Jetsettersblog

The Inn at Brunswick Station Opens in Maine’s Picturesque Midcoast

Brunswick, Maine – The Inn at Brunswick Station opened it’s doors to guests on Monday June 27, 2011 offering guests contemporary accommodation and classic New England dining in the heart of downtown Brunswick, in Maine’s picturesque Midcoast, announced the inn’s General Manager Rick Martin.

“The final touches are in place and we are looking forward to welcoming visitors to the Inn and Tavern,” said Martin, “We are excited to be a part of the Brunswick’s vibrant community.”

About The Inn at Brunswick Station

Balancing a contemporary yet nostalgic take on comfortable accommodations and classic New England dining, The Inn at Brunswick Station is located adjacent to Bowdoin College on the corner of Maine and Noble Streets, in downtown Brunswick, a quintessential college town. The inn’s 52 guest rooms and suites, function space and tavern blend local history with modern comfort to retain a true sense of place for visitors to Maine’s beautiful Midcoast.

Charmingly designed by Arrowstreet (Somerville, MA), an award-winning architectural firm,

The Inn at Brunswick Station is perfectly situated to become the area’s most popular gathering spot located just steps from downtown shopping, outdoor recreation and the diverse offerings of Bowdoin’s campus.

The inn incorporates a celebration of Brunswick life and culture over the years, something that’s important to developer and Bowdoin alum J. Hilary Rockett, Jr. His attachment to both the town and college is seen in the inn’s design features and pre-construction recycling efforts.

Photographs from the Brunswick Historical Society tracking the town’s history will cover inn walls. During the demolition phase, Habitat for Humanity/7 Rivers ReStore (Bath, ME) and Building Materials Exchange (Lisbon, ME) benefited from recycling appliances, doors, windows, floors, woodwork and copper.

A local stone mason, Cosmic Stone (Topsham, ME), salvaged foundation granite to build benches for nearby public spaces.

The inn’s decor integrates natural wood against a neutral palette with warm gold tones and touches of Bowdoin’s black and white school colors.

The comfortable guest rooms feature king and queen beds with luxury linens and crisp white bedding. Amenities include flat screen TVs and complimentary wired and wireless Internet access.

The inn’s tavern will serve classic New England fare and will be open for breakfast, lunch and dinner inside, or al fresco on the generous patio and covered porch. Weddings, meetings and special events for up to 150 guests will be accommodated in a state-of-the-art function space or on the tented patio in warm weather.

Under the umbrella of JHR Development, LLC, Rockett is working to complete Brunswick Station, the mixed-use project that includes the inn. Brunswick Station, located on Station Avenue, includes retail shops, restaurants, and medical facilities, the Bowdoin College Store, and the Brunswick Station stop for Maine Eastern Railroad.

This stop will see Amtrak service by 2012 as part of the high-speed rail expansion program.

The hope that the project will stimulate regional economic development was underscored by comments made by Vice President Biden in a February 8, 2011 address in Philadelphia. The Vice President noted the positive economic impact extended rail service brings, and referred specifically to the new investment projects underway in Brunswick.

The Inn at Brunswick Station will be managed by Olympia Hotel Management, a hospitality management company based in Portland, Maine dedicated to delivering exceptional guest experiences with attentive but relaxed personalized service.

Located 26 miles from Portland and the International airport, 126 miles from Boston and 10 miles from L.L. Bean and Freeport shopping, The Inn at Brunswick Station is easily reached by car, rail or air.

The hotel’s website is www.innatbrunswickstation.com

Sunny, vast skies, fresh air and miles of trails wait nearby in the Allegheny National Forest Region – a place that is as easy on the wallet as it is beautiful.

Seek refuge from the city heat by enjoying cool mountain breezes in this area, which is located just 90 miles south of Buffalo, N.Y., in northwestern Pennsylvania.

The Allegheny National Forest itself includes more than 510,000 acres of trail fun for the family. There’s no pounding the pavement here. Scenic overlooks at Rimrock and Jake’s Rocks make the Forest, a location that is budget friendly and photo ready. The North Country National Scenic Trail offers about 100 miles of completed trail and is the longest trail in the Forest. Grab a backpack, water bottle and your hiking boots or your bike and spend time in the shadows of the towering trees in the forest.

