Travel the world with Julie Conover and her intrepid band of filmmakers as they capture the best of our planet’s natural beauty, wildlife, and culture. The series uses humor, local color, and spectacular imagery, to ensure that viewers discover the ‘magic of the journey’, as they travel the world with Passport to Adventure.
Kayaking in Thailand, trekking in Nepal, cycling in Spain, skiing in Austria and whale watching in Mexico are all part of the journey with Passport To Adventure.
Details
LENGTH: 49 x 28 Minutes
FORMAT: Series
CAMERA: Season 4: HD (Seasons 1-3, SD)
INTERNATIONAL TRACK: Yes
TEXTLESS: No
CLOSED CAPTIONS: Yes
ASPECT RATIO: 4:3 (Season One) 16:9 (Season Two) HD (Season Four)
PRODUCTION YEAR: 2003-2012
RELEASE YEAR: 2003-2012
SUPPLIER: Passport to Adventure Productions
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: USA
RIGHTS TERRITORY: Worldwide
SEASON FOUR (Shot in HD)
401 Macau, a Fusion of Cultures, China
In Macau, the fusion of the Portuguese and Chinese cultures has merged casinos with Buddhist temples, coconut milk and cod fish, Grand Prix racing with old world architecture. Portuguese chefs shop in the Chinese market to create one of the world’s most interesting cuisines. Residents practice Tai Chi in city parks, waves lap on the shores of beaches, ancient neighborhoods hang on tightly to their identity as Macau rushes headlong into the forest.
402 Cruising the British Virgin Islands, Caribbean
This quintessential Caribbean destination is best seen from the water. Julie & Mark take the reins of a power cat to discover the archipelago. From Tortola, they cross the Sir Francis Drake Channel to snorkel where pirates once buried treasure, climb granite boulders at the magnificent “Baths”, visit iconic beachside watering holes, and enjoy the BVI sunsets.
403 Patagonia, Chile – Dolphins, Fjords, & Rainforests in Aysen
In this two-part episode, Julie explores one of the few destinations left that is truly off-the-beaten-path. In the Aysen region of Patagonia, the main highway is mostly unpaved, dolphins frolic in pristine fjords, and waterfalls tumble over lush mountainsides.
404 Patagonia, Chile – Condors, Lakes and Glaciers in Aysen
Julie’s journey continues in the southern part of the region, where glaciers loom over crystal clear lakes, cows graze beneath snow-covered peaks, and fly-fishermen come in search of their nirvana. Julie kayaks through magnificent marble caves, hikes on a glacier, and shares “mate” with the local fishermen.
405 The Rocky Mountain Parks of Alberta, Canada
Landing in Edmonton, Julie steps directly into Canada’s railroad history before embarking on the scenic train ride to Jasper. Touring the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks, she stalks elk with their lenses, ride the “Sno Coach” onto a glacier, hike, canoe and learn about the early adventurers that made this area a renowned mountaineering center, and a mecca for nature lovers from around the globe.
406 Calgary & Aboriginal Alberta, Canada
Canada’s First Nations culture comes alive at aboriginal sites like “Head Smashed In Buffalo Jump”, and her earliest residents are gloriously displayed at the Royal Tyrell Dinosaur museum, where Julie gets a back room tour! Then get back-to-nature at Waterton International Peace Park, get up close and personal with Tara the buffalo, and finally delve into Alberta’s vibrant foodie scene in Calgary!
407 The Magical Country of Wales
When legendary crooner Tom Jones pined for “the green, green grass of home” he was reminiscing about Wales. Rolling pastures, flower-filled fields and hedge lined country roads – a romantic journey into the British Isles. The pristine countryside is ideal for cycling thru quaint hamlets and snuggling up to a fire in one of many lovely B & B’s. For the adventurous, the Welsh coastline provides stunning terrain for multi-day hikes; and the rugged cliffs and coves are a favorite for climbing, “coasteering” and kayaking. Travel by canal boat and steam train, then engage the proud locals to learn about the revival of traditional Welsh crafts from a vintner, a whiskey distiller, and a cheese maker.
