Jetsettersblog

Consumers can now access group purchasing power for insider deals to top Broadway shows through Broadway.com/Groups. The leading resource for group theater ticket sales and Broadway experiences, Broadway.com/Groups is offering special group rates for some of the most celebrated Broadway shows this spring through the winter months.

To re-visit a favorite classic, or for those that have yet to see some of Broadway’s most acclaimed musicals, Broadway.com/Groups is offering ticket specials to see the Tony-award winning crooners from “Jersey Boys,” the unforgettably wild-world of “The Lion King,” and the pop musical “Mamma Mia!”, featuring songs from ABBA, among others.

Current Broadway.com/Groups specials include the early bird special for “The Addams Family’ with tickets starting at $52 at select performances, May 10 to Oct. 30, paid in full by May 6, 2011, groups of 12 or more. Additionally, this family-friendly musical will be debuting a Monday night curtain, July 11 to Sept. 4, 2011.

For Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evening performances, “Mary Poppins” offers groups of 15 or more prices starting at $42 for rear mezzanine and balcony seats, $52 for mid mezzanine seats and $62 for orchestra and front mezzanine seats. Offer is available for shows Aug. 23 to Nov. 20, paid 30 days prior to performance date. In addition, receive one complimentary ticket for the first 20 paid tickets, or three complimentary tickets for 51 tickets purchased (maximum of three).

Rear mezzanine seats start at $67, with all other seats starting at $87 for “The Lion King.” Offer available for Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday evenings and Sunday matinee performances, Aug. 27 to Nov. 20. Group minimum starts at 15 and payment is due 45 days prior to performance. In addition, receive one complimentary ticket for the first 20 paid tickets, or three complimentary tickets for 51 tickets purchased (maximum of three).

From Sept. 5 to Dec. 18, orchestra and front mezzanine seats start at $76.50 with rear mezzanine starting at $42 for the scandalously delightful “Chicago.” Specials are available for groups of 10 or more for any performance, except Saturday evenings.

The mega-hit musical “Jersey Boys” offers groups of 15 or more discounts with tickets available for as low as $56 for most performances, select orchestra seats as low as $62 and $43 for student groups this fall. This fall sale is available for weekday performances, Sept. 6 to Oct. 30 and must be paid in full by July 31, 2011.

Sing and dance to ABBA at “Mamma Mia!” with tickets starting at $57 for rear mezzanine seats and $75 for orchestra and front mezzanine seats. Offer available for groups of 15 or more, Monday through Friday evenings and Saturday and Sunday matinees throughout 2011. For more information, visit www.broadway.com/groups/shows

Dutch flowers are an iconic image of Holland that also inspired many artists of the 17th century. This spring two Dutch museums have announcements regarding 17th century Dutch flower still lifes — The Rijksmuseum Amsterdam Schiphol Airport will be exhibiting a group of Dutch flower paintings at the museum’s airport annex in the exhibition Dutch Flowers. For this exhibition, nine exuberant “flower pieces” from the Rijksmuseum’s collection that used to adorn the homes of the 17th century economic elite are now in full bloom at the airport.

Now an everyday item, cut flowers were prized luxuries at that time. Only the most affluent could afford to have them in their homes and gardens. As a result, the first flower still lifes appeared in Holland in the 1630s and 1640s as a means of meeting the demand for flowers. After all, a painting of a flower was much less expensive then than an actual bouquet and lasted longer. Visitors to Rijksmuseum Schiphol Airport can view these flower still life paintings for free after passing through passport control at the airport. Dutch Flowers is on view April 6 to Sept. 5 at the Rijksmuseum Schiphol. For more information, visit www.rijksmuseum.nl.

The Mauritshuis Royal Picture Gallery in The Hague has acquired the exceptional painting “Still Life of a Bouquet in the Making” by Dirck de Bray (c.1635-1694) from a private collection. This painting is a fine addition to the museum’s rich collection of 17th century flower still lifes, which forms an important part of the collection, with highlights by artists such as Ambrosius Bosschaert the Elder and Jan Davidsz de Heem. This important new acquisition is currently on view at the Mauritshuis Royal Picture Gallery in The Hague. For more information, visit www.maurtishuis.nl or www.holland.com/us

Carnival Cruise Lines is kicking off its 2011 Bermuda program, which will operate a record 16 departures from four eastern U.S. homeports — Baltimore, Md.; Norfolk, Va.; New York; and Charleston, S.C. Carnival is the only cruise line offering Bermuda cruises from Charleston.

