Fatima & Brian

Our Expedition begins as we land in the beautiful historic city of Quito, Ecuador, situated at 9,400′, in the Pre Andes mountains. Quito is the second highest city in South America, La Paz, Bolivia being the first. highest. Quito’s elevation start out our acclimatization process as soon as we step off the plane. We spend our first day exploring Quito, visiting the markets, renowned for fabulous handmade Otavalan sweaters, and brilliantly colorful local and indigenous artwork. The next day we hike up to Ruca Pichincha (15,706′), a hike in the foothills of Quito passing through aromatic eucalyptus forests filled with exotic birds as we ascend and acclimitize. The next day we drive winding roads typical of Ecuador to our first volcano, Cayambe, Ecuador’s third highest, a giant surrounded by glaciers and snow slopes approaching 35 degrees. On this climb we will encounter crevassed terrain with spectacular seracs. After our ascent and a well deserved rest, we travel through the pastoral countryside and villages to Cotopaxi, our second, and the world’s highest active volcano, located in Ecuador’s eastern cordillera. We arrive at a hut (refugio) at snowline where we rest and begin our ascent at night to ensure firm snow conditions. Cotopaxi is a classic glaciated volcanic cone which steepens to 40 degrees as we coronate the summit crater and a dramatic panoramic sunrise approaches, a breathtaking experience as the summits of Ecuador’s volcanoes light up a rosey hue, one by one and you look down upon waking Ecuador. Chimborazo – Ecuador’s highest peak – 20,703 After Cotopaxi we take a rest day on a 17th century hacienda. Finally, we head for our last, but not least, volcano, the highest of them all, Chimborazo, Ecuador’s highest peak, a massive five-summited mountain that rises eleven thousand feet above Ecuador’s central agricultural valley. By this time we will be well acclimatized, which will improve our chances of summiting Chimborazo,a diverse mountain, higher and more technical than it’s neighbors Cotopaxi and Cayambe. An early start and spectacular snow and ice climbing takes us to the vast summit crater with views of the Andes and the Amazon Basin that you will not soon forget!

Arrive Victoria Falls and transfer to Imbabala Zambezi Safari Lodge for three nights. Indulge your senses on our game drives, river and walking safaris and visit Chobe National Park Enjoy 2 nights on a canoeing safari on the Upper Zambezi River watching hippos, giraffe, elephants and crocs Transfer to Victoria Falls Safari Lodge for a night of decadence Lunch at the Look Out Cafe Plunge into the Devil’s Pool Explore the Zambezi on a 4-day river expedition Challenge the mighty Zambezi’s huge, exciting but user-friendly rapids Relax and unwind at Elephant Camp in deluxe safari style Seize opportunities for leopard and elephant experiences, rope swings, zip line, gorge swing, canopy tour and fly foxes! Enjoy the finest in colonial hospitality while immersing yourself in the Zambezi Basin Optional Extensions to Hwange’s finest fly-in safari camps and massive herds of elephants

Run 26.2 miles around China on a marathon expedition from the Great Wall to Beijing and Shanghai. Warm up in Beijing before heading to the Great Wall for the big run - the only Chinese-supported marathon in the country. This ain’t your average track; runners will navigate rough paths, sloping trails and narrow steps, so you’ll need to be fit and alert. Recover with a week of travel around Northern China, taking in the Forbidden City, Tian’anmen Square, Xi’an’s famous Terracotta Warriors and stylish Shanghai.