408 Enchanting, Natural Norway
Trains, ferries and fjords – nature and man coexisting in splendor. From clean, green, cosmopolitan Oslo, to artsy, hip Bergen, Norway’s cities blend seamlessly with its pristine countryside. In Oslo, hosts Julie Conover and Mark Jennings tour the city on bicycles and ferries before embarking on one of the world’s most spectacular train adventures. They explore the majestic fjord in kayaks and hike to take in breathtaking views. In Bergen, they wander narrow alleys and stroll the historic wharf and fish market.
409 Baja California’s Best Kept Secret
No timeshare hawkers, high rises or massive resorts, just quiet coves and pristine islands for kayaking, enchanting desert for mountain biking, the original California missions, and an unspoiled Mexican town. Hosts Julie Conover and Mark Jennings kayak the Sea of Cortez, ride mules through the hinterland, and visit “ranchos” owned for generations by the same families, getting intimately acquainted with the landscape, the history and the people of Baja California.
410 Guam, Where East Meets West
Turquoise waters, lush jungles, cosmopolitan shopping and a plethora of historical sites await the traveler that makes the trek to Guam. The island is an endearing mix of 1960’s America, Asia, and exotic Pacific Island. Hosts Julie Conover and Mark Jennings cha cha their way through the weekly Fiesta, swim in waterfalls, snorkel the coral reef and meet a refreshing group of teenage dancers passionate about preserving their colorful heritage.
SEASON TWO
201 Rafting India’s Sacred Ganges
Julie’s adventure begins in the chaos of Delhi, where she explores the city and its bustling bazaars in a rickshaw. She then embarks on a three-day raft trip on this deeply spiritual river, descending through thrilling rapids and past farms, villages, temples. She visits an ashram and she takes a tour of one of India’s many national parks on elephant back!
202 Kauai – Hawaii’s Garden Isle
Where lush volcanic soil feeds rain forests and taro patches, Mark & Julie experience the “spirit of Aloha”. Land once covered in sugar cane fields is now home to riding stables, and roads once used to transport the sugar crop are now ideal terrain for mountain biking. They explore the magnificent Na Pali coast from sea level in a zodiac, then board a helicopter for aerial views. Mark & Julie also ride in outrigger canoes and learn why they as much a part of the lifestyle today as they were when the Polynesians settled the islands.
203 Bucharest & the Transylvanian Countryside, Romania
How does a country recover from decades of oppression & dictatorship? Sixteen years after the 1989 revolution, capitalism is just emerging in Romania. Drivers of shiny new cars talk on their cell phones as they whiz through Bucharest, while in the countryside, peasants transport their crops on horse drawn wagons. In this episode, Julie & Mark explore Transylvania’s medieval villages, splendidly preserved castles and cycle the forests of the Carpathian Mountains.
204 Colorful Colonial Bermuda
Stories of mysterious disappearances in “the triangle” and confusion over it’s location make Bermuda one of the most misunderstood islands on earth. It played an important role in American history and early trading between the continents and today is one of the few remaining British colonies. Mark and Julie delve into Bermuda’s sea faring heritage at the “Kings Cup Regatta”, where Americas Cup captains face off in local Bermudian vessels, then, get up close and personal with the friendly residents at Dolphin Quest.
205 Baja and the Sea of Cortez, Mexico
Donning snorkel and fins, Julie & Mark frolic with playful sea lions, then kayak picturesque bays and climb strange rock formations. The highlight of this trip is a face to face encounter with the magnificent Gray Whales that each year make the migration to Magdalena Bay to give birth. On tiny “ponga” boats Mark & Julie share magical moments with these forty ton mothers and their inquisitive calves.
206 A Camel Safari in the Thar Desert
In this episode Julie ventures into one of the world’s harshest environments to camp on the dunes and meet the tribal people that make the desert their home. She then goes to Pushkar to attend India’s largest desert festival and mingle with the thousands of people and animals that assemble each year to worship and trade. After a week of camels and horses, she makes the migration to an incredible bird sanctuary, then takes a peak beyond the walls of India’s most enduring symbol, the Taj Mahal.
