Jetsettersblog

Visitors to the all-new STAR WARS Miniland can follow a chronological path through the STAR WARS timeline and retrace the major events of the beloved Saga. Some of the 2,000 LEGO models will be more than 8-feet-tall and interactive buttons will allow children to activate animations throughout the scenes.

“This is a really exciting day for LEGOLAND California — we are the first LEGOLAND in the world to introduce Star Wars Miniland,” said Peter Ronchetti, General Manager of LEGOLAND California Resort. “In the new area, you follow a chronological path through the Star Wars timeline to retrace the major events of the amazing saga. There are interactive elements and features that really create what we call the hands-on-minds-on experience of LEGOLAND California.”

During the grand opening ceremony, members of the 501st Legion of Stormtroopers guarded each scene until pyrotechnics exploded and each was described in full detail:

The models for the new STAR WARS Miniland were developed and built by eight model designers and two animation electricians in LEGOLAND Deutschland. A team of three Master Model Builders at LEGOLAND California spent the last few months bringing the scenes to life with the help of animation electricians, technicians and landscapers – all working to ensure the LEGO models appear as realistic as possible with special effects and landscaping.

In honor of the grand opening of STAR WARS Miniland, Park guests can also enjoy an enormous sand sculpture created out of 40 tons of sand for a new series titled “The Sand Guys,” premiering on the Travel Channel this summer.

Also on display in the Park is a LEGO mosaic featuring memorable images from The Empire Strikes Back created out of 165,888 LEGO bricks and constructed by Park guests

For the first time ever at LEGOLAND California, a live Web Cam has been set up atop the Model Shop for fans to visit STAR WARS Miniland anytime just by logging onto

www.LEGOLAND.com

New England is where most Americans might say you’d find the best fall color in the USA, but not John Poimiroo. Ask him and he’ll say, “California.”

Poimiroo edits California Fall Color, a blog that provides weekly (often daily) reports on where to find autumn color in California. The blog starts reporting even before the first day of autumn to past Thanksgiving Day, though reports are often posted as late as December.

California Fall Color got started in 2005 when Poimiroo was assigned to publicize Mono County in eastern California. “I soon found that autumn – which as someone from the San Francisco Bay Area experienced mostly in November – occurred across September and October and into November on the eastern side of the state. I then became aware of reports from other parts of California which established for me how widespread and long lasting our autumn is.”

“That isn’t what most Californians or its visitors think,” Poimiroo says. “They see California as without seasons, as along the coasts and throughout the vast central valley, there isn’t much color, but California is huge (780 miles long and 350 miles wide) and within it are large pockets of fall color that are truly breathtaking to behold. You just have to know where to see it and when to go. That’s why we created California Fall Color.”

The Eastern Sierra, Northern Sierra, Shasta Cascade, North Coast, Wine Country, Gold Country, Yosemite and Kings Canyon National Parks, the San Gabriel and San Jacinto Mountains and Los Angeles County all show a variety of color over the longest fall show in the nation.

What makes autumn so long-lasting in California is the state’s topography, which varies from foliage at 10,000 ft. in elevation down to sea level. “In New England, the color shows by latitude, descending from Canada through the northeast. Whereas in California, it drops by elevation.” Poimiroo explains.

The first signs of autumn are seen along the eastern slope of the High Sierra. Ground cover turns crimson in early September, while wildflowers are still blooming, providing a colorful show of orange-red Indian Paintbrush, purple fireweed and lupine, lavender columbine, swaying over a bed of tiny yellow wildflowers. Then, above 9,000 ft in elevation, quaking aspen begin to show color, turning from green to lime to yellow to orange and firey red along the grey, granitic slopes of the eastern Sierra. This quivering, flaming show begins near the first day of autumn, as autumn colors are reflected in the opalescent blue waters of North, South and Sabrina Lakes west of Bishop, providing what some have rated as the most dramatic show of fall color in the nation.

