MORAL COMPASS: Great Places to Go Where the Going Does Good

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heritage travel, Historic Places, Historic Preservation

New UNESCO World Heritage Sites Designated for Germany

On July 17, 2016, the two Le Corbusier houses at the Weissenhof Estate in the Southern German city of Stuttgart were designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, making it the first World Heritage Site for Stuttgart and the 41st for Germany.

As part of a transnational joint application, Stuttgart and destinations in seven other countries applied to have 17 of Le Corbusier’s buildings listed due to the architect’s outstanding contribution to Modernism. The two Stuttgart houses are the architect’s only buildings in Germany and include the Weissenhof Museum, which illustrates the radical change in architecture around the time of the Second World War as well as Le Corbusier’s visionary thinking.

Germany’s other 40 UNESCO World Heritage Sites include the majestic Cologne Cathedral, the expansive Wadden Sea habitat, Classical Weimar and Regensburg’s charming Old Town. They can be explored on eight different themed routes, from natural wonders to architecture to palaces and parks.

For more information about Germany’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, visit www.germany.travel/unesco.
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family-friendly adventures, walking tours

New ‘Quills and Magic Wands’ Walking Tour for Families Brings Edinburgh’s Literary Legacy to Life

Context Travel, organizer of critically acclaimed walking tours, unveils its new Quills and Magic Wands: Literary Edinburgh for Families tour.

The child-oriented introduction to the literary heritage of the city is led by historian and literary historians specially-trained in working with children. Following a thematic and chronological trail through the city, participants go through a journey that goes from Walter Scott to J.K. Rowling, using age-appropriate, interactive activities to encourage deep engagement with the literary works. Children on the walk are encouraged to read and compose literary works, explore language and delve into carefully selected poems and other texts.

“We are very excited to add this experience to our Edinburgh program,” says Petulia Melideo, Context’s UK and Ireland Program Manager. “Edinburgh is the first UNESCO city of Literature and a great city to visit with children. Our hope is that our young writers will come away with a new love for literature and poetry after having engaged with our experts and having had a go at writing in such an inspiring context.”

The Quills and Magic Wands: Literary Edinburgh for Families tour lasts two hours and is available Mondays through Saturdays. Private tours cost GBP 300 per party. Groups are limited to (6) six participants and are led by a credentialed expert.

Founded by National Geographic writer Paul Bennett and designer Lani Bevacqua, Context Travel is a network of English-speaking scholars and professionals, including art historians, writers, architects and gastronomes, who organize and lead walking seminars in thirty-seven (37) world cities, including: Florence, Rome, Venice, Naples, Milan, Paris, London, Dublin, Edinburgh, Madrid, Barcelona, Berlin, New York, Philadelphia, Boston, Washington, D.C., Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro, Cartagena, Istanbul, Athens, Beijing, Shanghai, Vienna, Prague, Budapest, Amsterdam, Milan, Dublin, Tokyo, Kyoto, Hong Kong, Vancouver, Montreal, Melbourne, and Sydney. A certified B Corporation, Context Travel was named one of the fastest-growing American companies in 2011 by Inc Magazine. Travel + Leisure has called Context one of the top European tour companies for its innovative approach to travel and the depth of its programs. To learn more about Context, visit the website at: www.contexttravel.com.

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bike trips, cycling trips, hiking

Ciclismo Classico Introduces New Week-Long Cycling, Hiking Tour of Nova Scotia

(Arlington, MA) – Ciclismo Classico has unveiled a new week-long cycling and hiking tour of Nova Scotia. Guests will enjoy scenic rides and hikes amid pristine beaches, marshland, quaint villages, and beautiful vineyards.

Highlights include absorbing the region’s history at UNESCO World Heritage Sites; cycling a variety of picturesque paved roads and trails; wildlife viewing opportunities; exceptional local cuisine and fresh seafood; and four-star accommodations. This intermediate cycling tour averages 29 miles per day. Prices start at $2,795 and the departure date is set for September 19-25, 2016.

