Jetsettersblog

LIBRA HOLIDAYS INTRODCUES ALL INCLUSIVE ON 5-star DOMINA PRESTIGE NILE CRUISE!

Specialist tour operator, Libra Holidays, has introduced an All Inclusive supplement at £14 per person per night to its “exclusive” 5-star Domina Prestige Emilio Nile Cruise.

This All Inclusive board basis is available to book on all departures until 31st October 2009 and will offer guests unlimited drinks and alcohol, tea, cake and pizza. This AI board basis is an add-on to the Full Board basis already included in the package price.

Product & Contracts Manager, Costas Stylianides, commented, “Paying that little extra to be on an All Inclusive board basis is great for those holidaymakers wanting to stick to their budget and not have to worry about extra spending money.

The Nile Cruise is great value for money and customers will receive a high standard of accommodation and service on board with the added bonus of knowing their budgets before departure.

Guests are free to enjoy the free flowing drinks and additional benefits at no added expense.”

In addition to the standard Full Board basis, the All Inclusive board basis will offer guests unlimited local wine, beer, soft drinks, local spirits and small bottles of mineral water. Tea and cake is offered on sailing days in the afternoon and pizza is available on a Saturday. The All Inclusive service is available from 10:45am until 23:00pm.

Libra Holidays offers a seven night All Inclusive Nile Cruise on board the 5-star Domina Prestige Emilio from £515 per person. The price is based on two sharing a main deck cabin and includes return flights from Gatwick departing in June with resort transfers. Flights are also available from Manchester.

TO BOOK CONTACT LIBRA HOLIDAYS ON 0871 226 7825 OR BOOK ONLINE AT www.libraholidays.co.uk  and SAVE UP TO AN ADDITIONAL 10%

New Environmental Research And Educational Marine Programme On Board Royal Clipper

Guests on board the magnificent Royal Clipper, one of the three tall ships in the Star Clippers fleet, can now take part in marine research and learn about the marine biology and ecology of the area in which the ship is sailing.

Star Clippers’ Swedish owner and founder, Mikael Krafft, himself a fervent environmentalist, has appointed Italian Marine Biologist Dr. Mariano Peruzzo, as the resident marine expert on board Royal Clipper for its summer 2009 season of Mediterranean sailings.

Royal Clipper will then cross the Atlantic in October 2009 for the Caribbean season, where the project will continue.

At no charge to guests, Dr Peruzzo, a graduate in biological sciences of the University of Genoa, is giving passengers daily talks on marine biology, relevant to the area in which the ship is sailing at the time.

He also offers entertaining and informative presentations on the history of oceanography, coral reefs, cetaceans (whales and dolphins), marine reptiles such as turtles and geology.

The lectures encompass the issue of climate change, its causes and contributing factors.

In addition to the educational programme, Mariano Peruzzo is available to guests throughout each day as he continues his research into the environments in which the ship is sailing. Enthusiasts can join him at dawn on deck to look for and log whales and dolphins, or join him on dives and snorkelling trips, or for beach walks in areas of ecological interest.

The daily finds are logged and will be used in Peruzzo’s collaborations with various environmental projects worldwide.

Mikael Krafft said “We at Star Clippers are passionately committed to preserving the environment and by having Dr Peruzzo on board, we hope to pass on our enthusiasm to our guests, many of whom have already taken advantage of his fascinating talks, beach walks and dives.”

Mariano Peruzzo added “Star Clippers’ owner Mikael Krafft is deeply interested and concerned by environmental issues and the problems of ocean pollution and the effects of climate change. I am very keen to achieve worthwhile results in my role as Star Clippers’ scientific consultant.

The fact that we regularly sail for six months in the Caribbean and six months in the Mediterranean, two distinct environmental areas, is ideal for cooperation with research projects of many kinds.”

With the assistance of Star Clippers’ founder and owner Mikael Krafft, he is also in the process of setting up a small laboratory on board Royal Clipper, to show guests the technical workings of a marine biology research project and to achieve a heightened awareness of the importance of environmental issues.

Royal Clipper will operate sailings from four to 11 nights in duration in the Mediterranean until October, calling at ports in Italy, Greece, Croatia, Montenegro, Malta and for the first time, Libya.