207 The Jungles and Rivers of Costa Rica
Costa Rica receives up to 300 inches of rainfall annually, creating lush jungles and raging rivers renowned for white water rafting and kayaking. Mark and Julie descend the infamous Rio Pacuare in rafts, then hook up with Olympic kayakers as they practice slalom racing. They explore the jungle canopy from a network of suspension bridges 350 feet in the air and take a guided tour of the Manuel Antonio preserve which offers important lessons in biodiversity and the importance of saving the world’s rain forests.
208 The Forts and Palaces of Rajasthan
India is a land of contrasts, and Rajasthan is home to some of her most romantic cities. Julie’s journey begins with a horseback trip through the ruins of an ancient hilltop fortress and a visit with a Maharana in his lavish palace where they discuss his role in modern Indian society. She cycles on country roads to get a glimpse of the rural lifestyle, then spends the night in a luxurious tented camp set in an ancient Mughal garden, where she is entertained by bewitching Rajasthani dancers.
209 The Mystery of the Maya, Guatemala
This episode presents a fresh and exciting look at the ancient Mayan culture. Tracing the history of the Maya takes Mark & Julie to Tikal, where the Mayan culture thrived over a millennium ago, then mysteriously disappeared. They explore the surrounding jungle by day and by night, and ascend one of Tikal’s majestic temples to witness sunrise over the mystical jungle landscape. In the Altiplano region, Mark & Julie hook up with some local expats to descend a volcano on mountain bikes, and meet a family who creates fabric for world export on an ancient treadle loom.
210 Innsbruck and the Tirol, Austria
Five thousand years ago a lone traveler perished in a sudden storm on the Similaun glacier. With archeologists as guides, Mark & Julie hike to the very spot where the frozen body of the “Ice Man” was discovered. Back in the Oetz Valley, they climb along a sheer rock face with a raging waterfall at their side and spend a day rafting the Inn river. In Innsbruck, they explore the historic city center and take a bone rattling ride down the Olympic bobsled course..
211 Guatemala’s Dramatic Lake Atitlan Region
This stunning lake is surrounded by towering volcanoes and has attracted an adventurous group of foreigners who take Mark & Julie galloping through cloud forests and coffee fields for a misty lunch on top of a volcano, riding out a sudden storm on the lake in a catamaran and to the colorful tribal market where Julie learns the significance of the handmade native costumes. Through this interesting group of ‘expats’ you will experience the lifestyle and culture of central Guatemala.
212 The Good Life in Hungary
Spas, equestrian centers, wineries & the splendors of Budapest make Hungary ideal for 5 star travel on a budget. Julie & Mark cycle through vineyards and medieval towns to sample the legendary wines of the Tokai region. They meet Hungarian cowboys who perform amazing feats on horseback and visit one of the country’s finest riding centers before indulging in a taste of old European elegance in cosmopolitan Budapest.
213 A Trip Through American History in Connecticut
Cycling through pristine countryside, canoeing down a river, or kayaking in the sound, American history comes alive in Connecticut. At the Mystic Seaport, our 19th century maritime heritage is re-created in the streets of the village, and the historic ships docked in the harbor. In Hartford, Mark & Julie step into the life of American literary icon, Mark Twain, and in the Quiet Corners they’re introduced to little known aspects of the abolition movement. They sample cider fresh from an 18th century press and meet the pioneers of America’s newest wine growing region.
SEASON ONE
#101 Tbilisi and the Caucasus Mountains, Republic of Georgia
Hosts Julie Conover & Mark Jennings begin their journey in Vienna, Austria, an elegant, cosmopolitan city, and the gateway to the new frontiers of Eastern Europe. After an adventure at the airport, they finally arrive in Georgia’s capital, the walled city of Tbilisi, where exotic cultures and ancient religions have coexisted for centuries. The Georgian people have their own language and alphabet, and have kept their culture intact through their continuing struggle for independence and prosperity. Once a part of the silk route, the Georgian military highway climbs high into the Caucasus Mountains, the range that divides Europe and Asia. After following the winding road on a trip through time, Mark & Julie arrive at a modern resort where old soviet helicopters take adventurers to ski this remote, untouched terrain.