“Quiet coastal roads, delicious local food, colorful fishing villages and fertile farmland combine to make Nova Scotia a hidden gem for cyclists,” said Ciclismo Classico Founder Lauren Hefferon. “There’s no bonding experience like hitting the pavement or a well-maintained trail and digging into scallops, fresh lobster and other fresh seafood at the end of the day.”

For more information, visit http://ciclismoclassico.com/trips/nova-scotia-bike-tour/.

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Adventure Travel, Africa, Wildlife travel

andBeyond Matetsi Private Game Reserve Opens Near Victoria Falls

The &Beyond Matetsi River Lodge opened near Victoria Falls on August 1, following an extensive multi-million dollar rebuild. Situated in a 123,500-acre private wildlife concession on the Zambezi River, the lodge is set to provide the most luxurious accommodation and most unique wildlife experiences in the area.

&Beyond Matetsi River Lodge consists of two camps of nine suites each, including a family suite at each camp. With one camp fully open and operational on August 1, the remaining camp is scheduled to open in September.

Highlighting the area’s cultural heritage, Matetsi is decorated with traditional abstract carvings of wood and stone, and features a strong copper theme in homage to the mineral riches of the region. The lodge boasts a generous Safari Shop and state-of-the-art gym, as well as a massage sala and conference facility. A 66-foot-long rim flow swimming pool stretches along the river’s bank.

A sole-use private villa, &Beyond Matetsi River House, adds exclusive accommodation for private groups of up to eight. The four-bedroom villa boasts its own kitchen, indoor and outdoor dining areas, a private veranda overlooking the Zambezi, a swimming pool and its own fire pit. It comes with a dedicated guide, private vehicle, chef and butler.

Located on one of the largest wildlife concessions in the area and boasting extensive river frontage, &Beyond Matetsi offers the most rich and exclusive game viewing experience in Victoria Falls. Guests are in for exceptional game drives led by highly trained &Beyond guides, including consistent sightings of zebra, giraffe and buffalo, as well as the big herds of elephant that Matetsi is justly renowned for. Wild dogs and hyena are spotted on a regular basis and large prides of lion have made the reserve their home. Cheetah, and leopard, as well as the elegant sable and roan antelope are also among the species seen at Matetsi.

“Having originally been involved in the conversion of the Matetsi concession from wildlife hunting to photographic safaris, we are very excited to be relaunching Matetsi to the world,” says Joss Kent, &Beyond CEO. “Not only does this well-loved reserve offer an outstanding guest experience for its stunning location on the banks of the mighty Zambezi River, but it also allows them the opportunity to tour the world-famous Victoria Falls in true &Beyond style, using our own vehicles and guides. The lodge itself will without question also set a new standard in Zimbabwe and at Victoria Falls.”

With the lodge situated in close proximity to the World Heritage Site of Victoria Falls, a complimentary tour of the Falls is included in the rate for a stay of two nights or more at &Beyond Matetsi River Lodge. The activity is an interpretive tour accompanied by an &Beyond guide, and includes the opportunity to explore the paths around the Victoria Falls Park, visit the Livingstone statue, and learn about how the Falls were created. Afterwards, guests enjoy a decadent high tea at the Victoria Falls Hotel.

Extensive planning and reserve management has taken place on the concession for almost two years, encouraging wildlife to thrive in this ideal riverside location. As part of the ambitious project, 14 new waterholes have been created on the reserve, using strategically placed troughs and solar pumps. Additional pumps were placed at existing boreholes to ensure a steady water supply. A new network of roads has opened up the reserve for game drives, while bush clearing programs have limited the encroachment of fast-growing plant species, increasing the habitat for plains game.

The wildlife population has also benefitted from increased security efforts, with both armed National Parks staff and privately sourced employees being utilized for anti-poaching patrols.

For more information, or to book log on to www.andBeyond.com or contact your preferred travel specialist.