The voyages include six-, seven- and eight-day itineraries from April through November. Six-day voyages feature an overnight call at Bermuda, while seven- and eight-day cruises offer two nights in port. All 16 voyages dock at King’s Wharf or Heritage Wharf. From Baltimore, seven-day Bermuda cruises on Carnival Pride depart April 10, April 17, Sept. 18, Oct. 2 and Nov. 6. From New York, seven- and eight-day departures on Carnival Miracle depart April 14, April 21, Sept. 11 and Sept. 27. From Norfolk, a six-day sailing on Carnival Glory departs Oct. 16. From Charleston, six-day voyages on Carnival Fantasy depart April 23, May 19, June 16, Aug. 25, Sept. 15 and Oct. 6. For more information, call 800-CARNIVAL or visit www.GoCCL.com

Luxury travel wholesaler Classic Vacations is offering a price guarantee for vacations to Tahiti, and is including complimentary tour and activity packages. With turquoise-blue lagoons, tropical breezes and lush, flowering foliage, Tahiti is the perfect place for a honeymoon or romantic getaway. With Classic’s Best Rate Guarantee, if there is a lower price offered by any other wholesaler for the same package, Classic will match that rate.

Classic is also offering a complimentary tour and activity package for two, including a Lagoonarium experience and Lagoon Ray Tour with Motu Picnic. Guests can experience snorkeling with the amazing creatures of the Bora Bora Lagoon, and enjoy a Ray adventure in Moorea. This offer is valued up to $260 and is available for bookings to Tahiti through May 15 for travel through March 31, 2012.

“Nobody knows Tahiti like Classic. We have the most knowledgeable sales and reservation staff in the industry,” said Greg Bernd, co-president of Classic Vacations. “We held our National Sales Meeting in Tahiti this past September, so our team has first-hand experience with these stunningly gorgeous and friendly islands. Our specialists are experts in planning every detail.”

Classic Vacations provides custom-designed luxury travel packages, including a full line of luxury accommodations (including suites, villas, and residences), first class and private transportation options, and unique tours and excursions in Hawaii, the Caribbean, Mexico, Costa Rica, Europe, Tahiti, Fiji, Australia, and New Zealand. For more information, call 800-221-3949 or visit www.ClassicVacations.com.

Trafalgar Tours is offering last-minute deals that provide savings on some European and North American vacations. The selected departures are only available until April 13. All are definite departures. Space is limited, so come and experience Europe and North America with Trafalgar’s unbeatable services, tremendous value and great savings. To get the special rates, use the tour’s promo code at the time of booking.

Trafalgar’s vacations include first class hotel accommodations; luxury transportation by motor coach, rail or cruise ship; outstanding cuisine; daily included sightseeing and optional excursions, both with expert local guides; and the personal concierge services of Trafalgar’s tour directors, who share their insider’s view and reveal hidden places not mentioned in guidebooks. Trafalgar takes care of all the details so guests can enjoy the experiences and have the flexibility to explore each destination in-depth. Trafalgar was established in 1947 and provides escorted tours to Europe, Britain, the U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South America and China. For more information, call 800-854-0103 or visit www.trafalgartours.com

Collette Vacations is targeting fit active baby boomers who are seeking experiential travel with its Explorations brand small group tours brand. Whether an elephant back safari or exploring different wines of the west coast, Explorations offers unique hotels, culinary classes and meals with locals, sightseeing off the beaten path and culturally immersive activities designed to provide an authentic travel experience. As always, Explorations promises a small group tour experience to allow travelers to embark on a hands-on cultural journey. Explorations’ 18-day tour of Namibia and Botswana includes a walking tour of Victoria Falls, two nights in Sossusvlei, an encounter with the highest dunes in the world, a visit to the largest open air art gallery in Africa, game viewing of the Big Five, including the lion; and dinner in the desert under the stars.

For travelers looking for something closer to home and who want a to have a more low-key vacation, California’s Wine Country is a seven-day tour featuring San Francisco, Napa and Sonoma Valley. Clients will walk among the redwoods at Muir Woods National Monument; spend four relaxing nights in the heart of California’s wine country, enjoy lunch aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train, and discover the secrets of champagne making on a Korbel cellar tour.

