At ADLER Lodge Alpe in Italy’s Dolomites, Luxury is All-Inclusive

ADLER Lodge ALPE, a cozy, high-end hotel within Italy’s famed Alpe di Siusi Landscape Protection Area, has an “inclusive arrangement.”

South Tyrol, Italy – In today’s fast-paced world, figuring out the logistics of a vacation (the time off! the airfare! the prices!) can feel like yet another hassle. But  once guests arrive at ADLER Lodge ALPE, a cozy, high-end hotel within Italy’s famed Alpe di Siusi Landscape Protection Area, just about everything is included.

Fancy an afternoon spent in the sunlit lobby, savoring a glass (or more) of local wine or beverage of choice? No one will write down your room number or ask you to sign anything—though a helpful staff member might offer you another pour. And whether you prefer a guided hike or a soak in the infinity pool, the same philosophy applies—it’s all included.

That’s because the per-night pricing structure, which the hotel calls “inclusive arrangement,” covers just about everything. It includes three daily meals, snacks throughout the day, an afternoon tea, soft drinks (think bottled mineral water and fresh juice), wines and liqueurs. Although treatments cost extra, guests can enter the spa to use its saunas and heated outdoor pool, which is open year-round. Guided activities such as skiing, hiking, mountain biking and sunset yoga—not to mention equipment rentals—are also covered.

It’s an all-inclusive hotel—minus the neon plastic bracelets, tiki bars and booming music. Instead, guests are treated to a refined, ultra-relaxing atmosphere that’s a true retreat from the worries of daily life, where the toughest decision made in a day will be whether to order the hay-roasted lamb or canederli dumplings at dinner.

The luxury food and travel blog Travellers’ Places said that ADLER Lodge was “designed to radiate peace and relaxation,” a fact that’s clear from the moment guests arrive. The hotel consists of a main building with 18 junior suites, as well as 12 private, freestanding chalets, modeled after classic mountain huts, dotted throughout the property. The main reception area is home to a 40-foot–high totem by Adolf Vallazza, the world-famous wood sculptor.

The majestically beautiful Alpe di Siusi is as important to the story of ADLER Lodge ALPE as its luxurious rooms and expert staff. Although skiers are lured by the nearby world-famous runs during winter, each season is utterly unforgettable. Spring brings the sounds of birdsong and views of brightly colored meadows covered with wildflowers like orchids, crocuses and edelweiss. During the lush, green summers, the soft breezes and abundant sunshine make it easy to stay active all day. The alpenglow is a famous autumn phenomenon that guests love to observe during cocktail hour. Right before sunset, the mountain walls begin to glow with a gorgeous mix of orange, red and violet hues. This unique, breathtaking display is a special time that lasts only for a few minutes, and it reminds guests and staff members to pause and soak in the magical setting.

A network of trails adjacent to the property allows guests to easily hike or ski out and back to explore the Alpe di Siusi. Visitors can also experiment with yoga, horse-drawn carriage rides, snowshoeing, mountain biking and swimming in the heated indoor-outdoor infinity pool. Treated with therapeutic Dead Sea salt, the pool resembles a mountain lake, especially in the early mornings, as the mist rises and mingles with the clean, crisp air.

The Alpine Spa is set in its own loft within the main building; it’s home to a hay sauna, fitness center and windows offering panoramic views of the rolling meadows and jagged Dolomite peaks. The staff takes pride in helping guests choose treatments that are best suited to their preferences, such as facials, peels, massages, body wraps and wooden tub baths. There are also several combination options (called “rituals”) that mix several different treatments for a truly sublime experience. One relaxation room has a glass ceiling that is especially popular during the evenings, as it allows guests to stargaze in a warm, luxurious setting.

ADLER Lodge ALPE is an eco-friendly hotel that complies with the Klimahaus Nature standards, which include strict requirements for responsible energy consumption, sustainable construction materials and an architectural design that’s in harmony with the surrounding landscape.

ADLER Lodge ALPE has three sister properties in Italy, each each imbued with a strong sense of place. ADLER Dolomiti Spa & Sport Resort and ADLER Balance Spa & Health Residence are in the center of Ortisei overlooking the mountains, with architecture that’s beautifully integrated into the alpine setting. ADLER Thermae Spa & Relax Resort, in Bagno Vignoni, Tuscany, is famous for its complex of naturally fed thermal baths and pools, totaling more than 1,000 square meters. As the hotels have grown and expanded from their humble roots, one thing has not changed: The Sanoner family, who have owned and managed the properties for seven generations and are passionate about hospitality.

For more information:  https://www.adler-resorts.com/en/

 

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Adler Thermae Spa and Resort in Tuscany Redefines Wellness Travel

ADLER Thermae Resort & Spa in Bagno Vignoni, Italy, the groundbreaking five-star hotel fed by the Bagno Vignoni’s thermal waters, takes full advantage of its breathtaking location in the Val d’Orcia, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Bagno Vignoni, Italy – It would be easy for a guest at ADLER Thermae Resort & Spa, the groundbreaking five-star hotel fed by the Bagno Vignoni’s thermal waters, to be tempted to check in for several days and never leave the property. After all, the baths, saunas and pools cover 1,000 square feet of the property, and the spa menu has more than 120 treatments, including carefully customized facials performed with signature ADLER products and massages using techniques such as craniosacral and Ayurveda.

