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[ International Travel
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Global Getaways
Shakespeare in Off-Season
London, England—Fewer crowds, up-close daily live demonstrations and a good look at the actual theater that made Shakespeare famous—all good reasons to head to London during the off-season, starting in October and extending to early spring. The Old Globe Theater offers a comprehensive display on Elizabethan theater, plus actors demonstrating swordplay and stage fighting. The open-air theater, recreated with historical accuracy, is a worthwhile excursion even when there isn’t a performance on tap. Backstage tours are available during the winter months and the exhibit in the theater covers all the intriguing details of how the new Globe was rebuilt to its present-day splendor. Go to www.visitlondon.com and www.shakespeares-globe.org.
Explore China after the Olympics
Beijing, China—The crowds are gone, but the allure remains. China is one of the hottest travel destinations today, especially after the successful, colorful Summer Olympics. For 2009, the Los-Angeles-based Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection is offering nine voyages to China, ranging from ten to 20 days, visiting some of the country’s most famous sights. A 16-day cruise from Shanghai to Beijing is available aboard the premiere Victoria Cruise line. Book before November 20, 2008 and save $200 per person or before December 31, 2008 for a $200 savings per couple. Visit www.uniworld.com for details.
European River Cruising
Paris, France—Traveling through Europe by rail or car can be exciting, but for those who want a more leisurely experience there’s nothing like river cruising. Among the top operators, Avalon Waterways can make a difference in terms of just how much you can see with cruises starting in France, among other European destinations. The company just launched its sixth ship, the Avalon Scenery, and plans to add more ships through 2010. For 2009, shorter and longer cruises have been added to the mix, to attract younger passengers as well as the traditional older traveler. Six new routes include 13- to 14-day itineraries from Paris to Amsterdam, Vienna to Bucharest, and a new 18-day Shanghai to Beijing cruise on the Yangtze River. Prices range from $2,049 to $2,649 for a nine-day cruise and average higher for the longer runs. Visit www.avalonwaterways.com for details and packages.
China Insider Tour
With China in the news with the Summer Olympics this month, travelers are setting their sights to visit the country in the fall and beyond. Backroads, a tour company founded in 1969, announces a brand-new insider tour. The China Insider Trip takes guests to the usual attractions, including the Great Wall and Tiananmen Square, but also visits a Tibetan village and local families. Backroads, celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2009, is well-known for active vacations. The China tour is offered October 18 to 28, 2008, May 31 to June 10, 2009 and October 3 to 13, 2009 at a cost of $5,698 to $5,898. The company also offers tours to Vietnam, the Dalmatian Coast, Tuscany, and the Czech Republic. Visit www.backroads.com for details.
Berlin Welcomes New U.S. Embassy
Berlin, Germany—The Fourth of July marked the official opening of the U.S. Embassy in Berlin, one of Europe’s most exciting tourist destinations. Located near the Brandenburg Gate, the four-story building took three-and-a-half years and $130 million to complete. Designed by Santa Monica, California-based architects Moore Ruble Yudell, the embassy features green rooftops, landscaped gardens and an open design that belies its state-of-the-art security measures. Ranked as one of the top international meeting cities, Berlin remains remarkably affordable for the American convention attendee and tourist. The average rate for a four- to five-star hotel is 137 euros per night, and additional savings can be gained by utilizing the popular Berlin Welcome Card and Culture Card, which offer savings on transportation and sightseeing. For upcoming events and more information log onto www.visitBerlin.de.
Swiss Spa Retreat
Lausanne, Switzerland—A special three-night summer package is on offer in one of Switzerland’s most luxurious hotels, available through September 30, 2008. The Beau-Rivage Palace was voted one of the best hotels in the 2008 Conde Nast Traveler Gold List. The 15,000-foot Cinq Mondes Spa here was cited as the third-best spa in Europe in the same survey. With ten acres of parkland and Lake Geneva on its doorstep, the hotel is a relaxing escape. Add to that the Japanese bath and the hamman at the spa, plus the Jubilee treatment and lunch included in the package and you have a great recipe for a European-style vacation. The Summer Spa Package also includes a four-course dinner at La Rotonde, the hotel’s signature restaurant. Reservations are available through the hotel directly (www.brp.ch) or The Leading Hotels of the World (800-223-6800; www.lhw.com).