Indeed, California’s Inyo National Forest in the Eastern Sierra beat out national forests in New England, the Allegheny and Green Mountains in a listing of the top ten fall forests evaluated for The Weather Channel, by GORP.com, a national outdoor recreation website. What they saw is what Poimiroo and his legion of California color spotters report each autumn… the state’s combination of stunning vistas and delicate color that continues for weeks on end.

“Yosemite Valley is one of those places that shows from mid October to November. Orange leaves and black branches of the valley’s black oak contrast against deep blue skies and the its dramatic granite walls, monoliths and waterfalls,” says Poimiroo. “That’s the kind of scene travelers and outdoor don’t want to miss. And, that’s why they turn to California Fall Color for accurate reports and photos showing where the color is to be seen and at what stage it is.”

To see these reports, visit www.californiafallcolor.com

Three Luxury Lodges, Three Stunning Locations, Three All-Inclusive Offers

The trio of New Zealand luxury lodges – Kauri Cliffs, The Farm at Cape Kidnappers, and Matakauri Lodge – have announced three fabulous “lifestyle packages” with some great activities and “value-add” offers within one all–inclusive price.

The packages – Romantic Hideway, Revitalising Retreat, and Family Heaven are available at all three lodges in New Zealand’s most coveted locations and are designed to offer unique experiences to suit lodge guests across a range of occasions.

Whether it’s a romantic escape with a loved one, a rejuvenating and replenishing retreat, or some well-earned time away with the family, the new packages are sure to appeal on many fronts and provide “no-fuss” short breaks within one inclusive price.

The “Romantic Hideaway” provides the perfect chance to take a break from life’s hectic pace by spending time together. Think beautiful walks on a pretty pink beach at Kauri Cliffs, relaxing in a spacious suite at Matakauri Lodge over a glass of champagne while gazing at the amazing views, or slipping off for a private dinner for two in “the snug” at Cape Kidnappers. Wherever couples choose to enjoy their romantic interlude, enjoying precious time together is what it’s all about.

If re-charging the batteries is the order of the day, the “Revitalising Retreat” is sure to leave the world-weary urbanite feeling replenished and rejuvenated. While renowned for food, wine, luxury lodging and golf, each of the lodges boasts an enchanting spa that’s unique to its New Zealand location and quite simply, stunning! Designed to enjoy with a best girlfriend, mother or daughter or any special person, this package is about rejuvenation, laughter, indulgence and fun. Life is all about balance, so aside from soothing spa time, wonderful meals and good wines are also part of the mix. Wellness and indulgence are sprinkled in equal doses, with a promise to return guests relaxed and ready to take on the world again!

If holiday and family time together is craved, then the “Family Heaven” package is just the answer. Children grow up quickly (and parents grow old!), and family holidays provide those special memories that are cherished forever. Family groups are individually catered for and fun activities are tailored to all ages – from golf to quad biking, to hiking and simply exploring the natural surrounds of New Zealand. It’s all about sharing great times together, as a family. Children are encouraged to explore the great outdoors (away from computers!) as there are so many exciting things to see and do at all three properties. Children love beautiful meals at the lodge with their parents and are sure to come away with memories (and manners!) to last a lifetime.

Commenting on the new lifestyle packages, Managing Director Jay Robertson commented, “Our trio of lodges are all about lifestyle, so it seemed logical to provide our guests with several great experiencesl within one all-inclusive offer and available across all of the properties. It is an easy way to experience the properties and to enjoy this stunning country, New Zealand”, Robertson added.

Lifestyle Packages are available year-round and at all three lodges – Kauri Cliffs, The Farm at Cape Kidnappers, and Matakauri Lodge. Prices vary seasonal (starting prices listed below).

Romantic Hideaway

Available at Kauri Cliffs, Cape Kidnappers or Matakauri Lodge

Includes one nights’ accommodation for two staying in a Deluxe Suite with a bottle of champagne in room on arrival and romantic turn down service including rose petals, bath oil and candle to take home. Included in the romance package is pre dinner drinks and canapés, gourmet dinner, full breakfast and a complimentary mini-bar (excluding liquor and wine).