But they would be missing out on one of the most distinctive things about the hotel: Its breathtaking location in the Val d’Orcia, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Adler Thermae offers the perfect home base for exploring the area through half-day excursions led by local guides—which still leave plenty of time to luxuriate at the spa.

Guests who want to immerse themselves in eating, drinking, walking and relaxing—activities that have arguably been perfected in Italy—should look at two packages: “Enjoy Tuscany” and “Explore Tuscany.”

Visitors who’ve booked “Enjoy Tuscany” will have the chance to take a morning cooking class taught by a local home cook (or “mamma”) at Tenuta Sanoner, the hotel’s hilltop winery. After working in the kitchen, they’ll savor their creations during lunch on the terrace overlooking the valley. They’ll also experience a tasting in the wine cellar featuring local varietals, cheeses and meats. Not only will they return home relaxed and full of fabulous food, they’ll have new recipes in their cooking repertoire and everlasting memories of Tuscany.

Another highlight of the package is the Adler Luxury Aetos Ritual treatment, which is designed for couples. A detoxifying peel is followed by a soothing massage using grapeseed oil. Next comes a regenerating bath in mix of the hotel’s thermal mineral waters and local red wine, which is rich in antioxidants. To further engage the senses, the treatment concludes with a glass of sparkling Aetos Rosé and a taste of wine-aged pecorino cheese.

“Enjoy Tuscany”
4 to 7 nights; from €1,021.00 per person
Through 10/31/19
Included:

  • 1 cooking class in the enchanting Tenuta Sanoner, followed by lunch
  • 1 ADLER Luxury Aetos ritual for two: a luxurious wine therapy ritual with a cleansing dermatological peel, relaxing massage, a regenerating bath in thermal water and final tasting of Aetos wine and pecorino cheese.
  • 1 Tasting of wine and typical products in the ADLER cellar

The “Explore Tuscany” offer gives guests the chance to be active with local hikes and walks, which are especially pleasant during spring and autumn. Led by local guides, visitors will climb the rolling Tuscan hills and have the chance to see some of the area’s most famous sites, including the Abbey of Sant’Antimo, the Abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore, and the Vitaleta Chapel. Should they prefer to cycle, they’ll have complimentary access to the hotel’s fleet of mountain bikes and electric bikes.

Other excursions might include the classic Renaissance towns of Pienza, with its famous cathedral and Papal residence, and Montepulciano and Montalcino, known for their namesake wines. Finally, gourmands will appreciate the chance to meet some of Tuscany’s renowned artisanal producers, and they’ll be able to taste wine, olive oil, cured meat, saffron, pasta and cheese. Depending on the season, they also will be able to see ingredients like herbs, fruit, vegetables and truffles growing in their natural environment. The perfect partner to a week spent hiking and biking? A €100 spa voucher for each guest, so they can decide which treatment will best soothe their sore muscles.

“Explore Tuscany”
4 to 14 nights; from €854.00 per person (excluding local tastings, which cost approximately €15 to 35 each)
Through 12/20/19
Included:

  • Up to 5 hiking tours or excursions per week
  • 1 €100 spa voucher per person
  • Free use of mountain bikes and e-bikes

Adler Thermae Spa and Resort in Tuscany, set between the vineyards of Montepulciano and Montalcino, has redefined the idea of wellness. Its peaceful surroundings in the UNESCO Tuscan site, warm thermal waters and the staff’s fierce dedication have proven to be a magical combination. The spa menu is always improving, capitalizing on the highest quality natural products and state-of-the-art equipment. Treatments address both inner harmony and outer beauty while encouraging deep relaxation. A team of more than 40 staff members and physicians provide individual counseling and treatments for body and soul.

The five-star hotel spa offers not only relaxation and beauty treatments, but also modern western medicine and alternative healing methods. The ADLER MED medical competence center has its own team of doctors from disciplines like general medicine, laboratory medicine, aesthetic medicine, modern Mayr medicine, homeopathy, herbal medicine and nutrition.

The hotel has a total of 90 luxury rooms and suites: The Superior is for two people, while Junior Suites accommodate three to four. The spacious rooms offer a sitting area with tea table, sofa, writing desk and armchair. The decor features rich wood furnishings with warm-toned draperies. Rooms and suites have “Bio air-conditioning” (room temperature and humidity individually adjustable) and private terraces or balconies overlooking the splendid Orcia Valley. The marble bathroom features a separate glass-enclosed shower, toilet and bidet. Hypoallergenic and handicapped-accessible rooms are also available.

