Jetsettersblog

Indus Tours, the tailor-made holiday specialist, has expanded its exclusive selection of escorted tours to include an extraordinary 10-day odyssey to the Sultanate of Oman to discover The Spirit of Frankincense.

The new Oman – the Spirit of Frankincense tour departs in February 2012 and follows ancient trading routes across this unspoilt, entrancing country on a journey combining history, nature and contemporary luxury. Highlights include visits to bustling souks, peaceful groves of frankincense trees, as well as world-class archaeological sites and castles to uncover the secrets of frankincense – the fragrant incense whose mystical connotations made it one of the most valued treasures of the ancient world. As with all Indus Tours, this comprehensive, small-group itinerary is carefully planned and meticulously executed, with the price (from £2,124 per person) including all flights, five-star accommodation, sightseeing excursions, as well as some meals, the services of local guides and a dedicated tour director throughout – plus of course the high levels of quality, service and value for money for which Indus Tours is renowned.

Indus Tours’ selection of escorted tours has evolved from its highly acclaimed programme of tailor-made holidays to India, South-East Asia, the Middle East and beyond. These individually-themed group holidays encompass a huge range of experiences across thirteen different countries, each itinerary exclusive, exotic and entrancing.

As an almost undiscovered jewel in Arabia’s crown, Oman makes an obvious ‘next step’ in the continued expansion of Indus Tours’ portfolio of imaginative escorted holidays, perfectly complementing the existing destinations in the programme and providing an insight into this fascinating country.

The tour is themed around the story of frankincense, the aromatic resin that was so highly prized in the past that it was famously presented to the infant Jesus by one of the three Wise Men as a gift as valuable as gold, since it symbolised divinity. Frankincense is produced by collecting the gum resin from a particular species of tree that thrives in arid regions of Oman, Somalia and Eritrea. It has been exported from the southern Arabian peninsula for more than 5,000 years and Oman has long been at the centre of this trade as the main source of the “pearls of the desert” and due to its historical prominence as a seafaring nation. Today, much of the world’s best frankincense is still produced in the Sultanate and its value remains deeply embedded in contemporary Omani life, as well as an important ingredient in the modern international perfumery industry.

In order to uncover the secrets of frankincense culture, the itinerary follows in the footsteps of the ancient camel caravans that once crossed deserts and mountains taking in some of the most important historic sites associated with the use and trade of this valuable commodity. What’s more, the tour is led by Juliet Highet, an internationally renowned frankincense expert whose infectious enthusiasm for Middle Eastern heritage and culture is guaranteed to make this tour an experience to remember.

Oman is particularly noteworthy for its incredible scenery, authentic and well-preserved traditions and truly outstanding cultural and historic attractions – elements that have all been incorporated into this intriguing and well-paced adventure. The journey begins in Muscat, the modern capital of Oman, with a luxurious Frankincense and Rose spa treatment to help set the tone for the experience ahead. Muscat is a sophisticated, elegant city, full of character, whose attractions include historic forts, excellent museums and architecturally outstanding mosques and public buildings, plus of course the opulent palace of Sultan Qaboos himself. Particular highlights here will be the visit to the Amouage perfume factory manufacturing “the most expensive scents in the world” to discover how frankincense oil is distilled from the raw resin, followed by a chance to barter for exotic ornaments, kaftans and ornate incense burners at Muttrah Souq, a thriving, atmospheric market in Muscat’s picturesque old city.

From Muscat, the tour continues to Salalah (in the south of the country, source of frankincense) to visit the Al Balid archaeological complex (a UNESCO World Heritage Site whose port was once a major exporter of frankincense) and the Al Hosn souk, the best place in Oman to buy raw frankincense crystals and colourful rustic incense burners. Salalah is also convenient for day-trips to watch resin being harvested from groves of frankincense trees and to visit crumbling caravanserai and other sites that were once important rest-stops and departure points on the trade routes of long ago. Other high points of the itinerary include explorations of Nizwa (an oasis town and former capital), with a castle and antiques market, the soaring Jebel Akhdar Mountains and the magnificent Jabrin Castle (widely considered to be Oman’s most impressive fort), plus ‘wadi-bashing’ – an exhilarating drive through sand dunes in the ominously-named Empty Quarter and a sunset cruise aboard a dhow (traditional Omani sailboat) on the placid waters of the Indian Ocean.

The ten-day Oman – the Spirit of Frankincense tour is scheduled to depart on Friday 10 February, 2012, with prices starting from £2,124 per person.

