2006, passengers have a choice of exploring Australia's Northern Top End - the Kimberley region from Darwin to Broome, Across the Top End from Cairns to Darwin, and Cape York from Cairns to Thursday Island. Few people have the opportunity to visit these remote regions due to the very limited road access. Cruising is the ideal way to explore the many rivers and gorges and makes contact with the diverse cultures of Aboriginal, Torres Straight and Tiwi Islander communities. All voyages operate in reverse.

Combined Cruises 10% Discount
Passengers combining any two consecutive cruises, e.g. The Kimberly & Across the Top End - will receive a 10% discount from the lower priced cruise. Overnight accommodation onboard in Darwin is included, if required.

Great Barrier Reef: A series of 3 night cruises throughout 2006 to the Great Barrier Reef from Townsville or Cairns will discover a paradise of remote and uninhabited islands where snorkeling on the fringing reefs of Lizard Island and Pelorus Island is exclusive to Coral Princess Cruises.

Tasmania: From 24 December 2005 to 4 January 2006, the "Oceanic Princess" will cruise from Sydney to Hobart, Tasmania beginning with Christmas on board, joining the start of the Sydney to Hobart yacht race and continuing on to visit Tasmania's spectacular bays and wilderness areas.

New Zealand: A spectacular voyage along New Zealand's stunning coastline from Milford Sound to Auckland will appeal as will a voyage through Melanesia from Noumea, New Caledonia to Rabaul, Papua New Guinea visiting Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands along the way.

Papua New Guinea: Mysterious Papua New Guinea is, in the truest sense, the last frontier on Earth. Its surrounding waters support unparallel bio-diversity and it is a place of rich cultural diversity. The "Oceanic Princess" will sail from Cairns to Raboul (or reverse) visiting many of Papua New Guinea's rarely visited, tropical island groups. Shore visits will offer an opportunity to experience traditional, island culture.

The 63 metre "Oceanic Princess" offers amenities and facilities comparable to much bigger cruise ships while allowing access to remote reefs and islands inaccessible to larger vessels. Accommodating 76 guests in 38 spacious, outside staterooms with en-suite facilities, with a choice of triple and twin through to king size doubles. The vessel maintains an open bridge policy and carries a fleet of zodiac inflatable and a glass bottomed boat for coral viewing.

The shallow draft and maneuvreability of the Coral Princess vessels make them ideal to safely navigate the often uncharted waters of the Great Barrier Reef, Torres Strait, Arafura Sea and Timor Sea. Both vessels are air-conditioned and accommodate 48 passengers in a choice of standard cabins to spacious deluxe staterooms, all with private bathrooms.

For further information contact Adventure Associates on 1800 222 141, email on mail@adventureassociates.com or visit www.adventureassociates.com/oceania

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Media Enquiries:
For brochures, images or further details, please contact Brenda Milanes, Adventure Associates on 02 9389 7466 or email: brenda@adventureassociates.com

Emperor Penguin Safari


31 MARCH 2006
For Immediate Release

NEW DATES FOR EMPEROR PENGUIN SAFARI

Adventure Associates, Australia's first and longest established Antarctic tour operator, announces 2007 dates for the ONLY dedicated Emperor Penguin expedition.

The enormous success of the documentary "March of the Penguins" has created unprecedented demand for expeditions to see these amazing animals in their natural habitat.

The "Snow Hill Island Safari" visits these superb creatures during November, the end of their arduous breeding cycle, when chicks and adults are preparing to head out to sea.

There are only two 14-day Emperor Penguin expeditions planned in 2007:

• The first originates in Ushuaia, Argentina, Tuesday, November 7, disembarking in Ushuaia on November 19, 2007.
• The second originates in Ushuaia on November 19. However it disembarks in Stanley, Falkland Islands, December 1, 2007.

The per person triple cabin rate is US$9,900. The standard twin cabin rate is US$14,500 per person.

It is expected these dates will fill very rapidly, so early booking is encouraged.

Contact Adventure Associates on 1800 222141 or visit www.adventureassociates.com for more information.

Media Enquiries:
For brochures, images or further details, please contact Stewart Campbell, Adventure Associates on 02 8916 3010 or email: stewart@adventureassociates.com

Editors’ Note:

Adventure Associates, founded by current chairman and managing director, Dennis Collaton, in 1973, is Australia's longest established tour operator throughout Latin America, specialising in group and FIT travel to South America, Mexico and Central America. Tours range from general interest to city stopovers to eco tours such as the Galapagos and Amazon. Adventure Associates also pioneered travel and cruises to Antarctica - with expedition cruises sailing from South America to the Antarctic Peninsula, as well as icebreaker cruises ex Australia to Antarctica's Ross Sea region. Other travel products from Adventure Associates include Arctic expedition cruises, Kimberley cruises, Bhutan and Madagascar.