Prince Edward Island Celebration
Prince Edward Island, Canada—A yearlong celebration is underway on scenic Prince Edward Island to commemorate the island’s most famous heroine—Anne of Green Gables. When Lucy Maud Montgomery published her story of the fictional red-haired orphan in 1908, it became an immediate best-seller with more than 50 million copies sold worldwide. One hundred years later, visitors can discover the quaint fishing villages, beautiful gardens and unchanged farm communities throughout this summer as historical reenactments, parades, performances, barn dances, and writing workshops take place to celebrate Anne’s birthday. The charming town of Cavendish, home to the green-and-white farmhouse setting for the story, will host a county fair from July 3 to 6, 2008.Throughout July and August, L.M. Montgomery Festival Day special activities will take place every week at the island locations made famous in the novel. Visit the Anne of Green Gables Museum in Park Corner or join the villagers for an authentic kitchen party at Avonlea. Prince Edward Island boasts more than two dozen golf courses and fishing is a popular activity. For a calendar of the year’s activities and packages go to www.anne2008.com.
Belize Beckons
Belize City, Belize—Mayan ruins, a pristine coastline, lush rainforests, and more—who wouldn’t enjoy such an exotic locale? Check out www.summerinbelize.com for a complete directory of summer specials in Belize. This handy website offers travel tips as well as resort and hotel packages plus advice on what type of vacation best suits your needs. Fishing and diving adventures, fantasy resorts, Mayan ruins, bird watching, or shopping and nightlife, it’s all here in Belize. The Belize Tourism Board is available to answer questions at (800)624-0686 or visit www.travelbelize.org.
Celebrate Munich's Anniversary in Style
Munich, Germany—Enjoy Munich in grand style as the city celebrates its 850th anniversary with citywide events this year. The landmark Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski Munich, which itself turns 150 years old, offers a prime location to explore the city. Built for the Bavarian King Maximilian II as the centerpiece of the city’s grand boulevard, Maximilianstrasse, the hotel offered the finest architecture and latest technological fittings of the day. Today a luxurious Kempinski hotel, it carries on the traditions of the past with guided history tours, special events and tastings. On the last Friday of each month in 2008, guests are invited to participate in a five-course “Trend & Tradition” dinner served in the historic Nymphenburg Salon. For details on 2008 packages and events visit www.kempinski.com.
A Unique Mountain Experience
Quebec, Canada—You don’t have to be a mountain climbing expert to enjoy a truly unique, new experience being offered in the Mont-Tremblant National Park in the scenic Laurentians. This vast territory with beautiful lakes, mountains, rivers, and hiking trails is a favorite with naturalists, hikers and climbers. “La Diable Via Ferrata,” a new guided tour on the Diable River, offers Via Ferrata tours and yurt (a Mongolian tent) stays in this scenic wonderland from July 7 to September 1, 2008, Monday to Sunday, and September 6 to October 13, Saturdays and Sundays. A “via ferrata” is a climbing path with a fixed protection based on the Dolomites Mountains in northeastern Italy. A beginner’s course teaches the basics and trained guides lead the way. For details go to www.laurentians.com.
Geo-Thermal Energy in Zurich
Zurich, Switzerland—A five-star luxury city resort is welcomed back with open arms in Zurich as The Dolder Grande reopened April 3 after an extensive four-year restoration. This major work added 173 new guest rooms and brought the luxury hotel back to its former glory as well as updated it for modern times. Originally a “CurHaus,” or health spa, when it first opened in 1899, the grand hotel now has a new life with a new spa, dining rooms, banquet rooms, and a geothermal energy concept. Seventy probes, 564 in length, were buried underneath the foundation of the hotel to draw one million kilowatt hours of energy per year from the natural heat-storage system in the earth. Add to that the location in a naturally green zone, the views of the city, lake and Alps, and you have a special city oasis in one of Europe’s most exciting destinations. Visit www.thedoldergrand.com or call (800)745-8883.