Cunard Line has announced its 2011 World Voyages. In January 2011, the Queen Elizabeth and the Queen Mary 2 will embark on global odysseys that together will visit 57 ports of call across 34 countries. Highlights include overnights in Sydney, Hong Kong and Dubai on the Queen Elizabeth and in Cape Town, Sydney and Hong Kong on the Queen Mary 2.

For its maiden World Voyage, the Queen Elizabeth will offer a complete circumnavigation of the globe from its home port of Southampton, England, crossing the Atlantic en route to New York.

In the U.S., guests can embark on the voyage in New York, Fort Lauderdale or Los Angeles. From the west coast, the Queen Elizabeth will continue to Sydney via the South Pacific and New Zealand before heading to Asia, visiting Singapore, Bali, Vietnam and Thailand and Hong Kong.

The ship then sails to Malaysia and India before calling on Dubai, followed by a visit to Oman before transiting the Suez Canal and taking in some of the sites of Egypt, Greece, Italy and Portugal en-route back to Southampton. Here, North American guests can rendezvous with the Queen Mary 2 and take a trans-Atlantic crossing to complete the 103-day circumnavigation of the globe.

Full World Voyage fares start from $19,995 per person, double. Segment voyages aboard the Queen Elizabeth range from 12 to 25 days and include New York to Los Angeles (16 days), Los Angeles to Sydney (23 days), Sydney to Singapore (25 days), Singapore to Dubai (12 days) and Dubai to Southampton (19 days). Segment fares start at $2,545.

The Queen Mary 2 will begin its fourth World Voyage in New York and its second passage sailing on an east-west route around the globe. After a call in Fort Lauderdale, the ship will head to the Caribbean and South America, calling on Barbados, Brazil and Uruguay before arriving in Cape Town in South Africa.

From there, it will sail to the island of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean before heading to Australia. The ship continues to New Zealand and Guam before visiting China and Japan en route to Hong Kong, followed by visits to Vietnam, Singapore, Thailand and India en route to Dubai. From there, the Queen Mary 2 will call in Egypt before making a transit of the Suez Canal that will take it to European calls in Italy, Monaco, Spain and the United Kingdom, its last call before ending the 103-day cruise in New York.

Full World Voyage fares start from $19,995 per person, double. Segment voyages aboard the Queen Mary 2 range from 15 to 25 days and include New York to Cape Town (23 days), Cape Town to Sydney (17 days), Sydney to Hong Kong (25 days), Hong Kong to Dubai (15 days) and Dubai to New York (23 days). Segment fares start at $3,245.

Cunard is also offering the opportunity to sail on both ships’ World Voyages.

Embarking in New York, guests will be able to complete the first half of their World Voyages on the Queen Elizabeth before transferring ships in Sydney and sailing back to New York on the Queen Mary 2. In addition, three years to the day after Cunard welcomed its trio of Queens in New York, the Cunard Royal Rendezvous is poised to take place again on Jan. 13, 2011, when the Queen Mary 2, the Queen Victoria and the Queen Elizabeth call at New York.

And, in addition to receiving a bonus 10 percent discount off Early Booking Fares (EBF), Full World Voyage and Liner Voyage guests will receive an onboard credit of up to $2,000 per stateroom when they book by Feb. 28, 2010.

In addition, Full World Voyage guests will receive complimentary hotel and dining charges.

New for 2011, guests in inside and outside staterooms will receive an onboard credit of up to $1,000 per stateroom if they book by the same date. Cunard World Club members will receive an extra 5 percent savings off Bonus Early Booking Fares.

Additionally, all Full World Voyage Queens Grill and Princess Grill guests will receive a $400 shipboard credit per person to use toward shore excursions of their choice.

All Liner Voyage Grill guests will receive a $200 shipboard credit to be applied the same. Further, an invitation will be extended to all Full World Voyage guests to join Carol Marlow ashore at one of the ports of call during their time onboard for the traditional World Voyage Dinner.

The five-star Jaz Oriental Resort  is set to become one of the major attractions of Mersa Matruh, with its outstanding design, modern oriental interior and natural surroundings on the turquoise waters of the Southern Mediterranean.

With 212 spacious and well-appointed rooms, the new Jaz Oriental Resort enjoys its own secluded beach, a selection of indoor and outdoor restaurants, bars, swimming pools and evening entertainment.