Desert Dunes and Curious Blooms


12 April 2006
For Immediate Release

Desert Dunes and Curious Blooms

Namibia & South Africa : 23 August - 17 September 2006

Adventure Associates has released details of their Namibia & South Africa tour for August/ September 2006. Travelling at the height of Spring, the tour concentrates on the stark yet stunning desert landscapes of Namibia and the plethora of springtime floral colour in South Africa’s Namaqualand and Cape Province.

The tour is limited to 22 participants and departs Australia on 23rd August for Johannesburg, South Africa and then on to Namibia. Home to the oldest desert in the world - the Namib containing the world’s highest sand dunes - Namibia is a land of contrasts from dunes and desert, coastal plains to the Kalahari Basin, wooded bushveld and mountain uplands. One of the greatest wonders is the spectacular Fish River Canyon which is the second largest canyon in the world.

In Namibia is the strange "Welwitschia" plant, a living fossil which has the characteristics of a flowering plant with only two true leaves, but is actually considered a tree with a vast root system it produces during is up to 2,000-year lifespan.

Travelling onwards to South Africa, the tour will not only include many of the better known highlights but also to rarely visited areas with a special emphasis on the springtime beauty of Namaqualand and the Cape Province. The tour continues to Cape Town and the historic, nearby winelands before taking the scenic garden route to Port Elizabeth and ending in Johannesburg before returning to Australia.

Tour prices are $13,970 per person twin share with a single supplement of $2,880. Extensions to Botswana, Victoria Falls or even exotic Zanzibar can also be arranged.

For further information contact Adventure Associates on 1800 222 141, email on mail@adventureassociates.com or visit www.adventureassociates.com/africa

Media Enquiries:
For brochures, images or further details, please contact Brenda Milanes, Adventure Associates on 02 8916 3009 or email: brenda@adventureassociates.com

Editors' Note:
Adventure Associates, founded by current chairman and managing director, Dennis Collaton, in 1973, is Australia's longest established tour operator throughout Latin America, specialising in group and FIT travel to South America, Mexico and Central America. Tours range from general interest to city stopovers to eco tours such as the Galapagos and Amazon. Adventure Associates also pioneered travel and cruises to Antarctica - with expedition cruises sailing from South America to the Antarctic Peninsula, as well as icebreaker cruises ex Australia to Antarctica's Ross Sea region. Other travel products from Adventure Associates include Arctic expedition cruises, Kimberley cruises, Bhutan and Madagascar.

BHUTAN – Welcome to the Kingdom

16 June 2006

BHUTAN – Welcome to the Kingdom

Adventure Associates are pleased to announce that their speciality fully escorted tours to Bhutan in April and October 2007, will be even more fascinating than those in the past. The incredible kingdom of Bhutan has become one of the few must-see destinations left for world adventurers, yet while the wise and benevolent King Jigme Singye Wangchuck recognises and appreciates the world’s interest, he is adamant that the cultural and spiritual integrity of his country will not be spoiled by outside influences. As a result, carefully limited visitors are treated to a land steeped in history, culture and deep Buddhist piety-adding to and maintaining its mysterious allure.

The April departure is timed to coincide with the festival - Ura Yakchoe. An unique festival which involves both the religious people and the farmers. The farmers celebrate the festival as a large colourful gathering for all the inhabitants of Ura village. Dating back to the 11th century. They are great believers in Shamanism which the Bhutanese acknowledge as one of their greatest blessings for the conservation of their ecology. For the Bhutanese, nothing belongs to them permanently and they are just guests on this planet.

The farmers still believe that they should make offerings and ask permission before cutting a tree in the forests, climbing a mountain, visiting a lake or river. There are several ceremonies for whatever a Bhutanese wishes to do and the Ura Festival is one such demonstration.

In keeping with our philosophy, participation is limited, not only to ensure ease of travelling but also of necessity as we will be mainly staying in charming smaller hotels with limited accommodation. Highlights of the tours in 2007 is to see not only the splendid Bhutanese landscapes, magnificent Dzongs (Fortress Temples) and wonderful flora and fauna, but also the cultural aspects, including the rare experience of regional Bhutanese food.

Join us in 2007 and visit the Land of the Thunder Dragon. A place where time seems to have stood still – a blissful and peaceful haven in our fast, furious and oft troubled world. This 16-day fully escorted tour is from $7,990 per person twin share.

Intending passengers should contact Adventure Associates on (toll free) 1800 222 141 or visit the website at www.adventureassociates.com

-Ends-

Adventure Associates, founded by current chairman and managing director, Dennis Collaton, in 1973, is Australia's longest established tour operator throughout Latin America, specialising in group and FIT travel to South America, Mexico and Central America. Tours range from general interest to city stopovers to eco tours such as the Galapagos and Amazon. Adventure Associates also pioneered travel and cruises to Antarctica - with expedition cruises sailing from South America to the Antarctic Peninsula, as well as icebreaker cruises ex Australia to Antarctica's Ross Sea region. Other travel products from Adventure Associates include Arctic expedition cruises, Kimberley cruises, Bhutan and Madagascar.

