EXP Journeys https://www.expjourneys.com/ Tue, 30 Jan 2024 13:29:21 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://www.expjourneys.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/cropped-8245b6_bf3ebbe63a8e412a90f5ffb32377f77c_mv2-32x32.png EXP Journeys https://www.expjourneys.com/ 32 32 New https://www.expjourneys.com/2023/03/13/new/ https://www.expjourneys.com/2023/03/13/new/#respond Mon, 13 Mar 2023 07:46:16 +0000 https://www.expjourneys.com/?p=4165 The post New appeared first on EXP Journeys.

]]>
The post New appeared first on EXP Journeys.

]]>
https://www.expjourneys.com/2023/03/13/new/feed/ 0
Discover Machu Picchu https://www.expjourneys.com/2022/12/15/discover-machu-picchu/ Thu, 15 Dec 2022 12:00:11 +0000 https://www.expjourneys.com/?p=3838 The post Discover Machu Picchu appeared first on EXP Journeys.

]]>

Hidden in the countryside of Cuzco, Peru, lies a mystery of ancient ruins. Sitting atop a mountain in a rainforest full of endangered species and Peruvian history, it is worth the journey for a chance to explore Machu Picchu. As Hiram Bingham, an archaeologist, said, “Few romances can ever surpass that of the granite citadel on top of the beetling precipices of Machu Picchu, the crown of Inca Land.”

gabriel

The History Of The Ruins

Machu Picchu is believed to have been built at the height of the Inca Empire, which dominated western South America in the 15th and 16th centuries. It is estimated to have been abandoned about 100 years after its construction, coinciding with the Spanish colonization of the general area. However, no evidence shows that the Spanish ever reached Machu Picchu, and it is theorized a smallpox outbreak is what led people to leave the area.

The Mystery of Machu Picchu

Archaeologists identified several distinct sections of Machu Picchu. There is a designated area for farming, a residential neighborhood, a royal district, and a sacred area. There are more than 150 buildings that make up the baths, houses, temples, and sanctuaries. One of the most well-known structures is the Temple of the Sun and the Intihuatana Stone – a sculpted, granite rock that is believed to function as a solar clock and/or calendar.

Machu Picchu is mostly theorized as a royal estate or sacred religious site for Inca Leaders and nobles. Other theories, taking into account the proximity to the mountains and other geographical features, discuss the possibilities it was a prison, a station for testing new crops, a women’s retreat, a trade hub, or potentially a city devoted to the coronation of kings. The biggest mystery of this world wonder is what exactly it was used for.

The Temple of the Sun

The Temple of the Sun

The Intihuatana Stone casting a shadow

Modern Day Machu Picchu

The site was possibly rediscovered by a few in the 19th and 20th centuries, but Hiram Bingham was the most vocal about his visit in 1911. The archaeologist and his team were informed of the ruins on the mountain by a local farmer. The farmer referred to it as Machu Picchu, which means ‘old peak’ in the native Quechua language.

Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World as of 2007. Machu Picchu is Peru’s most visited site and South America’s most famous ruins. An increase in Tourism has led to the development of nearby towns and environmental degradation, which take their toll on the site, which is also home to several endangered species. The Peruvian government has taken steps to protect the ruins and prevent erosion of the mountainside.

Visit Peru with EXP Journeys

Discover Peru on a private guided experience with EXP Journeys. Enjoy luxury accommodations, private cheffing, and a variety of unique outdoor adventures. Immerse yourself in the brilliant culture of Peru and get an up-close look at the mysterious seventh wonder of the world.

peru

The post Discover Machu Picchu appeared first on EXP Journeys.

]]>
Uncovering Hidden Gems https://www.expjourneys.com/2023/01/23/5-things-you-didnt-know-about-the-history-of-the-grand-canyon/ Mon, 23 Jan 2023 12:00:59 +0000 https://www.expjourneys.com/?p=3829 The post Uncovering Hidden Gems appeared first on EXP Journeys.

]]>

The Grand Canyon is one of the most beautiful natural landmarks in the United States, showcasing incredible rock formations, towering cliffs, the rushing Colorado River, and colorful rock layers. As you hike the canyon’s rocky trails and raft down the river, it’s impossible not to think about the millions of years of history that have taken place within these canyon walls. Keep reading to discover five things you didn’t know about the history of the Grand Canyon.

sep-blg-img-22

1. The Grand Canyon is home to some of the oldest exposed rock on the planet.

The history of the Grand Canyon began billions of years ago. You can find the oldest section of the Grand Canyon near the bottom of the Inner Gorge; these are called the Vishnu Basement Rocks. These rocks formed over 1.7 billion years ago as magma hardened and added to this region, formerly a volcanic ocean chain.