For more information:  https://www.adler-resorts.com/en/

 

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Give the Gift of Travel this Valentine’s Day: Luxury Gold Proposes Top 7 Chairman’s Collection Experiences

Join Princess Anita von Hohenberg at Artstetten Castle

Luxury Gold is inviting travelers to celebrate Valentine’s Day with the meaningful gift of travel and journeys beyond the ordinary by presenting its expanded 2019 Chairman’s Collection of VIP travel experiences personally curated by The Travel Corporation (TTC)’s Chairman Stanley Tollman.

The collection offers travelers once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to meet the world’s Legendary Locals such as Princess Anita von Hohenberg at her Artstetten castle and Count Francesco Mazzei at his Tuscan estate. Guests will be transported into an elite world of regal lunches, noble dinners and cocktails with aristocracy and they will also meet other exceptional local characters.

Here are the Top 7 Chairman’s Collection experiences with only a handful of select departures offering opportunities to meet these Legendary Locals:

1. Learn the Art of Wine Making with Marchese Francesco Mazzei at his Centuries Old Tuscan Estate

Wine lovers and guests can join the 12-day Ultimate Italy journey on the May 19th and May 22nd departures to meet Count Francesco Mazzei whose family has perfected the art of winemaking for over 24 generations. For the past 600 years, the Mazzei family has been pioneers and champions of Chianti wines since the very beginning. Travelers will meet a member of the Mazzei family at their vineyard estate, Castello di Fonterutoli for a private tour, including a delicious Tuscan lunch using fresh seasonal ingredients and wine tasting.

2. Enjoy a Private Cocktail Reception with Princess Anita von Hohenberg at Her Home in Artstetten Castle

Austria History buffs and travelers can join the 13-day Harmony of Central Europe luxury journey on the May 14th and May 20th 2019 departures to meet Princess Anita. She is a proud descendant of the Habsburgs which includes prominent historical figures such as Empress Maria Theresa and Archduke Franz Ferdinand. Guests will join the princess for a private sparkling wine reception and hear personal stories about her family heritage.

3. Join Lady Jane Percy, the Duchess of Northumberland for a Private Tour at Alnwick Castle’s Award-Winning Gardens
Gardening lovers and guests can book the 9 or 10-day British Royale escorted journey on the April 19th and August 9th, 2019 departures. The Duchess takes immense pride in her family home, the majestic 11th century Alnwick Castle which is considered one of Britain’s most iconic castles and was featured in the Harry Potter film series. Thanks to her visionary planning, fundraising and care, the adjoining castle gardens have been meticulously restored beyond their former grandeur. While over 800,000 people visit each year, only Luxury Gold guests will join Lady Percy for a private tour of her award-winning gardens.

4. Indulge in a Memorable Dinner with Count Remy de Scitivaux at Paris’ Oldest Restaurant Francophiles and travelers can join Count Remy at the legendary Le Procope, Paris’ oldest restaurant in continuous operation since 1686 on the 10-day French Vogue journey on May 11th and September 14th, 2019 departures. Count Remy will recount stories of Paris’ greatest intellects and artists who frequented this restaurant. Guests will enjoy an exceptional dining experience located in the equally iconic Saint-Germain-des-Prés district and sample the famous coq au vin and homemade millefeuille.

5. Sample Local Wines with Canadian Olympic athlete and legendary alpine skier, Rob Boyd in Whistler
Sports fans and guests can join an exclusive reception to meet Canadian Olympic athlete, Rob Boyd in the scenic mountain village of Whistler while exchanging insightful stories and sampling local wine on the 22-day Majesty of the Rockies journey on June 2nd, July 14th and August 11th, 2019 departures.

6. Enjoy Locally Distilled Drinks with Grammy Award winner and Country Hall of Fame Musician, Charlie McCoy in Nashville 
Music aficionados who adore jazz, blues, rock and country music can join the lively 14-day Sumptuous Soul of America journey, departing on the May 12th and September 8th, 2019. Guests will meet Charlie McCoy who performed with musical legends, Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash and will recount his epic stories over locally distilled bourbon.

7. Exclusive Celebration Dinner with Cultural Ambassador, Kainoa Hocajo in Maui

Foodies and guests can meet Cultural Ambassador, Kainoa Hocajo and enjoy an exclusive celebration dinner created by world famous chef, Michael Lofaro on the 12-day Luxurious Hawaiian Escape journey, on the April 7th and September 15th, 2019 departures. Kainoa is an emerging leader in the field of cultural tourism and will share impactful stories about his native Hawaiian values and culture. He has studied under the guidance of highly respected kupuna (elders) and to help honour the traditions of his ancestors.

Travelers can view the complete Chairman’s Collection experiences: https://www.luxurygoldvacations.com/us/vacation-types/the-chairmans-collection.

Contact your travel advisor, or Luxury Gold at 888-862-5952, www.luxurygoldvacations.com

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Moab Adventure Center Adds Space on Popular 4-Day Southwest, Westwater Canyon Trips

Westwater Canyon Multi-Sport engages Moab’s breathtaking backcountry via a red rock Hummer Safari and rafting the Class III-V rapids of the Colorado River while coursing through Westwater Canyon.