In addition to the trails, the scenery and the opportunities for recreation, there’s something even more special about the Forest – the price. Visitors can enjoy the forest for free.

Those visiting can spend the night in the forest, too, and enjoy an area where the only street lights are the stars above. Dispersed camping is offered in most areas of the Allegheny National Forest.

This means you can set up camp and stay at no charge.

One request is that you carry out whatever you carry in.

There are also more than 900 campsites at 20 campgrounds on the Forest; primitive campgrounds start as low as $10 per night.

However, if you’d rather sleep inside, the region has plenty of low-cost opportunities for that, too.

The Mountain Laurel Inn, located at 136 Jackson Ave. in Bradford, is a bed and breakfast that offers the amenities of today in a circa 1894 mansion setting.

Rooms for a night’s stay here start at $85.

Another affordable option is the Carriage House at Olmsted Manor, located at 17 East Main St., Ludlow.

This modest apartment has two bedrooms, kitchen, living room and TV. The cost is $50 per person, per day; $75 for two or more people. The Olmsted Manor itself is rich in history and was built by electricity magnate George Olmsted.

During the day, a trip to the Zippo/Case Museum at 1932 Zippo Drive is in order. The Zippo/Case Museum, which is free to the public and open seven days a week, marries two American icons – the Zippo lighter and the Case knife.

See firsthand Zippo’s relationship with the Armed Forces as well as Case being a strong ally to the astronauts.

Money may be necessary, however, when you finish the tour and go shopping at the store.

For an inexpensive breakfast, check out the “El Cheapo” at the John Williams European Pastry Shop at 20 Mechanic Street in Bradford. This hearty meal includes eggs, pancakes and a meat. While you are there, you can enjoy a sweet pastry while you are there, too.

For more information on the region or to request a free travel guide and map of the Allegheny National Forest Region, contact the Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau at 800-473-9370 or visit its website, www.visitANF.com.

Sunsail is excited to announce the brand new Sunsail 38, the newest monohull to join the yacht charter fleet. Built by Jeanneau to Sunsail’s charter specification and also known as the Jeanneau 379, the new Sunsail 38 is part of Sunsail’s investment in over 230 new yachts for the 2011/2012 sailing season.

This sporty 2-cabin / 1-head cruiser will be available for sailing vacations in the British Virgin Islands beginning November 2011.

Cheryl Powell, COO of Sunsail, commented, “Sunsail continues to partner with the world’s leading designers, and developing the sporty new Sunsail 38 redefines this commitment. Designed by Marc Lombard and built by Jeanneau, this yacht builds on the success of the new generation Sunsail 41 (Jeanneau 409) ‘European Yacht of the Year,’ and offers superb ease of handling with a stylish, bright interior.

We are dedicated to offering a wide range of yachts that best suit everyone’s unique vacation needs and budget; and this model is the perfect cruising platform for a small family or two couples seeking a one of a kind on-the-water vacation.”
Below deck, the Sunsail 38′s well-appointed interior features two double cabins, a spacious head with separate shower stall and ample storage throughout.

The fully equipped galley to starboard features a refrigerator/freezer, propane stove/oven, microwave and double sink, while the neighboring U-shaped saloon offers comfortable seating for up to six and also converts into a double berth.

Plenty of ventilation offers cooling island breezes and natural light. Additional LED lighting throughout minimizes energy consumption compared to standard lighting.
The Sunsail 38 represents the perfect balance of performance and ease of handling with a sail plan and hull design that delivers a powerful sailing experience even in light wind. With a full suite of navigational electronics, twin wheel steering and all lines led to the spacious cockpit, this yacht is a charterer’s dream and easy to sail short-handed. Enjoy water sports activities like swimming, snorkeling and kayaking with ease from the fold-down transom platform; then spend the evening entertaining alfresco style around the large cockpit table.

For more information on Sunsail sailing vacations and fleet, please visit www.sunsail.com  or speak with a member of the Sunsail Team at 1-888-350-3568.

About Sunsail

Sunsail offers a wide choice of sailing vacations with over 800 yachts in 30 locations worldwide. Alongside Yacht Charter and Flotilla Sailing vacations, Sunsail also offers Beach Clubs, Sailing Schools, Team Buildingand Events, and new for 2011, Sunsail Racing. Sunsail was founded in 1974 and is owned by TUI Travel, PLC.