For the active, Jaz Oriental offers a host of leisure and sports facilities including a gym and health club, tennis courts, beach volleyball, billiards and diving at Almaza Beach. There is also the chance to learn the skill of shooting with a bow and arrow at the archery club while the on-site Kids’ Club provides a haven of fun and games. The resort’s own amphitheatre offers a variety of entertainment and there is plenty of shopping on site.

Jaz Oriental Resort, alongside the recently launched Jaz Crystal Resort and Almaza Bay’s first hotel, Jaz Almaza Beach Resort, caters particularly to families and couples, but there are excellent facilities for business travellers looking to conduct meetings in an exotic location with catering and banqueting facilities on hand. Transfers to and from the airport are offered by the resort’s shuttle bus service.

Renowned for its legendary silky sand beaches and translucent azure waters, guests of Jaz Oriental can also enjoy the nearby historic sites of Mersa Matruh particularly the Marine Ruins in El Alamain, with baths, tombs, temples, and nobles’ houses, dating back to the Graeco-Roman period.

About Jaz Hotels, Resorts & Cruises

Jaz Hotels, Resorts & Cruises is a unique collection of highly regarded brands that encompasses Jaz Resorts, Iberotel Hotels & Resorts, Sol Y Mar Resorts and Travcotels Nile Cruise Ships.

In key destinations around the Red Sea and other key resorts in Egypt and the UAE, each brand has its own unique personality combining excellent service and stunning designs.

There are exceptional facilities across the portfolio of properties including luxury spas; brilliant kids clubs, fascinating souks, vibrant nightlife, invigorating water sports and diving, and alluring restaurants.

Jaz Resorts is a portfolio of five-star properties that blend stylish, contemporary elegance with extensive leisure facilities. Each is situated in a stunning location and offers guests an unrivaled fusion of sports, entertainment and dining experiences.

Jaz Resorts has four properties in Sharm El Sheikh (with a new hotel opening 2010), two in Madinat Makadi, two planned for Hurghada and three in Mersa Matrouh, including the new Jaz Oriental Resort and recently opened Jaz Crystal Resort. Additional openings include Taba (opening Nov 09) and Ain El Sokhna, planned for June 2009.

Iberotel Hotels & Resorts comprise four and five-star properties, each individually designed in a local style and situated in spectacular beach side locations on the Red Sea and on the Nile.

With a wide range of activities and entertainment, there is something for everyone at each resort. In addition to the new Iberotel Aswan and recently opened Cairo Hotel & Casino, Iberotel has a new resort planned in Hurghada for August 09.

Other properties include three in Sharm El Sheikh, three in Madinat Makadi, three in Marsa Alam, one in Dahab, one in Luxor and one in Fujairah in the UAE.

Sol Y Mar Resorts is all about Sun & Fun. Each of the four-star properties delivers a vibrant experience and an attention to detail that is particularly appealing to families. Sol Y Mar has two properties in Sharm El Sheikh, (with two openings in November 09), three in Madinat Makadi, four in Marsa Alam including the new Dolphin House opening June 09 with two further openings (early2010), one each in Taba, Safaga and Hurghada and two in the Al Dakhla & Al Kharga Oases. New openings are also planned for Al Dakhla and Ras Sidr in 2010.

Travcotels, Egypt’s leading Nile Cruise Company, owns and operates a fleet of 20 Nile and Lake Nasser cruises of 5 star and 5 star deluxe standards. Two additional Nile cruise boats are due to launch in November 2009.
Each allows the visitor to immerse themselves in the culture and history of the Nile, whilst ensconced in the luxurious modern environment of a 21st century ship.

www.jaz.travel

Thousands of people will have an unprecedented view of ancient history in New York City with the grand opening of the “Lucy’s Legacy: The Hidden Treasures of Ethiopia” exhibit at Discovery Times Square Exposition.

Thanks to Ethiopian Airlines Journeys, Americans now have the chance to come over to experience the history of man, Africa and Ethiopia for themselves with an exciting new vacation package.

The new “Lucy’s Legacy” tour from Ethiopian Airlines Journeys introduces travelers to the 5 million year history of Ethiopia, known as the Cradle of Mankind, along with some of the most historically significant and fascinating cities in the world. The “Lucy’s Legacy” tour features stops in Axum, the reputed resting place of the “Ark of the Covenant,” and Lalibela, where travelers marvel at rock-hewn churches carved from solid red volcanic rock in the 12th century by King Lalibela.

