Jetsettersblog

HOOD RIVER, OR. – Northwest Rafting Company has a river trip brewing for those who would rather celebrate their 21st birthday enjoying delicious microbrews on the river instead of drinking themselves silly at the bars downtown.

What better way is there to savor a newly legal microbrew that in a stunning river setting, after a fun day of rafting, with the exceptional company of friends, family, river guides, and the brewers of the beer in hand.

Rafters will join guides from Northwest Rafting Company and Brewmasters from Double Mountain Brewery, Deschutes Brewery or Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. on a 4 or 5 day float down Oregon’s legendary Rogue River.

 After each day of rafting Class II-III rapids, the Brewmaster will turn the riverside camp into their own private taproom. Each evening’s meal will be carefully prepared from fresh, local ingredients and a specially selected craft brew will be paired with the meal.

Guests on the Double Mountain Brewery trip will have the unique opportunity to see brewmaster Matt Swihart brew a special batch of beer during the second day in camp that will be fermented and ready for entire group to enjoy during their final evening on the river.

Northwest Rafting provides all your gear, safe navigation down the river, great company and delicious meals.

Days will be spent enjoying the serene natural environment of the Rogue River valley, gazing at the abundant wildlife and running the mighty rapids.

Each evening will include plenty of time to relax, hike, read and socialize.

Northwest Rafting’s Brews with Views trips were a big success during the 2011 season, and 2012 is set to be even better. Prices and dates for the 2012 season are still in the works, but will be available at www.nwrafting.com/brews  as soon as they are finalized.

www.nwrafting.com

When a guy pops the question to his favorite lady, it’s all in the delivery—and the destination.

What better way to profess your undying adoration than to do it in a place that’s as awe-inspiring as your love for her?

Southern Explorations offers a luxurious tour to Patagonia that combines the best of Patagonia’s stunning landscapes with fabulous cuisine and wines of Argentina. On this tour, couples will explore the breathtaking Lakes District and experience an exotic Mendoza wine tasting tour, sampling the best varietals that Argentina has to offer. Anyone traveling to Buenos Aires and the countryside of Argentina in search of quality varietal wines, both red and white, accompanied by superb cuisine, will find it in abundance on this very special Argentina tour.

Travelers will be inspired by the romantic views of the Andes, located just a short distance from Mendoza. Other highlights include luxurious accommodation and distinctive lodgings, a tour of Victoria Island and the surrounding areas, visits to Los Glaciares and Chile’s Torres del Paine, gourmet cuisine, fascinating culture, and more. 14 Days. Starting at $8195 per person. November-March.

www.southernexplorations.com

GRANTS PASS, Ore.– The Rogue River National Recreation Trail from Grave Creek to Foster Bar is in the heart of the National Wild and Scenic Rogue River Canyon, and the fall season offers an ideal time to see stunning fall foliage and enjoy cooler temperatures.

This is a historic and stunning 44-mile trail that was originally built by miners, and there are 5 historic lodges along the trail that were built in the early 1900s and can only be accessed by foot or raft. Rogue Wilderness Adventures takes hikers on 4-day, 3-night raft supported trips through this beautiful wilderness area.

These hikes are adventures in solitude—they give the visitor a new perspective as they witness the beauty of the wilderness corridor.

The best part is that hikers need only bring a camera, binoculars, and water while everything else is transported by raft to historic lodges.

Guides prepare gourmet deli-style lunches to be served at predetermined locations.

The presence of the raft insures against adversity should problems develop while on the hike and offers weary feet a nice place to rest if they get tired after a long day of hiking.

The raft can transport up to 4 guests if necessary or provide an exciting ride if someone wants to try a little whitewater rafting.

Adventurers get the chance to learn about the history of this part of the country while enjoying the quiet scenery and opportunities to spot wildlife like bears, deer, and eagles. Hikers stay in the comfort of the cozy historic lodges after a long day on the trails and feast on hearty home-cooked meals, fresh bread, and views of the lush wilderness. Cost: $989; Dates: September-October.

OHIOPYLE, PENN. – Southern Pennsylvania in autumn is a sight to behold. When the mercury starts to drop, the hills of Appalachia burst into color, and the landscape becomes an explosion of reds, orange, and gold.
Wilderness Voyageurs now offers the chance for tourists to experience that beauty both on the land and the river – in the same day.