Commenting on the new tour, Yasin Zagar, Managing Director of Indus Tours, said, “Frankincense was Oman’s gift to the world and we are delighted to be offering this brand new itinerary to discover the secrets of this ancient treasure. This new itinerary illustrates our commitment to developing and expanding our escorted tour programme to provide both prospective and loyal customers with new, exciting and inspirational holiday ideas where satisfaction and value for money are as integral to the holiday as the experience itself.”

For more information, please call Indus Tours & Travel on 020 8901 7320, email: holidays@industours.co.uk, www.industours.co.uk

Volunteers are needed around the clock in Key Largo, Florida Keys, to assist with two surviving pilot whales that were involved in a mass stranding in shallow water on 5 May, off Cudjoe Key in the Florida Keys. While a number of the stranded whales died shortly after the event, two were successfully released back into deep water and two are being cared for at the Marine Mammal Conservancy (MMC) in Key Largo.

Several Key Largo hotels are offering reduced-rate accommodations for visitors who want to join the round-the-clock effort to rehabilitate the three surviving pilot whales convalescing at the MMC. The “voluntourism” initiative is being aided with specially priced $69 (plus tax) per night rooms for visitors who sign up as volunteers.

Vouchers will be awarded by the MMC to volunteers when they complete at least one four-hour shift. The voucher is valid for up to five nights’ stay, Sunday through Thursday, and must be presented to the hotel in order to receive the special rate. The reduced-rate programme is focused on weekdays, because that is when the need for manpower is greatest.

Visitors arriving in Key Largo for the volunteer effort are encouraged to sign up for multiple shifts. As many as 20 volunteers are needed per four-hour shift to assist with a wide range of activities at MMC. Volunteers help with everything from actually being in the water to support the whales (must be 18 or older), to land-based tasks such as answering phones. Shore duties can be performed by teenagers under 18.

The following Key Largo hotels are part of the program:
Bayside Inn www.baysidekeylargo.com
Bay Cove Motel www.baycovemotel.com
Boatel www.keylargohouseboat.com
Key West Inn www.supertelinns.com
Marina del Mar www.marinadelmarkeylargo.com

The accommodations list is also available at www.fla-keys.com/volunteer and more properties may be added in the future. Holiday blackout dates for the special rate include 3 July and 3 September 2011. Advance reservations are required and the hotel must be advised that guests are planning to volunteer.

Click here to read one volunteer’s experience with the pilot whales. To learn more about becoming a Marine Mammal Conservancy volunteer, visit www.marinemammalconservancy.org

Completed in May 2011 and spanning 246 sqm of plentiful space and comfort, the exquisite Water Suite is an exceptional choice for those seeking modern sophistication and pristine privacy whilst enjoying unobstructed panoramic views of sun, sea and skies of the Indian Ocean.

Perched on stilts over the clear lagoon waters, the stunning Water Suite combines traditional luxury with bright contemporary style. The outside terrace is complimented by a gazebo and over sized infinity pool which blends naturally into the horizon. Additionally, there is an outdoor rain shower and private dining area alongside a spacious decked sun-lounging veranda with steps leading down to the ocean. A swim or snorkel is a mere leap into the welcoming cerulean waves.

Within the suite itself there is a wealth of comfort and amenities. A large bedroom is home to a king-size bed, huge en-suite bathroom with oversized bathtub and an indoor rain shower. The living area with glass floor features, is expansive and includes a bar area, wine chiller (filled with a selection of wines and champagnes), home theatre system, iPod docking station and espresso machine.

Guests to the suite are catered for by a private butler available 24 hours a day. In-villa daily breakfast and bespoke dining experiences are also there to be taken advantage of on request.

Rising above the turquoise waters, with views that stretch across the sea, spectacular sunsets and clear starry skies, the Velassaru Water Suite offers a paradisiacal atmosphere and seclusion.

The Water Suite at the Pool Villa at Velassaru is available to book now.

Prices start from $1492 per room per night. For more information please visit Velassaru, Maldives on www.velassaru.com

Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, the Keys are a paradise for lovers of fish and seafood. The locally caught delicacies are served and prepared in a tantalising array of dishes, available daily throughout the Keys in venues that range from extremely casual and rustic shacks to the fine-dining beachfront restaurants.

One of the most popular delicacies is the Florida lobster, so popular that locals hold a festival each year to celebrate the start of lobster season. Key West Lobsterfest, 12 to 14 August 2011, offers three days of festivities including live music, a street fair, a lavish Sunday brunch at the Doubletree Grand Key Resort by Hilton, plus plenty of opportunities to try lobster straight from one of the street vendors’ grills. www.keywestlobsterfest.com.