The package includes luxury hotel accommodations, all international and domestic flights, meals, a professional guide and much more. Best of all, travelers can customize and extend the package to take a safari in Tanzania as an add-on to see some of the best wildlife in the world.

More than 100 artifacts in the exhibit illuminate this rich heritage, including fossils, historical manuscripts, paintings, coins, musical instruments, implements of daily use, religious artifacts and more.

For more information on the exhibit, visit www.lucyexhibition.hmns.org

Ethiopian Airlines Journeys is a single-source solution to plan and realize vacations in one of the most exciting and historical regions of Africa. Ethiopian Airlines, one of the largest airlines in Africa serving 53 destinations around the globe, is the winner of the 2007 African Business of the Year and Best African Airline Award for 2006. Featuring five flights weekly from Washington, D.C.’s Dulles International Airport, the airline offers both morning and evening departures, with the morning departure allowing seamless connections to 32 African destinations.

The airline’s website provides excellent information on additional flights, services and special web fares. For more information about Ethiopian Airlines, visit www.ethiopianairlines.com

Cardholders to “Go” around the world with leading payment solutions provider and Dnata Holidays

Dubai : Visa, the leading global payment solutions provider and Dnata Holidays, the Middle East’s most experienced tour operator, have launched an exciting summer travel promotion offering cardholders a range of world class travel offers.

Cardholders jetting off for a summer break this year can win the chance to travel around the world simply by using their Visa debit and credit cards abroad.

The promotion is open to Visa cardholders across the Middle East, and also offers a 5% discount for those travelers booking online at www.dnataholidays.com

Visa cardholders will automatically be entered into a draw for the three month promotion lasts until 31 August 2009, when either using their Visa cards to pay for items or withdraw money from ATMs overseas or booking at any Dnata Travel or Holiday Lounge by Dnata outlet across the region.

There are seven around the world travel prizes to be won, each including the opportunity to slow down and experience a non-traditional form of travel.

Adventurous winners can choose to enhance their trip with travel in a hot air balloon, on an elephant, by train or a boat cruise.

Commenting on the exclusive deals available to Visa and Dnata Holidays customers for summer 2009, Norliza Kassim, Head of Marketing, Middle East and North Africa for Visa, said:

“Despite the diverse profiles of GCC residents, we recognise among our customers an inherent interest in and desire to travel.”

Visa’s Traveler Study, Outbound Travelers (CEMEA Travelers), has revealed that 70% of travelers make their bookings through travel agents.

Nathan Adams, Manager Dnata Holidays, commented: “Dnata Holidays is delighted to work in partnership with Visa to provide efficient and innovative travel solutions to meet the demands of the emerging outbound travel industry in the GCC.”

Nathan Adams added, “One of Dnata Holidays’ key strengths is being able to offer a wide variety of hotels and airlines for our customers to choose from.

“Thanks to our great value offers and partnership with Visa, customers will find they get some great value-added benefits when they book this summer using their Visa card.”

“Visa continuously strives to enhance travel experiences by offering added value rewards to our cardholders . Visa is committed to helping cardholders get more value out of their holiday and experience the convenience and security of a Visa card,” added Norliza Kassim.

To promote the summer travel offer, Visa is hosting a series of in mall activities in Dubai at key locations within Wafi Mall, Mercato Mall, The Walk at Jumeirah Beach Residence and Uptown Mirdiff where Visa cardholders have the chance to win a variety of UAE weekend breaks from Dnata.

With acceptance in more than 170 countries, Visa is an excellent travel companion for those exploring overseas.

Find out more about Visa and Dnata Holidays’ exclusive travel offers at: www.visamiddleeast.com/travel  or visit your local Dnata Travel or The Holiday Lounge by Dnata Outlet.

• Range of affordable packages from UAE to exotic destinations are available on

www.holidays.airarabia.com

• Great value through low fares, special deals on hotels and other land arrangements
• Valid for travel until August 31st, 2009

Sharjah,: Air Arabia Holidays, a new value holiday booking service offered by Air Arabia, unveiled a range of exciting low-cost holiday packages from Sharjah to various exotic destinations in Asia, the Middle East, Europe and North Africa.