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small ship cruising

Variety Cruises to offer Small-Ship Sailings in Iceland Beginning in June 2017

*The dramatic landscape of Iceland. Variety Cruises is introducing small-ship sailings in Iceland beginning June 2017 © 2016 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com*

New York, NY — Beginning in June 2017, Small ship cruise line Variety Cruises is now offering Iceland: Journey in the Land of Fire & Ice, a week-long yacht cruise of the Nordic island nation. Defined by its dramatic volcanic landscape of geysers, hot springs, waterfalls, glaciers and black-sand beaches, Iceland is a nature lover’s paradise. Sailing on the elegant M/Y Callisto, the newest addition to Variety Cruises’ fleet of yachts, up to 35 passengers will discover a fascinating country with amazing rugged landscapes and old legacies of Viking and Norse conquerors.

On the first day of the program, travelers take the Ring Road to reach Godafoss Waterfall – the Falls of the Gods – and continue to Lake Myvatn, Namarksard and Dimmuborgir, all fine examples of the volcanic world with lava fields, boiling and steaming mud pools, steam vents and craters.

Arriving in the almost-Arctic fishing town of Siglufjordur the next day, travelers enjoy a walking tour through the city with stops at the Herring Museum and the Folk Music Center. On the third day of the program, the cruise reaches Isafjordur, a large fishing port in Westfjords, known for its rich cultural heritage and merchant’s homes dating from the 18th century.

In Bildudalur, travelers visit the town and the Sea Monsters Museum and then continue to sail around the Westfjords coast line and past the grand Latrarbag cliffs, which rise 450 meters over the sea. Reaching Borgarnes, travelers have the option to visit Deildartunguhver, Europe’s most powerful thermal spring, as well as the Barnafoss Waterfalls. Stop in Reykholt, once one of the intellectual centers of the island, before continuing to the Westfjords.

At Heimaey Island, the Pompei of the North, travelers discover a community which almost disappeared during a 1973 eruption that buried 400 homes and visit two volcanoes and the Eldheimar Geological Museum. The cruise rounds out in Reykjavik, the capital city that offers a renowned nightlife and music scene as well as a multitude of art and history museums.

Iceland: Journey in the Land of Fire & Ice will be available for $2650 – $3890, depending on cabin class. For more information, visit www.varietycruises.com/english/home/cruiseCalendar/Iceland/40 .

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 12 fully-owned vessels varies in size from 4 to 36 cabins. Their yachts and staff provide an intimate and relaxed environment for the discerning travelers as they visit well known and less traveled ports of call, including Seychelles, Greece, Turkey, the Adriatic Sea, Spain, Portugal, the Canary Islands, the Cape Verde Archipelago and Costa Rica & Panama, featuring a Canal crossing. 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. For more information, visit www.varietycruises.com

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Cultural Travel

Seattle-based Tour Operator Satisfies Interest in Travel to Iran

Cuba may have been 2015’s “it” destination, but 2016 has seen Iran taking its turn at the international forefront. Since economic sanctions were lifted in January, intrepid travelers and media outlets have buzzed with excitement over Iran’s fabulous bazaars, amazing archaeological sites, and unfailingly warm and friendly people.

MIR Corporation has long-standing love for this country and captivating culture, which they’ve developed over 15 years of leading group and private tours throughout the region.

With Iran ready to seek out deeper connections with the U.S. and the rest of the world, there’s never been a better time to visit than now. Here are 8 reasons why:

A Fascinating & Ancient History: Iran is home to one of the oldest civilizations on earth, with a history that can be traced back more than 2,500 years. UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Persepolis, the ceremonial capital of the Achaemenid kings, and the ruins of Pasargadae, founded by Cyrus the Great in the 6th century BC, remind visitors of Iran’s vast history and influence.