Known as spiny lobster, Florida lobsters differ from UK lobsters in that they don’t have claws and their meat has a slightly chewy sweetness. Lobster dishes include everything from the elaborate, such as tempura lobster tail, to the simple — grilled with melted butter.

Other local Keys seafood includes stone crab claws, renowned for their sweet and succulent meat; Key West pink shrimp; the mollusk conch (pronounced konk); yellowtail snapper, hog snapper, mutton snapper, grouper and mahi-mahi.

To taste some of this delicious fresh fish, visit restaurant nine one five, set in a beautiful two-storey Victorian home with two wraparound decks, on Duval Street, Key West, which serves adventurous upscale food. www.915duval.com. Alternatively, Pierre’s Restaurant, in Islamorada, features a colonial-style setting with eclectic haute cuisine and French fusion cuisine. www.pierres-restaurant.com.

For a more casual and rustic location, try the Fish House in Key Largo, offering its own smoked fish prepared on the premises, www.fishhouse.com, or Keys Fisheries in Marathon, a waterfront cafe located within a seafood market. The signature dish, Lobster Reuben, is an oversized sandwich filled with fresh lobster meat and homemade Thousand Island dressing.

For further information visit www.fla-keys.co.uk

Award-winning river cruise line AmaWaterways has announced details about its much-anticipated MS AmaCerto, the vessel whose debut in Europe next year will usher in a new era of river cruising. The 164-passenger MS AmaCerto will advance the innovative design concepts of the MS AmaBella (2010) and MS AmaVerde (2011), already considered the most luxurious, imaginative and amenity-filled vessels on the Danube River.

“We are extremely proud to mark the 10th anniversary of AmaWaterways with the launch of the MS AmaCerto. She truly represents a new generation of ship design, with a distinctive exterior and interior that surpasses any other vessel ever seen on European rivers. We’ve worked closely to custom-design a beautiful vessel that will set new standards in the industry for many years to come,” said AmaWaterways President, Rudi Schreiner.

With a design inspired by classic ocean yachts, the MS AmaCerto will feature such distinctive elements as a magnificent glass elevator, an al fresco Café at the forward portion of the ship shielded by a protective glass windbreaker; a heated swimming pool on the Sun Deck featuring a “swim-up” bar, as well as two “Tapas and Wine” venues, plus an elegant Chef’s Table Restaurant featuring a different tasting menu prepared each evening by its own chef.

The MS AmaCerto features the distinctive AmaWaterways “Twin Balconies,” consisting of a French balcony plus a full step-out balcony for relaxing, enjoying river side views or room service (available in suites). Twin Balconies comprise the majority of the ship’s stateroom categories, with Twin Balcony accommodations ranging in size from 210 sq. ft. to the 350 sq. ft. suites. Boasting a color palette of crisp white and champagne with apricot and bronze accents, the MS AmaCerto’s staterooms evoke the look of hip, modern hotel, with unique design elements such as a window between the bathroom and the stateroom, tufted headboards and Berber-style carpets. Staterooms also boast the exclusive AmaWaterways Infotainment System, featuring a flat-panel TV and keyboard with which to access complimentary Internet and first-run Hollywood movies, as well as dozens of English-language satellite TV and music selections.

As with the every AmaWaterways vessel in Europe, membership in the prestigious Chaîne des Rôtisseurs insures the finest gastronomic experience on the rivers, whether guests choose to dine in the Main Dining Room or any of the alternative venues mentioned above. The MS AmaCerto also features a cozy “fireside” library; Observation Lounge; 24-hour specialty coffee and tea station; fitness center; Massage, Hair and Beauty salon; a fleet of bicycles for guests to use on their own or on complimentary guided bicycle tours. MS AmaCerto also offers complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the vessel for those guests who choose to bring laptops, iPads or smart phones.

The MS AmaCerto will mark its inaugural cruise with a “Tulip Time” sailing departing on April 12, 2012. Thereafter, the vessel will cruise AmaWaterways’ most popular itineraries, including “Romantic Danube,” “Legendary Danube,” “Blue Danube Discovery” “Magnificent Europe” and “Christmas Time Cruise” for the remainder of the 2012 season.

Contact AmaWaterways, freephone 0808 223 5009, www.amawaterways.co.uk
About AmaWaterways

Founded in 2002 by river cruise pioneer Rudi Schreiner, river cruise executive Kristin Karst and founder of Brendan Vacations, Jimmy Murphy, AmaWaterways is the premier river cruise operator in Europe, Russia, Vietnam and Cambodia. Known for its innovative ship design, complimentary onboard amenities and personalized service levels, AmaWaterways consistently leads the way in river cruising. The line’s award-winning fleet in Europe includes the MS AmaVerde (2011); MS AmaBella (2010); MS AmaLyra (2009); MS AmaDolce (2009); MS AmaCello (2008), MS AmaDante (2008); MS AmaLegro (2007); the MS AmaDagio (2006) and the MS Swiss Pearl (redesigned 2006). In April of 2012, AmaWaterways will introduce the spectacular new 164-passenger MS AmaCerto.