#102- Exploring Rural China and the Great Wall
In China’s capital, Mark Jennings and Julie Conover hop on a pedicab to take a look at life in the old section of the city. Just outside Beijing, the country’s most enduring symbol, The Great Wall tumbles over the horizon. The towering pinnacles of Southern China have inspired artists for centuries and the rhythm of life on the Li River is slow and melodic – water buffalo linger in a stream, while families work in verdant rice fields. The peaks of the region hide numerous caves, some that have been turned into Disneyland-like attractions, while others offer pristine views of the patchwork countryside. In the backpacker’s mecca of Yangshou, Mark & Julie meet fishermen with an ingenious method of doing their job.
#103 Bavarian Life in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany
The snowcapped-Bavarian Alps are the highest mountains in Germany, a perfect backdrop for skiing adventures and cultural discoveries. In the Olympic village of Garmisch, Julie Conover & Mark Jennings visit with Gerhardt Ester, a local character who’s murals adorn the town’s historic buildings. Nearby, in Mittenwald, some of the world’s most famous violins were crafted three centuries ago. Today, the narrow streets of this quaint village are home to workshops where intricately carved instruments are still produced. On the slopes of the Zugspitze, Mark & Julie meet the competitors on the European Carving Tour, a exciting new type of ski racing .
# 104 The Pyrenees Mountains, Spain and France
These mountains are home to the Basque, a people whose exact origins are still being debated. Hosts Mark Jennings & Julie Conover explore enchanting villages and chat with locals to gain a little insight into this mysterious culture. The rivers of the region provide ample entertainment for adventure seekers. Julie & Mark go rafting, kayaking, and canyoning, as well as try a new sport called “hydrospeed”, where the body becomes a projectile through the rapids! If that’s not enough, they cycle the narrow mountain passes that make up the most demanding leg of the Tour de France, and, explore stalagmite filled caves and medieval villages.
#105 Verbier and Lake Geneva, Switzerland
A peek behind the walls of historic Chateau Chillon, on the shores of Lake Geneva, provides an introduction to the magnificent Swiss Alps region. Just fifty years ago, Verbier was a tiny mountain hamlet with only 27 residents, today it’s peaks attract the creme de la creme of extreme sports enthusiasts and filmmakers. Adventure sports photographer Hank DeVre shares his passion for the outdoors and joins hosts Julie Conover & Mark Jennings to explore the off piste terrain that has made Verbier famous. Back at Lake Geneva, Mark & Julie cycle along the picturesque shore, golf in historic Evian, and learn about the wines of the Jura Mountains from a local vintner.
#106 Exotic Northern Thailand
Thailand’s cultural and geographic diversity has drawn adventure travelers for decades and the country’s tourism infrastructure makes it an ideal “intro to Asia” destination. In the hills of Northern Thailand, hosts Mark Jennings & Julie Conover trek through the jungles on foot and on elephant back to meet the colorful ethnic tribes. After spending the night as house guests of the village “headman” they set out on bamboo rafts for a true river adventure. In Chiang Mai, Julie gets a lesson in Thai cooking, and Mark comes upon locals playing a bizarre ball game!
#107 Historic Stockholm and Heliskiing, Sweden
Stockholm, Sweden’s capital city, sits in an archipelago made up of thousands of islands. Before heading to the mountains, hosts Mark Jennings & Julie Conover explore the narrow, cobbled streets of the Old Town and sample traditional cuisine. The Vasa Museum is home to a sixteenth century warship that capsized on her maiden voyage and was exhumed from Stockholm’s bay perfectly preserved. She now shares this fascinating piece of history with her guests. As the journey turns north, Mark and Julie experience Sweden’s fairytale countryside on the backs of Icelandic horses and visit Scandinavia’s largest winter resort for an introduction to telemark skiing. A dazzling heliski adventure concludes this tour through the land of the midnight sun.