While the rock layers of the Grand Canyon contain about 2 billion years of history, the canyon itself was formed between 5 and 6 million years ago. As the Colorado River snaked through the rock layers, it created this incredible natural landmark over time.

safee
The oldest fossilized footprints in the park are 313 million years old Photo courtesy of Prof. Steve Roland

The oldest fossilized footprints in the park are 313 million years old Photo courtesy of Prof. Steve Roland

2. Humans settled in the Grand Canyon at least 12,000 years ago

During the last ice age, prehistoric humans, along with sloths, mammoths, and other large mammals, settled in and around the canyon. Archaeologists have discovered human artifacts dating back 12,000 years, including large stone spear points.

Throughout the Grand Canyon’s history, the area has been home to several Native American tribes, like the Ancestral Puebloans, Paiute, Navajo, Zuni, and Hopi tribes. More recently, the Havasupai people have claimed this area as their ancestral home and have lived here for about 800 years.

3. The first Europeans didn’t find the Grand Canyon until the 1540s

Spanish explorers were led to the region with the help of the Hopi people in the 1540s, a pivotal moment in Grand Canyon history.
It wasn’t until 300 years later that Joseph Christmas Ives, an American botanist, and explorer, mapped the region in 1858. On the same expedition, John Newberry became the first geologist to study the area. Ten years later, John Wesley Powell, an American explorer, created a more detailed map, specifically of the Colorado River.

“We are now ready to start on our way down the Great Unknown. Our boats, tied to a common stake, chafe each other as they are tossed by the fretful river… What falls there are, we know not; what rocks beset the channel, we know not; what walls rise over the river, we know not… With some eagerness and some anxiety and some misgiving we enter the canyon below and are carried away by the swift water through walls which rise from its very edge.”
– John Wesley Powell, The Exploration of the Colorado River and Its Canyons

John Wesley Powell’s second expedition

John Wesley Powell’s second expedition

4. Pioneers settled in the Grand Canyon in the 1880s

The first pioneers were attracted to the Grand Canyon due to the copper mining opportunities available in the region. However, they quickly realized that tourism was much more profitable. Tourism to the Grand Canyon increased after 1901 when a spur of the Sante Fe Railroad was completed, taking tourists from Flagstaff, Arizona, to Grand Canyon Village.

Oliver Lippincott was a Los Angeles photographer who made the daring decision to drive 70 miles from flagstaff to the
South Rim of the Grand Canyon. At the time, this journey was considered impossible by car and tourists went by train. He left in January of 1902 with a local guide and two reporters from the Los Angeles Herald. He drove a 1901 Toledo steam car, a car that used a boiler to heat water into steam which powered the pistons of the car. The journey was expected to only take 7 hours, instead, it took them two days.

A member of the pioneer automobile party in a Toledo car at the rim of the Grand Canyon, Grand View Park, Arizona,1902

A member of the pioneer automobile party in a Toledo car at the rim of the Grand Canyon, Grand View Park, Arizona,1902

5.The Grand Canyon became a national park in 1919

Three years after President Woodrow Wilson established the National Park Service, the Grand Canyon was declared a national park. During its first year as a national park, it attracted over 44,000 visitors. Today, this incredible park receives over 5 million guests every year.

Visit the Grand Canyon and Explore the Southwest

Immerse yourself in the history of the Grand Canyon and begin your own expedition of the Southwest with EXP Journeys. Charter a helicopter tour over the Grand Canyon, river raft on the Colorado River, and explore the National Parks. Walk in the footsteps of the great explorers who risked their lives to discover territory once unknown. Contact us today to book your private, luxury, Southwest experience!

Southwest

The post Uncovering Hidden Gems appeared first on EXP Journeys.

]]>
A Private Patagonian Heli-Experience https://www.expjourneys.com/2024/01/30/a-private-patagonian-heli-experience/ Tue, 30 Jan 2024 11:50:16 +0000 https://www.expjourneys.com/?p=4448 The post A Private Patagonian Heli-Experience appeared first on EXP Journeys.

]]>

When a client asked EXP to take his family plus a friend’s family to Patagonia over festive season, we knew we had to create not only a once-in-a-lifetime journey, but also a once-in-a-lifetime holiday memory for both families.

The goal was relatively simple: to go to places that have seldom been seen and never been touched by humans. While that might sound impossible these days, the landscape and remoteness of Patagonia, at the southern end of South America, make it very feasible. Fishing rivers that have never been fished, climbing glaciers that have never had a footprint, and naming a canyon with no name were all on the journey that EXP dreamed up.

The Journey

The Journey

Lead guide Andrew Roberts recalls scouting a new climbing route before the families arrived, commenting, “Two AW119 Koala helicopters buzzed past me, and I got goosebumps. I knew that these two aircraft had to be a big part of the upcoming itinerary, so I hustled to the airport to connect with the pilots and begin planning our routes for the week.”