Extraordinary Art & Architecture: Some of the most extraordinary architectural sights can be found in Isfahan, including Imam Square, the picturesque bridges over the Zayendeh River; and the Masjid-e Jameh. Beloved Iranian poets Hafez and Saadi are honored in Shiraz. The modern art collection at Tehran’s Museum of Modern Contemporary Art features works by many of the greatest 20th and 21st century artists.

Fabulous Food: Rich, hearty stews, fluffy mounds of rice scented with saffron, and delightfully herbaceous salads and sides grace Iranian dinner tables with exotic scents and tastes. Traditional Persian dishes such as fesenjan (a sweet and tangy stew of chicken or duck simmered in a pomegranate and walnut sauce), gormeh sabzi (a green stew made with kidney beans, lamb and handfuls of fresh herbs) and bademjan (a savory eggplant and tomato stew) are some of the standout favorites to try.

Cultural & Ethnic Diversity: Azeris, Kurds, Lurs, Turkmen, Baluchi and Arabs are just some of the many different nationalities coexisting with Persians today. Though Islam is the dominant religion in Iran, Christianity and Judaism have had a long and important history here. Today, Christianity is the nation’s largest religious minority, and Iran also has one of the largest Jewish populations in the Middle East, outside of Israel.

Bustling Bazaars: Isfahan is renowned for its gorgeous blue tiles and ceramics; Kerman for its hammered copper crafts and richly woven carpets and tapestries; and Yazd for its textiles. Metalwork, scarves, leather bags, jewelry, art, picture frames and inlaid wood are some of the other local handicrafts you might find.

Romantic Gardens: Iran harbors over 6,000 recorded species of ferns and flowering plants. Gorgeous trees, ferns and flowers can be found in the beautifully tended gardens of many of Iran’s major cities. Nine of the country’s classical Persian gardens have been designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Natural Beauty: Iran is home to an amazingly varied and awe-inspiring terrain. The central part of Iran is extremely arid with salt lakes and vast stretches of desert. The Caspian coastline is lush and subtropical. In between, the country is dotted with soaring mountain peaks, forests, fertile green valleys and coastal islands. Iran also has some of the most diverse wildlife on the planet, including the Asiatic cheetah and the Persian leopard. Over 500 species of birds call this country home, including flamingos, cranes and the endangered Egyptian vulture.

The Warm & Welcoming Iranian People: Iranians have a centuries-old tradition of hospitality. Even during the last decade’s tensions between the governments of Iran and the U.S., the people of Iran continued to be welcoming and hospitable to visiting Americans. On the whole, MIR travelers are surprised and pleased with the overwhelmingly warm reception they receive.

MIR Corporation (the name means “peace” and “world” in Russian) has specialized in Russia and neighboring countries since 1986. Offering scheduled and custom journeys to Russia, along the Trans-Siberian and across the Silk Route, MIR’s Seattle-based experts design imaginative trips that take travelers far from the familiar and work closely with local affiliates. MIR has twice been named one of National Geographic Adventure’s “Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth,” and is a preferred operator for museum, alumni and special interest organizations across the country. http://www.mircorp.com.

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Cuba Travel

6 US Airlines Approved to Begin Scheduled Service to Cuba as Early as Fall

*Southwest Airlines is one of six US airline companies that have been approved to offer service to Cuba © 2016 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com*

WASHINGTON – As part of the Obama Administration’s efforts to normalize relations with Cuba, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has approved six domestic airlines to begin scheduled flights between Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Chicago, Philadelphia, and Minneapolis/St. Paul and Cuba as early as this fall.

“Last year, President Obama announced that it was time to ‘begin a new journey’ with the Cuban people,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. “Today, we are delivering on his promise by re-launching scheduled air service to Cuba after more than half a century.”

On February 16, 2016, Secretary Foxx and Department of State Assistant Secretary for Economic and Business Affairs Charles Rivkin signed a non-legally-binding arrangement to re-establish scheduled air service between the two countries. At the time of the signing, the administration announced that scheduled service would begin later in 2016.

The carriers receiving the awards are American Airlines, Frontier Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Silver Airways, Southwest Airlines, and Sun Country Airlines.