#108 Big Sky Country, Montana
The southern part of Montana is dominated by a rugged range that creates a paradise for outdoor and Old West enthusiasts. Charles Kurault once described the Beartooth Highway as “the most scenic drive in America.” A float trip on a “blue ribbon” trout stream explains why the state attracts fly fishermen from around the globe. In the historic town of Red Lodge, characters like Jeremiah Johnson and Buffalo Bill have not disappeared into the past. Surrounded by buckskin clad participants, Julie and Mark become a a part of Montana’s colorful history, at the “Mountain Man Rendezvous”, a celebration of the fur trading era in the American west.
#109 Exploring Rugged Northern Corsica, France
This mysterious island has fascinated sailors and been a target for invaders since the days of the ancient Greeks. In secluded hill towns, hosts Julie Conover & Mark Jennings meet the fiercely independent people who have fought to maintain their proud culture. These passionate, Corsican guides take Mark & Julie bareback, thundering across coastal terrain, rappelling down waterfalls and soaring on the wings of a paraglider high above the Mediterranean Sea. A citadel built on a windswept rock in the thirteenth century stands guard over yachts from all over the world in the seaport of Calvi. Mark & Julie stroll the lively streets of the city with a charming local guide who shares her insights on the island and it’s people.
#110 Undiscovered Nepal
In the southwestern region of Nepal there are no high mountain peaks to scale, just pristine rural villages and tribal cultures living undisturbed by tourism. This is the “not so famous” side of Nepal. The Bardia Reserve is one of the last remaining habitats for the nearly extinct Bengal Tiger. Host Julie Conover boards an elephant to search for the elusive cats and spends the night at the rustic Tiger Tops tented camp overlooking the river where she rafts the next morning. In the country’s capital, Kathmandu, Hindu and Buddhist temples are still the center of life. Cycling through stunning rural scenery and the ancient town squares of the Kathmandu Valley, reveals more on the intriguing culture that makes Nepal a true adventure travel destination.
#111 Off the Beaten Path in the Canary Islands, Spain
The perfect climate of the Canary Islands has made it a popular destination for European sun worshipers, but getting away from the tourist spots uncovers a fascinating side of these diverse islands. There is no limit to the adventure sport activities to be found here, from miles of hiking on the 13,000 foot Teide volcano, to scuba diving and snorkeling in the clear blue waters of El Hierro. Hosts Mark Jennings & Julie Conover enjoy a sunset take off with local paragliders, catch a wave at a local surfing competition and get a taste of indigenous culture in a night of folkloric song and dance.
#112 Discovering the “Sud Tirol,” Italy
The limestone peaks of the Dolomite mountains make for some of the most dramatic ski terrain in all of Europe. Hosts Mark Jennings & Julie Conover enjoy the slopes of the Sella Ronda, then board a helicopter to challenge themselves on one of the area’s steepest chutes. Many of the local families have lived in the Sud Tirol for generations and cherish their way of life in these once remote mountain villages. Julie & Mark take a look at the time honored craft of wood carving and spend an afternoon with a local man who offers a touchingly personal perspective of World War One and the transition from Austrian to Italian rule. This journey through Northern Italy concludes with a visit to cosmopolitan Florence, the renaissance capital of the country.
#113 The “Cote d’Azur,” France
Hosts Julie Conover & Mark Jennings get a different perspective on the land of ritz and glitz from a hanglider, high in the mountains above Antibes; a 4×4 trip through the Maritime Alps and a parasailing ride over the glamorous Riviera.. To experience the authentic culture of the region, Mark & Julie hang out with locals in the Moorish walled city of Ramatuelle and the ranches of the Camargue, famous for their white horses. From the seaport of Cassis, they board a ferry to tour the coastline where they discover rock climbers clinging to the walls of the calanques (fjords), and visit the picturesque seaport of Villefranche.
