INTERNATIONAL EXPEDITIONS ANNOUNCES FREE IN-COUNTRY AIR ON AMAZON AND GALAPAGOS VOYAGES

Book These Small-Ship Expeditions By February 15 and

Save Up To $820 Per Couple

        BIRMINGHAM, AL, December 30, 2008 – With the New Year comes new adventures, and International Expeditions is jump-starting 2009 with an enticing gift for guests.  Those who book select April 1 through November 27, 2009 Amazon Voyage or Galapagos Voyage departures by February 15 will receive free in-country airfare (a value of up to $410 per person).

        International Expeditions, the world leader in nature travel, designs travel to the most compelling destinations around the world, featuring engaging itineraries led by some of the most highly trained local experts.  No matter how remote the destination, guests are always welcomed with spacious accommodations, fine cuisine and an array of amenities.

        Guests on the 10-day Amazon Voyage travel more than 445 miles on the Amazon aboard the classically styled 28-passenger riverboat La Amatista, enjoying better chances of rare wildlife sightings.  Often referred to as the greatest voyage in natural history, the expedition offers rare access to the ever-changing panorama of jungle life.  Guests may spot more than 100 kinds of birds, pink and gray river dolphins, sloths, giant otters and nocturnal animals such as caimans and capybaras.  Daily excursions include jungle walks, trips aboard skiffs into narrow tributaries, piranha fishing and visits to local river villages for memorable encounters with schoolchildren.

        Travelers on International Expeditions’ 10-day Galapagos Voyage in 2009 can celebrate Charles Darwin’s 200^th birthday with a visit to the destination that inspired his theory of evolution.  Aboard the intimate 32-passenger M/V Evolution, guests will come face to face with some of the world’s most fascinating wildlife.  Each island brings unique sightings, including blue-footed boobies, Galapagos doves and hawks, red-colored marine iguanas, magnificent frigatebirds, giant tortoises and penguins (the Galapagos is the only place to see them on the Equator).  Activities run the gamut from hiking trails up ancient volcanoes to visiting the Charles Darwin Research Center and snorkeling alongside sea lions in the crystal blue waters.  International Expeditions’ Galapagos Voyage is like none other because the ship’s small size allows it privileged access to pristine places such as Genovesa (Tower) Island, which boasts one of the most diverse bird populations in the Galapagos.  A year-round destination, each month in the islands offers unique wildlife sighting experiences, including giant tortoise egg hatchings and superb whale and dolphin watching. 

        Per person prices for the Amazon Voyage start at $3,048 and the Galapagos Voyage starts at $4,998, including free in-country airfare savings, accommodations, most meals, local transportation, guides and groups transfers. 

For more information on International Expeditions visit www.IEtravel.com or call 1-800-633-4734.
Founded in 1980, International Expeditions is the World Leader in Nature Travel, specializing in small group and independent journeys to the most exhilarating destinations around the globe. A pioneer of environmentally responsible travel, International Expeditions is committed to preserving natural habitats and improving the welfare of the people and communities it visits.

For more information or an International Expeditions brochure, call an International Expeditions destination specialist at 1-800-633-4734, see your travel agent, e-mail nature@ietravel.com, or visit www.IEtravel.com.

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