Priced from NZ $935.00 per person per night for double occupancy

Revitalising Retreat

Available at Kauri Cliffs, Cape Kidnappers or Matakauri Lodge

Includes one nights accommodation for two staying in a Deluxe Suite including a luxurious 2.5 hours in the Spa enjoying a 50 min massage and an 80 minute facial per person. A pre-treatment and decadent Afternoon Tea followed by post-treatment champagne, and guaranteed late check out of 1:00pm are all included. Also included in the Revitalsing Retreat are pre dinner drinks and canapés, gourmet dinner, full breakfast and a complimentary mini-bar (excluding liquor and wine).

Priced from NZ $825.00 per person per night for double occupancy

Family Heaven

Available at Kauri Cliffs, Cape Kidnappers or Matakauri Lodge

Family package includes two nights accommodation in a luxury suite with interconnecting second bedroom and daily pre dinner drinks and canapés, gourmet dinner, full breakfast and a complimentary mini-bar (excluding liquor and wine). As part of this fabulous family package, Mum and Dad have the choice of either a day of golf* or an 80 minute spa treatment, while the children can enjoy their choice of either an introductory Junior Golf Lesson* or a specially designed children’s mini manicure, pedicure or facial. Dinner is served family style for your first night, and on the second night parents can take advantage of the 4 hrs of babysitting included in the package with room service for the children, and dine privately in their choice of fireside locations within the lodge.

Priced from NZ$3108.00 per two persons for two nights

*All packages are based on double or twin occupancy of a Deluxe Suite at Kauri Cliffs, Ridge Suite at Cape Kidnappers and a Deluxe Suite at Matakauri Lodge. Govt. Goods & Services Tax (GST) is applied at 15%.

Please contact the lodges for details:

The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs +64 9 407 0010 www.kauricliffs.com

The Farm at Cape Kidnappers +64 6 875 1900 www.capekidnappers.com

Matakauri Lodge +64 3 441 2180 www.matakaurilodge.com

Martinborough, New Zealand

Results from the prestigious Condé Nast Traveller United Kingdom Readers Choice Awards 2011 have been announced and New Zealand’s Wharekauhau Country Estate located in the famed winery region of Martinborough, has been voted in the very best resorts in the world.

The Condé Nast Traveller Gold List is considered the ultimate guide to the world’s finest establishments, recognising only the top echelon of hotels and resorts. This gold list is complied from 32,633 reader responses, which highlights the top hotels from around the world – based on the facilities, activities authentic to the region, food, ambience/design and service.

Recapturing the gracious lifestyle of the bygone are, Wharekauhau Country Estate is a luxury lodge with award-winning style, situated on a 5000-acre working farm on the South East coast of New Zealand’s North Island. Famed by the Rimutaka Ranges to the West and Palliser Bay to the East, the Lodge is surrounded by ancient, native forest, spectacular beaches, bountiful rivers and tranquil lakes facilitating a veritable smorgasbord of outdoor activities. Each of the sumptuously furnished, charming cottages which are dotted throughout the extensive grounds, enjoy magnificent ocean views and offer complete privacy and seclusion.

For more information contact Wharekauhau Country Estate on

P: +64 6 307 7581 or visit www.wharekauhau.co.nz

Tweet: Connoisseurs Scotland’s Prestonfield Celebrates the Holidays with Festive Shows, Hogmanay Ball & Savings up to 50%; www.luxuryscotland.co.uk

Edinburgh, Scotland – Guest get to indulge in the extravagance of Edinburgh’s holiday season at Connoisseurs Scotland’s Prestonfield House, a Virtuoso Preferred hotel that Tatler Magazine has described as having a “triple A-rated spoil me factor.” Originally built in 1687 as the grand baroque home of Lord Provost, the 23-room hotel retains the opulence of a past era while providing guests with every modern amenity. Prestonfield’s central city location gives easy access to Edinburgh’s holiday attractions: the German Market, where visitors buy colorful wooden toys and try Gluhwein (mulled wine served in ceramic mugs); ice-skating in the Princes Street Gardens; the spectacular Torchlight Procession between the Royal Mile and Son et Lumiere; and live music and festivals. With a diverse selection of its own festive options – including special rate packages, a black-tie gala and a highly praised cabaret show – Prestonfield has something for everyone this holiday season.