The adventure outfitter’s “Pedal and Paddle” trip provides the relaxation of a bike ride through Birch and Maple groves, followed by the adrenaline of a ride down the Yough river. Pedalers start off along the gentle Youghiogheny trail, then meet up with Wilderness Voyageurs staff at the put-in for the Middle Yough river. From there, they can paddle rafts, kayaks, canoes, or inflatable “duckies” down the river back to Ohiopyle.

www.wilderness-voyageurs.com

Princess Cruises will return a ship to Galveston, Texas, for the 2012-13 Caribbean season.

The Crown Princess will operate a seven-day Western Caribbean itinerary from Galveston to Costa Maya, Roatán, Belize and Cozumel. Cruises depart between Dec. 22, 2012, and April 27, 2013.

The return to Galveston is part of a season that will feature five ships sailing to the Eastern, Western and Southern Caribbean. In all, the season offers 115 voyages sailing to 22 destinations on 10 itineraries, ranging from seven to 20 days.

Additionally, Princess offers eight itineraries that include Panama Canal cruising on the Coral Princess and Island Princess.

With an eye on the growth in cruise travel, Goway Travel is rolling out a selection of pre- and post-cruise options and shore excursions in all of its destinations. Seeing a particular spike in demand for cruise extensions in Latin America, Goway is responding with a series of options from Latin American ports.

Shore options include Buenos Aires and Iguassu Falls (Buenos Aires Highlights), three days, $491; Iguassu Falls, two days, $418; wine tours in the Valparaiso valley and around Santiago Chile (Santiago Stop Over, three days, $244); and one- and two-day options for Rio de Janeiro as well as Carnaval add-ons (Rio, Jewel in the Crown, four days, $692).

With Lima, Peru, becoming a more popular port of call, Goway has introduced three Machu Picchu options (Machu Picchu by Train, two days, $604; Machu Picchu Wonders, five days, $910; and Discover Machu Picchu, three days, $630) as well as Lima city options (Lima — Ancient Cultures, three days, $195).

Goway’s Latin America travel planner features these modules identified with an icon of a ship, designating a good fit as a pre- or post-cruise package.

Goway has been offering travel to Africa, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Latin America and island destinations since 1970.

For information, call 800-387-8850 or visit www.goway.com

AdventureWomen, an adventure travel company for active women over 30, unveiled a new series of women’s adventure tours to commemorate the company’s 30th anniversary in 2012 called Travels With The President.

The special European tours will give guests an opportunity to experience the culinary and cultural delights of Italy, France and Poland while traveling with Susan Eckert, owner and president of AdventureWomen, Inc.

The tour dates have been organized so that guests can participate in multiple tours.

Explore the Dolomites on a Hiking Adventure in the Italian Alps is a classic Italy hiking tour in the Brenta Dolomites mountains.

Aside from exploring the landscapes of limestone towers and flower-blanketed meadows on foot, guests will feast on superb Italian cuisine, sample the region’s famous wines, stay in cozy mountain lodgings, ride gondolas and cable cars, and learn about the history of the area — from Neolithic man to the troops that were stationed there during WWI.

The departure is Aug. 22 to 30, 2012.

The price is $3,895 from Verona, Italy ($800 deposit).

A French Toast: Take a River Cruise by Barge in Alsace-Lorraine is a seven-day/six-night exploration of the scenery, cuisine and culture of France traveling by barge on the Canal de la Marne au Rhin and the Canal du Rhône au Rhin, through Alsace-Lorraine, one of the most picturesque regions in France.

AdventureWomen will stay in comfortable accommodations on board the privately chartered hotel-barge, exploring the soul of the region from a floating country inn.

Highlights include biking, hiking and walking excursions to the famous towns of the region such as Strasbourg, Colmar and Saverne.

Other highlights include riding the famous Arzviller barge lift, which raises the barge 52 meters, feasting on superb gourmet French cuisine and wines, including guided wine tastings, visits to historical sites, a special 30th anniversary farewell dinner, and much more.

Departure is Aug. 31 to Sept. 7, 2012, priced at $3,995 from Strasbourg Train Station, France ($800 deposit).

Experience a Cooking, Culture and Hiking Tour of Poland is a new culture and cooking tour with eight days learning about Poland’s culinary and cultural scene. This Poland tour includes hands-on and demonstration-style Polish cooking lessons, highlighting delicious regional cuisine including freshly made meals and breads, plus wine, beer, and vodka tastings.