MOAB, UT – Two popular multi-day adventure vacation packages invite active travelers to explore the wonders in and around the red rock playground of Moab, Utah, during the 2019 season. But visitors take note: due to the growing demand for quick escapes, space will go fast!

Moab Adventure Center, the go-to specialists for all the outdoor pursuits Moab is famous for, has seen bookings increase every year for its 4-day Southwest Sampler and 4-day Westwater Canyon Multi-Sport vacation packages.

“We’ve experienced unsurpassed growth over the past several years on our multi-day tours that include activities and lodging,” reports Brandon Lake, company CMO. “For 2019, we took action and have doubled our guest capacity on the ever popular Moab, Utah vacation package, the Southwest Sampler.”

There’s good availability now for the spring and summer on all Moab Adventure Center’s offerings, but Lake suggests booking soon for the coming season.

“These popular programs fit perfectly into the type of escape visitors are now into,” explains Lake. “They are short (just four days and three nights), the activities are thrilling but easy enough for most everyone to enjoy, as multisport programs the action never stops (think Hummer Safari, an Arches National Park Tour, and whitewater rafting), one package offers a mix of camping and hotel lodging, and with both, there’s ample time to fill out the week by further exploring Moab and the surrounding region pre- or post-trip.”

Bundling the activities rather than reserving a la carte also saves money.

Keeping pace with increased sales and demand, new for 2019 is a partnership between the Moab Adventure Center and the newly opened SpringHill Suites by Marriott for lodging. Offering twice as many guest rooms as the previous property utilized, it has enabled the tour operator to double guest capacity on its Southwest Sampler package. Widely considered to be the best family hotel in Moab, it offers multiple pools, hot tubs, and a kid’s canyon, complete with a splash pad and waterfalls.

Moab Adventure Center’s Southwest Sampler captures the best of the Southwest over four days and three nights from May through August. Guests lodge the first two nights at the SpringHill Suites by Marriott that enjoys the closest proximity to Arches National Park of any lodging in town. From here, guests enjoy an off-road Hummer Safari through a fantasyland of slickrock. Then comes a two-day, 19.6-mile river rafting adventure through Class I and II rapids, with one night of pampered beach camping on the banks of the Colorado River. The per person rate is $690 for ages 16 and up and $595 for ages 5-15. Thanks to the amenities and easy river passage this is a program that can suit the needs of young families with children as young as age 5. See: https://www.moabadventurecenter.com/southwest-sampler

Westwater Canyon Multi-Sport engages Moab’s breathtaking backcountry via a red rock Hummer Safari and rafting the Class III-V rapids of the Colorado River while coursing through Westwater Canyon. This is a four-day getaway available from June through September. The package includes three luxury nights of lodging at Red Cliffs Lodge situated on the banks of the Colorado River. National Geographic dubbed the 26-mile rafting adventure through Westwater Canyon “The West’s Best Short Whitewater Trip.” There’s an optional horseback ride in Castle Valley where movies and commercials are frequently shot. The package for ages 16 and up is $705; for youth 12-15 $675. Included are three breakfasts, accommodation, one dinner, one on-river lunch, activities and transfers to and from the raft put-in. For details see https://www.moabadventurecenter.com/westwater-canyon-package

Moab Adventure Center is at the epicenter of nature-themed rather than theme-park-style adventure, promising activities that include rafting, jet boating, stand up paddle boarding, hiking, mountain biking and hot air ballooning. Hummer safaris, rock climbing, canyoneering and horseback riding are also very popular pursuits. Many of these activities are conducted with guides, an arrangement that helps preclude the kind of damage to the land that can happen when uneducated visitors venture into sensitive areas. Guides help people understand where they can move through backcountry with the least impact possible.

The Moab Adventure Center is a division of Western River Expeditions (www.westernriver.com/) an adventure travel company headquartered in Salt Lake City, with operations and offices in Moab and Fredonia, AZ. The company is one of the largest single tour providers in Moab, Utah. Located at 225 South Main St., Moab, UT 84532, the center also has a 2,000-square-foot retail space selling adventure related gear, clothing, maps and souvenirs  For information and reservations call 435-259-7019 or 866-904-1163, visit www.moabadventurecenter.com.

 

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AdventureSmith Explorations’ New Ships, Itineraries Expand Opportunities to See Big Arctic 8

National Geographic Explorere at Monoco Glacier, Leifdefjord, Northwest Spitsbergen National Park, Svalbard Archipelago, Norway

TRUCKEE, CA – Small cruise ships purpose-built to ply the planet’s polar regions also transport guests on floating Arctic wildlife safaris.

AdventureSmith Explorations, the small ship cruising experts, invite guests on an increasing number of Arctic cruise options that observe, among other things, a variety of indigenous wildlife. Some, if not all, of the Big Arctic Eight, marine- and land-based creatures are often spotted on these expedition cruises.

“Just to know that these creatures are out there is part of the excitement of venturing north,” says Todd Smith, AdventureSmith’s Founder and President. “These are creatures straight out of children’s fairytales. What’s also amazing is to learn how they’re so physically adapted to their frozen world.”