The Team

The Team

Another big piece of the puzzle, besides logistically getting from point to point, was finding appropriate accommodations in such a remote region. Wherever the two families of four stayed needed to have the feeling of a private home, but also allow great access to Torres del Paine and Bernardo O’Higgins National Parks. Kau Rio Serrano fit perfectly; a small property nestled on the Rio Serrano, just one kilometer south of the entrance to Torres del Paine and a quick flight into Bernardo O’Higgins. The fact that it was a newer property built from local materials, allowing the house to blend into the landscape, gave the authentically Patagonian feel that was important to this trip as well. Each of the six rooms featured a wall of windows looking straight out to the Paine massif, the famous blue towers of Torres del Paine, and the numerous glaciers, peaks, rivers, and lakes of this incredibly carved landscape.

KAU Rio Serrano

KAU Rio Serrano

When the families arrived in Puerto Natales, Chile they were greeted by their EXP Guides and escorted to the Koalas (helicopters) to begin their adventure. Eyes lit up and jaws dropped as they flew over Torres del Paine and followed the gentle bends of Rio Serrano to their Patagonian home away from home. The helicopters landed in the front yard of Kau Rio Serrano and remained staged there to serve as the families’ main means of transport to explore this region over the next seven days. A brief expedition on foot welcomed them to the property, followed by an amazing dinner crafted by an on-site private chef who would prepare all their meals throughout their stay.

View from first flight

View from first flight

The first full day in Patagonia began with a helicopter flight to a private estancia inside Torres del Paine National Park at which special permission to land had been obtained. Gauchos with saddled horses greeted the families, and together they rode up the Ascencio Valley, giving the Americans a taste of a day in the life of a true Patagonian gaucho. At a small refugio they stopped for lunch and the left the horses hitched up as they hiked up into the hills, closer to the three iconic granite peaks rising out of a scree field that make this park famous.

Caption 5

Caption 6

A new day brought a new adventure, this time learning to fly fish on a section of river cut so dramatically by large glaciers that it was not accessible by vehicle, boat, or on foot – the helicopters of course were a different story! Fly fishing on a river that had never before met a fisherman was exciting for the families – and for the fish. After two big days of adventure, Kau Rio Serrano was the perfect home base to return to for relaxation and massages in one of the rooms EXP converted into a private spa.

Caption 7

Caption 7

The following day was truly epic, as the families not only landed on, but also named, a pristine glacier that had never before been touched. The previous evening, EXP Guides had given the kids a flag with a custom logo, created just for this trip, plus a bag of fabric and markers. Their task? Come up with a name for a glacier and put their personal touches on the map. With the flag and glacier gear in tow, the families stepped out onto the ice, following a safe route navigated by their guides. The families split into two rope teams and were outfitted with harnesses, ropes, and ice axes before learning about the general principles of glacier travel. They stepped off the nunatak and the adventure got underway, exploring crevasses, tarns, moraines, and even seeing glacial worms. The team dug a small hole in the ice, raised the flag, and the families claimed the glacier their own! To cap it off, a quick top rope was set up so the families could rappel down into a crevasse and climb back out. As their helicopters took off and they looked down at the glacier below, they knew this was an experience that would live with them forever.

Caption 7

Caption 7

Caption 8

Caption 8

The next day was New Year’s Eve, and of course the EXP Guides had a very special surprise planned. The helicopters departed Kau Rio Serrano after breakfast, following a glacial river through a valley before landing on a beach at the base of a waterfall. The weather changed from sunny to snowy to rainy, but the ambience remained magical. At the beach, one of the guides told the families that he always wanted to explore above the waterfall but had never been able to do so and had never heard of anyone visiting that area. He then explained that the plan was for all of them together to be the first explorers venturing into the canyon above the plummeting waterfall, and they hopped back in the helicopters for a quick flight. After the families stepped foot on this enchanted land, EXP revealed we had already sent a petition into Santiago, Chile to declare naming rights for this canyon. The EXP Guides pulled out a map where they’d already written the families’ last name as the identifier for the canyon. Exploring untouched land and lending it their name was quite an extraordinary way to spend the last day of the year.

Caption 9

Caption 9

New Year’s Day started leisurely with a delicious brunch prepared by the chef and then a causal mountain bike ride through the surrounding forest. The families reflected on all they’d done over the last few days and took in their beautiful surroundings one last time. To celebrate the final evening in Patagonia, they invited the families of everyone who had made this incredible trip possible to come to Kau Rio Serrano for a traditional dinner of asado and roasted lamb. The night was special for everyone involved, and when the time came to part ways, they bid each other farewell, all feeling thankful to have shared time together over this festive season.

Meet the EXPert team that brought this journey to life!

Sunny Trann
EXPerience Manager

Andrew Roberts
Lead Guide

Shon Foster
Head Chef

The post A Private Patagonian Heli-Experience appeared first on EXP Journeys.

]]>
SECRETS OF THE NATIONAL PARKS https://www.expjourneys.com/2024/01/10/secrets-of-the-national-parks/ Wed, 10 Jan 2024 08:57:34 +0000 https://www.expjourneys.com/?p=4410 The post SECRETS OF THE NATIONAL PARKS appeared first on EXP Journeys.

