All posts by MoralCompass

Karen Rubin, Editor & Publisher, is a veteran travel writer and publisher, who is devoted to the mission of travel: to engender understanding – of self and others – and break down the barriers and borders dividing people, while creating the economic underpinnings to sustain environment, heritage and culture and a base for uplifting, fulfilling jobs.
Cultural Travel

2015 is Year of Celebration of Van Gogh in Europe

Throughout 2015, special exhibits and events will celebrate Van Gogh's life and work in Holland.
Throughout 2015, special exhibits and events will celebrate Van Gogh’s life and work in Holland.

July 29 2015 marks exactly 125 years since Vincent van Gogh (1853-1890) died. The Van Gogh Europe Foundation, a collaboration of around 30 organizations, is using the occasion to honor the Dutch artist under the theme ‘125 Years of Inspiration’, because the artist still inspires and is still very much ‘alive,’ even 125 years after his death.

Activities are being organized throughout the year in various towns in Holland, Belgium, France and England that figured in the life and work of the artist. Never before has there been cooperation on this scale between the organizations, museums and heritage sites which are actively engaged in preserving and promoting Van Gogh’s heritage.

From January 24 to 17 May 17, 2015 the Mons 2015 Foundation, in its role as European Capital of Culture will stage the exhibition Van Gogh in the Borinage, the birth of an artist in the BAM Museum (Museum of Fine Arts). During his stay of almost two years in the Borinage (1878-1880) Vincent van Gogh ended his career as a preacher and made the choice to become an artist. In Belgium, he quickly developed a love of the aspects of everyday life of peasants and workers. About 70 paintings and drawings from various international collections will be on display in this exhibition, including major loans from the Van Gogh Museum and the Kröller-Müller Museum.

In the Kröller-Müller Museum Van Gogh & Co will take place from April 25 to September 27. The exhibition will concentrate on the traditional genres at the end of the 19th century: still life, vista/perspective, nature, cityscape and portrait. More than 50 works by Van Gogh, including paintings and drawings from various periods will be combined with those of his contemporaries from the museum’s own collection. Visitors will have the chance to draw parallels and discover how Van Gogh dealt with the various genres.

The North Brabant Museum (Het Noordbrabants Museum) is in discussion with the internationally acclaimed artist, designer, entrepreneur and pioneer Daan Roosegaarde (b.1979) about an exhibition (June to August 2015) inspired by Van Gogh. Studio Roosegaarde has previously developed a 600 metre innovative cycle track for the Eindhoven region inspired by the famous painting ‘Starry Night’ (Museum of Modern Art, New York), as part of the Van Gogh cycle route which was opened in May 2013. It is expected that the interactive cycle track will be completed by autumn 2014.

The Van Gogh Museum will unveil its ambitious exhibition Munch : Van Gogh (September 25 2015 to January 17, 2016). Both Vincent van Gogh and Edvard Munch (1863-1946) are renowned for their emotionally charged paintings and drawings, their personal and innovative styles and lives filled with hardship. Both strove to modernize art by portraying existential and universal themes in expressive visual language. Despite the many striking parallels in their works and artistic ambitions, plus the fact that they are regarded as each other’s counterparts, these great masters have never before been brought together in one exhibition.

Apart from these larger museum projects numerous activities are being prepared at the various heritage sites. The 2014 cultural season (April 5 to August 31) in Auvers-sur-Oise where Van Gogh died and was buried already has a Van Gogh theme under the name ‘In the footsteps of Van Gogh’ and this theme will continue into 2015 and 2016. Also throughout 2015 activities inspired by Van Gogh’s life and work will be organized at locations in Brabant where Van Gogh lived and worked. These programme details will be announced later this year.

Four organizations form the basis of the Van Gogh Europe Foundation: the Van Gogh Museum, the Kröller-Müller Museum, Van Gogh Brabant and Mons 2015, European Capital of Culture. Under the collective name of Van Gogh Europe they form the core of collaboration between about 30 organizations in Holland, Belgium, France and England which are actively engaged in promoting Van Gogh’s heritage.

Van Gogh 2015 European Tours Launched

Holland’s largest coach operator, Oad Bus, and the Van Gogh Europe Foundation are supporting the 125th anniversary of the death of Vincent van Gogh next July with a program of specially themed group tours that combine ‘fast-track’ admission to the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam with visits to related museums, galleries and cultural events across Holland, Belgium and France.

Oad Bus, is a full-service destination marketing company for mainland Europe and it has developed these special group itineraries in partnership with the Van Gogh Museum, the Kröller-Müller Museum, Van Gogh Brabant, the Keukenhof Museum and the Netherlands Board of Tourism and Conventions.

All of the ‘Van Gogh 2015’ itineraries are based on a core program of two-, three- and four-day tours within Holland that visit Amsterdam’s Van Gogh Museum, the Kröller-Müller Museum, the Van Gogh Theme Garden, the Taste of Van Gogh, the Noordbrabants Museum, the Van Gogh Village in Nuenen, and the Vincent van Gogh house in Zundert.

Longer itineraries, of between five and eight days in duration, include visits to Van Gogh Brabant and the city of Mons (the 2015 European Capital of Culture) in Belgium; the Musee d’Orsay and Auvers-sur-Oise, where Vincent van Gogh is buried, in Paris; and Arles in France where Van Gogh painted his famous sunflowers.

All of these programs start and end in Amsterdam, close to where Oad Bus keeps its ultra-modern fleet of luxury coaches and where coach groups arrive in the Netherlands from the UK via the ferry ports of Harwich, Newcastle and Hull and from most major airports.

There’s even a potential English element to these itineraries comprising historic properties in Ramsgate in Kent and Isleworth in West London where Vincent van Gogh lived and taught in 1876 and as identified by Blue plaques in both locations.