For further information, press-ready images or brochures please contact.

Davyyd Bressington – Adventure Associates
Level 7,12-14 O’Connell St Sydney NSW 2000 Tel (02) 8916 3007
Email: davyyd@adventureassociates.com

From Tijuana to Tierra del Fuego, Adventure Associates has South America Covered


7 July 2006
From Tijuana to Tierra del Fuego, Adventure Associates has South America Covered

When Adventure Associates founder and chairman, Dennis Collaton, first conceived the company in 1973 his goal was to become the pre-eminent tour operator to South America. Given the paucity of the market at that time, this goal was achieved fairly quickly and soon Australians were jetting (yes, jetting!) across the Pacific to discover the wonders of this enormous continent.

“I still enjoy travel to South America like nowhere else in the world,” says Dennis whose travels to Latin America includes every single country several times over, “and what amazes me even now, is that it continues to enthral me.”

Tote up the tours from Adventure Associates today and the list runs to over one hundred. From totally immersive, all-encompassing packages like the trademark Rhumba, Galapagos and Amazonia, Inca Mysteries and Samba to intimate niche adventures for FIT such as Cuba, Guatemala, Costa Rica and the “Guianas”.

“Sure, we started with the obvious ones, Macchu Pichu, Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires,” continued Dennis, “but soon learned that there was a whole lot more on offer.”

Continually striving to be the most authoritative and comprehensive tour operator to Latin America, Adventure Associates have added three new tours just this last week.

“I noticed that we had neglected Argentina recently, so we found two fabulous new experiences; one amongst the wonderful Mendoza wine-making region in the gorgeous western ranges and the other very close to BA where we visit and stay at traditional ranches with the legendary gauchos.”

The third tour is a ground-breaking, full-day expedition from Lima to visit the newly opened Caral city ruins. Often overlooked, even by archaeologists, the ancient city of Caral is the oldest known site in the Americas, dating back nearly 5000 years.

Recently relocated to modern new offices in the Sydney CBD, Adventure Associates continues to offer the broadest, most in-depth range of tours, expeditions and excursions to literally every corner of South America from Tijuana to Tierra del Fuego.

For more information,
Please contact Davyyd Bressington
Adventure Associates
Level 7, 12-14 O’Connell St
Sydney NSW 2000
website at http://www.adventureassociates.com/ or call Toll Free, 1800 222 141.

Highlights of South America



CRUISING ABOARD THE HANDSOME EXPEDITION SHIP; M.S. ANDREA

The M.S. Andrea explores some of the most beautiful cruising areas in the world: the Mediterranean, Adriatic and Aegean Seas, and commencing in March 2007 she will operate three marvellous 9-day cruises along the South American coastline from Rio de Janeiro to Buenos Aires (or vice versa).

The Andrea is the ideal means to explore this beautiful coastal area of South America without the crowds found on larger vessels. Unpack just the once as you visit the major cities, but also less frequented places such as Parati and Florianopolis.

Highlights include the coasts of Argentina, Uruguay and Brazil to places first discovered by legendary 15th and 16th century Portuguese and Spanish explorers.

Enjoy the sophistication of Buenos Aires, dance the Tango and marvel at the charming architecture of Montevideo. Brazil’s great cities of Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro are included, however visits to smaller harbours and coastal towns rich in colonial history can be enjoyed at a leisurely pace during the many shore excursions offered.

The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Parati, may prove one of the most exciting experiences. Walk its cobblestone streets, past white-washed homes and churches dating from the 18th century.

Creature comforts are well catered for with delightful, well-appointed air-conditioned staterooms. There’s the inviting Shearwater Restaurant, which accommodates all guests in a single sitting, and the internationally trained chefs create mouth-watering delights. The Cormorant and Kittiwake Lounges welcome guests for relaxing cocktails at day’s end. Or, perhaps enjoy Al fresco dining aboard watching the lively activity on Copacabana Beach, Rio de Janeiro.

These 9-day cruises are the perfect compliment to any South American itinerary and with just 56 staterooms available on each cruise we encourage interested travellers to book early.

Prices are from US$ 2,660 per person twin share. Departure dates 17 March & 2 April 2007 from Buenos Aires and 25 March 2007 from Rio de Janeiro.

To secure the stateroom of your choice contact Adventure Associates South American experts on 1800 222 141.

View Tour Details

Ends-

For further information please contact
Davyyd Bressington-Adventure Associates (02) 8916 3007
Email: davyyd@adventureassociates.com

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