He notes that demand is up to explore the Arctic among clients who have already cruised Antarctica, as well as travelers new to the polar regions. “The core of what AdventureSmith strives for is delivering the most incredible explorations of the natural world to our clients who are a special group of likeminded explorers. Alongside our observation of more cruise itineraries opening up in the Arctic, we’ve seen more purpose-built expedition ships being built with a focus to educate travelers on how to be ambassadors for the Arctic’s wild places and animals. The trips we offer are designed to be small (under 200 guests) and focused on sustainable exploration.”

The company has created a blog post with tips on spotting some of Earth’s most interesting animals. Here is what AdventureSmith Explorations has named the Big Arctic Eight:

  • Polar Bear, the largest living land carnivore, can measure up to eight feet long and weigh 1,500 pounds. Some 26,000 Polar bears are estimated to be roaming the Arctic and regions of Canada, Alaska, Greenland, Russia and Norway.
  • Walrus live in the Arctic areas of the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. These creatures are often viewed lounging in large herds on shorelines or icebergs. Their powerful tusks that sometimes reach three feet are tools to lift their heavy bodies onto the ice.
  • Reindeer (caribou) live on the tundra and in boreal forests and are known to migrate up to 3,000 miles a year. Males grow antlers for sexual attraction and mating standoffs. Females grow antlers to defend their food from other females. Come spring, herds number in the thousands.
  • Arctic Foxes possess incredible hearing that allows them to locate prey under the snow. Their thick, long fur that sustains them at -58 degrees Fahrenheit is an example of camouflage – in winter white or blue-gray, in summer brown-gray.
  • Narwhals are some of Earth’s most unusual creatures. The narwhal tusk is actually a spiral tooth that can grow as long as 10 feet. This is a specialized sensory organ that spots changes in the environment, aiding in locating food and mates.
  • Puffins, the cute white-and-black birds with orange beaks, can fly up to 55 mph. In spring and summer, they return to a land colony that numbers in the thousands to mate (usually with the same partner each year).
  • Beluga Whales, stark white creatures with a unique neck, can turn their heads almost completely sideways to create a right angle. This allows for special maneuverability for swimming backwards and for harvesting food. Their sonar skills echolocate their prey while working together to force fish into favorable situations. Highly vocal, they make a variety of sounds for communication in their social pods which can number up to 100 individuals.
  • Musk Ox are one of the few hooved animals, along with reindeer, that survived the Ice Age. Their long, shaggy hair can grow to two feet long and an undercoat provides insulation that is eight times warmer than sheep’s wool. In winter herds numbering up to 24 forage for roots, moss and lichen, which they harvest with their hooves.

New state-of-the-art polar exploration vessels for fewer than 200 guests now can offer itineraries as compact as seven days. Debuting in the Arctic spring of 2019 is the 174-guest Hondius and in spring 2020 the 176-guest World Explorer and the 126-guest National Geographic Endurance. They cruise in the north for the boreal summer and position south in the autumn for the Antarctic sailing season.

AdventureSmith Explorations offers several itineraries exploring the “classic” destinations of Svalbard, Iceland and Greenland. For 2019, cabin availability can still be found on:

  • Realm of the Polar Bear
  • Around Spitsbergen
  • Intro to Spitsbergen
  • Three Arctic Islands
  • A Circumnavigation of Iceland
  • Classic Polar Bear Adventure

The company also offers trips to lesser-known areas such as the Russian High Arctic: Franz Josef Land, which yield excellent opportunities to view polar bears, marine mammals and seabird rookeries.

For details on all AdventureSmith’s small ship cruises worldwide, day-to-day itineraries, availability and reservations, phone: 866-575-2875 toll-free or visit their company website.

AdventureSmith Explorations, founded in 2003, is a recognized leader in small ship cruising (“Think Outside the Boat!”). In 2012 owner Todd Smith joined the ranks of Condé Nast Traveler‘s prestigious world’s Top Travel Specialists list as the leading expert on small ship expeditions.

 

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Luxury Gold Curates Romantic Travel to Europe’s Breathtaking Destinations, Heart-Fluttering Experiences

Luxury Gold guests take a hands-on cooking class at Villa Dianella

A trip to breathtaking destinations in Europe is a recipe for romance. The continent’s historic cities, charming cafes and quaint vistas will steal your heart whether you’re celebrating an anniversary or just want to get away with your loved one from the distractions of day-to-day life.

Luxury Gold can take you to some of the most romantic places in Europe in comfort and exquisite style. You’ll stay in elegant hotels at the heart of the destination, enjoy immersive cultural activities á deux, and know that all the details are taken care of by an expert Traveling Concierge.