#114 A Journey Down the Yangtze River, China
A Yangtze cruise passes through the magnificent Three Gorges section where the construction of the world’s largest dam will forever change this mighty river. Hosts Mark Jennings & Julie Conover experience a traditional way of life on pea pod boats with trackers , wiry guides who navigate the tributaries of the Yangtze in long wooden boats, fending off the cliffs with bamboo poles. In the City of the Ghosts, statues of demonic giants tower over the town of Fengdu waiting for the day when the waters of the Yangtze will wash over their feet. In the delta region, Mark & Julie join the half million locals who get around on bikes to tour the countryside, and explore quaint Suzhou, where intricate silk embroidery is the pride of the city. Bustling Shanghai provides a first hand look at modern China as it collides with it’s own ancient culture.
#115 Spain’s Basque Country and the Festival of San Fermin
This journey through the Basque Country begins in the French coastal resort of Biarritz. From here, hosts Julie Conover & Mark Jennings visit the charming fishing village of St. Jean de Luz and cycle through the foothills of the Pyrenees to reach Pamplona, where they’ll participate in the world famous Festival of San Fermin. Crazy or not, each year thousands of locals and visitors hit the streets for the traditional “running of the bulls”. The frenetic activity continues in the streets till dawn, with all ages participating in the dancing, partying and parades. The action culminates in the bull ring; is it an elegant spectacle or a cruel sport? We’ll let you decide.
#116 Sailing the Grenadine Islands, Caribbean
On a sleek, 64 foot sloop hosts Mark Jennings & Julie Conover get a feel for life on the open sea and a taste of the exotic West Indies. On the island of St. Lucia, one of the Caribbean’s most spectacular hideaways lies nestled in the jungle covered hillside of the island’s trademark pitons. These striking peaks tower over a smoldering caldera, where mineral rich water boils to the earths surface. After a short flight south, Mark & Julie begin their windward adventure, sailing north to idyllic snorkeling and diving in the Tobago Keys then on to the mist shrouded rim of an active volcano on Saint Vincent.. On the island of Mustique, they ride horses on the beach before setting sail for a historic whaling port on the island of Bequai.
#117 Cortina, Courmayeur and the Dolomite Mountains, Italy
Springtime is ideal for biking and skiing in this breathtaking region of the Alps. Hosts Julie Conover & Mark Jennings cycle through a village where artists have painted the history of the people on the ancient buildings and explore tunnels used by the Italian Army during World War I high above Cortina. In Courmayeur, they board a helicopter to ski the distant peaks and meet the brave alpine guides who dedicate their lives to protecting skiers and hikers from the dangers of the Alps. Strolling the cobbled streets of the villages and sampling culinary specialties with the locals rounds out this Alpine adventure in Italy.
#118 Magical Southern Corsica, France
Southern Corsica is famous for it’s azure waters, white sandy beaches and the ancient villages built into it’s limestone cliffs. Hosts Mark Jennings & Julie Conover set out to explore the modern marinas and 16th century citadels that make up these historic seaports. They take to the seas with a local expat to experience the carefree life at the helm and tour the mysterious caves carved out of the shoreline millions of years ago. The island’s harrowing mountain roads are a challenge for drivers, but still attract bicycle tourists from all over the world. Julie teams up with the locals to learn the intricacies of Boules, while Mark sets out to demonstrate his mastery of the catamaran.
#119 Trekking in Nepal
Kathmandu is probably the world’s first real adventure travel destination. It has changed considerably since the 1950’s, (as every place does when tourism thrives), but in many ways, it hasn’t changed at all. Nepal offers a wealth of exotic culture, spectacular landscapes, and miles of terrain for trekking. Starting out in the vibrant capital of Kathmandu, host Julie Conover takes a breathtaking flight over Mt. Everest, then heads to Pokhara, to explore this romantic lakeside village and begin a trek into the foothills of the Annapurna range.
#120 Life on a Working Ranch in the American West
The life of the American cowboy has been surrounded by legend and glorified by actors and Hollywood producers. Hosts Julie Conover & Mark Jennings visit real working ranches, where guests from around the world come to live out their Western fantasies and families work to preserve their way of life. They’ll mount up and join the gang for a cattle drive, then explore the sacred land of the Crow Indians, who left pictographs on the sandstone cliffs. On a high mountain plateau, Mark & Julie experience the majesty of wild mustangs in their spectacular natural setting.