]]>

This roving journey’s objective was to uncover the true secrets of the national parks. Of course a visit to multiple parks was on the itinerary, but so were meetings with experts from the present day and recreated from the past: a paleontologist in Arches and Canyonlands, John Wesley Powell in the Grand Canyon, and Teddy Roosevelt in Yellowstone to name a few. Seeing the parks with their own eyes while hearing the stories and perspectives from these individuals made the journey come to life for this knowledge-seeking family.

Prehistoric stories come alive with the right guide

Prehistoric stories come alive with the right guide

Before the trip started, the family received a letter from Teddy Roosevelt requesting their assistance in uncovering the secrets of the national parks.

A very special pre-journey request from the “Rough Rider” Teddy Roosevelt

The trip started in Utah, calling the incredible The Lodge at Blue Sky their home away from home. A Bell 429 helicopter served as a method of “time travel”, whisking the family off to various national parks of the Southwest. In Arches and Canyonlands, escorted by a paleontologist, the family discovered the way of life of early inhabitants of the region as the rock formations harbored remnants of prehistoric fossils dating back millions of years. Stories etched in stone revealed the secrets of ancient creatures and the land they used to walk on. Among the unforgettable sights were dinosaur bones, footprints, and a petrified forest.

The “time machine” takes travelers to Canyonlands National Park

The “time machine” takes travelers to Canyonlands National Park

The following day, the family set off to Bryce Canyon National Park where they were greeted by a Native American storyteller explaining what the region meant to the Paiute and the ancient “Legend People” that are memorialized in the hoodoos. Following Bryce Canyon, the journey continued to Zion National Park to explore the spectacular slot canyons and sand dunes before returning to The Lodge at Blue Sky for dinner.

A custom map for the journey

Towering walls of Capitol Reef National Park

Storytelling in Bryce National Park

Moving through time, the family travelled next to the Grand Canyon to meet the fearless explorer John Wesley Powell and to learn of his daring expeditions navigating the uncharted waters of the Colorado River. Dressed in his Union Army uniform, John Wesley Powell was waiting at Powell Point with the Grand Canyon as a backdrop, ready to share his tale of the first navigation through the canyon and the incredible expedition that led to the discovery and documentation of the entire region.

A stunning stage for a meeting with a legend in Teton National Park

A stunning stage for a meeting with a legend in Teton National Park

The journey then took the family north into the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, now basing out of Jackson Hole and the spectacular Caldera House located in Teton Village. The majestic peaks of Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming are interwoven with the conservation legacy of the Rockefeller family. Overlooking the Snake River with Grand Teton casting a shadow in the distance, the family met John D. Rockefeller, Jr. and heard stories of his time in the region and why the conservation and protection of these lands was so important to him.

The family’s view of Grand Prismatic from the helicopter over Yellowstone National Park

The family’s view of Grand Prismatic from the helicopter over Yellowstone National Park

Perhaps ironically, the final day of the family’s search for secrets took them to Yellowstone, the very first national park. Accompanied by a wolf tracker and wolf biologist, the family explored the Lamar Valley and the northern reaches of the park to understand the impact of wolf reintroduction and observe these incredible predators in their natural habitat. As the family was guided out of Yellowstone, they came across a man wearing a yellow ascot and seated on a horse; he introduced himself as Teddy Roosevelt. Beneath Roosevelt Arch, he presented the family with a gift and thanked them for uncovering the secrets of the national parks – conservation of these lands “for the benefit and enjoyment of the people.”

At last the secret is revealed

Meet the EXPert team that brought this journey to life!

Eric Jackson
Destination EXPert

Cathy Crosby
EXPerience Manager

Kevin Jackson
Lead Guide

Mike Dold
Assistant Guide

The post SECRETS OF THE NATIONAL PARKS appeared first on EXP Journeys.

]]>
Coasts and Cultures of Colombia https://www.expjourneys.com/2024/01/10/coasts-and-cultures-of-colombia/ Wed, 10 Jan 2024 07:00:47 +0000 https://www.expjourneys.com/?p=4392 The post Coasts and Cultures of Colombia appeared first on EXP Journeys.

]]>

Colombia is a nation of magical realism, with the famous monuments of Cartagena de Indias, Barranquilla’s Carnival, and the most spectacular river in the world – Caño Cristales. From bustling city streets to vast salt mines, arid deserts to coastal lagoons, this unparalleled destination was the backdrop for an amazing 5-day, 4-night active journey for five couples seeking unique adventure.