For more information on sailing vacations, visit www.sunsail.com  or speak with a member of the Sunsail Team at 1-888-350-3568. For Yacht Ownership information, visit www.sunsail.com/yacht-sales.

Whistler, B.C. – True to its name, Cornucopia is the Fall Festival for the indulgent and the connoisseur.

Ideally located in the majestic and historic resort town of Whistler, BC, the festival celebrates extraordinary chefs from across Canada and the world over, and local, regional and international wines for every type of bon vivant. Offering a truly sensory experience, with winemaker dinners, interactive seminars, gala wine tastings and electric after parties, this high end 4 day and night showcase fulfills its mission to put Whistler on the map as the must-experience food and wine party, annually drawing in excess of 6,500 attendees and hundreds of key industry members and media.

Hot on the heels of the announcement of the winner of Top Chef Canada this past week; Cornucopia is honored to present champion Chef Dale MacKay as part of the much anticipated line-up. As the title chef for one of the extravagant Chef’s Luncheons, on Saturday November 12th from 12-3.30pm, Chef MacKay will feature his competition-winning cuisine and culinary flair in an intimate and exclusive 50 person luncheon held in a breath-taking Whistler mansion. In addition to Canada’s West-Coast native Top Chef Luncheon, Cornucopia will be showcasing the East-Coast’s culinary prowess in the form of 6, to-be-named, celebrated chefs from Quebec. Infusing Cornucopia’s programming with East-Coast flavor and typical Quebecois energy, the chef’s will be featured at a number of events, from the Bearfoot Bistro’s Masquerave, to another intimate Chef’s Luncheon. Showcasing the incredible variety and talent of homegrown chef’s, Cornucopia creates a foundation for domestic appreciation on a culinary level.

After a five-year hiatus, the legendary Masquerave at the Bearfoot Bistro returns to Cornucopia. As in the past, this must-attend extravaganza will feature outstanding local and international wines, world-class champagne, astounding light shows and sexy burlesque entertainment. The new food program will feature not only gastronomic creations by Bearfoot Bistro executive chef Melissa Craig, but also other top chefs from Vancouver and Quebec.

Also new this year is the Bearfoot Bistro’s association with One Drop, the charitable organization and initiative of Cirque du Soleil founder Guy Laliberté.

The One Drop Foundation, which aims to give everyone access to clean water, will be a beneficiary of Masquerave ticket sales, along with the Whistler Blackcomb Foundation and the francophone school of Whistler, École La Passerelle. Masquerave is the ultimate celebration of food, wine and life! It is an integral and highly successful component of Cornucopia that will make this year’s festival better than ever.

To celebrate the 30th anniversary milestone of the internationally-acclaimed Araxi Restaurant, there will be two momentous events. Araxi Executive Chef James Walt will unveil his most ambitious multi-course menu yet at the Big Guns Winemakers Dinner: Icons of the Wine World. The elegant evening will feature an unprecedented showing of 10 exemplary wines, each representing one of the world’s foremost wine regions. And Araxi’s legendary Bubbles + Oceans Afterparty will showcase 30 of the world’s top Champagne houses and sparkling wine producers. Preeminent bubbles paired with spectacular seafood at this Whistler hotspot makes this one of the ‘must-attend’ events of the festival.

Cornucopia proudly presents the Viking Stage and Wine Seminar series of 2011. The featured keynote speaker is award-winning writer Natalie MacLean, editor of Canada’s largest wine site at www.nataliemaclean.com. The Wine Seminars are the perfect opportunity to combine your passion for incredible wines with interactive and informative tastings. Ms. MacLean will host a wine tasting and launch of her new book Unquenchable: A Tipsy Search for the World’s Best Bargain Wines with travel anecdotes and colourful stories along with wines featured in the book from 4-5.30pm on Friday, November 12 at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler’s Frontenac Ballroom. There will be an exclusive opportunity to interact with one of the world’s most celebrated wine writers.

Renowned industry professionals will lead you on a delicious journey laced with nuances, aromas and mouth-watering depth. Throw in some history, hilarious tidbits and insiders’ knowledge, and you have the ultimate wine-lovers sip and savour experience. Tickets for the Wine Seminars and Viking Stage series will be on sale through the www.whistlercornucopia.com website.