Celebrate the start of the season with “Cool Yule,” a cabaret, dinner and show featuring entertainer Craig McMurdo, his acclaimed dance band and a sequin-clad chorus line. The night of “top-notch glamour,” according to The Scotsman, includes a cocktail reception; a three-course menu, a half bottle of wine and coffee; cabaret performances between each course; and a dance set of seasonal songs. Prices are £50*($80) per person for the Thursday performances (Dec. 8 & 15) and £65 ($104) for the Friday performances (Dec. 9 & 16). Show attendees can take advantage of “Early Christmas Present” rates – valid Dec. 1 to 23 – of £195 ($312) per room, per night, which include accommodation and breakfast.

New Year’s Eve, also known as Hogmanay – the Scottish term for the nation’s favorite holiday – is a stylish affair at Prestonfield. The traditional Hogmanay Ball, held in the velvet and gilt adorned Stables Ballroom, features a champagne reception, decadent four-course dinner, Celtic cabaret and lively ceilidh band. The black-tie affair, at which tartan attire is welcome, is priced at £95 ($152) per person. Prestonfield’s “Hogmanay Break,” available Dec. 29 to Jan. 1, includes champagne and breakfast for £330 ($527) per room, per night, subject to a three-night stay.

Prestonfield’s “Just for January” vouchers, redeemable Jan. 2-31, offer luxury at affordable rates. Guests can save up to 50% on an overnight stay featuring accommodation, a bottle of champagne on arrival and full Scottish breakfast with reduced room rates, based on double occupancy, of £150 ($240) in a standard room or £195 ($312) for a suite. Fares for an overnight stay inclusive of three-course gourmet dinner in the hotel’s renowned Rhubarb restaurant are £225 ($360) and £275 ($440), respectively.

Other specials include Champagne Afternoon Tea for two, £35 ($56); three-course dinner with coffee, £30 ($48) per person; and two-course lunch with bottle of wine, £45 ($78) for two people.

For further information or room reservations, please visit www.prestonfield.co.uk  or call 0131 225 7800. To register for a specific event, feel free to contact the events team at 0131 662 2305 or events@prestonfield.com.

Connoisseurs Scotland’s 23 members include three of the world’s finest golf resorts, Gleneagles, Turnberry and Old Course; Inverlochy Castle, recently voted the best hotel in Europe; several outstanding city centre properties including Prestonfield, one of only two 5 Red Star Hotels in Edinburgh, and the recently refurbished Sheraton Grand; a 19th-century castle health spa; a collection of intimate country house hotels; the ultimate luxury train; the finest hotel afloat and an exclusive use property. Five of the members boast Michelin-starred restaurants. Information on Connoisseurs Scotland, its member resorts, partners and special offers can be found at www.luxuryscotland.co.uk

Tweet: Wine Harvest Seasonal Special from French Country Waterways Offers Savings of 40%; www.fcwl.com

French Country Waterways has announced special pricing on two of its popular itineraries – the Upper Loire Valley and Central Burgundy. The six-night, October 9 and 23, 2011 sailings are priced at $4,547 and $4,687 (suites) per person, double, aboard the eight-passenger deluxe barge Princess, and $3,847 on the 12-passenger, all-suite Horizon II, respectively. This amounts to savings of 40% off the Horizon II’s regular season fare of $6,495 when combining the 30% special with the $1,000 per person seasonal discount, and 30% off Princess’s fares of $6,495/$6,695. Other October special savings dates are also available.

Formerly the private barge of shipping magnate Daniel K. Ludwig, the eight-passenger Princess has returned to the water in 2011 with an itinerary in the Upper Loire Valley, where a network of canals link Paris to the fertile Loire River. Highlights on the sailing include a private cellar tour and wine tasting in the charming village of Sancerre; dinner ashore at the Michelin-starred Auberge des Templiers in les Bezards; a visit to the medieval town of Gien, a leading center for French faience; and a day trip – including lunch – to the magnificent Chateau de Chambord, the largest of the Loire Valley chateaux.