“Home” for the first half of the trip was a stunning villa at the mouth of of the Caño Cristales river

“Home” for the first half of the trip was a stunning villa at the mouth of of the Caño Cristales river

The trip started in the remote city of Santa Marta where the guests arrived from their international flight and immediately boarded helicopters, flying over Tayrona National Park before landing at a private beach. There they savored a local chef-prepared, authentic-Colombian lunch to the soundtrack of crashing waves beneath the warm Colombian sun. The winter weather they’d escaped back in the States merely hours earlier was a distant memory. Following lunch, the guests visited the ancient ruins of Tayronaka where paddle boards and kayaks beckoned them to begin the paddle down river. Floating through the jungle, they spotted howler monkeys and exotic birds before capping off the first day in Colombia at a private villa on the beach.

Chef-prepared lunch on a private beach

Paddle boards transport guests down river through the jungle

A sunrise yoga session on the villa’s veranda overlooking the ocean, the smell of coffee wafting through the air as the chef prepared breakfast, made for an idyllic first morning in Colombia.
A short walk from the villa, three helicopters were staged on the beach, ready to take the guests through crystal-clear skies to an adventure in the highlands. The Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains, an isolated range known for the highest coastal mountains on Earth, offered a spectacular backdrop as they searched for the Ciudad Perdida (“Lost City”). The group landed on an old coffee farm in the highlands, where a delicious lunch at an old hacienda awaited after a scenic hike through the cloud forest. The owners of the hacienda welcomed them to their home, telling stories of building the farm many years earlier, and taking the guests on an immersive coffee experience to learn the art of producing the perfect cup of joe.

Local wildlife of the cloud forest

“Lost City” is at last found

A truly immersive coffee experience at a farm in the highlands

A truly immersive coffee experience at a farm in the highlands

Exploring deeper into the highlands, the guests had the privilege of visiting a remote Kogui village. There they learned the indigenous group’s traditions and even participated in a ceremony with Kogui elders in recognition of one of the couples’ anniversaries. Before the journey, EXP assisted in identifying the needs of the village, and the guests generously donated several items; the presentation of these items to the people of the village was a heartfelt moment nobody will soon forget. The day concluded back at the villa with massages and Old Fashioneds while watching the sunset over the ocean.

A meaningful visit to a remote village

A meaningful visit to a remote village

After another morning of yoga and a chef-prepared breakfast, it was time to bid Tayrona farewell and travel to Cartagena for the journey’s final two nights filled with dancing, culinary experiences, and unique art and culture. Stunning views of the coast and bays of Tayrona gave way to the delta of the mighty Magdalena River, just outside the town of Barranquilla, where the guests landed on a remote beach. They boarded jet skis and embarked on a voyage through mangrove tunnels, alongside large flocks of white pelicans and snowy egrets, to chart a path through the untouched natural environment of the delta. Despite the remote location, an incredible custom lunch setup suddenly appeared on the beach, complete with towels, changing rooms, and even a restroom.

A memorable jet ski journey through mangrove tunnels

A memorable jet ski journey through mangrove tunnels

Continuing to Cartagena, the guests checked into their private villa located in the heart of Old Town and prepared for an authentic Colombian evening, starting with dinner at the acclaimed Celele Restaurant. After a delectable Caribbean dinner, the guests were escorted to Café Havana to dance with local salsa dancers. A team of local performers lead the way, singing and dancing the whole time, getting the entire street into the rhythm, and creating a moment of connection and community you may have thought only existed in Hollywood musicals.

Local dancers teaching the group to feel the rhythm

Snorkeling and free diving in turquoise waters

The final day of this action-packed journey concluded with a daytrip to Islas del Rosario aboard a yacht equipped with a private chef, DJ, and rendezvous snorkeling and freediving experiences to explore the pristine coral reefs below the azure waters. Upon return to the villa, the guests enjoyed a rum and chocolate tasting (plus a cigar rolling lesson for those interested), while live music played on the rooftop. A private chef-prepared dinner at the villa was exactly the informal meal the guests craved after a full day on the water. As the evening began to wind down, the guests were presented with masks from a local artisan, commemorating their Colombian journey, as a fireworks show illuminated the night sky.

Meet the EXPert team that brought this journey to life!

Katy McCoy
EXPerience Manager

Kevin Jackson
Lead Guide

The post Coasts and Cultures of Colombia appeared first on EXP Journeys.

]]>
PIRATES ON THE COLONIAL COAST https://www.expjourneys.com/2024/01/09/pirates-on-the-colonial-coast/ Tue, 09 Jan 2024 07:28:23 +0000 https://www.expjourneys.com/?p=4364 The post PIRATES ON THE COLONIAL COAST appeared first on EXP Journeys.

]]>

The Golden Age of Piracy (approximately 1650 to 1730) saw pirates like Blackbeard (Edward Teach), Stede Bonnet, Anne Bonny, and William Kidd frequenting the waters off the coast of what is now Charleston, South Carolina. It is rumored that William Kidd buried his treasure on a secluded beach and that only brave and cunning travelers willing to dive deep into the history, folklore, and poetic riddles of Edgar Allen Poe could uncover its location.

Edgar Allen Poe’s haunting recital: a preface to the family’s riddle-filled journey ahead.