For the traveler looking for an authentic Italy experience, Explorations Country Roads of Tuscany and Umbria includes a four-night stay in a restored palace in the Umbrian town of Trevi and a cooking class at a 16th century farmhouse. From the Galapagos Islands to India, the Explorations brand offers 15 world-wide vacation options for active travelers looking for a more personal journey. With tour prices starting at $1,749, per person, double occupancy for 12 days in Costa Rica, there is a tour for just about every budget.

Explorations offers the shared services of the Collette brand, including complimentary roundtrip home-to-airport sedan service, the services of the largest sales force in the industry, industry-leading No Worries Cancellation waiver, and guaranteed departure dates.

Explorations small group tours endeavor to provide authentic, life enhancing travel experiences to an intimate group of travelers. With a group of no more than 28 passengers on every tour, clients gain access to historic sites and exclusive experiences; enjoy sightseeing off the beaten path; and immerse in the local culture. Culinary classes, meals with locals, language lessons and active interaction ignite the senses and add adventure to life’s daily routine. More exotic tours distinguish Explorations with destinations ranging from India and Jordan to Africa and China, while smaller restaurants and unique hotels capture the local flavor. For more information, call 877-451-8687 or visit www.explorationstouring.com

Southwest Airlines Vacations is offering savings of as much as $125 per reservation on packages for the beaches of St. Petersburg/Clearwater, Fla., area. Besides the beach, clients can enjoy many things in the several communities that comprise the St. Petersburg/Clearwater, Fla., area. Clients can stroll through the fun art community of Gulfport, watch the Tampa Bay Rays play baseball at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, or enjoy some authentic Greek fare in the historic waterfront town of Tarpon Springs.

The $125 discount is available on air-hotel vacation packages of three or more nights at any hotel Southwest Airlines Vacations offers in St. Petersburg or Clearwater, when using promotion code 125SUN at the time of booking. Clients who stay three nights receive $75 in savings on the package price. Clients who stay four nights receive $100 in savings. Those who stay five or more nights receive $125 in savings. Book a minivan or standard SUV rental car with Hertz for five or more nights for the price of a full-size car.

The operator is offering a fourth night free at these hotels — Alden Beach Resort and Suites; Doubletree Beach Resort Tampa Bay/North Redington; Holiday Inn Hotel and Suites Clearwater Beach; Sheraton Sand Key Resort; Sirata Beach Resort; Tradewinds Island Grand and Tradewinds Sandpiper Hotel and Suites. Packages must be booked between April 1 and April 28 by 6 p.m. CT for travel April 8 through Aug. 31. Black-out dates apply. Seven-day advance purchase is required.

Southwest Airlines Vacations offers vacation packages to more than 80 destinations with flight service available from every scheduled Southwest Airlines departure city. Packages can be made to include flight, hotel, car rentals, show tickets and attraction passes at www.southwestvacations.com

Southwest Airlines Vacations is offering up to 30 percent savings on packages of flight plus hotel for four or more nights at select Walt Disney World Resort Hotels. Clients can save an additional $100 per reservation when booking select Walt Disney World Resort hotels with Southwest Airlines Vacations. Packages must be booked between April 1 and 30 by 6 p.m. CT for travel April 22 through Aug. 13. Up to 30 percent savings valid only in deal room categories at select hotels. Seven-day advance purchase is required.

Packages include roundtrip flight via Southwest Airlines to Walt Disney World Resort via Orlando; five-night hotel accommodations (including taxes); five-day Magic Your Way Ticket with Park Hopper Option; Disney’s Magical Express complimentary roundtrip airport/hotel transportation service; Disney’s Extra Magic Hours; 1,500 Rapid Rewards points on the flight portion; 24-hour traveler assistance; and first and second checked bags fly free, including golf bags (weight and size limits apply). Packages are available for Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge; Disney’s Polynesian Resort; and Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa. Prices start from $243 from Chicago (Midway); $256 from Nashville; $241 from Providence, R.I.; and $248 from San Antonio, Texas.

Southwest Airlines Vacations offers vacation packages to more than 80 destinations with flight service available from every scheduled Southwest Airlines departure city. Customize your vacation package to include flight, hotel, car rentals, show tickets, attraction passes, and more at www.southwestvacations.com

Rothschild Safaris rolled out six African experiences designed to be added on to its safari packages. The programs target a variety of interests of a range of consumers, such as romantic travelers, conservationists and adventurers. One is a romantic dinner for two on the mile-wide Zambezi River, with each course rowed out by a personal valet. Located just upstream of the Victoria Falls in Zambia, the Tongabezi Lodge offers its guests a romantic night on the river they will never forget. The program is included in the room rate (Tongabezi Lodge, Victoria Falls, Zambia).