Getting to Know Marie Antoinette
Paris, France—Here’s a rare opportunity to peek into the private life of a fascinating historical figure and enjoy the lovely city of Paris with a good deal at Concorde Hotel & Resort’s Paris locations. Experience this spring’s major artistic event through June 30, 2008 as the hotel package includes free admission for two to the exceptional Marie Antoinette exhibition at the Grand Palais. Complimentary breakfast and a special limited edition tea box dedicated to Marie Antoinette are also included with a stay at Concorde’s grand hotels including Hotel du Louvre, where the interior design in inspired by the Napoleon era. The exhibit traces the taste and life of Marie Antoinette, patron of the arts and one of the country’s most famous historic figures. The objects range from paintings, sculptures and decorative pieces and have been assembled from all over Europe. The hotel package starts at 200 euros with a minimum of two nights and is available at www.concorde-hotels.com.
Madrid Goya Exhibit Opens
Madrid, Spain—A major exhibit devoted to more than 200 works by Goya focusing on the last 25 years of his life will open April 16, 2008 in Madrid’s Museo del Prado and run through July 13, 2008. Two major canvases, The 2nd and 3rd of May 1808, have been cleaned and restored and are on view for the first time. The museum contains the world’s largest collection of Goya works, including paintings, drawings and sketches. Check www.spain.info for information on visiting Spain and www.museodelprado.es for museum news.
Swiss Luxury
Lake Lucerne, Switzerland—Set with a breathtaking view of Lake Lucerne and the Swiss Alps, the 53-room Park Hotel Weggis reopened in July 2007 to showcase its original 1875 Art Nouveau structure, a Tibetan spa and wellness center, luxury accommodations, and three fine dining culinary venues. Ten new suites were added with spacious terraces overlooking Lake Lucerne, marble soaking tubs, in-room wine coolers, and state-of-the art technological services. The village of Weggis has been known for centuries as a summer holiday retreat and visitors included Mark Twain and Queen Victoria. The Park Hotel Weggis is a five-star member of Relais & Chateau. More information is available at www.parkhotelweggis.com or 011-41(0) 41 395 05 05.
A Romantic Adventure Above and Below
Puerto Playa, DR—A five-star resort on the Dominican Republic’s north coast offers guests a romantic escape with a hint of adventure, including a private helicopter ride, sunset cruise and luxurious spa treatments. Casa Colonial Beach & Spa Resort’s new Helicopter Escapade package provides vacationers the opportunity to take a private ride over the white sand beaches and blue waters of the north coast, with a gourmet lunch, private butler and champagne. In addition, guests will receive a private romantic sunset tour on a catamaran followed by private candlelight dinner on the beach. Also included in the package are three nights’ luxury accommodations in a Junior Suite with a tropical view, breakfast served daily on the private suite terrace, a variety of spa treatments, and a visit to Ocean World, featuring an encounter with the dolphins experience. The Helicopter Escapade package is available through December 26, 2008 and is priced at $4,270 per couple, based on double occupancy. For reservations or more information, call (800) 847-0291 or visit www.casacolonialhotel.com.
A Grand Expansion in China
Xiamen, China—The Xianglu GRAND Hotel, Xiamen has joined WORLDHOTELS, China’s leading global group for independent hotels, as a member of the Deluxe Collection. The Xianglu GRAND Hotel is highlighted by hints of French Renaissance style architecture and is located in the heart of the city, overlooking the main Huli district and scenic areas of Hubin, offering convenience for both business and leisure travelers. The hotel offers 1,525 guestrooms, which include 374 suites, extensive conference facilities and business travel amenities, plus a wide choice of restaurants and cafes, and state-of-the-art fitness and spa facility. The Club at the GRAND presents an expanded Club Lounge that serves as an exclusive retreat for frequent business travelers to experience a higher standard of accommodation, personalized service and a host of special privileges and amenities. For more details, visit www.worldhotels.com.