Other highlights include excursions into the famous cities and towns in Poland, hiking in Eastern Europe’s Tatra Mountains, and visits to UNESCO World Heritage sites to experience the art and architecture of the region. Other highlights include visits to local markets and agritourism farms in the countryside, opportunities to learn crafts from local markets, elegant accommodations at two luxurious four-star hotel-spas in Zakopane and Krakow, optional tour extensions, and much more. The departure is Sept. 8 to 15, 2012. The price is $3,895 from Krakow, Poland ($800 deposit).

For information about AdventureWomen’s line-up of 2012, 30th anniversary adventures for women, contact Stephanie Parnell at Stephanie@adventuremedianews.com  or visit www.adventurewomen.com

Small group specialist Odysseys Unlimited has added a 13-day exploration of Bhutan to its 2012 collection. Limited to just 12 to 16 guests, Odysseys Unlimited visits Duchula Pass to partake in the tradition of raising prayer flags in the name of peace and compassion, a nature walk through the Gangtey Valley and a visit to Paro Taktsang, the sacred Tiger’s Nest monastery and temple complex that hangs 2,000 feet above the upper Paro Valley.

First built in 1692, the Himalayan Buddhist monastery honors the “Guru with Eight Names” who established Buddhism in Bhutan. Priced from $4,595 air and land inclusive,

Odysseys Unlimited’s 13-day Bhutan The Hidden Kingdom includes roundtrip air to Delhi and flights within the itinerary; 10 nights’ accommodation in deluxe, first class and unrated hotels (hand-picked for quality) in Delhi, Thimphu, Punakha, Gangtey, and Paro; most meals; extensive sightseeing including all entrance fees, luggage handling, gratuities for local guides, dining room servers, airport and hotel porters and all drivers; and services of a skilled, attentive Odysseys Unlimited tour director.

The tour debuts March 21, April 11, May 9, Sept. 26, Oct. 10, and Nov. 7.

For more information, visit www.odysseys-unlimited.com

The Singular Patagonia, a Chilean luxury resort located in a landmarked, post-Victorian former factory building dating to 1915, will debut in December following a 10-year restoration.

The 57-room property is set on nearly 100 acres overlooking the Fjord of Last Hope along the shores of the Señoret Channel in Southern Chile.

Guests will be able to explore private reserves and other natural wonders including Torres del Paine National Park. The Singular’s expedition team will offer guests a choice of 20 different hiking expeditions.

The resort will also feature a 3,000-square-foot “eco-SPA” offering treatments that utilize organic plants and fruits for oil extracts and moisturizers. The facility features a heated indoor/outdoor swimming pool, sauna and a steam room. The Singular’s restaurant will feature new interpretations of traditional, local recipes by resident Chef Laurent Pasqualetto. The Singular Patagonia will also house a museum illustrating the history of the region and the significance of the factory in the area’s development.

The hotel is now accepting reservations, with rates starting at $660 per night.

For more information, visit www.thesingular.com

Outdoor Traveler Destinations said it has exceeded the 100 property milestone this month with the addition of five new member properties to its collection of lodging experiences. Joining the company’s online selection of authentic outdoor travel properties are: White Stallion Ranch in Tucson, Ariz.; Beaver Run Resort in Breckenridge, Colo.; The High Lonesome Ranch in Debeque, Colo.; The Lodge & Spa at Cordillera in Edwards, Colo.; and The Lodge at Ventana Canyon in Tucson, Ariz.

“We are very pleased with the excitement from hospitality providers seeking to reach active travelers via our website (OTDestinations.com) and are thrilled to see the momentum of new member properties increasing steadily as we reach this milestone,” said Evelyne Oreskovich, director of operations for Outdoor Traveler Destinations.

“Building on our robust selection of accommodations ensures that we continue to provide consumers access to the most diverse range of outdoor-focused vacation accommodations that can be searched and booked on one site.”

The five newest member properties, situated in key geographic regions, offer a vast array of active outdoor amenities, experiences and activities, and unique accommodation styles that prospective travelers can now book Outdoor Traveler Destinations.

The Outdoor Traveler Destinations website offers member properties a unique opportunity to associate in a unique lifestyle program with a singular focus on the outdoor enthusiast traveler.

On OTDestinations.com travelers can access an ever-expanding range of outdoor-focused vacation properties, information, and special offers; engage in communication with other like-minded outdoor enthusiasts via the site’s online community, as well as book their next outdoor vacation experience.

For more information or to book, visit www.OTDestinations.com