Edgar Allen Poe’s haunting recital: a preface to the family’s riddle-filled journey ahead.

Three generations of one family took on this challenge, spending six days and five nights following clues and piecing together an ancient map in and around charmingly historic Charleston. The experience began with the following letter being delivered to them upon arrival:

The family stayed in beachfront luxury homes, allowing for daily sunrise surfing sessions before a chef-prepared breakfast. Along with a cup of coffee or glass of fresh squeezed juice, each morning began with a new mysterious letter, laying out their itinerary and goals for the day. The first full day found the family setting sail on an adventure across Charleston Harbor to explore Fort Sumter and learn about the battle that began the Civil War. While at the Fort, the family also uncovered obscure information regarding the whereabouts of one of the lost pieces of a map; however, the piece could only be found during low tide at a beach with no name.

The pirate crews race towards the shores of Fort Sumter

The family works to piece together sections of Kidd’s map

After a sandy search, the family unearthed an old bottle. In addition to a piece of the map, there was also a message leading them to the original settlement of Charles Towne Landing. Upon disembarking their sailboats at the Landing, the family was greeted with a colonial trading experience, reenacting the arrival of goods and services coming in from Barbados in the 1670s.

The family counts their Spanish doubloons in hopes of paying the Admiral

The family counts their Spanish doubloons in hopes of paying the Admiral

Pirates teach guests the art of knife throwing to earn coin

The Admiral explaining the rules of engagement

From that morning’s letter, the family knew they needed to find a way to be invited to dinner at the Admiral’s Mansion. To prove their mettle and show themselves worthy of such a royal invitation, they first had to earn enough gold at the Landing by making musket balls, throwing tomahawks, preparing land deeds, and mastering the art of using a sextant. An incredible dining experience culminated with a poetry reading by Edgar Allen Poe — and the Admiral was so taken with the family, he handed over the next piece of the treasure map!

A moving performance during lunch giving voice to the history of Boone Hall Plantation.

A moving performance during lunch giving voice to the history of Boone Hall Plantation.

The next day’s letter sent the family to the beautiful oak avenues of Boone Hall Plantation where they were able to connect with the Gullah culture. A picnic lunch was enjoyed under towering oak trees, as beautiful voices singing traditional Gullah songs inspired the family to dance and connect with the meaning of their visit. The caretaker for the grounds showed the family the way to an old building matching one described in the morning’s letter. Beneath the building, they uncovered hidden treasure that had been buried for centuries, including a piece of the treasure map.

Next on their route was historic downtown Charleston, where the family walked the streets under the guidance of a local historian. Among the highlights was the Old Charleston Jail, which housed criminals in the early 1800s. An inscription on the wall led the family to the location of the final piece of the map:

The following morning, the family awoke eager to put the pieces of the map together and claim their buried treasure. A quest through the inner coastal islands and beaches unfolded, with the family operating under the guise of famous pirates all seeking to claim their booty. After several detours, they ended up at Capers Island and the long-lost buried treasure was at last unearthed. To celebrate the long quest and all they’d learned along the way, the final evening ended with a Lowcountry boil and dinner hosted by the famous Rodney Scott, complete with the BBQ that South Carolina is so well known for.

Blackbeard directs family members towards the Pirate Camp in Sewee Bay

Blackbeard directs family members towards the Pirate Camp in Sewee Bay

The family’s quest comes to an end at the ghostly shores of Boneyard Beach.

The family’s quest comes to an end at the ghostly shores of Boneyard Beach.

Meet the EXPert team that brought this journey to life!

Kevin Jackson
Destination EXPert

Eric Jackson
Creative Director

Katy McCoy
EXPerience Manager

Andrew Roberts
Lead Guide

Connor Phillips
Co-Guide

The post PIRATES ON THE COLONIAL COAST appeared first on EXP Journeys.

]]>
Blissful Biking in Vermejo’s Backcountry https://www.expjourneys.com/2023/11/14/vermejo-by-motorbike/ Tue, 14 Nov 2023 14:07:47 +0000 https://www.expjourneys.com/?p=4278 The post Blissful Biking in Vermejo’s Backcountry appeared first on EXP Journeys.

]]>

At more than 550,000 acres and 2,000+ miles of road, Vermejo is a private reserve unlike any other in the United States. Situated in Northern New Mexico, the stunning landscapes, abundant wildlife, and luxury accommodations make Vermejo one of our favorite “playgrounds” to push the bounds of what is possible.

In early June, EXP Journeys’ Partner and Lead Guide, Andrew Roberts, took three guests on a once-in-a-lifetime never-before-done journey that truly encompassed what EXP is all about.