‘Van Gogh 2015’ luxury coach was recently launched in the Kröller Müller Museum in Holland where Oad Bus unveiled a brand new and specially artworked ‘Vincent Van Gogh’ 48 seat coach, (illustrated). This stunning coach will be used, wherever possible, for all Van Gogh 2015 itineraries, adding to the status and attractiveness of these unique tours (www.oad.nl/vakantie-type/van-gogh).

Cycling Through Van Gogh’s Life

At the Holland.com website, there are marvelous cycling itineraries that link important sites connected with Van Gogh’s life.

For example, a 335 kilometer cycling route takes you through five towns and cities of the Brabant landscape loved by Vincent van Gogh, discovering the sites that were so important in his life and shaped Van Gogh as an artist. The Van Gogh cycling route follows the bicycle junction system and is marked with Van Gogh route signs. It runs for a total length of 335 kilometres, but you can also pick one of the shorter partial routes.

The route starts in Zundert, where Van Gogh was born. Today this is the site of the Van GoghHuis museum, where you can view beautiful presentations about his life and work. You will also visit Tilburg, where Van Gogh first attended drawing classes in secondary school. You will have the opportunity to visit Vincents Tekenlokaal, where the drawing classes took place.

Other interesting sites are Etten-Leur, where you can visit the Vincent van Gogh Information Centre at the old sexton’s house and explore how Van Gogh adjusted to his new life as an artist. In Nuenen, 21 sites that influenced Van Gogh await your visit at Van Gogh Village. The final destination is Den Bosch, where the Noordbrabants Museum has original works by Van Gogh on display.

Key addresses in the route: Opwetten Watermill, Opwettenseweg 203, Nuenen; Home of the Potato Eaters, Gerwenseweg 3, Nuenen; Former rectory, Berg 26, Nuenen; and Vincent’s drawing class, Stadhuisplein 128, Tilburg (See: http://www.holland.com/global/tourism/interests/van-gogh-2015/van-gogh-cycling-route-brabant.htm).

For more information: www.holland.com/global/tourism/book/bicycle-holidays/van-gogh-cycling.htm.

 

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Nature Travel, Wildlife travel

Wild Planet Adventures Offers Insights into Animal ‘Valentines’ – Courtship Behaviors

Nature’s Great Neckers: Male Giraffes will establish dominance by swinging their heads and necks at each other, followed by a longer period where they will caress one another with their necks. The best place to see giraffes is Zambia, says Wild Planet.
Nature’s Great Neckers: Male Giraffes will establish dominance by swinging their heads and necks at each other, followed by a longer period where they will caress one another with their necks. The best place to see giraffes is Zambia, says Wild Planet.

SAUSALITO, CA – “All the world loves a lover,” mused American thinker, Ralph Waldo Emerson.  That being said, with Valentine’s Day around the corner, here’s a week’s worth of romantic and beautiful courtship rituals of the wild kingdom.

Wild Planet Adventures, the recognized experts in viewing wildlife through habitat-sustaining practices, call these rituals “animal Valentines.” Following are founder Josh Cohen’s personal favorites.

1) Gibbons: Nature’s Great Crooners: For these tree-top swingers, marital harmony begins with sonic harmony. Each morning, males and females of these Asian apes sing love duets to each other as the mist burns off the rainforest. The duet is repeated in such precise sequences that it often takes newlyweds many months to learn to make beautiful music together. In a duet between a male and a female, the female’s part is a long, rising series of notes that end in a fast “twitter”. The male’s song is less complicated. He grunts, squeals and whistles in delight.

And the best place to see Gibbons in the wild: From an exotic treehouse in Thailand. Wild Planet Adventures suggested trip: Thailand – Ultimate Wildlife 15-Day EcoTour (also 11 days) starting at $4,498 per person double.

2) Tarsiers – Tiny Tenors: These tiny, uber-cute, wide-eyed primates also use sound as part of their courtship rituals, but these are performed by the male. During courting, potential partners often chase each other around while making distinctive soft sounds. The male, if aroused, will escalate his sound within five minutes of merely looking at an attractive female. The female, if receptive, will display her genitals invitingly; however, if she is not sufficiently wooed, she’ll emit an antagonistic call, often followed by biting and pushing the male away. Ironically, when mating begins, they maintain complete silence. Once bonded, Tarsiers are extremely vocal and make loud shrieks with their partners. In fact, they call in harmony, with each partner making its own distinct sounds.

Best place to see Tarsiers in the wild: Borneo.  Wild Planet Adventures arranges special nocturnal expeditions to see both Tarsiers and Slow Loris on Borneo – Weird & Wonderful Wildlife 12-Day EcoTour at $6,496 per person double.

3) Resplendent Quetzel: Beauty with Equality: Perhaps the most beautiful of all birds, the resplendent quetzal sports gorgeous two-foot-long green tail feathers, a red breast, blue sides and green crown. In February, just in time for Valentine’s Day, males begin an elaborate courtship ritual to entice females. In a dazzling display of color and sensuality, they circle in the sky with their long tails dancing behind them, then dive down to the cloud forest treetops in hopes of attracting females. By March, once a mate has been selected and the mating process is underway, males can easily be seen sharing nesting duties with females, alternating guarding the eggs every half hour, including sitting on them.

Best places to see Quetzals: Monteverde Cloudforest on Wild Planet Adventures Costa Rica – Ultimate Wildlife 14-Day EcoTour (also 10.5 and 9-day tours) starting at $4,998 per person double. La’ Amistad National Park, in Panama is another on Panama – Ultimate Wildlife 10-Day EcoTour (also available in 8 days) starting at $3,998 per person double.