Here are some heart-fluttering experiences in Europe with Luxury Gold:

Escape into a world of timeless glamour: With a stunning champagne bar, sumptuous upholstery and antique fixtures, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express epitomizes the allure and elegance of the Golden Era of travel. On two Luxury Gold itineraries, guests are transported back in time for a day and a night as they journey from Venice to Paris in elegant cabins dressed in fine fabrics, wood paneling, soft lighting and crisp sheets. In the exquisite dining cars, feast on a leisurely, four-course dinner cooked by skilled French chefs, such as lobsters from Brittany, salt marsh lamb from Mont St. Michel and local and seasonal produce that’s brought on board at stops along the route. After enjoying the elegant atmosphere and timeless indulgence of the train, guests disembark in Paris where they spend another day and night exploring the incomparable City of Light. Luxury Gold guests can experience all the romance of this fabled train on both the “Ultimate Italy” and “La Serenissima” itineraries, which also includes visits to Florence, Rome, Capri, Naples, Rome and Perugia. A poetic itinerary on the La Serenissima journey includes a romantic tour of Verona that’s home to Shakespeare’s famous star-crossed lovers Romeo and Juliet. Stroll past the well-preserved Roman arena and through a maze of elegant squares to stand beneath the balcony said to have belonged to the Capulet family.

Fall in love on a journey to the past: The elegant and artistic Artstetten Castle is a place where royal history still pulsates with life on Luxury Gold’s “Harmony of Central Europe” itinerary. Part of  Stanley Tollman’s unique and exquisite Chairman’s Collection, guests will step into a romantic fairytale while in Vienna to attend a private reception with legendary local Princess Anita von Hohenberg, who is a descendant of the famous Habsburgs. They’ll hear all about her life, heritage and the fascinating personalities of the Habsburg monarchy. Guests can walk hand-in hand on the cobblestone streets of Český Krumlov in the Czech Republic and gaze their eyes on the marvelous Renaissance and baroque architecture of a 13th century castle, known as one of the most important historic sites in Central Europe. Couples can share an intimate dinner at the elegant Gundel restaurant in Budapest, Hungary’s most renowned restaurant , to feast on delightful local dishes with a backdrop of traditional folk music. For an after-dinner treat, couples can look up at the stars with a glass of sparkling wine while aboard a private cruise along the glimmering Danube River.

Get infatuated with Ireland: An old Irish proverb says that “your feet will bring you to where your heart is.” On Luxury Gold’s “Ultimate Ireland” itinerary, couples can charm each other while learning Irish dancing during a dance class with the Gaelic Roots in Blarney. In Dublin, guests can admire the beautiful, architectural buildings on O’Connell Street, tour the city’s beloved 18th-century Custom House and the marvelous medieval stones of Dublin Castle. Later share an exceptional, Michelin-starred dinner at L’Ecrivain, famous for its fine-dining and delectable, classic French cuisine. Indulge on rich sweets during a truffle tasting in the enchanting, medieval town of Kilkenny with a delectable visit to the local farmers market. While traveling to the beautiful village of Cong in County Mayo, couples can stay in the most elegant place in Ireland–Ashford Castle . The timeless castle is set upon a picturesque 350-acre estate with historical features at every turn, making it a dreamy location for a relaxing, romantic getaway. Guests can will dine à la carte at the treasured George V Dining Room, with delicacies including Ossetra Caviar and Skeaghanore Duck.

Luxury Gold offers a collection of award-winning journeys, guided by a Traveling Concierge, where guests enjoy exclusive VIP Experiences, savor exceptional dining and relax in luxury hotels on every curated itinerary.

The TreadRight Foundation, created as a joint initiative of The Travel Corporation’s (TTC) family of brands, is a not-for-profit that works to help ensure the environment and communities visited remain vibrant for generations to come. Founded by Brett Tollman, Chief Executive, TTC, to date TreadRight has supported more than 40 sustainable tourism projects worldwide. To learn more about past and current work at TreadRight, visit TreadRight.org.

Contact your travel advisor, or Luxury Gold at 888-862-5952, www.luxurygoldvacations.com

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Architect Leads Immersive Art, Architecture & Design Cherry Blossom Tour of Japan

The 2019 Art, Architecture & Design Cherry Blossom Japan Tour by Robert Day Travel, a small-group tour taking place March 27 to 6 April 6, 2019, offers a “less known” experience to discriminating travelers that will tap into the Japanese design psyche as the tour visits famous galleries, museums and architectural landmarks in and around Tokyo and Kyoto.

Japan is a global design epicenter making it a must-see travel destination for anyone interested in Art, Architecture and Design and there is no better time to visit Japan than during Cherry Blossom season.

The 2019 Art, Architecture & Design Cherry Blossom Japan Tour by Robert Day Travel, a small-group tour taking place March 27 to 6 April 6, 2019, offers a “less known” experience to discriminating travelers that will tap into the Japanese design psyche as the tour visits famous galleries, museums and architectural landmarks in and around Tokyo and Kyoto. There is also the opportunity to join the optional extension to visit Kanazawa, Shirakawago and Takayama.

This is not just the typical sight-seeing tour, but a definitive display of Japanese artistic and cultural expression visiting fascinating traditional and contemporary buildings, ancient temples, famous pottery artisans, wonderful Japanese gardens and sampling delicious Japanese food. This 10-day Japan Tour is conducted by Architect, former Japan resident and Japan expert Robert Day.