The dual-night flagship tasting event CRUSH, infamous Winemakers Dinners, Chef’s Luncheons, Chef’s Trip the Farm, and world-class after-parties round out the programming for Whistler’s Food & Wine Festival, Cornucopia, and we look forward to welcoming you to the most extravagant showcase of BC’s finest food, wine, restaurants and produce.

We welcome our media with open arms, and would love to have your publication/outlet represented at Cornucopia, a true tourism destination Food & Wine Festival.

Cornucopia is a 4 day and night dazzling display of gourmet food and wines attracts over 10,000 people to the resort and caters to amateur enthusiasts to aficionados. Respected Industry professionals, judges and presenters headline each event, seminar and tasting, offering the best possible opportunity to garner as much information and insight as possible.

Held on the cusp of the opening of each ski season in beautiful Whistler, British Columbia, Cornucopia was designed to showcase and support local restaurants, restaurateurs and the food and wine industry.

Now encompassing wineries and restaurants from Vancouver, greater BC and beyond, Cornucopia has grown to an internationally recognised representation of the Culinary and Viticulture Tourism Industry in Canada.

With wide-spread appeal shown through the immense variety of events available, the festival is truly a Food and Wine Festival with a Whistler attitude.

Whistler is Canada’s premier year-round leisure and meeting destination located in the Coast Mountains 120 kilometres (75 miles) north of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Consistently rated the top ski resort in North America for the past 12 years in a row, Whistler was the Host Mountain Resort of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. The resort offers an extensive range of accommodations totaling 10,000 bedrooms among 24 hotels as well as townhomes, condos, B&Bs and chalets. Whistler also boasts more than 100 restaurants and bars, 200 retail shops, 25 spas and countless activity options from world-renowned skiing and snowboarding, mountain biking and golf, to hiking, rock climbing, and watersports. The Resort Municipality of Whistler is home to a diverse community of more than 9,000 permanent residents.

Cornucopia – an abundant, overflowing supply

Rockin’ Recovery, Romancing the Stone, and B-Fit couples indulgence packages offer something for everyone to have a pampered morning

For some guests, the “morning after” calls for Bloody Marys and a greasy (yet gourmet) breakfast, while for others a couples massage and some relaxing quiet time is preferred. S

ome also may wish to start the morning with a healthy breakfast and a work out to kick off the day.

Now, Four Seasons Hotel Denver introduces three new add-on packages geared toward travel’ers seeking to indulge prior to check-out: Rockin’ Recovery, Romancing the Stone and B-Fit all provide a pampering, fun experience before checking out.

Rockin’ Recovery

For the guest who may have visited the Mile High City for a concert, party or other fun event, Rockin’ Recovery is available to refresh and revive.

Included with this package is a fun arrival amenity including candles, temporary tattoos, playing cards, The Hangover movie, Altoids, and rock-n-roll theme décor.

Plus, an iPod is available with either rock ‘n roll or soothing music.

A Hangover Breakfast including Bloody Marys and a water bar with Borba, Smart and Vitamin waters is offered to banish any lingering symptoms and ensure the morning has a rockin’ start.

Guests also are invited to raid the mini bar, and can participate in a drop-in mixology class in EDGE to learn how to make a signature drink. Because guests of this package may need a little more rest, a late checkout of 4:00 pm also is included.

Romancing the Stone

For guests looking for a romantic morning, Romancing the Stone indulgence includes the 80s classic film Romancing the Stone, edible body paints and massage oil, honey-do coupons, two glasses of Champagne, strawberries and whipped cream and a 60-minute Romancing Gem Stone couples massage.

Also included is the Decadence Breakfast for Two, served on bed trays, and an iPod in-room pre-loaded with love songs. Guests who reserve this package also have the option of adding on a romantic three-course aphrodisiac dinner for two in EDGE Restaurant.

The B-Fit

For the fitness enthusiast, B-Fit indulgence is available to give the morning a healthy start.

Included is an arrival amenity of fresh fruit and peanut butter, an assortment of bottled waters, a fitness DVD, and muscle recovery cream. This package includes a 60-minute class with a personal trainer or yoga instructor, either in-room or in theFitness Center.