4) Tigress – Saving Herself for True Love? Female tigers distinguish between true love and “friends with benefits”. Normally tigers take as long as a full day to develop mutual confidence, through ritualized purring, playing and moving their tails left to right with spring in their steps.  Once the tigress has developed confidence, she will roll over on her back in a playful manner, rub her face, and move closer to the male tiger, who will mount her. Their climax is signaled by a loud roar. Then the tigress turns her head and takes a swipe at the tiger with her foreleg. The tiger instinctively takes evasive action. The tigress then rolls over her back to facilitate insemination. However, if the tiger is a transient male just passing through the area and its dominance is not clearly established, the tigress will treat him like a “friend with benefits”, engaging in “false mating”, but not rolling over on her back.

Best places to see Tigers in the wild: Kanha National Park, India. Wild Planet Adventures suggested trip is India – Ultimate Wildlife Safari 19-Day: Leopards, Tigers & Palaces (other itineraries offered) at $7,498 per person double. Bardia National Park in Nepal is another great destination for tiger viewing. Untamed India & Nepal 19-Day Wildlife Safari is the trip to take.

5) Giraffes – Nature’s Great Neckers: Male Giraffes will establish dominance by swinging their heads and necks at each other, followed by a longer period where they will caress one another with their necks and then actually have sex, including reaching climax. Interested females also rub their necks against potential mates as part of their courtship. Recently, researchers also observed adolescent giraffes performing a complicated, prancing, dance-like step that some observers have compared to the fox-trot.  Could giraffes be nature’s greatest romantics?

Best place to see Giraffes in the wild: Zambia.  The trip: Zambia – Ultimate Wildlife 18-Day Safari (also 15, 12 and 10-day programs) at $13,998 per person double and less. Here you can see a journey of giraffes right from your luxury tent, and perhaps view a live birth on a unique walking safari.

6) Waved Albatross – Kissing Fools: The complex and expressive courtship ritual of waved albatross includes extensive kissing and bill-fencing, in which the partners bend, face each other in an exaggerated upright posture, open their bills wide and shut them with a loud clap, often alternating with rapidly clattering their bills or slapping them back and forth. If that isn’t strange enough, they will also bow and circle each another while swaying their heads from side to side in an exaggerated manner.  The newer the pair, the longer and more elaborate the dance.

Best place to see Waved Albatross: Ecuador’s Galapagos Islands. The trip: Galapagos – Ultimate Wildlife Cruise – M/Y Eric, Letty and Flamingo at $4,100 per person double.

For detailed itineraries, exciting wildlife photos and video galleries and booking information, visit http://www.wildplanetadventures.com/, call 1-800-990-4376 or email [email protected].

Wild Planet Adventures Receives ‘World’s Best 50 Trips’ Award
In April 2014 the editors of National Geographic Traveler bestowed its fifth “World’s Best 50 Trips” award to Wild Planet Adventures for its “On the Jaguar’s Trail; from the Pantanal to the Amazon” wildlife safari in Brazil. Past awards have recognized their programs in India, Thailand, Panama and Zambia.

The expert wildlife guides of Wild Planet Adventures go the extra mile to explore remote wildlife habitat and study wildlife patterns in destinations not often accessible to the general public. Thanks to the company’s comprehensive itineraries that balance diverse and complex ecosystems and habitats, guests enjoy wildlife and game viewing that is carefully aligned with animals’ seasonal, daily and nocturnal migrations.

Following a philosophy that interacting with nature has the power to transform lives, tours are conducted in Africa, Baja, Belize, Borneo, Brazil, Costa Rica, Galapagos, India, Laos, Nepal, Panama, Peru, Thailand and Zambia. Wild Planet Adventures is recognized by top publications in the travel industry for its itineraries that combine intimate encounters with wildlife and local culture.

 

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ecotourism, Sustainable Travel

Rivers Fiji is Finalist for 2015 Tourism for Tomorrow Award for Sustainability

 

Rivers Fiji’s mission is to enhance visitors’ and indigenous peoples' appreciation for the culture and environment through socially responsible and environmentally sensitive interaction with the people, landscape and ecosystems that make the Fijian Highlands so distinct and unique.
Rivers Fiji’s mission is to enhance visitors’ and indigenous peoples’ appreciation for the culture and environment through socially responsible and environmentally sensitive interaction with the people, landscape and ecosystems that make the Fijian Highlands so distinct and unique.

Rivers Fiji, part of the O.A.R.S. Family of Companies, has been selected by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) as one of 15 finalists for its 2015 Tourism for Tomorrow Awards. Considered the highest accolade for sustainability in the global travel and tourism industry, Rivers Fiji is one of only three companies in the Environment category being considered for the prestigious awards.

According to the WTTC, Rivers Fiji was selected for “protecting threatened forests and river systems” by running a low-impact commercial rafting operation in the Fijian Highlands of Viti Levu.  And though the economic support given to the region is an important aspect of Rivers Fiji’s work—they’ve created jobs and given more than $1 million back to local communities in the last 15 years—it’s the unique conservation model the company helped foster that demonstrates the full extent of their commitment to sustainable tourism.

In 1998, Rivers Fiji, with the support of O.A.R.S. president and founder, George Wendt, and a group of local entities including two villages, nine mataqali (land-owning clans), a logging company and a government organization banded together to create the Upper Navua Conservation Area (UNCA). This unlikely public-private partnership included a 25-year land lease that has protected the area’s natural assets from logging, road building or mining in the fragile river corridor.  Instead of quick money from resource extraction, the arrangement created long-term sustainability through tourism and one-day rafting trips year-round on the Upper Navua River.