A Private Tented Camp At The Site Of The Old Mining Kilns

A Private Tented Camp At The Site Of The Old Mining Kilns

With guests showing a passion for motorbikes, nature, and the open road, EXPerience Manager, Annik Boulva, was tasked with crafting a unique journey. “Vermejo seemed like the perfect destination for these guests”, says Boulva. “With a desire to ‘get away from it all’ while keeping the level of hospitality and luxury that our guests are accustomed to; we were able to combine the vast natural wonder of Vermejo Reserve with our luxury mobile tented camp and some of the incredible accommodations offered by Vermejo.”

Riding more than 60 miles per day through sometimes rugged and technical terrain, the group kicked the trip off with a one-night stay at the Main Lodge for skills tests and to familiarize themselves with the bikes. The next morning, they set off for a 70-mile ride that included visiting old and now abandoned mining and logging towns, as well as wildlife sightings that included black bear, wild horses, elk, and herds of bison.

Lead Guide Andrew Roberts

Exploring The Abandoned Mine

The day’s ride wrapped up with some welcomed smiles from the team at EXP Journeys’ luxury mobile tented camp, which had set up camp deep in the Vermejo wilderness. Tonight, our guests were treated to a luxury life under the stars in the remote wilderness.
After a delicious breakfast at camp, the guests got back on their bikes following the Crow River to the southern border of the reserve.

After exploring an old gold mine and challenging themselves to some technical riding, they returned to camp early to enjoy frisbee golf, cornhole, and blow darts with the camp team. Even with the surroundings and excitement of each day, the guests hailed their time playing games with the camp team as one of their favorite memories.

Wild Bison Herds Of Vermejo

Wild Bison Herds Of Vermejo

The following morning, our guests bid farewell to the camp team and rode off along the Canadian River towards the Vermejo River. The focus for today was animal and ecology conservation, and the incredible work being done by the Turner Endangered Species Fund (TESF) and Turner Biodiversity Divisions (TBD). Our guests were given a firsthand look into the conservation efforts to save the cutthroat trout by meeting with conservationists, learning how these efforts were being executed, and seeing the process in action. Gaining a greater understanding of these conservation efforts and the positive outcomes to the region proved to be yet another highlight for our guests.

This evening, we traded a luxury camp for a luxury lodge – Costilla Lodge. Built from timber and stone directly sourced from the reserve, Costilla Lodge sits at an elevation of 10,000 feet with stunning views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range. For their two nights at the lodge, our clients were the only guests, having the rustic luxury and history all to themselves.

Patio View From Castilla Lodge

Main Living Room Costilla Lodge

For the last full day in the high country, we rode with our guests to the ‘Top of the World’ where you can see nearly the whole reserve. Our guests enjoyed cooling off in the alpine lakes, hiking the rocky landscape, and fly fishing in the rivers, while looking far off into the distance at the curve of the Earth.

The following morning, we rode with our guests down the mountain trails to the southwest corner of the reserve where, once again, our luxury mobile tented camp was waiting, this time situated outside an old cowboy homestead. Our guests enjoying glimpsing into a way of life long forgotten, but not gone. For a final night, we slept under the stars, bathed in the sounds of the wild, the smells brought by the wind, and the crisp air of the southwest.

Top Of The World At Vermejo

Top Of The World At Vermejo

Meet the EXPert team that brought this journey to life!

Annik Boulva
EXPerience Manager

Toni Reinbold
Operations Specialist

Andrew Roberts
Lead Guide

Shane Retelski
Camp Manager

The post Blissful Biking in Vermejo’s Backcountry appeared first on EXP Journeys.

]]>
Creating Lasting Memories https://www.expjourneys.com/2023/03/20/creating-lasting-memories-t3/ Mon, 20 Mar 2023 11:39:12 +0000 https://www.expjourneys.com/?p=4201 The post Creating Lasting Memories appeared first on EXP Journeys.

]]>

As experienced luxury travel hosts, your EXP Journeys guides know a thing or two about creating a memorable and fun travel experience for you and your guests. From scouting awe-inspiring hikes to securing permits and even coordinating logistics on your itinerary, there are many pieces of the puzzle that go into planning and providing lasting memories on your luxury travel vacation – not the least of which is where and what you should have to eat on your adventure! Lunch is oftentimes one of the most cherished and enjoyable aspects of your trip as it provides a space for reflection and community while ensuring that you are properly fueled for the next step on your excursion.

Snake River, Grand Teton National Park

Most Remote Lunch Locations

From spruce-fir forests on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon to secluded beaches on the shores of Lake Powell, EXP Journeys is well versed in choosing and creating luxury picnic lunches in some of the most beautiful natural spaces in the country. Imagine the thrill of rounding a bend after exploring an isolated slot canyon to discover a carefully curated, private picnic lunch awaiting you! Or how about having your own private helicopter deliver you to a tantalizing spread of local, fresh offerings awaiting you on a pristine glacier?! Perhaps these examples will help you understand the magic that remote dining can bring to your luxury vacation.