These attractive packages start as low as AED 1,910 and are valid for travel until August 31st, 2009.

Customers can search

www.holidays.airarabia.com

by holiday theme or by chosen country and will be provided with a range of inspiring and convenient ready-made holiday solutions.

Alternatively, customers are able to create their own individual holiday by picking flights, hotels, booking rental cars and transfers and choosing among a range of exciting excursions.

“Summer is a season for getaway vacations as residents of the UAE seek to travel more often,” said AK Nizar, Head of Commercial at Air Arabia. “We are pleased to offer a range of exciting travel options at affordable prices. In these cost-conscious times, we encourage all UAE-based travellers to take advantage of these extremely attractive offers.”

The new Air Arabia Holidays online portal is an integral part of Air Arabia’s strategy to tap increasing demand for low-cost travel in the Middle East.

Through this new offering, Air Arabia Holidays brings customers great value holiday packages by combining the carrier’s low airfares and great deals on hotels stays and leisure activities.

Some of the special offers available from Air Arabia Holidays include:

Package Number of nights Price starting from

Magical Kenya –
Nairobi, Masai Mara,
Nakuru and Naivasha Five AED 3740
Tranquil Nepal – Kathmandu Three AED 1910
Mythological Greece– Athens Three AED 2250
Delightful Turkey - Istanbul Four AED 2200
Enchanting Egypt –
Alexandria and Cairo Five AED 2540
Mystical India – Goa Four AED 2100
Historic Jordan - Amman Three AED 2250
Lebanon - Beirut Four AED 2220

Travel the world with these incredible value package deals

Page & Moy (0800 987 5112, www.pageandmoy.com) , the UK’s leading escorted tour operator, is set to launch a collection of worldwide discounted tours allowing customers the opportunity to travel the globe for an amazing price, as they discover more for their money.

This incredible range of packages provides holidaymakers with the chance to visit a variety of exciting long-haul destinations, throughout North America, Egypt, South Africa and the rest of the world.

The packages can only be booked by phone and offer outstanding value for money whatever your budget.

“We remain committed to providing our customers with the opportunity to travel the world without the inhibitions of over-priced package deals”, says Caroline Jack, Head of Media and PR.

Customers must quote ‘Page & Moy Savings’ to receive a discount of up to £360 per couple.

Page & Moy – Discover Namibia – 12 days from £2,444, save up to £360 per couple

Unearth the magnificent natural wonder of Namibia, where the awe inspiring backdrop of the open plains give way to the red rolling dunes of the magnificent Namib Desert.

This outstanding package offers an array of exciting excursions, including guided tours and game drives to see the leopards of Okonjima and the beautiful, exotic wildlife of Lake Otijikoto and Etosha National Park. There’s also an opportunity to see the largest collection of rock engravings in southern Africa in Twyfelfontein and the rare chance to cross the Tropic of Capricorn to make your way to Sossusvlei. A trip to Namibia is a must for 2009.

Page & Moy (0800 987 5112, www.pageandmoy.com)  offers a 12-day tour of Namibia, departing on 5 August 2009.

Prices start from £2,444 per person and include return flights from London Heathrow to Windhoek, transfers, seven nights’ half-board accommodation, two nights’ bed and breakfast accommodation and the chance to embark on the Walvis Bay dolphin cruise.

All tours are inclusive of the services of a Page & Moy Tour Manager

Page & Moy – New England Discovery – Ten days from £1,489, save up to £280 per couple

Immerse yourself amid the enchanting small town beauty of New England as you embark on a voyage through the picturesque homeland of America’s Founding Fathers.

Begin your tour with a day in the heart of beautiful Boston, where big-city charm mixes effortlessly with the cosmopolitan culture of America’s East Coast. Step into the heart of America’s mid-west with a tour of Rhode Island, Cape Code and Martha’s Vineyard. Glimpse the stunning scenery of Notch State Park, where the magnificent peak of Mount Cannon towers above dazzling vistas, and the beautiful state of Vermont. A trip to New England is one you will remember forever.

Page & Moy (0800 987 5112, www.pageandmoy.com)  offers a ten-day tour of New England, departing on 13 September, 20 September and 4 October 2009.