An iPod is available pre-loaded with yoga music and workout jams, and the energising Jumpstart Breakfast for Two includes a smoothie bar, where the server will custom make a smoothie in-room. This package also includes two-hours of credit to use Denver’s B-Cycle bicycle rental program and cruise around the city on the bikes. At check-in, guests will receive a map with cycling routes.

Stay to win

Each of the three add-on packages are priced at USD 180.00, in addition to the regular guestroom rate. Packages are available for Friday and Saturday night stays only and are based on availability. For more information, contact the reservations department.

Hilton New York Fashion District is pleased to offer the Fashion Insider Package, for guests who seek a stylish spin on their stay in Manhattan. This brand new hotel is located on West 26th Street where the Fashion District meets Chelsea, and is offering this package for a limited time only.

The Fashion Insider Package includes overnight stay plus double Hilton HHonors base points, two tickets to the Metropolitan Museum of Art (where the Costume Institute will celebrate the late Alexander McQueen’s extraordinary contributions to fashion  until July 31, 2011), savings certificate for $15 off Top Button’s Walking Shopping Tours & savings certificate for 20% off any 50 or 80 minute spa treatment at Equinox Wall Street.

Book this Fashion Insider Package by visiting www.newyorkfashiondistrict.hilton.com and clicking on the “Hotel Specials” page

or by calling 1-800-HILTONS and requesting plan code H7.

Package is available now through December 31, 2011.

Follow the Long Grey Line to a 4 Star Getaway Experience
West Point, NY –The historic landmark Thayer Hotel at West Point just 50 miles north of New York City, has been catering to a who’s who of America’s presidents, politicians, military and international leaders and celebrities since 1926. Having recently completed multi-million dollar renovation The Thayer Hotel at West Point is now the premiere hotel in the Hudson Valley for guests to visit and make their own history.

While retaining its original old world charm, and legacy of military pomp and circumstance combined with state of the art amenities, the 149-room full service luxury hotel boasts six conference rooms for meetings, four reception rooms for weddings and special events, and a gleaming new state-of-the art fitness center. The brand new world-class MacArthur’s Riverview Restaurant and the expansive Zulu Time Rooftop Lounge, the only rooftop lounge overlooking the Hudson River between Manhattan and Albany, rounds out the package of this first class destination resort.

As the only hotel in the nation on the campus of a military installation The Thayer Hotel offers a one of a kind experience and connection to American history.

Founded in 1802, the United States Military Academy at West Point, a national historic landmark, boasts some of the country’s leading examples of Gothic revival architecture characterized by ornate stone carvings and soaring towers.

A vibrant training ground for future leaders of America, the Academy’s awe-inspiring setting has been wowing visitors for more than 200 years. Catching a glimpse of the cadets in training tends to instill a deep sense of American pride in every guest of The Thayer Hotel. Knowing that iconic leaders like MacArthur, Eisenhower and Patton all spent time here, walking the hallowed grounds and visiting the monuments and historic buildings of West Point creates a one-of-a-kind connection to the Thayer not possible at any other hotel in the world.

Using the Thayer Hotel at West Point as a home base makes it easy to explore and experience all that the Hudson Valley has to offer. Guest packages, carefully designed by the hotel staff offer something to entertain and enlighten one and all including golf, shopping, vineyard & winery tours, fine dining, hiking, biking, relaxing, romance, history and family fun.

PACKAGES
GOLF AND STAY PACKAGE: Get in the Swing at the West Point Golf Course
Pack your bags and head to the historic Thayer Hotel for a relaxing stay and memorable day on the links. The 18-hole West Point Golf Course, designed by Robert Trent Jones, ASGCA, is one of the most scenic courses in the Hudson Valley. Narrow fairways, water features, doglegs, and greens combine to make a great course that’s sure to test your shot-making skills.