Icebench Picnics On The Glacier At Sheldon Chalet

How Luxury Dining is brought into Nature

Anyone familiar with high end gastronomical presentation knows that appearance and small touches go a long way to elevating your traditional dining experience to one of luxury and class. Sourcing fresh ingredients, finding the perfect dining spot and combining these aspects into one that not only complements but elevates the natural surroundings is a key aspect of the luxury picnic lunch. When your EXP guides work their magic with a little help from Mother Nature, you will be amazed at how a private picnic lunch can feel like so much more.

Tower Butte, Lake Powell

Grey Glacier, Patagonia

How to setup the Perfect Picnic Lunch

A luxury picnic lunch requires careful consideration and planning to ensure that the chosen space is one that accommodates all guests involved while blending seamlessly into the surrounding environment. When choosing a spot for your private picnic lunch, consider factors such as shade and sun exposure, a convenient escape should rain or other inclement weather impose on your meal and a location that offers serenity and an aesthetically pleasing natural backdrop. As for the food itself, consider locally sourced options with a tie to the surrounding landscape and go heavy on options such as fruit and vegetables as the vibrant colors and freshness of these items will please those looking for a nutritious meal while not leaving them filling heavy or sleepy on their post-lunch hike!

Heli Picnics At Alaska Stillpoint Lodge

Let Us Help!

We hope that these short tips have helped you to have a better understanding of what goes into creating the perfect remote dining experience. However, should you prefer to leave the planning and logistics to the experts so that you can just relax and enjoy your time together with family and friends, EXP Journeys will be happy to handle all the details. Reach out now to find out more about how EXP Journeys can deliver a concise and curated itinerary that will feed not only your appetite for delicious cuisine but your craving for beauty and luxury as well!

The post Creating Lasting Memories appeared first on EXP Journeys.

]]>
Creating Lasting Memories https://www.expjourneys.com/2023/03/20/creating-lasting-memories-t2/ Mon, 20 Mar 2023 11:37:55 +0000 https://www.expjourneys.com/?p=4200 The post Creating Lasting Memories appeared first on EXP Journeys.

]]>

As experienced luxury travel hosts, your EXP Journeys guides know a thing or two about creating a memorable and fun travel experience for you and your guests. From scouting awe-inspiring hikes to securing permits and even coordinating logistics on your itinerary, there are many pieces of the puzzle that go into planning and providing lasting memories on your luxury travel vacation – not the least of which is where and what you should have to eat on your adventure! Lunch is oftentimes one of the most cherished and enjoyable aspects of your trip as it provides a space for reflection and community while ensuring that you are properly fueled for the next step on your excursion.

Snake River, Grand Teton National Park

Most Remote Lunch Locations

From spruce-fir forests on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon to secluded beaches on the shores of Lake Powell, EXP Journeys is well versed in choosing and creating luxury picnic lunches in some of the most beautiful natural spaces in the country. Imagine the thrill of rounding a bend after exploring an isolated slot canyon to discover a carefully curated, private picnic lunch awaiting you! Or how about having your own private helicopter deliver you to a tantalizing spread of local, fresh offerings awaiting you on a pristine glacier?! Perhaps these examples will help you understand the magic that remote dining can bring to your luxury vacation.

Icebench Picnics On The Glacier At Sheldon Chalet

How Luxury Dining is brought into Nature

Anyone familiar with high end gastronomical presentation knows that appearance and small touches go a long way to elevating your traditional dining experience to one of luxury and class. Sourcing fresh ingredients, finding the perfect dining spot and combining these aspects into one that not only complements but elevates the natural surroundings is a key aspect of the luxury picnic lunch. When your EXP guides work their magic with a little help from Mother Nature, you will be amazed at how a private picnic lunch can feel like so much more.

Tower Butte, Lake Powell

Grey Glacier, Patagonia

How to setup the Perfect Picnic Lunch

A luxury picnic lunch requires careful consideration and planning to ensure that the chosen space is one that accommodates all guests involved while blending seamlessly into the surrounding environment. When choosing a spot for your private picnic lunch, consider factors such as shade and sun exposure, a convenient escape should rain or other inclement weather impose on your meal and a location that offers serenity and an aesthetically pleasing natural backdrop. As for the food itself, consider locally sourced options with a tie to the surrounding landscape and go heavy on options such as fruit and vegetables as the vibrant colors and freshness of these items will please those looking for a nutritious meal while not leaving them filling heavy or sleepy on their post-lunch hike!

Heli Picnics At Alaska Stillpoint Lodge

Let Us Help!

We hope that these short tips have helped you to have a better understanding of what goes into creating the perfect remote dining experience. However, should you prefer to leave the planning and logistics to the experts so that you can just relax and enjoy your time together with family and friends, EXP Journeys will be happy to handle all the details. Reach out now to find out more about how EXP Journeys can deliver a concise and curated itinerary that will feed not only your appetite for delicious cuisine but your craving for beauty and luxury as well!

The post Creating Lasting Memories appeared first on EXP Journeys.

]]>