Tour highlights include:

TOKYO (6 nights): Walking tours of famous districts of Ginza and Omotesando, famous art galleries and museums including National Art Center Tokyo, 21_21 Design Sight, Sumida Hokusai Museum, Jiyu Gakeun School by Frank Lloyd Wright, 350m high view from Tokyo Sky Tree, Tsukiji Outer Markets, Tokyo Midtown, Meiji Shrine, Nezu Museum and Gardens, Shitamachi “old town” district, Yoyogi Park, Roppongi Hills, Mori Art Museum, National Museum of Western Art by Le Corbusier, Bullet train to Kyoto.

KYOTO (4 nights): Famous Japanese temples and gardens including Ryoanji, Kinkakuji, Nijo castle and Kodaiji, Gion geisha district, Nishiki traditional local food market, Kawai Kanjiro Museum, delicious local cuisine, Pontocho restaurant alley, Kamogawa River, Japanese antique shops, 400-year old Hikone Samurai Castle, Miho Museum, Meiji-mura.

OPTIONAL TOUR EXTENSION (3 nights): KANAZAWA, SHIRAKAWAGO & TAKAYAMA Kanazawa – Kenrokuen Japanese Garden (one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan, Nomura Samurai House, 21 Century Contemporary Art Museum. Shirakawago – UNESCO World Heritage Village with Gassho Zukuri “Praying Hands thatched roof houses. Takayama – Edo period “Old Town” district, local sake tasting. (Optional Tour Extension is an additional cost).

The tour, priced at $4400 pp/double ($4900/single), includes accommodationa, ground transport costs during the tour hours, venue entry costs and expert daily personal tour escort by Japan expert, Robert Day.

Robert Day Travel, phone +61 407 611 972, email [email protected], visit http://www.japanarchitecturetours.com.

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Last Call to Enter Global Scavenger Hunt for $50,000 Prize

All you have to do to win $50,000 as the World Travel Champion is circle the globe and visit ten secret countries in 23-days in the one-of-a-kind travel adventure, while out-doing, out-thrilling and out-traveling a worthy collection of international travelers participating in the 2019 event for points for completing a series of highly participatory, authentic and challenging cultural site-doing scavenges scavenges. Trusting strangers in strange lands is required! © Karen Rubin/ goingplacesfarandnear.com

Only a few spots remain for adventurous Indiana Jones-types and intrepid Nellie Blys willing to compete in the Global Scavenger Hunt, a world travel championship that hands the winning team a cool $50,000 first place prize.

The 15th edition of The Global Scavenger Hunt travel adventure competition aims to return the romance of travel while testing the travel IQ of the most travel savvy of globetrotters. They will complete a series of highly participatory, authentic and challenging cultural site-doing scavenges in ten secret countries over a 23-day circumnavigation between April 12 and May 4, 2019. Trusting strangers in strange lands is required!

Last call: interested travelers need to apply online at GlobalScavengerHunt.com as the deadline is nearing.

“The Global Scavenger Hunt covers a lot of extraordinary travel bases,” says author and Event Director William Chalmers, “Taking our blind date with the world is a 21st century version of spinning a globe and throwing out your finger. Maybe that’s why we’ve been called the ‘Super Bowl of Travel,’ the ‘Olympics of Travel’, and one writer even called our annual travel adventure the ‘Magical Mystery Tour’. I liked that one!”

The reviews for the annual world travel championship are in too: Conde Nast Traveler calls The Global Scavenger Hunt, “the best trip to take…”;  Frommer’s lists it as one of “best adrenaline adventures…” in the world; Outside magazine bills it as, “One of the most amazing trips in the world…”; and National Geographic says that the event is, “…like Survivor, The Amazing Race and the Eco-Challenge all rolled into one except with much more cultural interaction.”

The 23-day around the world event is limited to 15 teams of two with the $25,000 per team entry fee including: all international airfare, first class hotels, 40% of meals and special event-sponsored travel gear. Single travelers are welcome to apply; and all travelers will be interviewed for suitability. Please contact GreatEscape Adventures at +1.310.281.7809 or apply online at GlobalScavengerHunt.com. (CST#2071053-40)

 

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Imagine Exploring Uzbekistan by Bicycle. Grasshopper Adventures Makes it Possible

Grasshopper Adventures is offering a 14-day cycling tour through Uzbekistan

(Bangkok, Thailand) – On a 14-day Grasshopper Adventures cycling tour through Uzbekistan in the heart of Central Asia, guests will experience mountain gorges, desert oases, ancient fortified cities, bustling bazaars, tented caravans, and the Great Steppe, all while absorbing the rich history that has shaped empires for millennia. The itinerary, offered exclusively by Grasshopper Adventures, includes exploring the ancient cities of Samarkand, Bukhara, Shakhrisabz, and Khiva; cycling the incredible canyons and peaks of the Nuratau Mountains; overnighting in yurt camps along the old Silk Road, and more.

