far and away; Richard Alleman scouts out six of the world's most glamorous adventures, from palazzo-hopping in Venice to horseback-riding on the South African coast.(Travel narrative)

Byline: Richard Alleman

Go Local in Venice

With its mist-swirled canals, lonely piazzas, and atmospheric cafes, Venice in winter is the stuff that dreams are made of. For the ultimate off-season escape to this magical city, consider holing up in your very own palazzo. Travel consultant Cedric Reversade has keys to some of Venice's most sumptuous properties for hire-from a fifteenth-century Grand Canal classic furnished with Fortuny and Rubelli fabrics to a San Marco sanctuary with frescoed walls and its own 65-foot indoor swimming pool. Besides peerless accommodations, Reversade and his partner, Paul Maxime Koskas, provide ultimate access: visits to private art collections, meals prepared by top local chefs, chamber concerts performed by singers and musicians from the famous La Fenice opera-just for you. As for prices, Rever-sade's operation is so discreet that none can be published. For further information, call 011-44-20-7788-7815; cedricreversade.com.

Ride the South African Coast

Top riding-tour outfitter Equitours offers one of the season's most exciting adventures: the brand-new Zululand Coast horseback safari along South Africa's virgin Indian Ocean coastline. Besides some 137 miles of spectacular, largely deserted beaches, the region encompasses the highest forested sand dunes in the world, three river systems, and a major wildlife reserve-Hluhluwe-Umfolozi. This park is home to black rhinos, leopards, elephants, giraffes, Cape buffalo, and scores of other species of game and birds. Leading the way is experienced equestrian and field guide Richard Daugherty. Meals created by his wife, chef and former food writer and editor (at Australia's Vogue Entertaining + Travel) Sarah Burrows, are served on white-linen-covered, candlelit tables and usually feature freshly caught fish. At the end of the day, weary riders can luxuriate in romantic tents with verandas and private showers. Rates for seven days/six nights, are $2,850 per person, sharing a tent. (800) 545-0019; ridingtours.com.

Kayak in the Philippines

Called the "last refuge" by the late Jacques Cousteau, the Calamian archipelago is a group of 98 islands in the western Philippines. Targeting this exotic world of empty coves and beaches, clear waters and coral reefs, palm groves and dramatic limestone cliffs, Mountain Travel Sobek is plotting a brand-new sea- kayak odyssey that will involve nine days of island-hopping, snorkeling, deep-sea diving, and bird-watching-all under your own steam! Accommodations along the way are spartan-tented camps and rustic eco-resorts-but the pristine sights and the sheer adventure of it all more than make up for the absence of traditional luxury. Rates: from $3,745 per person, including all meals. (888) 687-6235; mtsobek.com.