Rivers Fiji also pioneered the establishment of Fiji’s first Ramsar site in 2006, which recognizes the UNCA as a wetland of international importance.  Beyond these efforts, the company has developed outreach programs in partnership with local NGO Nature Fiji to provide educational river trips that enable local communities to experience first-hand the economic, environmental, and cultural importance of where they live. By supporting both community development and environmental conservation, Rivers Fiji programs strive to set the bar for ecotourism.

“The Upper Navua is a very special place which encapsulates the possibility of what ecotourism can achieve, to actively contribute to conservation and affect positive change,” said Wendt. “In cooperation with the team at Rivers Fiji and the commitment of local community partners, this is a wonderful honor and tribute to all those who have committed their time and vision to Rivers Fiji.”

The 2015 Tourism for Tomorrow winners will be announced during the 15th WTTC Global Summit in Madrid, Spain in April 2015.

Rivers Fiji’s mission is to enhance visitors’ and indigenous peoples’ awareness of, and appreciation for the culture and environment by providing activities that promote conservation and preservation through socially responsible and environmentally sensitive interaction with the people, landscape and ecosystems that make the Fijian Highlands so distinct and unique. To learn more, visit www.riversfiji.com and watch River of Eden, a short film by National Geographic Filmmaker & Freshwater Hero, Pete McBride at www.riverofeden.com.

O.A.R.S. has been providing whitewater rafting and nature-based vacations since 1969. Over the decades the company has set the standard in first-class rafting, sea kayaking and multi-sport adventures, with destinations and unparalleled experiences on over 35 rivers and coastlines around the world. In 2013 Outside, America’s leading multimedia active-lifestyle brand, named O.A.R.S. one of the top two outfitters in the world in its annual Active Travel Awards recognition program.

For more information on Rivers Fiji and O.A.R.S., trip availability, reservations or a copy of our 2015 Adventures catalog call 209-736-4677 or 800-346-6277, email [email protected], or visit: http://www.oars.com/.

Follow O.A.R.S.
Twitter: https://twitter.com/oars_rafting
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/OARS.rafting
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/oarsweb
Blog: http://www.oars.com/blog/
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bike trips, cycling trips

Self-Guided Epic Bike Tour from Madrid to Lisbon Spans 1000km Over 10 Days

Portugal Nature Trails is providing support for a 1000 km self-guided epic bike tour from Madrid to Lisbon.
Portugal Nature Trails is providing support for a 1000 km self-guided epic bike tour from Madrid to Lisbon.

The rewards are abundant for those willing to work their two legs to power two wheels between two European capitals on a 1000km Portugal Nature Trails bicycle tour. Featured are two countries, two capitals, 15 major mountains, six days of mountainous riding and two along the sea.

The per person, double, rate is 1499€ for this self-guided Madrid-Lisbon Road Bike tour that concludes with a two-day respite on the Atlantic. For 10 days and nine nights departing July 11, 2015, history, culture and unsurpassed scenery combine with the highs of slow living on the road.

Included in the rate are:

An over 1000 km fully vehicle supported tour

GPS tracking for navigation

Accommodation in quality hotels and inns

All  meals (dinner, buffet lunch en route and breakfast)

Luggage transfers

Transfers from and to the airport (Madrid and Lisbon)

Mechanical assistance for bikes

Participants are welcome to bring their own bike or rent a Carbon bike for 200€. Bikes are not included in the tour price. Cyclists will average 128km per day. Approximately half the route is in Spain; the other half traverses Portugal’s schist (metamorphic rock) mountains.

This epic bicycle tour was designed to meet expectations of modern travelers who have taken to the bike as a way to travel slowly, at a pedal pace through a country and its culture. Guests will follow a mountain route said to be one of Europe’s most beautiful yet challenging. For details see: http://www.portugalnaturetrails.com/madrid-lisbon-road-bike/4587497218

For more information, trip availability, itineraries and reservations contact call 888 752 0244, Email: [email protected] or visit online: http://www.portugalnaturetrails.com/

NOTE ON UPCOMING MOUNTAIN BIKE VERSION: Portugal Nature Tours is also offering a fat tire version of the Madrid to Lisbon ride. Madrid Lisbon MTBike, June 13-27, 2015 is one of the biggest mountain biking adventures in Europe. The 17 day / 16 night fully guided tour is priced at 2750€ per person, double. See: http://www.bikemadridlisbon.com/#/mtb/4586591908

Portugal Nature Trails is a premier adventure travel tour company offering guided and self-guided walking, hiking and cycling tours. Guided tours feature the expertise of local guides. All of the tours, guided or not, feature handcrafted itineraries, authentic cuisine, accommodations reflecting locale and an in-depth introduction to local culture. Customized Adventures designed for personalized small-group travel are available

 

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experiential travel, Latin America

Austin Adventures Spotlights Peru, ‘Land of the Incas’ for 2015

Seeing a heightened demand for Peru from families with young children Austin Adventures created a new family-friendly itinerary that explores Machu Picchu from a kid’s perspective.
Seeing a heightened demand for Peru from families with young children Austin Adventures created a new family-friendly itinerary that explores Machu Picchu from a kid’s perspective.

Peru is popping up everywhere on the latest “best places to travel to in 2015” lists. According to Business Insider, Peru is one of 23 places one should visit this year, while National Geographic Traveler lists the country in its list of Top 20 destinations to visit in 2015 and the Los Angeles Times includes it on its list of 15 destinations for travelers to set their sights on in 2015. But months before these lists were created, the award-winning adventure travel company, Austin Adventures, decided to kick off the new year by focusing on “the Land of the Incas.”