The eight-passenger Horizon II explores picturesque Central Burgundy as it cruises the Canal de Bourgogne on the route between Tanlay and Veneray-les-Laumes. Guests visit Auxerre’s St. Etienne Cathedral and historic quarter; the Abbaye de Fontenay, one of the best-preserved Cistercian monasteries; and the splendid Renaissance château of Ancy-le-Franc; as well as enjoy a private wine tasting in the vineyards of Chablis. At the Forges de Buffon, founded by 18th-century naturalist Georges-Louis de Buffon, the guests enjoy a tour before sharing a glass of wine with the current owner, with dinner at the Michelin-starred Le Relais Bernard Loiseau offering a special ending to the day.

The very attentive and friendly crew, numbering one crewmember to 2 passengers, are fluent in English and French and happily pass on their extensive knowledge of the wines, cheeses and history of the regions. Signature characteristics of the cruises are a dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant; creative cuisine prepared by talented young chefs, who blend classic cooking techniques with the trend to lighter cuisine; four-course candlelit dinners accompanied by Grand Cru and Premier Cru wines; daily sightseeing excursions to nearby medieval towns and churches, châteaux and famous vineyards; time for relaxing on the sun deck, walking or bicycling along canal towpaths and shopping in nearby villages; escorted, private roundtrip transfers between Paris and the barge; and no smoking inside the barges and coaches. Hot-air ballooning is an option.

Information, brochures and reservations can be obtained from French Country Waterways, Ltd., P.O. Box 2195, Duxbury, MA 02331; (800) 222-1236 in the U.S. and Canada and (781) 934-2454 in MA; or, visit www.fcwl.com

Bangkok’s newest luxury five-star hotel, The St. Regis Bangkok, has joined Golf in a Kingdom: The Thai Golf Experience, a marketing co-operative comprising Thailand’s finest golf courses, resorts and hotels.

Opened on prestigious Rajadamri Road in central Bangkok in April, The St. Regis Bangkok has quickly gained a reputation among high-end leisure and business travellers, including golf visitors. Its exquisite appointments, outstanding food and wine experiences, butler service and the first Elemis Spa in Thailand stand it apart from other prestigious hotels in Bangkok’s business and shopping precinct.

To mark The St. Regis Bangkok’s entry into Golf in a Kingdom, the hotel has unveiled special rates for guests to play at five of Bangkok’s leading courses: Thai Country Club, Alpine Golf & Sports Club, Muang Kaew Golf Club, Navatanee Golf Club and Suwan Golf & Country Club, all of which are within easy reach of the city. Thai Country Club and Muang Kaew are both members of Golf in a Kingdom.

The hotel can arrange transport to and from each course. Green fees range from 4030 baht (approx. $US135) when playing with a partner on weekdays at Suwan Golf & Country Club to 10,530 baht (approx. $US350) on weekends at Alpine Golf & Sports Club.

“Golf is an upmarket sport in Asia and we would like to attract groups, individual golfers and couples who play golf,” explains The St Regis Bangkok’s general manager, Andreas Oberoi. “Increasingly, people are travelling to play golf. Their stays tend to be longer and they spend more. It is an attractive niche market segment.”

As the first St. Regis hotel in Thailand or Indochina, The St Regis Bangkok has become Thailand’s first hotel to offer butler service for all guests. This is one of many exclusive attributes of the hotel that was named by Lufthansa’s premium Hideaways magazine as “Newcomer of the Year” for 2011. Its 227 rooms include 51 suites and 53 residences on the property’s upper levels.

The hotel’s restaurants, bars and lounges include: Viu overlooking the green space of the Bangkok Sports Club; Jojo, an Italian lifestyle restaurant that features traditional dishes and a 20-seat bar in elegant contemporary surroundings; Decanter, which offers a selection of vintage wines in a gentlemen’s club atmosphere; the St. Regis Bar, which serves premier wines, spirits and cocktails; and The Drawing Room, where traditional English afternoon tea is served each afternoon.
Meanwhile, a Zuma Japanese restaurant is due to open soon.