The second experience is sipping gin and tonics while watching the sunset over the Serengeti. At the Singita Sasakwa Lodge in Tanzania, guests are able to enjoy the traditional sundowner as they sip a gin and tonic while watching the red ball of the African sun fall over the Serengeti Plains. As they look out on tens of thousands of wildebeest and zebra grazing on Singita’s 340,000-acre private reserve, guests lose themselves in the African wild that is within an arm’s length. The program is included in the room rate (Singita Sasakwa Lodge, Tanzania).

While staying at the wild Greystoke Mahale camp in Tanzania, clients can hike in the tropical forest and sit with wild chimpanzees as they groom, eat, wrestle, bicker and mother their young on the shores of Lake Tanganyika. The second deepest lake in the world, it sparkles with crystal clear water and is home to over 250 species of tropical fish. The program is included in the room rate (Greystoke Mahale, Tanzania).

Also available is the opportunity to track elephants, rhinos, lions and buffalo through the Luangwa Valley. In an intimate setting with no more than eight people per bush camp, guests will track elephants, rhinos, lions and buffalo through the wilderness of Zambia’s iconic South Luangwa National Park. The six camps of The Bushcamp Company feature first-class hospitality, sumptuous food and expert guides in the place where the African walking safari was pioneered over 30 years ago. The program is included in the room rate (The Bushcamp Company, Zambia).

Clients can go walking with orphaned elephants in the wilds of Botswana. For travelers looking for a hands-on experience, Stanley’s Camp elephant interaction invites guests to walk with orphaned elephants raised by humans as they forage and explore their home in the wilds of Botswana. The walking safaris awaken the senses through touch, smell and feel of the African bush. Guests spend their nights in the camp overlooking the lush Okavango Plains. The package is priced from $300 to $375 per person (Stanley’s Camp Elephant Interaction, Botswana)

Also available is the opportunity to go whitewater rafting in the Zambezi River rapids below Victoria Falls. The adrenaline rush of rafting in the whitewater chaos of the Zambezi rapids below Victoria Falls in Zambia and Zimbabwe will thrill any adrenaline junkie. Spend the day rafting then unwind with drinks at the campsite under the African night. The package is priced from $120 to $155 per person (Victoria Falls, Zambia or Zimbabwe).

For nearly two decades, Rothschild Safaris has provided custom designed safari adventures for clients worldwide. Whether travelers are looking to camp under the stars of the African sky or experience total luxury and style in permanent tents and lodges, Rothschild Safaris always delivers high value at a reasonable cost, and prides itself on personally experiencing every destination, guide, camp, and lodge they offer with their itineraries. For more information, call 800-405-9463 or visit www.rothschildsafaris.com

Tara Tours is promoting a budget package for seeing Machu Picchu. The program lands in Lima with an immediate flight to Cuzco, to spend a quiet morning getting used to the high altitude and to the surroundings. During the stay in Cuzco, once known as the Capital of the Inca Empire, a city tour and visit to the ruins nearby of Sacsayhuaman, Kenko, Puca-Pucara, Tambomachay and other archeological sites are included.

The next day, clients travel by bus and train to Machu Picchu to see the expanse of temples, palaces, towers and staircases built into the side of the mountain. A private tour guide takes clients from site to site explaining the advanced civilization of the Incas. The night is spent in the village of Aguas Calientes, at bottom of Machu Picchu. The next day is at leisure. Clients can go back to explore The Lost City of Incas or visit the Inca Thermal baths of Aguas calientes and visit the local market. In mid-afternoon clients return to Cuzco. On the way back, clients can enjoy views of the Andean peaks, the Urubamba Valley and the powerful Vilcanota River.

The program lasts seven days and five nights and departs every day from the U.S. The cost per person, including domestic airfare Lima-Cuzco-Lima via LAN Airlines and all ground arrangements with daily breakfast, entrance fees, Vistadome train tickets, private guide in Machu Picchu, private transfers, room taxes-service charges, is $1,294 double occupancy (single supplement is $376). An extension to the rest of Peru (Lake Titicaca, Colca, Kuelap, the Amazon, Sipan and more) available upon request. Air fare is available from Miami from $450 to $550 and add-ons from other major cities are available upon request. Tara Tours has been organizing tour programs to Peru since 1980. For more information, call 800-327-0080 or visit www.taratours.com