“Uzbekistan will not disappoint the adventurer in you, and nothing compares to taking it in on a two-wheeled odyssey stretching across the country,” said Grasshopper Adventures CEO Adam Platt-Hepworth. “The country is on the cusp of a massive opening and reform period, which makes now the perfect time to go.”

The terrain is mostly a mixture of sealed and unsealed secondary roads through rural villages. When cycling in the remote areas of Steppe and desert guests will be on primary/main roads with very little traffic. There are sections of riding on through mountainous terrain which is moderately technical with short, achievable climbs. During some sections, a 4WD support vehicle will follow the group.

“Uzbekistan’s cultural richness and turbulent history are evident today in its diversity, architecture, and tales of empires long forgotten by the modern world,” said Platt-Hepworth. “Riding your bike through a country with an ancient historical narrative and a mixture of no fewer than six distinct cultures is really an unforgettable experience.”

Tour Highlights:

Climbing the pass over Gaukum Peak before descending through the picturesque Nuratau Mountains

Exploring the ruins of Ayazkala

Overnighting in traditional yurts

Visiting the Memorial Complex of Khoja Bakhouddin Naqshbandii, one of the most important Muslim shrines

Cycling around Bukhara and its many historical monuments

Walking the ancient ruins of Ak Saray Palace

Riding the 95km road to Shakhrisabz

Touring the majestic madrassas, gigantic mosques, an ancient observatory, Siab Bazaar, the Necropolis, and mausoleums of Samarkand

Meeting villagers while cycling the path of the Urganchy River

The tour covers 505 km and starts at $4,950 USD. For more info, visit https://www.grasshopperadventures.com.

 

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Spend a Night on a Glacier with Polar Bears in Svalbard, Norway – Off The Map Travel Makes it Possible

This summer, spend a night on a glacier with polar bears. Off the Map Travel enables guests will stay at the exclusive Nordenskiold Lodge located at the foot of the blue glacier on the island of Svalbard, high up in the Arctic Circle.

(SvalbardNORWAY)   This summer, the experts at adventure travel company Off the Map Travel invite you to spend a night on a glacier, in a prime viewing area for Norway’s polar bears. On the island of Svalbard, high up in the Arctic Circle, guests will stay at the exclusive Nordenskiold Lodge located at the foot of the blue glacier. There, with almost no sounds to distract, guests will hear the ice creaking and cracking as the glacier moves along its slow journey. Guests will also have the chance to observe the island’s variety of wildlife including its most famous residents, the polar bear. Bookable now, the new “Night on a Glacier” program is offered from May – September 2019). Each itinerary is customized to meet the interests and needs of the participants.

“This is a spectacular opportunity for adventure lovers,” commented Jonny Cooper, adventure travel expert and founder of Off the Map Travel. “Svalbard is one of the world’s best spots for seeing wildlife, with May to September the optimal months as the snow has melted. And at the expedition lodge, you’ll enjoy all manner of amenities and comforts with the chance to see polar bears.”

From Longyearbyen, the arrival point on the island, guests begin their Arctic journey with a summer dogsledding expedition before joining a guide on a Zodiac boat cruise around the coast to search for walrus, whales and polar bears on the way to the Nordenskiold Lodge.

The adventure continues at the lodge with a guided glacier climb to the source, kayaking, and a photo walk among spectacular scenery where a chance for wildlife encounters is possible around every turn.  In the evening, guests enjoy camaraderie and meals at the lodge, a traditional sauna experience, and further opportunities for wildlife viewing from the indoor coziness of the lodge.

“Summer on Svalbard offers an Arctic destination where wildlife spotting and mild temperatures ensure its stature as a new luxury adventure holiday destination for 2019,” Cooper adds.

An example of a five-day “Night on a Glacier” itinerary with Off the Map Travel costs from £6599 ($8353 USD per person at the time of this writing), based on double occupancy. Included are all transfers, three nights in Longyearbyen on a B&B basis, two nights at Nordenskiold Lodge exclusively booked on a full board basis, kayaking, Zodiac boat safari, glacier climb, and summer dogsledding. Flights are additional. All itineraries can be customized to add additional days and nights.

This project is supported by Interreg Nord and the Visit Arctic Europe project, developing travel to the Arctic Europe region.

For more information on tailor-made Off the Map Travel itineraries visit www.offthemap.travel; call 1-646-701-0041; email [email protected] or join in the conversation on FacebookTwitterInstagram, YouTube or Pinterest.

Off the Map Travel is a team of travel experts who work with experiences and destinations that allow people to explore hidden wonders of the world. Specializing in soft adventure and viewing of the Northern Lights, Off the Map Travel creates tailor-made itineraries that offer a distinctive vacation based on first-hand experience. Off the Map Travel vacations anticipate travelers’ needs with pre-planning and customization. Each bespoke itinerary is tailored to the ages of participants, creating experiences for families, groups, couples and singles that are comfortable and luxurious, with activity levels appropriate for all participants. www.offthemap.travel.

 

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