Authentic Aussie Experiences
Vancouver, BC—Fresh Tracks Australia is inviting travelers down under to discover some of Australia’s off the beaten path locations for an authentically local experience with a selection of new package offers. Visits to locations that include cattle ranches, private islands and rainforest resorts combine with luxury lodging for what is a uniquely Outback experience. The Eastern Escape combines a private yacht cruise in the Sydney Harbour with a stay at an exclusive five-star cattle ranch and a private beach retreat; Rainforest, Reef and Beach offers a private 4x4 tour of the Blue Mountains from Sydney and a stay at a luxury rainforest resort; the Authentic Outback, Blue Mountains and Sydney tour takes visitors from a beach side resort to a working cattle ranch with stays in deluxe safari bungalows in the Outback. To learn more, visit www.freshtracksaustralia.com/resorts.php or call (800) 667-4744.
Cancun’s Cultural Connection
Cancun, Mexico—Travelers to Cancun can have the rare opportunity to experience one of the New 7 Wonders of the World, the ancient Mayan civilization of Chichen Itza. While most of Cancun’s fanfare originates from its popular beach and resort offerings, there is the added appeal for visitors to discover a true piece of history and celebrate Mexico’s culture and heritage at the once-hidden Mayan ruins.
A three-hour day trip away from Cancun, the millennia-old Chichen Itza has enticed explorers and adventure seekers since its reemergence nearly 200 years ago. The world’s greatest examples of Mayan architecture are showcased within such iconic structures as the famous El Castillo pyramid structure, The Temple of a Thousand Warriors, Great Ballcourt, and the High Priest’s Temple. For more information about Chichen Itza and the New 7 Wonders of the World, visit www.new7wonders.com. Cancun is situated on the northeastern tip of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, bordered by the Caribbean Sea, renowned for its miles of white sandy beaches, world-class hotels and proximity to historic Mayan archeological sites. For more about Cancun, visit www.cancun.travel.
Standing Tall Down Under
Melbourne, Australia—One of Melbourne’s newest icons also became one of its newest tourist attractions recently when Eureka Tower officially opened its doors to the public. Considered the world’s tallest residential tower at a height of 984.3 feet, it is also home to the Eureka Skydeck 88, which is thought to be the highest public vantage point in the Southern Hemisphere, and offers spectacular views of Melbourne and its surroundings. In addition to 360-degree views, the skydeck also features state-of-the-art technology in a changing program of sound and light, as well as the unique “Edge” experience, where passengers are carried from the inside of the tower to the outside in a huge moving glass cube. For additional information, visit www.eurekalookout.com.au.
Open for Business at Bay Gardens
St. Lucia—Bay Gardens Beach Resort, a four-star beachfront property, is currently offering summer specials for travelers to the island of St. Lucia. The resort is located in Rodney Bay Village, and combines a blend of French Caribbean and Georgian Plantation style architecture, while incorporating traditional elements of timbered balconies and verandas for a true Caribbean feel. The modern boutique property provides guests a mix of natural charm and contemporary comfort, plus luxurious accommodations and a variety of outdoor activities. The first phase of the resort offers 72 rooms, including deluxe, one- and two-bedroom suites, all fitted with modern amenities, including high-speed Internet access. Room rates begin at $140 and vacation specials through November include free daily breakfast and five nights for the price of four. All-inclusive packages are optional. The resort’s grand opening will be in December, when a number of additional facilities are expected to open. For further information, visit www.baygardensbeachresort.com or call (877) 620-3200.
A Rebirth along the Adriatic
Venice, Italy—A former 19th century flour mill has been transformed into one of Venice’s most architecturally rich hotels and area landmarks with the opening of Hilton’s Molino Stucky Venice. The 13-building complex, which underwent a 200-million-Euro restoration, features 380 rooms, Venice’s first rooftop pool, the city’s largest spa, and two new restaurants. The Molino Stucky was Venice’s first Neo-Gothic structure built at the turn of the last century and today remains as one of the city’s tallest structures at nine stories high and offers unprecedented aerial views of the city for the general public. Located on the western end of Giudecca, a gondola-shaped group of islands, it benefits from a proximity to the mainland, as well as offering visitors an emerging destination for fashion and the arts. Room rates will begin at 295 Euros during low season and 750 Euros during high season, inclusive of tax and service charge. For additional information, visit www.hilton.com/venice.