“We send guests all over the world, but in the past few months we’ve seen a substantial uptick in interest in our Peru packages,” said Dan Austin, President and founder of Austin Adventures (www.austinadventures.com). “And it’s not just from adult adventurers with Machu Picchu on their bucket lists. We noticed such a strong increase in demand from families with young children that we were inspired to create a new family-friendly itinerary that explores Machu Picchu from a kid’s perspective.”

Austin Adventures currently offers five Peru adventure tour packages including Inca Trail Glamping—a 10-day luxury trek to “The Lost City,” Salkantay Lodge-to-Lodge—a 7-day journey that explores the “back way” of getting to Machu Picchu, Machu Picchu—a 9-day vacation package for adults that involves hiking and rafting, and an all-new Machu Picchu Family package that  allows families with kids as young as seven to experience the Andes mountains, Incan mummies and chocolate-making in Cusco. Finally, the company offers a 5-day Amazon River Luxury Cruise that takes travelers deep into the jungle to float the Ucayali River, fish for red-bellied piranha and even savor a 5-star Peruvian dinner.

Starting in 2016, the company will also offer the “Sacred Valley of the Incas” tour which was designed by Mountain Lodges of Peru and will allow travelers to experience the Lares Trail, an alternative to the Inca Trail. Guests will stay at brand new lodges and a deluxe base camp scheduled to open in early 2015.

The 2015 scheduled departures range in price from $3,000 to $4,800 or $444/day to $844/day, per person, double. Austin Adventures’ adventure travel consultants can also create custom trips for a variety of budgets that accommodate all ages and depart at any time.

As of 2015, Austin Adventures takes guests to all seven continents and offers several small ship cruises in addition to its extensive lineup of traditional multisport adventures. All of the 2015 scheduled trips can be found in the Austin Adventures award-winning adventure vacation catalogs. Custom vacations can be arranged by calling (800) 575-1540 or emailing [email protected].

Based in Billings, MT, Austin Adventures (formerly Austin-Lehman Adventures) has spent more than 40 years building an international reputation as a provider of scheduled small group tours and customized trips to all seven continents. In 2014, Kasey Austin, Vice President of Operations, was named the World’s Top Family Guide by Outside Magazine. In 2013, Austin Adventures joined the Xanterra Parks & Resorts® portfolio of experiential leisure offerings. Xanterra Parks & Resorts has operations in the Grand Canyon, including Grand Canyon Railway and The Grand Hotel; Yellowstone; Zion; Crater Lake; Glacier, Rocky Mountain and Petrified Forest National Parks; Mount Rushmore National Memorial; Furnace Creek Resort in Death Valley National Park and five Ohio State Park Lodges as well as the Geneva Marina at Ohio’s Geneva State Park. Xanterra Parks & Resorts also operates Kingsmill Resort in Williamsburg, Va., Windstar Cruises, and VBT Bicycling and Walking Vacations.

 

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cruises

Variety Cruises, Small Ship Cruise Line, Launches New Voyages in Red Sea, Greece and Turkey, Canary Islands, Madagascar

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Variety Cruises' Harmony V.
Variety Cruises’ Harmony V.

Athens, Greece-based small ship cruise line Variety Cruises is launching five new itineraries in 2015 and 2016, including cruises in the Red Sea, Greece and Turkey, the Canary Islands and in Madagascar and its Mozambique Channel Islands.

Red Sea Cruises will debut in 2016 on the 21-cabin Motor Yacht Harmony G, operating two 6 night / 7 day cruise itineraries in the area: the Kings and Pharaohs Cruise and the Splendours of the Red Sea Cruise, two equally fascinating cruise programs showcasing the treasures of the Red Sea and the cultural diversity of Egypt and Jordan. Variety Cruise’s Kings and Pharaohs Cruise from Aqaba, Jordan to Suez, Egypt (or reverse) program includes Luxor, the ancient land of gods and pharaohs and home of the Valley of the Kings, and the Karnak and Luxor temples, Sharm el Sheikh in the Sinai peninsula and home to St. Catherine’s Monastery atop Mt. Sinai and pre- and post-cruise tours in Jordan and Cairo, to unravel the amazing cultural diversity of the region.

The Splendours of the Red Sea Cruise from Hurghada to Hurghada, Egypt allows for more time in Aqaba, Jordan with visits of Petra and Wadi Rum, as well as for more swim stops to enjoy the sun and the underwater treasures of the Red Sea (www.varietycruises.com/english/home/cruiseCalendar/Red+Sea/34).

Greece and Turkey: The Aegean Mosaic Cruise is a 7 night/8 day program from Athens to Istanbul (or reverse), with 4 sailings in 2015 and 9 sailings in 2016. Travelers sail on the 36-cabin Mega Yacht Variety Voyager, discovering both mainland port cities and islands throughout eight days. The cruise takes passengers from the exotic city of Istanbul and the fabled ancient cities of Troy, Pergamon and Ephesus to the glitzy Greek islands of Mykonos and Santorini as well as off-the-beaten track islands of Patmos, Samos and Arki, where large cruise ships cannot dock. The cruise offers passengers six optional excursions and three swim stops at the most picturesque locations in the Greek islands (www.varietycruises.com/english/home/cruiseCalendar/Cruises+in+Greece+and+Turkey/32).

The Canary Islands: The Canary Islands Discovery on the 25-cabin Motor Yacht Harmony V is a 7 night/8 day cruise program showing this 10 islands archipelago – a perfect fit for Variety’s small ships — with tremendous bio and cultural diversity and close to perfect weather conditions. Guests will sail this new program from December 2015 to March 2016, which is the best period to visit the Canary Islands with temperatures not exceeding 71-74 degrees Farenheit and when winds are at their lowest. Passengers explore Gran Canaria, the main island, with its capital Las Palmas, cosmopolitan Lanzarote, Tenerife and La Palma or Isla Bonita. The simple wild beauty of Fuerteventura and the small and quaint island of La Gomera enchant the senses. Variety Cruises will operate 14 sailings plus an end March repositioning cruise from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria to Malaga, Spain. An Excursions Package including walking tours and excursions is available at additional cost (www.varietycruises.com/english/home/cruiseCalendar/Cruises+in+the+Canary+Islands/36).