AmaWaterways ships in Europe include spacious staterooms with French balconies or revolutionary “Twin Balconies”; plush down bedding, marble-appointed baths; complimentary high-speed Internet and Wi-Fi; first-run hit Hollywood movies; a fitness room, Hair, Massage and Beauty salon, walking track and whirlpool on the Sun Deck; heated swimming pool (MS AmaCerto, MS AmaBella and MS AmaVerde); complimentary shore excursions tailored to passengers’ desired walking pace; guided bicycle tours and more.

Additionally, each ship in Europe is a member of the prestigious Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, and features gourmet cuisine prepared under the direction of gold medal-winning chefs. Passengers enjoy complimentary regional wines, beer and soft drinks with dinner, champagne breakfast daily; complimentary specialty coffees and bottled water, as well as multiple dining venues on select ships.

In addition to its expanding fleet in Europe, AmaWaterways introduced the newly-redesigned 212-passenger MS AmaKatarina on the Volga-Baltic Waterway in Russia in May 2011 and the new 124-passenger MS AmaLotus will debut on the Mekong River in Vietnam and Cambodia in September 2011. The MS AmaLotus joins MS La Marguerite (2009) in offering the only luxury river cruises on the Mekong between Siem Reap, Cambodia and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

Explore is offering substantial savings of up to £275 on some of its India tours, for travel during the country’s most alluring season. From October to March, India enjoys a cooler climate and the usually wet areas of the northeast enjoy some respite. What’s more, the country is bursting with celebrations at this time of year. The festivals of Dussehra, Durga Puja, Diwali, Lohri and Holi add spice to a visit, along with November’s Pushkar Fair in Rajasthan.

Departing on 18th October, the Moghul Highlights tour takes place during the colourful festival of Diwali – the Hindu ‘Festival of Lights’. The whole country is lit up with small clay lamps to signify the triumph of good over evil, making it a great time to visit. Over 10 days, the tour takes-in masterpieces of Moghul art and architecture – Humayun’s tomb in Delhi; the deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri; the fabled Taj Mahal at Agra and the ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur. With a £150 saving, this tour now costs £1,279 per person to include return flights; eight nights’ accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis, including one night in a Maharajah’s mansion; two dinners; transport and the services of a tour leader and driver.

Once Kerala’s heavy rains have subsided, November is an ideal time to explore ‘God’s own country’, as the state is affectionately called. Explore is offering a discount of £275 on its Kerala Backwaters tour, departing on 1st November. This relaxing 13-day tour explores the waterways by houseboat and discovers local wildlife during a trek in the Periyar National Park. Costing from £1,312 per person, this includes return flights; hotel and boat accommodation; 13 meals; transport and the services of a tour leader and driver.

For ultimate surrealism and excitement, it doesn’t get much better than the Pushkar Camel Fair. Taking place in Rajasthan from 2nd to 10th November, the annual religious and cattle fair is notable for the mass trading of 50,000 camels adorned with handmade saddles, beads and shells, in anticipation for camel racing and beauty parades.

Explore’s 10-day Moghuls and Mystics tour takes-in this festival on its 3rd November departure. In addition, this great value trip incorporates other North Indian highlights, including visits to Old Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. As one of Explore’s budget tours, the trip has been designed to provide rewarding adventures that make the most of local transport and simpler hotels. The price of £1,125 includes return flights; accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis; one other dinner; transport and the services of a tour leader.

Hannah Methven, India Product Manager at Explore, said, “Basic supply and demand dictates that most holiday discounts are restricted to travel at undesirable times of year. Many customers think they’ve got a steal, only to arrive in a country in the throws of its monsoon season! Explore’s price reductions are expected to give customers an extra incentive to experience true India, in all its richness and glory – no strings attached.”

After much investment in infrastructure to improve the experience of tourists and pilgrims, the Qasr el Yahud baptism site on the River Jordan, known as the place of Jesus’ baptism, is now open daily to the public. Recognized since the 4th century as the site of the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist, Qasr el Yahud is considered the third most important site for Christian pilgrims to the Holy Land, after the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem and the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem.