An Ayurvedic Experience in South Asia
Bangkok, Thailand—Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok now features a new wellness facility, The Oriental Ayurvedic Penthouse, a holistic center of tranquility, located above The Oriental Spa. The Penthouse is the first of its kind in Bangkok and offers the most exclusive selection of healing and natural rituals in the city. Originating in the ancient traditions of India, Ayurveda is the science of healthy living and promotes well-being and longevity. All of the equipment in the Penthouse is imported from India to provide an authentic setting for the variety of body treatments available. Treatments include the Keraleeya Abhyangam, a four-handed synchronized massage performed by two therapists, the Udwatanam, a dry herbal massage treatment, and Pizhichie, a luxurious rejuvenation therapy. The Oriental Spa and Ayurvedic Penthouse is open daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. For more information about special package offers or to make reservations, visit www.mandarinoriental.com/bangkok.
Serenity in Sao Paulo
Sao Paulo, Brazil—Caesar Park Sao Paulo Faria Lima offers guests a taste of Brazilian tradition with modern sophistication. The 18-story boutique hotel provides a respite from the downtown hustle, yet is only steps away from the city’s commercial district of Vila Olimpia, as well as a choice of tourist pursuits, shopping and dining options and nightspots. The hotel features 130 spacious guestrooms with wall-length windows for picturesque views of the downtown skyline, as well as modern interior design and amenities to accommodate business travelers or vacationers. The hotel is connected to an office tower, convention center and the acclaimed Reebok Sports Club, and is equipped with a rooftop helicopter landing pad for VIP guests. To learn more, visit www.caesar-park.com.
Ascending
an International Icon
Sydney, Australia—Travelers heading "Down
Under" can expect to climb new heights in adventure tourism when
they visit the City of Sydney. BridgeClimb Sydney allows visitors
to see the city from a unique perspective from within the inner-workings
of the Sydney Harbor Bridge as they travel along the inner arch,
mesh catwalks and finally ascend to the top of the bridge, 134 meters
above sea level. BridgeClimb Sydney offers two tours: the original
Bridge Climb, which allows climbers to traverse only the top of
the bridge, and Discovery Climb, which permits climbers to explore
the bridge from the inside and out, accessing previously unavailable
locations and gaining a history lesson along the way. Both tours
last 3.5 hours and climbers receive commemorative certificates and
a photograph of their group at the summit of the bridge. For more
information, visit www.bridgeclimb.com
or call (61) 2 8274 7777.
Cooking
in Cancun
Cancun, Mexico—The Ritz-Carlton, Cancun is
offering guests a unique form of entertainment that lends a new
significance to the idea of tasting the Caribbean with its recently
opened $500,000 Culinary Center, a recreational kitchen facility
overlooking the Caribbean Sea. The Culinary Center combines culinary
talent with state-of-the-art equipment where guests can participate
in a variety of special cooking sessions, attend classes, learn
new recipes and about wine pairings, prepare an outdoor barbecue
overlooking the ocean, and enjoy the social atmosphere. The Culinary
Center is open six days a week with classes held Mondays through
Saturdays. The Ritz-Carlton, Cancun features 365 guestrooms with
sea views, a 1,200-foot beach, full service spa, award-winning restaurants,
and is located near many popular attractions. For more information,
call (800) 241-3333 or visit www.ritzcarlton.com.
A Discovery of Biblical Proportions
Jerusalem, Israel-The Bible Lands Museum Jerusalem
offers a unique opportunity to experience this historic region through
a collection of objects from the time and place of the Bible. Prominently
situated on Jerusalem's Museum Row, the Bible Lands Museum is a
universal cultural institution where people of all faiths can view
Biblical history through ancient art. The Museum houses a chronological
collection of artifacts with 20 galleries that span the millennia
from the beginning of civilization in the region, with each artifact
representing an era of historic importance and aesthetic beauty.
In addition to the museum's permanent fixtures, a number of special
exhibits on view include "Glories of Ancient Greece," a rare collection
of fine Greek gold and ceramics, "The Roman Fresco," which displays
examples of Roman wall paintings dating from the first century C.E.,
and "Sweet as Honey," documenting the sources of honey and its significance
during ancient times. The Museum provides scheduled lectures, gallery
talks and concerts, as well as daily multi-lingual guided tours.
For more information visit www.blmj.org
or call (972) 2 561 1066.
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