Madagascar and its Mozambique Channel Islands:Madagascar and its Mozambique Channel Islands Cruise on the 21-cabin Motor Yacht Pegasus, is a 9 night / 10 day itinerary showing North West Madagascar in a way no land tour or cruise has done so before:  The Madagascar mainland portion of the itinerary includes the magnificent Diego Suarez Bay, the Ankarana Park and Amber Mountain. The itinerary also includes an island hopping portion reaching  the most beautiful islands in the Mozambique channel such as Hara, Mitsio, Komba, Sakatia, Iranji and Nosy Be.  The program can embark from Nosy Be or from Diego Suarez and an Excursions Package is available including walking tours and excursions. There will be a Madagascar Specialist Guide on board to educate passengers on the islands and their histories (www.varietycruises.com/english/home/cruiseCalendar/Madagascar/33).

Variety Cruises, one of the world’s largest small ships cruise companies, has been offering passengers worldwide a total yachting experience since 1949. Their fleet of 11 fully-owned vessels varies in size from 4 to 36 cabins. Their yachts and staff provide an intimate and relaxed environment; a comfort filled starting point for the discerning travelers as they visit well known and unique ports of call, including Seychelles, Madagascar, Greece, Turkey, Costa Rica and Panama. Fine locally-flavored cuisine, exciting itineraries and personalized service are just a few of the things that have made Variety Cruises the choice for the ever-growing number of travelers looking for distinctive small ship cruise experiences. Visit www.varietycruises.com.

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heritage travel

Mission in Support of Jewish Communities of Budapest and Prague Planned for June 16-25

A mission in support of the Jewish communities in Prague and Budapest is being planned (photo by David Leiberman).
A mission in support of the Jewish communities in Prague and Budapest is being planned (photo by David Leiberman).

BOSTON, MASS.  — Members of the Greater Boston Jewish community are organizing a first-of-its-kind upbeat cultural mission designed to show support for the Jewish communities of two of Europe’s great capitals: Budapest, Hungary, and Prague, Czech Republic.

The professionally-led June 16 – 25 mission, “Discovering Our Jewish Past & Present,” is open to all and is being organized by the Temple Israel Brotherhood of Sharon, Mass. under the auspices of Masorti Olami, the World Council of Conservative/Masorti Synagogues. Masorti is devoted to strengthening Jewish life around the world.  Space is limited and the reservation deadline is March 15.

Participants will enjoy VIP meetings with community leaders and high-ranking diplomats, 4-star accommodations, sightseeing and guided tours of both cities’ incredible architectural treasures, unforgettable behind-the-scenes experiences with the local Jewish community, and home hospitality.

Co-chairing the mission are Dr. Mark Popovsky, Vice President and Chief Medical Officerat Haemonetics, Inc., and Ron Czik, an IT Development Manager.

“Through meetings with Jewish community leaders, we can become better advocates for their communities, demonstrate ‘Klal Yisrael,’ our solidarity and support,” Dr. Popovsky said, “These proud, self-identifying Jews are bravely staying put. American Jewry has clout on many levels and this is the best way to increase awareness and show the world these communities are alive and well.”

Ron Czik said, “In light of growing worldwide anti-Semitism, this trip takes on even more meaning.” Czik has a special affinity to Hungary as members of his family are Holocaust survivors from Hungary.

Major highlights of the mission include a special Shabbat celebration with the Dor Hadash (‘New Generation’ in Hebrew) Masorti community leaders in Budapest, and VIP meetings to learn firsthand about Hungarian-Jewish relations, in partnership with the American Jewish Committee (AJC).

Besides sightseeing and special programs, the group will engage in advocacy for the safety of the local Jewish community, and leadership development.

In addition to home hospitality with local community leaders and special Sabbath services, other highlights in Budapest will include: Dohany Synagogue; Jewish Museum and Cemetery; cruise on the Danube; Parliament Building; Great Market Hall and more. Among highlights in Prague: Old City and ghetto; historic synagogues and State Jewish Museum; tour of Terezin concentration camp; Holocaust Memorial Day service; and a tour of Golden Prague.

Prague’s Jewish community dates back to the 13th century.  Very few Czech Jews survived the Holocaust; a quarter million died at the hands of the Nazis and 60 synagogues were destroyed.  Today, about 4,000 Jews reside in the Czech Republic. Hungary’s Jewish community dates back to 895 AD or earlier. Over 600,000 were killed by the Nazis. Today‘s Jewish population is about 120,000, mostly in Budapest, making it one of Europe’s largest. There are many active synagogues in Hungary, including the largest in Europe the second largest in the world.

The mission is a direct outgrowth of the 2011 Men’s Club Biennial Conference where American community leaders were challenged to find ways to connect with young Jewish professionals around the world who are courageously leading their historic communities into the 21st century.

Using Skype, members of Temple Israel of Sharon have celebrated holidays and prayed together with leaders of Dor Hadash. In 2013, Dor Hadash leaders were hosted in Sharon, Mass., during a convention of the Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs in Boston.

Arrangements for this mission are being made by Ayelet Tours, Ltd., of Albany, NY,  which has 30 years of experience creating Jewish travel experiences around the world.

The cost is about $4,500 per person – includes airfare, 4-star hotels for 10 days, guided tours, programs, and many meals.