The site is revered as the place where, according to the New Testament, John the Baptist baptized Jesus. The site is also considered to be the place where the Children of Israel crossed the River Jordan when they entered Canaan.

Because of the importance of the site, which is located on the road to Jericho from Jerusalem, many churches were built here over the centuries. Israel’s Ministry of Tourism, among others, has invested about $2.3 million in renovating and upgrading the site. Wooden ramps into the Jordan River now allow pilgrims easy and comfortable access to the waters for baptism; shaded areas have been erected for prayer sessions; and bathroom, shower and parking facilities have been upgraded. The site is also wheelchair-accessible.

2010 was the best year ever for tourism to Israel, and the first six months of 2011 indicate this year may break that record. “We hope the redesigned infrastructure inspires a new wave of Christian pilgrims and travelers to visit the Holy Land this year,” said Haim Gutin, Israel Commissioner for Tourism, North and South America, “which is already on track to be the best year ever for tourism to Israel.”

The Qasr el Yahud baptism site is managed by the Israel Nature Parks Authority and is open to the public free of charge daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., except for Fridays and holiday eves, when it will be open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (winter) and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (summer). For more information on travel to Israel, visit www.goisrael.com

Goway’s AfricaExperts is waiving the single supplement for clients staying at Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge, representing a savings of $500 per night. Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge is located in the world-renowned Sabi Sands private game reserve, deep in the bushveld, overlooking a waterhole and an open plain. Children under 12 stay free when sharing with their parents. Sabi Sabi is home to a variety of wildlife, including more than 200 mammal and 300 bird species. Morning and evening safaris are enjoyed in open Land Rovers where close encounters with the Big Five are a regular occurrence.

Goway has been offering travel to Africa, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Latin America and island destinations since 1970. It has offices in Toronto, Vancouver, Los Angeles and Sydney, Australia.

For more information, call 800-387-8850 or visit www.goway.com . For information on Goway AfricaExperts, call 800-245-0920, email info@africaexperts.com  or visit www.africaexperts.com

Uma Paro in Bhutan’s Paro Valley is offering the following Adventure Retreats in 2011 for biking, hiking and photography enthusiasts — The Dragon Kingdom of Bhutan & the Jhomalhari Trek (Nov. 2 to 11); Bhutan Through a Lens (Nov. 2 to 9); Mountains and Monasteries — Bhutan By Bike (July 19 to 26); and Ride the Thunderdragon, Bhutan Bike Expedition (Aug. 9 to 19).

The hotel is an eco-conscious luxury hotel operated by COMO Hotels and Resorts. From the hotel guests can trek to the base of Mt. Jhomalhari or visit markets and museums or centuries-old monasteries. Uma Paro’s 29 intimate rooms and suites fuse COMO’s recognizable clean-lined modernism with Bhutanese decoration created by local artisans. Carved wooden windows and intricate doorways frame stunning views of the Paro Valley below, and such amenities as claw-foot tubs and wood-burning stoves inject luxury into this most remote of locations.

For more information, visit www.uma.paro.como.bz

EasyJet, the UK’s largest airline, has begun flying the first direct service to Bilbao from Manchester.

The low-fares airline is now operating a three-times-weekly service to Bilbao from Manchester Airport with fares starting at just £29.99 (one-way, including taxes).

Bilbao, located in northern Spain, is the largest city in the Basque Country. The opening of the Guggenheim Museum in 1997 boosted the city’s regeneration and, together with its famous cuisine and accessible coastline, made this historical and cultural city a must-visit destination for tourists.

Ali Gayward, UK Commercial Manager at easyJet comments: “Bilbao is a dynamic city that offers visitors a rich culture; it is also ideally located to provide visitors with access to other popular destinations such as San Sebastian, the Pyrenees and Pamplona.

“This new route will build upon easyJet’s presence at Manchester Airport and complement the existing business and leisure destinations currently on offer.”

Andrew Harrison, Managing Director of Manchester Airport, said: “Bilbao is a welcome addition to our route network giving even more choice to passengers from the north west looking to access Northern Spain. This new destination demonstrates easyJet’s continuing growth at the airport with the airline recently announcing that a seventh aircraft will be based here shortly. I know it’s a route that our passengers have wanted so I’m sure it’ll be a success.”

Earlier this month easyJet announced details of a new agreement that cements its commitment to further expansion at Manchester Airport. The agreement confirms the airline will increase its Manchester fleet; this expansion has already commenced with the arrival of its sixth aircraft in May, and the seventh aircraft is due to arrive at the base in time for the summer 2012 season.

Later this year new services to Berlin, Belfast and Madrid will also begin flying from Manchester.

For more information or to book visit www.easyJet.com