Prices start from £1,489 per person and include return flights from London Heathrow to Boston, transfers, eight nights’ accommodation on a bed and breakfast in Cape Cod and Lincoln, excursions to Vermont and whale watching in Cape Cod.

All tours are inclusive of the services of a Page & Moy Tour Manager.

For more information and brochures please call Page & Moy on 0800 987 5125 or visit www.pageandmoy.com

As an ABTA member and ATOL licence holder, Page & Moy guarantees that come what may its customers’ money and holidays are fully protected.

As announced, the 2009 Good Beach Guide has proven to be anything but good as the Marine Conservation Society is recommending 25% fewer beaches than three years ago - a worrying statistic for anyone wishing to while away the summer on the British coast.

For clearer waters, Thomson and First Choice have put together their top beach destinations so you can be guaranteed a beautiful beach holiday, without having to do the research.

According to the Society, a total of 78 beaches in the UK have failed to meet the European Commission’s mandatory standard for water quality. Of course, the world’s best beaches are based on a lot more than water quality, taking into account endless miles of golden sand, hidden away coves and even the facilities that are available nearby.

With these criteria in mind, take a look at these suggestions where top of the list are beaches in Italy, Egypt, Turkey, Greece and Kenya, where Turtle Beach was recently voted the fifth best beach in the world.

Watamu, Kenya

At Turtle Bay, conservation is high up on the agenda. They have a ‘Save the Turtle’ campaign and every Saturday there’s a ‘beach clean up’, where guests are encouraged to pick up seaweed and debris, with a prize for the person who collects the most.

Although many Kenyan hotels are on set on the beach, this place has managed to claim the best one of all. Recently voted the fifth best beach in the world, the private stretch of coastline is beautiful to say the least. It’s uncrowded, unspoilt and totally irresistible.

Thomson offers fourteen night package holidays in Watamu staying at the 3T+ Turtle Bay Beach Club on an all inclusive basis from £1720 per person departing London Gatwick Airport, 7th September, 2009 based on two sharing.

Price includes return flights, accommodation, resort transfers and fuel supplements. To book visit www.thomson.co.uk  or ring 0871 231 3235.

Orlando, Florida

Coastal expert “Dr. Beach” ranked a Florida beach – Fort De Soto beach – as the #1 beach in America and with neighbouring South Beach, Palm Beach, Daytona Beach, and Miami Beach, you can see why this stretch of coastline is a sun-worshipper’s paradise.

After the sun goes down, there are numerous nightspots to explore, including the Cirque de Soleil show at La Nouba and the Little Saigon district downtown.

Thomson offers seven night package holidays in Orlando staying at the 4T Wyndham Orlando Resort on a room only basis from £635 per person departing East Midlands Airport, 16th June, 2009 based on four sharing. Price includes return flights, accommodation, resort transfers and fuel supplements. To book visit www.thomson.co.uk  or ring 0871 231 3235.

Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt

The Sonesta Beach Resort is located on the beautiful expansive sandy beach at the end of Naama Bay, overlooking the Red Sea and south Sinai’s deserts and mountains in a perfect location for beach lovers and dive enthusiasts.

Portland offers seven nights at the 4T Sonesta Beach Resort in Sharm El Sheikh on an all inclusive basis from £515 per person based on two sharing. Departing on 1st June 2009 from Birmingham Airport, the price includes return flights, accommodation, transfers and all taxes and charges. To book visit www.portlanddirect.co.uk or call 0870 500 2200.

Olu Deniz, Turkey

This sweeping bay with its turquoise waters is Turkey’s most photographed beach and it’s easy to see why, with its long stretch of sand and shingle beach. The best way to experience the beauty of the beach is from the air in a microlite flight where views of the lagoon and butterfly valley can also be taken in. The beachfront complex of Lykia World in Olu Deniz has 10 restaurants, 17 pools, 8 children’s pools and a huge range of sports, health facilities and entertainment for adults and children. Outstanding value for money, it’s easy to see why our customers love it.

Stay 7 nights all-inclusive at the 4 sun plus Lykia World from £489 per adult based on 2 sharing departing from Manchester airport on the 4th July 2009. For further information, visit www.firstchoice.co.uk  or call 0871 664 9012.

