Discovery Adventures

Discovery is jumping into the adventure trip game, inviting intrepid explorers and armchair travelers alike to join them on odysseys across the globe.  A tantalizing proposition indeed, as these journeys are inspired by the shows they are famous for and guided by erudite and entertaining experts, many of whom have advanced degrees in archaeology, biology and anthropology, not to mention the ability to speak multiple languages and regale guests with historical and mythological tales to elevate these cultural adventures.  Trip destinations have spawned from their Discovery Channel programs like “Man V. Wild,” “Out of Egypt,” “Discovery Atlas,” “Dirty Jobs” and “Into the Unknown with Josh Bernstein.” Not only will travelers explore ruins, historic sites, remote tribes, and magical spots, participants can interact with locals and do volunteer work in the destinations as well through Discovery’s partnership with respected tour operator G.A.P. Adventure.

A few tempting examples:

Morocco

Soak in the art deco architecture of Casablanca, sip tea with locals at the spice market, trek over the High Atlas mountains through the Berber villages, meditate on mosques and medieval castles, visit the tombs of Saadian and wander through Djemaa el Fna Square of Marrkech where fortunetellers, snake charmers and acrobats fill the scintillating scene.

Argentina and Brazil

Take tango lessons in Buenos Ares, mingle with howler monkeys and capybaras in the Esteros del Iberá reserve, find your inner gaucho on a horseback ride across the plains of La Pampas, trek to waterfalls, ruins and religious sites, meet the locals during a home stay and traditional Brazilian Churrasqueria (BBQ), and tour a traditional cachaça distillery, learning the process of how this popular alcohol is distilled from fermented sugarcane juice. In Rio de Janeiro, visit the famous sites such as ‘Sugar Loaf’,  and ‘Christ the Redeemer,’ along with the sexy beaches of Ipanema and Copacabana.

South Africa

Follow the “Big 5” in the wild through Kruger National Park, sip savvy wines in Stellenbosch, stroll through Nelson Mandela’s museum, visit the penguins at the Cape of Good Hope, and dine with Afrikaner families.  Cultural diversity meets raw natural beauty in Cape Town with its white sand beaches, towering Table Mountain, stylish waterfront, charming Dutch architecture and miasma of languages and ethnicity.

Their 31 action-packed trips to 16 locations will begin in December 2009, ranging from three to 24 days with 12 to 15 travelers per adventure.  Trips start at $1500 per person + airfare; most of the adventures deem appropriate for families.

So instead of watching other people on cool adventures, “pack your curiosity” and discover the world!