Whether you bogey or birdie, views of the ramparts of the famed United States Military Academy are sure to give your game a lift. So many presidents, generals and dignitaries have swung clubs here it’s impossible to list them all. But don’t let that make you nervous—even military heroes have been know to slice balls into the trees.
Set in historic woodsy hills of the Hudson Valley, the course opened in 1948 and features 6,007 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 70. The course rating is 68.6 and it has a slope rating of 126. In honor of its prestigious location, each hole is named after a notable military campaign. West Point Golf Course, a four-time host of the Patriot League Championships, also features a large clubhouse and top-of-the-line pro shop.
On or off the fairway, you can’t help but leave the outside world behind and enjoy all that West Point has to offer: superior surroundings and service. Steeped in American history The Thayer Hotel is the only hotel located on an active military installation and is the perfect place to overnight before your next day’s tee time. Here you’ll enjoy a great meal at MacArthur’s Riverview Restaurant where the menu, extends far beyond meat and potatoes. The stately grandeur, gothic windows and old world charm makes it easy to imagine what it was like for the countless dignitaries to dine here. Just upstairs from MacArthur’s Riverview Restaurant is the Zulu Time Rooftop Lounge – the only rooftop lounge along the Hudson between Manhattan and Albany, where the views of the majestic Hudson River and surrounding hillsides offer the perfect backdrop for an afternoon cocktail or nightcap, or bite to eat after a day on the links.

Come for an overnight any weekend or, even better, play hooky from work and come during the week.
Continue reading West Point: Thayer Hotel in The Hudson Valley…

BRADFORD, Pa. – Interested in learning about Pennsylvania Whitetail deer?

The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford will hold a seminar for anyone interested in learning more about Pennsylvania’s whitetail deer.

The one-night seminar will be held from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Aug. 4 in Swarts Hall, Room 162 on the Pitt-Bradford Campus.

Over the last 125 years, the white-tailed deer has been pushed to the brink of extinction only to be brought back to now inhabit every county in Pennsylvania.

The program is presented by Wildlife Conservation Land Management Officer John P. Dzemyan, who will talk about deer, deer management programs and how they came about.

Those attending will receive handouts and participate in hands-on educational activities about deer aging, antlers, food and the biological conditions that must be maintained to keep the whitetail deer population strong.

Youth 12 and older may register with an adult. Cost is $25 per participant.

To register, contact the Division of Continuing Education and Regional Development at (814)362-5078 or contined@pitt.edu

For a free visitors guide that lists local lodging or for additional information on the region, please log onto www.visitANF.com

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises will introduce their most extensive collection of itineraries in 2012.

They will offer 32 itineraries ranging from 8 to 32 days along Europe and Russia’s great waterways.

Two of their newest programs: Gems of Germany, Belgium & the Netherlands, and Grand Treasures of Europe will include the internationally famous Floriade – a world horticultural exposition presented only once every ten years.

Uniworld will also launch three exciting new programs to make their expertly planned, always-included shore excursions better than ever. These programs are all included in the price of Uniworld’s cruises and will allow travelers the opportunity to customize their travel experience like never before.

Experienced travelers who have already seen some of Europe’s most popular sites can take advantage of Uniworld’s “Choice Is Yours” program, which offers alternate included excursions to the continent’s hidden gems.

For travelers who crave a more active adventure, they can try Uniworld’s exclusive “Go Active” program, which lets them explore the great outdoors at their own pace.

And for those who prefer to take a bit more time getting to know the destinations on their itinerary, they can opt for their “Gentle Walking” program, which guarantees a relaxed-pace group with a private guide on many walking tour destinations.

In addition, Uniworld has many exclusive excursions only available to Uniworld guests, including special wine tastings in castles with royalty, guided art tours, archeological visits, and so much more.

“Each year, Uniworld actively looks for ways in which to enhance our guests’ experience. With the introduction of these new programs, such as ‘Choice is Yours,’ we are able to deliver a more customized experience to our guests,” states Guy Young, President of Uniworld.

Also in 2012, Uniworld will completely remodel three of their boutique cruise ships, the River Countess, the River Duchess, and the River Royale. “Uniworld continues to invest heavily in the maintenance of our fleet to ensure we are delivering a five-star product to our guests. In 2011, we remodeled three ships completely, River Ambassador, River Baroness, and River Princess, as well as introduced three new ships, including the stunning S.S. Antoinette,” adds Young.

Uniworld ships offer unparalleled luxury in the river cruise arena with the finest of furnishings, inspiring original art, and modern luxuries. Over the years, Uniworld has worked tirelessly with their sister company, the award-winning Red Carnation Hotels, to elevate the standard in river cruising with an unyielding commitment to quality and service.