Alghero, Sardinia

The Lido here will satisfy any beach-lover with its great stretch of white sand backed by a gelato emporia and a range of restaurants and bars. The old town of Alghero itself is a tangle of cobbled streets, lined with quaint houses and ancient churches – just perfect for a sightseeing ramble.

The Rina Hotel offers contemporary Italian and Sardinian cuisine to help you really get into the Sardinian spirit.

Thomson offers seven night package holidays in Alghero staying at the 3T Rina Hotel on a bed and breakfast basis from £399 per person departing London Gatwick Airport, 4th July, 2009 based on two sharing.

Price includes return flights, accommodation, resort transfers and fuel supplements. To book visit www.thomson.co.uk  or ring 0871 231 3235.

Porto Vecchio, Corsica

Porto Vecchio has a fabulous concentration of the island’s finest sandy beaches, from pine-fringed Palombaggia to little known coves only accessible by foot or boat. Porto Vecchio itself offers superb restaurants for those who wish to enjoy dining in livelier surroundings.

The white washed walled Villa Pierre Paul is situated in Precojo, a village only five kilometres from the centre of Porto Vecchio. The accommodation comes complete with, terrace, private pool in enormous grounds and full mod cons.

Simply Travel offers seven nights at the Villa Pierre Paul in Porto Vecchio, part of the Simply Collection, from £449 per person based on six sharing.

Departing on 28th June 2009 from Manchester Airport, the price includes return flights, accommodation, transfers and all taxes and charges.

To book visit www.simplytravel.co.uk  or call 0871 231 4050.

Crete, Greece

Hotel Louis Creta Princess is a fantastic all-inclusive choice, with a variety of bars and restaurants included. The hotel is situated in the resort of Maleme that has a certified beach for its high standard of water quality.

Stay 7 nights all inclusive at the 4 sun Louis Creta Princess from £629 per adult based on 2 sharing departing from Manchester airport on the 23rd June 2009.

For further information, visit www.firstchoice.co.uk

 or call 0871 664 9012.

Collette Vacations’ Smithsonian Journeys Travel Adventures brand offers cultural adventure travel to Egypt, Vietnam, Cambodia, Japan, Turkey, Iceland, Newfoundland and Yucatan, with packages grounded in education, history and cultural immersion.

Guest speakers on the tours, ranging from Egyptologists to naturalists and art historians, enhance the experience by sharing their expertise and passion on their subjects.

These local speakers really make the difference between clients simply seeing, and truly understanding the destination. 

Any air-inclusive Smithsonian Journeys Travel Adventures tour  starts from home with the new Door to Door Service — an advantage that no other major U.S. tour operator can offer.

This free round trip sedan service transfer — including gratuities — from home to the airport is included and available in many U.S. cities within a 50-mile radius of more than 75 gateways.

In addition to these agent and client advantages, there are numerous “wow” moments on all Smithsonian Journeys Travel Adventures tours.

“We are the only tour operator offering a Newfoundland-only program,” said Dan Sullivan, Collette president and CEO. “Our clients are able to spend two nights in Gros Morne National Park; travel along the scenic Viking Trail;

visit a winery and sample local cuisine like caribou.

These experiences leave them with a good understanding of the culture of this Canadian province.

Classical Turkey, one of the newest destinations offered through Smithsonian Journeys Travel Adventures, is a 12-day tour through Turkey’s mix of ancient and new. Experts along the way, including historians, a food history scholar, and an archeologist, offer their knowledge to enhance the understanding of Turkey’s unique position as a crossroad of cultures.

From Istanbul’s famous Topkapi Palace to Cappadocia’s “fairy chimneys,” Turkey is sure to delight all its guests.

Smithsonian Journeys Travel Adventures is a brand created by the partnership of Collette Vacations, the oldest major tour operator in the U.S. with tours to all seven continents, and Smithsonian Journeys, the Smithsonian Institution’s Travel Program, to provide travelers with the high standards that are synonymous with these brands.

These diverse tours offer the best value-priced learning vacations worldwide and are created for adventurous travelers who seek the thrill of discovery and learning, combined with flexibility and economical rates.

To learn more about Smithsonian Journeys Travel Adventures worldwide destinations, as well as the details of Door to Door roundtrip sedan service, visit www.collettevacations.com