For more information and/or reservations, contact  Mark A. Popovsky, M.D.,  [email protected] or Ron Czik at [email protected].

 

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experiential travel

New Tripology Trip Explores Off-Beaten-Track Greece in 4×4 Off-Road Vehicles

A new Tripology itinerary journeys by off-road 4x4 from the bustle of Athens into a myth-laden landscape along the Heraklion Ridge overlooking the Gulf of Corinth enroute to Delphi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site believed by the god Zeus to have been the center of the world.
A new Tripology itinerary journeys by off-road 4×4 from the bustle of Athens into a myth-laden landscape along the Heraklion Ridge overlooking the Gulf of Corinth enroute to Delphi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site believed by the god Zeus to have been the center of the world.

Beit Zayit, Israel – An innovative Israeli adventure travel company recently launched its website in English to share with North American travelers the fun of self-driving 4×4 off-road vehicles to obscure-but-culturally intense locales on the continents of Europe, Asia and Africa.

This includes a new Tripology itinerary that mesmerizes its guests on a journey from the bustle of Athens into a myth-laden landscape along the Heraklion Ridge overlooking the Gulf of Corinth enroute to Delphi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site believed by the god Zeus to have been the center of the world.  Here in upper central Greece comes a tumult of high-altitude lakes, churches that appear to dangle over cliffs, isolated villages, swimming in the Krikloptomus River, flour mills and ancient taverns, and always the excitement of meeting people at home in their ancient and seldom-visited communities.

The tour price for the nine-day/eight-night self-drive itinerary April 26-May 4, 2015 to little-known regions of Greece (beginning and ending in Athens) is $2,315 per person double ($495 single supplement). The rates are based on two guests sharing a room, breakfasts, lunches and/or dinners (exclusive of beverages), off-road vehicles (at Suzuki Grand Vitara category) for every four travelers, gasoline for the entire trip, a Tripology Adventures guide in an accompanying, supervising vehicle for the entire off-road tour, two-way radio with approved frequencies, sightseeing fees, mineral water, destination maps and tips for service providers enroute.

“Our ‘deep’ touring programs reach exotic destinations where guests have rare opportunities to touch authenticity, to feel the magical genesis as if we were the first to ever arrive in this pristine place,” said Ofir Birenbaum, TripologyCEO.

Comfortable, fully equipped, off-road, four-passenger vehicles bring guests through seldom-visited locales while listening enroute via two-way radio to information about their journey. The vehicles are appointed with gourmet coffee and kitchen kits for picnic-style dining.

“We design our trips to be convenient and comfortable, with an itinerary, that leaves room to breathe, to visit preferred sites, villages, lakes, rivers, peaks, canyons – or to just be!” said Birenbaum. “We will reach incredibly beautiful and wild locations – places that tourists never know – in comfortable off-road vehicles, on spectacular 4X4 roads. We plan to cross rivers, attempt passes over 2000 meters high, and reach roads in which the scenery will cause us to stop for yet another incredible vista or maybe just to enjoy a deep, cleansing breath.”

For more information on From Athens to the Pindus trip see: http://www.tripologyadventures.com/GR-AP04/26/15.

Tripology Adventures, with a 20-year track record of successful adventure touring, conducts guided, caravan-style, off-road holidays including lodging, dining, sightseeing, trekking, river rafting and more for independent-minded guests who self-drive themselves through a destination on a proscribed itinerary.

On Tripology Adventures’ tours guests can, for example, cross the Pindos peaks in Greece, reach the Himba tribes in Namibia and cross the dunes in the Moroccan Sahara. Itineraries are available in Greece,Morocco, Turkey, Italy, Pyrenees, Iceland and Namibia.

For trip details, itineraries and booking information visit: http://www.tripologyadventures.com/; email: [email protected]; or call (US Office) 888-975-7080.

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cruises

AdventureSmith Explorations’ Small Ships Cruise Into Intimate Ports this Spring

Small ship cruise expert AdventureSmith Explorations http://www.adventuresmithexplorations.com announces Spring 2015 cruises that probe the fecundity of the Galapagos and the profundity of classical Greece.
Small ship cruise expert AdventureSmith Explorations http://www.adventuresmithexplorations.com announces Spring 2015 cruises that probe the fecundity of the Galapagos and the profundity of classical Greece.

TAHOE CITY, CA – Small ship cruise expert AdventureSmith Explorations announces Spring 2015 cruises that probe the fecundity of the Galapagos and the profundity of classical Greece, among others.

“Cruises into pristine, nature-focused destinations such as Darwin’s magical archipelago, the ancient Greek Isles of Plato and Homer and into Baja’s Sea of Cortez, a favorite playground and laboratory of Jacques Cousteau are voyages every modern adventurer should take. Plus it’s ever so much more exciting in the spring when the oceans are full of life and rebirth,” said Todd Smith, Founder and President of AdventureSmith Explorations.

Here are Smith’s favorite spring trips for the upcoming 2015 season:

Small Yacht Galapagos Cruises
While equatorial Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands technically have no “spring season” weather-wise, April and May offer the best air and water temperatures and calmest seas, making these months best for snorkeling with sea lions, penguins and tropical fish. Stunning waved albatross return to Espanola Island; many other birds and reptiles are nesting in the spring. Favorite springtime ships include the 20-passenger sister ships Eric, Letty and Flamingo. According to Smith, “Their family cruises are second to none” and are offered during spring and Easter break in March and April. These ships boast the best guide-to-passenger ratio and are some of the more eco-friendly yachts to ply Galapagos waters.