“Be assured that when you sail with Uniworld, you will have an unrivaled cruise experience, because no other cruise line in the world has a sister company with over 50 years of expertise in running a collection of five-star luxury hotels,” furthers Young.

Uniworld’s luxury value-packed cruises include the Zagat-rated staterooms on the river; all meals onboard with complimentary fine wines, choice of beer, and soft drinks served during lunch and dinner onboard Europe company-owned ships; captivating included excursions; Signature Lectures and entertainment onboard; and complimentary transfers on arrival and departure days.

Couples can save up to $2,400 on Uniworld’s 2012 boutique river cruises by paying in full at time of booking by September 30, 2011.

“Our goal is to deliver unparalleled luxury at an uncompromising value, so we want to reward those who book early with the greatest possible savings,” states Young.

For more information, please contact your preferred Travel Professional or call Uniworld at 1-800-733-7820 or visit www.uniworld.com.

Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection

Los Angeles-based Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection, the world’s only authentic boutique cruise line, is recognized among the “World’s Best River Cruises” by Travel + Leisure.

It is the only river cruise line named to Condé Nast Traveler’s prestigious Gold List, and has received their Readers’ Choice Award for “World’s Top Small-Ship Line” and won “Best River Ships” in their Readers’ Poll, which ranked River Beatrice and River Duchess the #1 and #2 river ships in the world. Cruise Critic named River Beatrice the “Best New River Ship” and awarded Uniworld their Editors’ Pick for “Best Cruise Line.”

Uniworld’s cabins and dining are also ranked among the top three in the world by Zagat Survey®; and is the only river cruise line named in the Zagat Survey® among the best of the best in the cruise industry.

Uniworld features luxurious boutique cruise ships with an average capacity of 130 guests; expertly planned itineraries with included shore excursions; world-class gourmet cuisine; and award-winning hospitality by an English-speaking staff.

Uniworld offers over 500 departures on 40 itineraries sailing on over 13 rivers in over 20 countries throughout Europe, Russia, Egypt, China, Vietnam, and Cambodia.

Seven-Day Literary Walking Vacations Program Also Includes Jane Austen Country and Wales’ Pembrokeshire Coast

Newport, Rhode Island – Long before the release of director Cary Fukunaga (Sin Nombre) and screenwriter Moira Buffini’s (Tamara Drewe) bold new film version of Charlotte Brontë’s beloved Jane Eyre, The Wayfarers had created a seven-day walk, August 21-27, through the wild heather-filled moors, towns and villages that inspired the Brontë sisters to create Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights. In its exclusive Brontë Trail walk, The Wayfarers brings literature fans up close and personal with landmarks well-known from Jane Eyre. Walkers pass by North Lees Hall in Peak National Park, the private manor that inspired Charlotte to create Jane Eyre and which was used in various film adaptations as Thornfield Hall, where Jane works as governess for Mr. Rochester.

The private guided tour of Haddon Hall will take on new meaning to movie fans this year, as the 12th-century medieval manor house is cast as Thornfield Hall on-screen in Focus Features’ Jane Eyre, which opens in New York and Los Angeles on March 11th and in additional cities throughout March. The movie stars Mia Wasikowska as Jane, Michael Fassbender as Mr. Rochester, Jamie Bell, Golden Globe Award winner Sally Hawkins, Holliday Grainger, Tamzin Merchant, Imogen Poots, and Academy Award winner Judi Dench.

Throughout the week-long program, walkers will discuss the novel and film with experts and also get the inside scoop on anecdotes from the filming of the new movie.

The walk is scheduled August 21-27 and is priced $3595 per person. To prepare walkers for their upcoming trip, a Pocket Guide to the new Jane Eyre movie is included in the free Wayfarers iPad and iTouch app, available from iTunes.

The Jane Austen walk, following Hampshire routes familiar to author Jane Austen, is offered October 2-8, and is priced $3695 per person. Like the Brontë Trail walk¸ this walk includes day and evening accompaniment by literary experts who explain Austen’s involvement with her surroundings, in addition to a music recital one evening and another evening’s “Dressing Jane Austen” presentation with actors who sport Regency period costumes. The third literary walk, Wales’ Pembrokeshire Coast, meanders along coastal pathways through areas that inspired much Welsh literature, and includes an enlightening evening with Welsh Poet Laureate Gillian Clarke. This walk is offered September 24-October 1 and is priced $3795.

