Special Events
Imagine discussing wildlife conservation issues with world-renowned experts in African game reserves, joining the world’s top Egyptologists for special access to the treasures of the Pharaohs, or watching an eclipse in an impossibly remote corner of the world with top astronomers—these are just a few of the unique experiences offered by Wilderness Travel Special Events, our annual symposiums with guest experts in combination with specially themed journeys. It’s a unique way of getting an expert’s view, and you can only find it with Wilderness Travel. Past guests have included Jane Goodall, Sir Edmund Hillary, Mary Leakey, wildlife biologist George Schaller, mountaineers Reinhold Messner and Conrad Anker, and adventurer Thor Heyerdahl. See what we’ve got coming up this year!
Tahiti
Total Solar Eclipse In Tahiti
Eclipse and Cruise Program aboard the Paul Gauguin
with Dr. Alex Filippenko
July 6-13, 2010
Add to Wish List Featuring Astronomer Alex Filippenko, PhD
A total solar eclipse is one of nature’s most dramatic phenomena, when the sun, moon, and earth are perfectly aligned and darkness washes over the earth in daylight. We invite you to experience this awesome event aboard the luxurious Paul Gauguin on the turquoise seas of the South Pacific. Our ship gives us the maximum flexibility to maneuver to the ideal viewing position on Eclipse Day and offers every comfort as we journey among Polynesia’s magnificent isles and coral lagoons. Astronomer Alex Filippenko, PhD, one of UC Berkeley’s most popular professors, will accompany us to share his expert knowledge—his 8th eclipse program with us!
Egypt
Wonders of Ancient Egypt
Khufu to Cleopatra
January 10-21, 2011
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Featuring Zahi Hawass, PhD, Kent Weeks, PhD, Mark Lehner, PhD, Jean-Yves Empereur, PhD, and Raymond Johnson, PhD
In the sun-splashed land synonymous with the very concept of archaeology, recent years have seen discoveries as significant as the 1922 unearthing of King Tut’s tomb that so thrilled the world. We’re proud to host a symposium featuring renowned Egyptologists, some of whose work resulted in these remarkable new discoveries. Our symposium and travel program takes in the full sweep of Egypt’s incredible legacy, from the Pharaoh Khufu, whose tomb is the Great Pyramid of Giza, to Queen Cleopatra of Alexandria. Join us to meet these ground-breaking archaeologists, hear their stories, and enjoy a rare “inside” look at one of the world’s most fascinating civilizations.
Peru
Ancient Kingdoms Of Peru
From the Moche to the Inca
July 2011
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Featuring Richard Burger, PhD, Michael Moseley, PhD, Walter Alva, PhD, Joanne Pillsbury, PhD, and Luis Jaime Castillo, PhD
A storied realm of ancient empires, Peru has seen the rise and fall of many kingdoms. The North Coast alone saw the rise of the Chavín, Moche, Sican, and Chachapoyas cultures before the Incas came to dominate the region. The most significant new discoveries of recent years have taken place in northern Peru, leading to profound new insights into the development of these ancient kingdoms. In recognition of these finds—and of the 100th anniversary of Hiram Bingham’s “scientific discovery” of Machu Picchu—we are excited to bring together a team of renowned archaeologists for this symposium, including scholars responsible for some of these remarkable discoveries. We invite you to join us for a one-of-a-kind experience of the incredible legacy of Peru and a rare opportunity to meet and interact with legendary figures in the world of archaeology.
Symposium & Travel Program
This 5-day symposium can be combined with a choice of five special Peru journeys—call us for itinerary details!
Archaeology of Western Peru with Dr. Richard Burger
Highlights: Sechin, Chavín de Huantar, Caral, and Nazca Lines
Empires of the Sun with Dr. Michael Moseley
Highlights: Cusco, Urubamba Valley, Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca, Tiwanaku, La Paz
Royal Estates of the Sacred Valley with Dr. Joanne Pillsbury
Highlights: Cusco, Pisac, Chinchero, Ollantaytambo, Machu Picchu
Citadels of Chachapoyas with Dr. Holly Wissler
Highlights: Karajia, Kuelap, Revash, Leymebamba, Cajamarca
Trekking the Inca Trail with Dr. Andrea Heckman
Highlights: Cusco, Urubamba Valley, 5-day Inca Trail Trek, Machu Picchu