Hawaiian Seascapes
Springtime in Hawaii means perfect weather and an explosion of flowers, blossoms and fruit. Rainfall diminishes as trade winds fade; the surf also calms and water temperature rise, all adding up to excellent snorkeling, kayaking and paddleboard conditions. Whales are active in the Auau Channel. The 36-guest adventure yacht Safari Explorer navigates a unique Hawaiian Seascapes cruise itinerary to Molokai, Lanai, Maui and the big island introducing authentic Hawaii in intimate ports of call.

Delfin II Amazon River Cruise
The weather cools down in March, April and May marking the end of the Amazon’s high water season, Smith’s favorite time to cruise. But the water is still high enough so that skiffs can make forays into the rainforest to sight wildlife. Four or five day cruises aboard the luxurious 28-guest Delfin II are more affordable than other ships in the region. Activities include skiff rides, kayaking, hiking and fishing. From the river guests often extend their adventure with a trip to Machu Picchu or a Mountain Lodge Trek.

Classical Greece
Savvy travelers know that spring is the best time to travel in Greece. Temperatures are moderate, winds are calmer, crowds are light and wildflowers are abundant. Classical Greece aboard the 49-guest Harmony V embodies the best of spring in the islands and Mediterranean small ship cruising. The ship accesses smaller ports of call that aren’t accessible to large ships: Delos, Mykonos, Santorini, Crete and Nafplion. Along the way the ship stops in hidden coves and glimpse ancient history away from tourist crowds.

Great Barrier Reef Cruises
It’s autumn in the southern hemisphere in April and May, a small window between high and low seasons offering comfortable air and water temperatures and less rain making snorkeling and diving ideal in the Great Barrier Reef of Australia. The Coral Princess I and Coral Princess II are specially outfitted to explore the reef in style. Unlike live-aboard dive cruises, these small ship voyages of four, five and eight days focus on average travelers who would like to explore on foot, by skiff and by snorkeling, with an option to dive.

Cousteau’s Aquarium of the World
The elegant and functional 84-guest Safari Endeavour is returning to Baja for the first time since she was Cruise West’s Spirit of Endeavour. Recently refitted with ample air conditioning, spacious common areas, comfortable cabins and numerous off-vessel activities, this expedition ship cruise includes hiking, kayaking, snorkeling and sunbathing as primary activities. After whale season ends, the weather warms up and winds die down making Baja a great beach and adventure getaway. Think snorkeling among gentle whale sharks and sea lion pups. In a setting of steep bluffs and sandy beaches, guests explore Cabo Pulmo, where French Oceanographer Jacques Cousteau led numerous expeditions. Baja is easily reached in less than four hours from most major US airports.

For more details on all spring 2015 cruises from AdventureSmith see:
http://www.adventuresmithexplorations.com/top-small-ship-cruises-for-spring-2015

Founded in 2003, AdventureSmith Explorations is based in Tahoe City, CA. For information, availability and 2015 reservations, call 800-728-2875 or visit www.adventuresmithexplorations.com.

Follow AdventureSmith Explorations:
Facebook:   http://www.facebook.com/AdventureSmithExplorations
Twitter:    https://twitter.com/adventuresmith

 

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cruises

Group IST Launches Arcadia Small Ship Cruises, to Sail to Hard-to-Reach Ports

Variety Cruises' Harmony V is part of the Arcadia Small Ship portfolio.
Variety Cruises’ Harmony V is part of the Arcadia Small Ship portfolio.

Group travel provider Group IST has launched Arcadia Small Ship Cruises, marketing a fleet of 11 small ships, including yachts and barges, sailing to hard-to-reach domestic and international ports of call.

Partnering with Blount Small Ship Adventures, CroisiEurope, Rivages du Monde and Variety Cruises, Arcadia Small Ship Cruises offers a portfolio of programs to destinations including Cuba, the Mekong River, Seychelles, Costa Rica, the northeast United States, the Greek islands and France’s rivers and canals. Arcadia aims to offer American travelers a more service-driven and personalized cruise experience at affordable prices, with per passenger prices starting at $1,460.

“Group IST prides itself on offering meaningful travel experiences. Our clients have come to trust us as a provider of enriching land-based travel programs throughout Europe, the Near East and Africa. We’re now thrilled to be able to offer a diverse range of sea-based programs in line with our company’s ideals,” said Group IST President and CEO Michael Goren. “We’ve vetted many cruise lines and small ships around the world, looking for products that we know our audience will find substantial and memorable.”

“Small ship cruises can not only dock in hard-to-access ports, but they give cruisers ample time to explore each destination,” added Group IST COO Tom Souza. “Arcadia ships often dock right in the heart of the various ports without the need to tender and with no long security lines.”

Arcadia Small Ship Cruises offers cruisers programs to a variety of international destinations on state-of-the-art ships, while providing intimate service and fine dining. Arcadia sails to diverse ports of call many larger ships cannot reach, including the islands of New England, the Adriatic and the Panama Canal. Most ships and mega yachts that are in the Arcadia portfolio accommodate no more than 100 passengers, allowing a more personalized connection with the staff and fellow passengers. For more information visit www.arcadiasmallshipcruises.com.

The ships and the itineraries are not new. What is new is that the programs are coming under the umbrella of Arcadia Small Ship Cruises, a newly formed company. There are several benefits to booking through Arcadia, rather than directly through the various cruise lines:

1. Arcadia’s Loyalty Club enables travelers to earn points on any of the cruises, be they operated by Blount, Variety, CroisiEurope or Rivages, and redeem them through any of the operators too.
2. For those we are interested, Arcadia Small Ship Cruises can also handle air arrangements and organize pre/post cruise land programs.
3. Travelers can use Arcadia’s secure website to book or get personalized attention thru the call center. Either way, their information does not have to be re-entered each time they wish to cruise with any of the 4 operators.

For more information visit www.groupist.com.

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