The five U.S. cities that will receive new scheduled service to Cuba are Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Chicago, Minneapolis/St. Paul, and Philadelphia. The nine Cuban cities are Camagüey, Cayo Coco, Cayo Largo, Cienfuegos, Holguín, Manzanillo, Matanzas, Santa Clara, and Santiago de Cuba.

Under the new arrangement, each country has the opportunity to operate up to 10 daily roundtrip flights between the U.S. and each of Cuba’s nine international airports, other than Havana, for a total of 90 daily roundtrips. Longer term, the arrangement also provides for up to 20 daily roundtrip flights between the U.S. and Havana. Collectively, U.S. carriers have requested nearly 60 flights per day to Havana, thus requiring DOT to select from among the proposals. A decision on the Havana routes will be announced later this summer.

You can view the DOT’s decision, track the progress of the case, and view the publicly available documents online at regulations.gov, Docket DOT-OST-2016-0021.

A fact sheet on this issue may be found here.

Cultural Travel

MIR Corporation Unveils 21-Day Journey through Central Asia & the Five ‘Stans

(Seattle, WA) – More than 2,000 years ago, the great trade routes that linked Europe and China opened Central Asia to foreign cultures, customs and religions. Join a modern-day caravan on this epic 21-day journey to five of these exotic countries – Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan. Highlights include: seeing a traditional Kazakh musical performance, visiting a silk master’s workshop, observing one of the oldest Korans in the world, dining with locals, exploring the blue-tiled monuments of Samarkand, viewing one of the world’s largest collections of Russian avant-garde art, and visiting an array of UNESCO-listed sites. Slated for September 19-October 9, 2016, the tour starts at $7,795. For more information, visit http://www.mircorp.com/trip/journey-through-central-asia-the-five-stans/

Days 1-4: Almaty, Lake Issyk-Kul, Bishkek: Begin the tour in Almaty, the largest city in Kazakhstan, driving to the majestic Tien Shan mountain range. Cross into Kyrgyzstan and spend a night at beautiful alpine Lake Issyk-Kul before exploring Bishkek.

Days 5-7: Osh, Fergana, Margilan, Rishtan, Khujand: Fly to the lush Fergana Valley, divided among three of the five ‘Stans. Ascend to UNESCO-listed Sulaiman-Too Sacred Mountain, one of the holiest Islamic sites in Central Asia, rising from the outskirts of Osh, where you meet with a group of locals. In the Uzbek portion of the valley, visit Margilan and Rishtan, villages specializing in silks and ceramics. Cross the border into Tajikistan for an overnight in historic Khujand.

Days 8-16: Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva, Nukus: Journey overland to Tashkent and admire one of the oldest Korans in the world. Explore the blue-tiled monuments of Samarkand, Tamerlane’s UNESCO-listed Ak Saray Palace in Shakhrisabze, the interlocking brickwork of Bukhara and the winding alleys of Khiva. Drive through the Kyzyl Kum (Red Sands) desert to the astonishing Savitsky Museum of avant-garde Russian art in remote Nukus, capital of Karakalpakstan, for an overnight.

Days 17-21: Kunya Urgench, Tashauz, Ashkabad, Nisa, Merv: In Turkmenistan, explore three UNESCO Sites – the ruins of Khorezm’s Kunya Urgench, the Parthian city of Nisa and mythical Merv. In the modern capital of Ashkabad, discover the white marble monuments, so plentiful that they were awarded a Guinness World Record in 2013.

MIR Corporation (the name means “peace” and “world” in Russian) has specialized in Russia and neighboring countries since 1986. Offering scheduled and custom journeys to Russia, along the Trans-Siberian and across the Silk Route, MIR’s Seattle-based experts design imaginative trips that take travelers far from the familiar, and work closely with local affiliates in Western Russia, Siberia, Ukraine and Uzbekistan to carry them out. MIR has twice been named one of National Geographic Adventure’s “Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth,” and is a preferred operator for museum, alumni and special interest organizations across the country. http://www.mircorp.com.

