Dates and prices for the 2005/6 season of Bark Europa sailing expeditions to Antarctica are now posted on our web site and available for booking. The season starts in December 2005 (summer in the southern hemisphere) and goes into March 2006. These are truly unique expeditions to the Antarctic Peninsula.
     Why unique?  Because, while over 10,000 people cruise to Antarctica every year in motorized ships, there are only about 250 lucky enough to experience the journey to Antarctica under sail.  Bark Europa is the largest and most luxurious sailing vessel with regular voyages to Antarctica. And yet, because this is a world-famous "tall ship", you will have a true hands-on sailing experience. Check our site for early booking incentives. MORE >>

     New in 2005, we are offering an exclusive opportunity for riding enthusiasts to learn or improve classical dressage skills with one of the worlds finest dressage instructors.
     Wilson "Ito" Ricciluca has trained with many of Europe's legendary dressage instructors and institutions, and has himself instructed and trained many horses and riders to national championships in dressage in his native Brazil.
     In this unique course, we are offering you the opportunity to train on beautiful, purebred Lusitano dressage horses, with a world-class master in a beautiful setting north of Sao Paulo. The price is reasonable, and unlike with many clinics, you will have ample individual instruction and informal time with Ito Ricciluca himself. MORE >>

     This "unique in the world" railroad experience is booking up fast for 2005 and even into 2006.    As this newsletter appears, there are only a few places left before the summer break in July/August, and much of October is filled.  So, what is this adventure that always books up early?
      Its the only place in the world where people can experience being a real trainee driver on a historic steam locomotive, on a national railroad and operating in scheduled service.  It is known as the Wolsztyn Experience, a six-day, seven night adventure that has been operating without a serious safety incident for over six years.
     The price is right and you will get about 500 miles of firing and driving large locomotives, generally  in both passenger and freight service.  But, there is a small catch!  You have to book early.  A lot of people who discovered this adventure several years ago go back and back.  Some even book a year ahead and come with friends.  So, if you call us with only a couple of months lead time, we may not be able to give you your preferred dates.  Book this one now!  MORE >>

     Do you find yourself schlepping too much "stuff" when you travel? Well, a biographical sketch of the famous stunt actor, Jackie Chan, mentions that when Chan travels, he only takes three sets of underwear along. The sketch goes on to say that Chan personally launders his own undies while traveling. More than you wanted to know, perhaps, but hidden in that bit of celebrity trivia is a great tip for lightening your luggage. Keep your wardrobe to a minimum!
     Of course, to make that work, your traveling wardrobe may need some changes, or at least some clever mixing and matching. For one thing, you will need to take only clothes that are versatile, that can serve multiple purposes.
     Then, depending on your itinerary, you might consider washing a few things yourself, when hotel laundry is not available. For DIY laundry, you will need some clothes that can be washed in water and can dry quickly, more or less wrinkle-free.

     You are going to see a lot of new adventures appearing on our web site over the next few months.  We have already identified and tested a number of new adventures which are just waiting for final business arrangements. These include 4X4 self-drive and guided adventures in the beautiful and remote Aisen area of Chile, tall-ship racing in Europe, sailing in the tranquil inland waterways of central Chile, and new, shorter versions of our popular Wolsztyn Experience. 
     For 2005, we have scheduled a number of scouting trips to identify more exciting new adventures. Some of the adventures we are going to be showcasing later this year include horse trekking in Patagonia, sailing in Tierra del Fuego, several new Antarctic voyages, a series of small-ship Artic voyages, luxury horseback riding in the Atacama desert, sailing to the Galapagos Islands, cattle-driving in the Pantanal region of Brazil, and many others. Stay tuned!