#121 Buenos Aires and Bariloche, Argentina
This South American adventure begins in the vibrant capital of the country, Buenos Aires, with a stroll through it’s colorful neighborhoods, parks and pedestrian zones and an evening of Tango, the passionate music and dance that reflect the soul of the Argentine people. Next, hosts Mark Jennings & Julie Conover fly to the “Switzerland of South America”, Bariloche, to ski the dramatic peaks of the Andes and soar high over the resort with a French daredevil. A boat trip through the stunning Argentine Lake District reveals the diversity of the region – rain forests cling to the sides of snow covered peaks while icy waterfalls rush past towering stands of bamboo.
#122 Kayaking Tropical Thailand
The limestone cliffs of southern Thailand make this a paradise for kayakers. Hosts Mark Jennings & Julie Conover team up with one of the first eco-tourism companies in Asia to explore the aquamarine waters of Phang Na Bay on kayaks. It’s dazzling caves, coves and inland lagoons are home to many colorful bird species, monkeys and exotic sea life. In the island’s towering hongs, or caves, Mark & Julie meet the local “hunters” who search for highly prized nests that are sold to make the notorious Chinese aphrodisiac “birds nest soup”. Camping on pristine, deserted beaches and enjoying tropical sunsets with a diverse group of adventurers caps off this tropical adventure.
#123 Skiing the French Alps
The Haute Savoie, (high country) region of France is renowned for its architecture and spectacular mountain scenery and is home to the three best known ski destinations in France. Hosts Mark Jennings and Julie Conover tour them all, covering the slopes, villages and cuisine of Meribel, Chamonix and Val D’Isere. In Meribel, Mark climbs into the harness to hanglide with the French Champion; in the mountaineering capital of Chamonix, Julie skis fresh powder in the shadow of the Mont Blanc and in Val d’Isere they meet the competitors in the Euro Mogul challenge.
#124 Cycle Touring in Andalusia, Spain
The beauty of Spain’s southernmost region unfolds on this two wheeled, wind-in-the-face adventure. Hosts Julie Conover & Mark Jennings cycle through spectacular countryside by day and spend nights in Moorish palaces and luxurious haciendas. In the golden city of Cordoba, they meet the passionate artists who have kept alive the gypsy rhythms of flamenco, then grab capes for a spin in bullfighter’s shoes to experience the charge of these powerful creatures. Mark & Julie get a taste of the region’s history on majestic Andalusian horses and take an unusual safari through one of Europe’s most important wetland wildlife reserves.
#125 The Ziller Valley and Zell am See, Austria
After filming Europe’s ski resorts for the last ten years, Mark Jennings & Julie Conover share their discovery of two of the lesser known Austrian resorts. Their journey begins with a visit to the world famous Neuschwanstein castle where they learn the saga of eccentric King Ludwig. From Bavaria, Julie & Mark travel into the Salzburg region of Austria to Zell Am See, “little village by the lake”, to explore the massive Europa Sport Region. In the Ziller Valley, they ski the Hintertux glacier and launch Julie off the slopes on a paraglider! Then, join a robust group of Austrians for music, schnapps and a hellacious nighttime sledding adventure that leaves Mark with an unwanted souvenir! Threaded throughout the program is a celebration of the traditional lifestyle with folk music, dance and plenty of local color!
#126 Exploring the “Costa Azul,” Mexico
The Blue Coast offers a look at the real, undiscovered Mexico. Once a surfer’s hideaway, the beaches and surrounding jungles now provide exciting terrain for horseback trips, kayaking, hiking and mountain biking. Hosts Julie Conover & Mark Jennings explore the cliffs and caves of the Marietas Islands, home of the rare Blue Footed Boobie birds, and meet a character who gives them a taste of the local surf culture. The mystic Huichol tribe represents one of the most intact ancient cultures existing in the world today, and they live high in the mountains beyond the Costa Azul. They create whimsical artwork that documents their spiritual traditions and has become a favorite of collectors around the world. A visit to the picturesque, coastal town of Puerto Vallarta rounds out the Mexican vacation experience.