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family-friendly adventures, National Parks

Moab Adventure Center Gears Up for Families During National Parks Centennial Celebration

Moab Adventure Center just 4.5 miles from Arches National Park and 30 miles from Canyonlands National Park, is gearing up for a rush of families who have marked 2016, the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service, as the “it” year for visiting “America’s Best Idea.”

MOAB, UT– Moab Adventure Center, just 4.5 miles from Arches National Park and 30 miles from Canyonlands National Park, is gearing up for a rush of families who have marked 2016, the 100^th anniversary of the National Park Service, as the “it” year for visiting “America’s Best Idea.”

Creating a family vacation in Moab is easy enough once the family has decided how many days they can be in the region. Then it’s a matter of getting everyone up and out early so that at least two activities can be scheduled each day.

Families with children ages 5 and up can discover some of the most scenic canyons in the Southwest from the unique perspective – and excitement – of rafting through rushing but playful whitewater. Half and full-day as well as two day programs inclusive of overnight camping and meals can be arranged. Half-day rates start at $60 for adults and $40 for youth. See: http://www.moabadventurecenter.com/trips/rafting/

A Two-Day Raft & Camp package at $265 for adults and $195 for youth places families on an overnight adventure along the Colorado River. Come dinner the first evening the food miraculously surfaces from a dutch oven before bedding down in tents under the stars. All food, gear, guide fees and equipment are provided. http://www.moabadventurecenter.com/trips/rafting/twoday.php

Off-road 4×4 excursions make a wonderful family experience for all ages. Professional guides operate custom Hummer® vehicles with raised seating in the rear for optimum passenger viewing while climbing to the top of seldom-seen, awe-inspiring Moab overlooks. Scenic outings are for two or four hours and at sunset. Rates are from $83 for adults and $51 for youth ages 3-15. http://www.moabadventurecenter.com/trips/hummer/

Families can extend their budget by purchasing a pre-set activities and lodging package such as the Rock & River Package that includes a two-hour Hummer Safari in the morning and a five-hour river rafting trip in the afternoon. The rate is $149 per adult and $107 per youth for this guide-enhanced immersion in Nature. http://www.moabadventurecenter.com/trips/packages/

Older youth may want to do some slick-rock mountain biking and zip lining; everyone can partake of hiking, guided or not; and just possibly Mom and Dad can get away for a romantic hot air balloon ride over the mysteries this landscape holds.

Families may also opt to hire a private tour guide for a day or longer. The guide can also take over much of the decision-making and provide that other-person-buffer families sometimes appreciate to keep things running smoothly. The best hiking trails, views, discoveries of petroglyphs and Indian lore, and hidden places for stand up paddle boarding all play into the many activities and experiences that a guide can arrange. http://www.moabadventurecenter.com/trips/private-tours/

To make it easier to get to Moab there’s a new air service from Salt Lake City and Denver into the region. San Francisco-based Boutique Air provides passenger airline service to Canyonlands Field Airport. It provides two flights daily to Salt Lake City at $59 per flight and one flight daily to Denver at $79. The airline will provide five flights per day during Moab’s busy tourist season.

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 popular. Many of these activities are conducted with guides, an arrangement that helps preclude the kind of impact to the land that can happen when uneducated visitors venture into areas where they perhaps shouldn’t be. Guides help people understand how and where they can move through back country areas with the least trace possible.

Year-round occupancy for the area’s 3,500 beds runs between 74 and 80 percent, primarily from March through November. While availability on Moab Adventure Center’s rafting, hot air balloon and other activities can usually be accommodated, lodging may be an issue and people should book accommodations well in advance.

For pre-trip-planning and reservations,visit the Moab Adventure Center website where a catalogs, trip guides and the Moab Insider’s Guide can be ordered. See http://secure.moabadventurecenter.com/express/inquiry/ or call 866-904-1163.

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