TAKE A SMALL SHIP CRUISE TO TURKEY, GREECE

Credit: International Expeditions

When it comes to picking a cruise, consumers have lots of options, including how many passengers will share the journey with you. If you are among those who prefer a more personal experience, International Expeditions is expanding their offering of small-ship expedition cruises for 2013. They report that "in addition to year-round journeys to the Amazon River and Galapagos Islands, the company will operate a Turkey and Greece cruise aboard the 42-guest Panorama II departing Sept. 15, 2013. Each small-ship expedition is led by knowledgeable expedition leaders and guides who help travelers delve into the nature, history and cultures of places visited."

Along with the lovely scenery, history buffs will be delighted with the itinerary: "Designed for history and archaeology enthusiasts, International Expeditions’ Turkey and Greece journey spans centuries of history and culture along the ancient Turquoise Coast and Greek Isles. IE’s 12-day cruise offers an immersive survey of the region, from Bronze Age shipwrecks at Bodrum’s Underwater Archaeological Museum to an unexcavated acropolis in remote Lindos. Highlighting the tour are archaeologist-guided explorations of sites which were part of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World — the Colossus of Rhodes, Mausoleum of Halicarnassus and Temple of Artemis. Guests also enjoy swimming off secluded coves and beaches, time to sample food at a local taverna and independent exploration." Prices start at $4,798.

Here's more info on their other offerings:


"Daily outings on IE’s small-ship Amazon River cruise take travelers deep into the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve to spot diverse wildlife, hike into the rainforest, and even fish for piranha. During excursions into narrow tributaries, guests may spot more than 100 kinds of birds, pink and gray river dolphins, sloths and nocturnal animals. Amazon cruise passengers also spend time with Ribereños in remote river villages, handing out school supplies to children and meeting with a local shaman. IE will launch its new custom-designed riverboat beginning in summer 2013. Prices for 2013 Amazon River cruises start at $3,898.

"On the Galapagos Islands cruise, IE’s newly renovated 32-guest yacht M/V Evolution navigates to captivating islands, where the small group size allows for easy access to the wildlife and more personal attention than guests find aboard large ships. In addition to daily snorkeling and hiking, other highlights include a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Center, famous for its tortoise breeding programs; an exploration of Fernandina Island, a haven for flightless cormorants; and a sailing to iconic Kicker Rock. Highly trained Galapagos naturalist guides enhance travelers’ experiences by sharing their in-depth knowledge and bringing guests within inches of giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies, sea lions, penguins and other animals. Prices for 2013 Galapagos Islands expedition cruises start at $5,098."

For more information visit www.IEtravel.com. -- Gerry