The St. Regis brand is rapidly expanding around the world. Starting with the flagship St. Regis on Fifth Avenue, New York, which opened in 1904, The St. Regis Bangkok joins 36 other St. Regis hotels, with new properties scheduled to open in the next six months in Abu Dhabi, Doha, and Tianjin and Shenzhen in China.

Member courses of Golf in a Kingdom: The Thai Golf Experience are Banyan and Black Mountain at Hua Hin, Thai Country Club and Muang Kaew in Bangkok, the Old Course and Plantation Course at Siam Country Club near Pattaya, and Chiang Mai Highlands in northern Thailand.

For more information on Golf in a Kingdom: The Thai Golf Experience or to make golf travel plans in Thailand, visit www.golfinakingdom.com or email info@golfinakingdom.com

About The St. Regis Bangkok

Opened on April 1, 2011 The St. Regis Bangkok combines timeless elegance with the cosmopolitan energy of a modern metropolis. The St. Regis Bangkok is situated on prestigious Rajadamri Road in the heart of the city, close to the prime commercial corridor, corporate offices, high-end shopping and renowned Lumpini Park. The St. Regis Bangkok offers 227 guest rooms including 51 suites and 53 residential units.

The renowned St. Regis butler service offers unparalleled personal attention to every guest 24/7. Epicurian adventures abound with a wide range of dining venues and bars including Viu-International Grill, Jojo, The Drawing Room and Decanter wine bar. The St. Regis Bangkok also features Thailand’s first Elemis Spa.

The China Guide is offering custom tour itineraries specially tailored for families. Traveling with children in China can be a wonderful experience or very tiring. Having the right itinerary and guide makes all the difference.

As parents themselves, The China Guide owners Peter Danford and his wife Jane, who both manage the company operations, frequently travel around China with their four young children in tow. Their experience and knowledge is used in making the best and most realistic itineraries for families who choose to work with The China Guide.

Some popular favorites for families on tour in Beijing include riding a toboggan sled down the Great Wall, fishing for trout, taking a cycle rickshaw ride through the hutongs and shopping in the Toy Market. The Kungfu Show and Acrobat Show are also popular for evening entertainment. Outside of Beijing we recommend Yangshuo for its rural environment and activities including cycling, bamboo river rafting, caving and hiking. Other destinations such as Tibet, Yunnan, Shanghai and Xi’an all hold their own special offerings for children which The China Guide can help you find.

Hotels are also an important consideration and offerings include budget suites and serviced apartments with full kitchens and washing machines for catching up laundry while on the go.

Child friendly guides and safe drivers will make you and your children at ease. The China Guide has its own select guides they use for family tours who are patient, kind and fun.

Your custom itinerary is created to suite your interests, the age of your kids and your travel style. Guides are are able to make adjustments on the go to suit the family needs at the time.

There are no factory shopping stops, meals are in quality local restaurants and client satisfaction is the priority.

To find out more about The China Guide’s private family tours as well as other offerings, please visit www.TheChinaGuide.com

Company Selects Masai Mara Explorer Out Of Hundreds of

Listed Itineraries As Prize For Lucky Winner

To celebrate its first successful year of operation, the global wildlife tour and travel specialists, PlanetWildlife.com, launched a website competition on Monday, 5th September 2011, open to all visitors and subscribers to www.planetwildlife.com. To be in with a chance to win two places on the spectacular five-day Masai Mara Explorer tour in Kenya – valued at over £3,000/US$5,000 – entrants need to click onto website, enter contact details and answer a simple question before the Sunday 6th November deadline. The tour starts in Nairobi and takes in stunning Lake Naivasha, the Masai Mara National Reserve and Lake Nakuru National Park.

Since its launch in August 2010, PlanetWildlife has rapidly established itself as a leading international provider of diverse wildlife and safari tours with over 300 creative itineraries in 26 countries around the world catering to a wide range of interests and budgets.