To be fully immersed in local culture and customs, The Wayfarers’ guests enjoy accommodations in rustic inns and manor houses and dine in traditional pubs and restaurant. Favoring small group sizes, most Wayfarers’ walks average 8-10 participants. Packages include all accommodations, meals and trail snacks, wine with dinner, entrance fees, guides, van transport for moving luggage and resting walkers, and all taxes and gratuities at hotels and restaurants.

Wayfarers’ Literary Walks

England: The Brontë Trail
The Brontë Trail explores the region that inspired Charlotte, Emily, and Anne Brontë’s literary works in the 1800s. Beginning in Haworth and ending in Chatsworth, Jane Eyre fans will admire Britain’s most evocative literary landscapes including Yorkshire’s Haworth Village, home of the Brontë sisters. Named one of the “Top 50 Trips of a Lifetime” by National Geographic Traveler, this walk features a visit to the Brontë Parsonage Museum, the Brontës’ childhood home, and the location where Charlotte Brontë penned Jane Eyre. The Victorian and Gothic spirit of Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights is present throughout the region’s ruined farmhouses, picturesque valleys, and remote plains. Other highlights include tours of the literary- and film-inspiring North Lees and Haddon Halls (the latter seen on-screen in the bold new Jane Eyre movie opening this month) and an enlightening pre-dinner talk by Brontë expert Ann Dinsdale.

Walk Rating: 2, Easy/Moderate.
Offered August 21-27. Priced $3,595; $420 Single Supplement.

England: Jane Austen Country
In this walk, travelers follow in the steps of Jane Austen, exploring the picturesque region that inspired her to write Emma, Northanger Abbey, Pride and Prejudice, and Sense and Sensibility. Set in charming Hampshire, the walk travels along lanes and footpaths in an area that impacted much of Jane’s perceptive and often biting social commentary. Stops include Steventon, home to Jane’s father’s rectory; the village of Chawton, later home of Jane Austen and site of today’s Jane Austen Museum; and Oakley Hall, the 18th-century Manor House Hotel considered the inspiration for Mansfield Park. In a new addition this year, the walk includes a private dinner at Chawton House, served at the very table used for meals by Jane and her friends. The walk concludes at the ancient Winchester cathedral, Jane Austen’s final resting place. The program also includes information about clothing of the period and a pre-dinner discussion led by an Austen expert. Walk Rating: 1, Easy.
Offered October 2-8. Priced $3,695; $450 Single Supplement.

Wales: Pembrokeshire Coast
Wales’ 186-mile Pembrokeshire coast path is the setting for hiking, photography, and poems. Walkers will learn about the impact of this location on Welsh literature and will also discuss poetry with Welsh Poet Laureate Gillian Clarke. Dramatic backdrops along the coastal path include panoramic views from rugged cliff tops and expansive beaches. Visits to the national cathedral of Wales in St. Davids, a 5000-year-old New Stone Age cromlech, and Dylan Thomas’ boathouse on the Teifi Estuary are featured. Author and artist Pamela Petro is the guest host. The Wayfarers will treat guests to an overnight stay between the September 18 Snowdonia walk and the September 25 Pembrokeshire Coast walk if both walks are booked. Walk Rating: 3, Moderate
Offered September 25-October 1. Priced $3,795; $535 Single Supplement.

The Wayfarers
Named by National Geographic Traveler as purveyor of one of the “50 Tours of a Lifetime,” The Wayfarers offers an eco-sensitive walking holiday of both culture and fitness in 15 countries, with 39 itineraries and 76 departure dates. Now in its 28th year, The Wayfarers offers exclusive entrées into homes and gardens otherwise closed to the public, graceful accommodations, outstanding cuisine, and meetings with local residents. Walks are from 6-13 days and are rated on a five-level challenge scale. A new iPad and iTouch app containing walk info, video, and news is available free at iTunes. The Wayfarers is a member of Trusted Adventures, dedicated to the highest standards of small-group travel and to giving back to the areas visited. www.thewayfarers.com.  800-249-4620. Twitter: @Wayfarers Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/thewayfarers