Elite Traveler March-April 2018

elite traveler MAR/APR 2018 61

PARAGL IDING FL IGHT

SCHOOL CALIFORNIA, US

With nearly a century of flying history (Charles Lindbergh was a regular back in the day), Torrey Pines Gliderport is Southern California’s go-to location for those who want nothing between themselves and the sky. Offering paragliding, hang gliding, remote- control models and sailplanes, the Gliderport can make your flying paraglider or hang glider, or if you want to earn your wings, you can learn to fly a powered paraglider and launch it from your own backyard with a certification that only takes a few days. We recommend staying in the nearby Lodge Torrey Pines, perched on a rocky cliff overlooking the Pacific and bordered with pristine beaches and protected forest. Blacker Suite from $3,500 per night, hang gliding $225 per person. Contact Bill Gross, general manager, bgross@lodgetorreypines.com, +1 858 453 4420, lodgetorreypines.com dreams a reality. Soar over the dramatic cliffs with a tandem

TOKAIDO TRAI L HONSHU, JAPAN

Championing off-the-beaten-track tours, Walk Japan launched a brand new itinerary in February — the Tōhoku Hot Spring Snow Tour. The fully guided snowshoe expedition showcases the region’s rugged landscapes, bountiful snow scenes and onsen (hot springs). Journey through the rural Tohoku region and encounter gigantic mountains, remote valleys, rocky coasts and vast forests during this eight-night tour. Most of the inns you’ll stay in along the way have onsen facilities where you can rejuvenate after trekking through the snow. Matsuo Basho, one of Japan’s greatest literary figures, was known to relax in the same hot-spring baths in the 17th century. The journey further mimics Basho’s travels, as depicted in the poetic Narrow Road to the Deep North , with a visit to an impressive temple situated high above a valley on a sheer cliff. The tour is suitable for reasonably fit people who can walk comfortably for three hours a day. From $4,390 per person for eight nights. Contact Ruby Lawley, reservations manager, customerservice@walkjapan.com, +81 364 555 994, walkjapan.com Photo Japan National Tourism Organization