Steven Ballantyne, Director of Global Strategy Development for PlanetWildlife comments: “We are extremely proud of the success of the first year of PlanetWildlife and are already finalising plans to broaden the scope of our operations, particularly in China. We will be making further announcements about this in the near future. In the meantime, as a birthday gift, we are looking forward to sending two lucky winners to experience the colourful culture of the Masai Mara in Kenya and get up close to some of the most extraordinary wildlife in the world.”

About PlanetWildlife:

PlanetWildlife is an international travel company based in India with sales offices in London, Australia, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Sweden. It is backed by highly successful entrepreneurs and managed by a professional team who are passionate about wildlife and have been involved in a variety of nature conservation activities over the years. The www.PlanetWildlife.com website features over 300 itineraries to Africa, India, and South America comprising a diverse range of photography safaris, hiking expeditions and bird-watching adventures, including ocean cruises to the Arctic and Antarctica. Most tours offer daily departure dates and each is well-organised, competitively priced, environmentally responsible and tailored to suit the requirements of group or individual travellers. In all instances they are led by highly qualified and experienced leaders. Respected travel industry professionals and wildlife experts work in consultation with PlanetWildlife and are instrumental in designing each themed itinerary Via the website, a comprehensive and continuously expanding reference library on species and destinations is readily accessible and is regularly updated to ensure its usefulness to travellers, students, wildlife enthusiasts and bloggers.

PlanetWildlife is committed to responsible tourism, and in particular: minimising negative environmental impact; contributing to the conservation of natural and cultural heritages and embracing diversity; providing rewarding experiences for visitors through meaningful interaction with local communities to the economic benefit of those communities; and promoting a greater understanding and respect for local cultural, social and environmental issues. It is part of PlanetWildlife’s corporate policy to fund selected awareness drives and wildlife conservation programmes and welcomes suggestions from the public in this regard.

Two Fixed Date Itineraries Added To Safari and Wildlife’s Specialists Extensive Global Portfolio

PlanetWildlife.com announces the departure dates of two extraordinary wildlife expeditions in India: tracking the elusive snow leopard in the Himalayas and exploration of India’s largest cave network in Meghalaya (North East India), departing on 3rd November and 8th December 2011 respectively.

Upon arrival in Delhi, the 13-day Snow Leopard Explorer escorted itinerary starts in Leh, the former mountain capital of the ancient Himalayan kingdom of Ladakh near Tibet. From here guests depart for the Husing Camp in the Hemis National Park, then trek the elevated regions of Rumbak and Tarbung Valley – areas famous for its snow leopard population, as well as the Great Tibetan Sheep, Tibetan Wolf, Eurasian Brown Bear, and rare bird life including the Golden Eagle. Treks following the Indus River to Ulley village and back to Leh culminate in a departure out of Delhi. The tour is priced at £1,325/US$2,180 and includes all meals, accommodation and park entry fees (not including international flights).

The fascinating 15-Day Meghalaya Caving Adventure commences upon arrival into Kolkata and a domestic flight to Guwahati and on to Shillong, the capital city of Meghalaya – known as the ‘Scotland of the East’ due to its mountainous terrain and cooler climate. After a few days observing the rare birdlife, flora and fauna of sacred forests and groves, explorers trek the Shnong Rim of the Jaintia Hills District and discover of a network of 500 limestone caves spanning over 1,000 kilometres. The programme culminates in a visit to the ancient royal ruins of Nartiang, and Cherrapunjee – ‘the wettest place on earth’ and the location of the spectacular Nohkalikai Falls. The Meghalaya Caving Adventure is priced at £1,369/US$2,252 all inclusive (not including international flights).

For further information on these and other itineraries in India and around the world, please visit www.planetwildlife.com or contact a PlanetWildlife office (listed on the website). PlanetWildlife is as a leading international provider of diverse wildlife and safari tours with over 300 creative itineraries in 26 countries around the world catering to a wide range of interests and budgets.