Jetsettersblog

Austin-Lehman Adventures compiled its favorite pedal routes through Europe drawn from 38 years of experience of its European bike tours division, formerly Euro-Bike Tours, founded in 1974.

Euro-Bike Tours was sold to Austin-Lehman Adventures in 2008, and Ron Van Dijk, former owner of Euro-Bike Tours, is now ALA’s European cycling director. Van Dijk was in charge of selecting the Sensational Seven Cycling Routes of Europe.

“It was a fun challenge for me to go back through nearly four decades of cycling to pick my all-time favorite pedal routes of Europe,” said Van Dijk.

“I hope to inspire others to slow down, get on a bike and enjoy a Europe adventure on two wheels either on their own or with a small group tour such as those offered by ALA.”

Van Dijk’s “Sensational Seven” are as follows:

France — The Dordogne between Argentat and Beynac (110 miles). According to Van Dijk, it’s “a favorite for its authenticity, the peace, the great food, the old Romanesque churches, the castles and the history (such as the Hundred Years War between France and England). Make sure to divert from the valley every now and then to visit villages like St-Céré, Autoire, Loubressac, Rocamadour, as well as the lively town of Sarlat.”

Italy — South-Tyrol from Reschen Pass to Merano (50 miles).

From the top of the pass, Van Dijk said, “it’s all pretty much all downhill for about 50 miles on specially marked bike paths, and you’re always surrounded by some of the most majestic mountains of the Alps. Pass by villages, lakes, meadows, apple orchards and end your ride in the noble spa town of Merano.”

Spain — Rioja vineyards between Logroño and Haro (35 miles). Van Dijk suggests October when the leaves are turning, roads are peaceful and hospitality including tapas bars in Haro a blessing after tackling a few hills.

Germany — Mosel Valley from Trier to Koblenz (132 miles). This is a four-day stretch through steep vine-clad hills with stops at villages for sips of Rieslings. It’s is a gentle, downhill trip past Roman sites in Trier and castles and ruins around every bend of the Mosel.

Austria — Salzach Valley from Gerlos Pass/Krimml to Salzburg (115 miles). With the snowcapped Grossglockner, this is a highly scenic descent from Gerlos Pass to Salzburg.

Netherlands — Tulip, hyacinth and narcissus fields near Keukenhof (20 miles).

Denmark — Danish Riviera between Copenhagen and Helsingør (30 miles). Bike paths along Denmark’s “Gold Coast” reveal villas, fishing villages and museums such as the Karen Blixen Museum (author of “Out of Africa”), the Nivagaard art museum and the supreme Louisiana Museum of Modern Art in an incredible setting overlooking the Sound.

ALA’s cycling tour bookings were up 26 percent in 2011 over 2010. So far in 2012, they are up 10 percent. To accommodate the projected up trend, ALA added three new trips and additional departures representing a 15 percent increase in capacity from 2011 to 2012. The trips new for 2012 are France-Burgundy, Spain-Rioja and Denmark Family Adventure.

Austin-Lehman Adventures provides adventure vacations on five continents. The company specializes in adult and family multi-sport, hiking, biking vacations that emphasize history, culture and nature’s charms. Trips are limited to 12 guests (18 on family departures). For more information, call 800-575-1540.

The city of Brussels is set to showcase a major culinary initiative with a focus on its food and drink heritage in 2012. Central to the festival, are a number of food events such as chocolate tasting, food demonstrations, beer rallies, trade fairs and a whole programme of foodie themed initiatives. Innovative and creative cuisine using traditional methods and local produce is central to the aim of this festival.

The gourmet year will put its great chefs in the spotlight and will prove that gastronomic excellence is available virtually everywhere in the city from markets, star-studded restaurants, street corners, parks or the smallest of bistros.

For an idea of what is in store, feast your eyes on some of the events that are on offer!

The Frietkot Walk All year round
Fritkots are a version of the Chippie and there is no better place than Brussels to demonstrate the appreciation of the humble fry than a special walk dedicated to take you to ten of the city’s most famous chip stalls. Recipes involve expert double frying at specific temperatures to attain the “perfect” chip and with an array of mouth-watering sauces to compliment the finished product. The experience is something that surely can’t be missed!

Cinetmatec – Films on Food All year round
A total of 24 international films, aired twice a month will be entirely dedicated to the world of gastronomy. A family film will be shown every month on a Saturday. The films end with the opportunity to taste the food featured and by the end of the year, an entire menu will have been covered. Starting from January at Salle Ledoux at Cinematek. Tickets start at just €12 per person.

Brusselicous Breakfasts All year round
Hotels the length and breadth of Brussels will be boasting the best in pastries in celebration of the Brusselicious festival this year. Typical breads and other regional produce of Brussels will feature on menus for the whole year.

The Tram Experience February
Very much part of everyday Brussels life, the tram is put to work as an exclusive mobile restaurant! Enjoy a gastronomic meal created by Michelin starred chefs throughout the year. A 2 hour circuit whizzes you on a tour departing every evening for up to 34 diners. The price for this exclusively romantic experience is €75 per person and commences on Valentine’s Day.

Brusselicious XXL April – September
A demonstration of 35 monumental sculptures characturing typical Belgian food and drink products such as chips, mussels, Brussels Sprouts, chocolate bars and a glass of beer. Local artists have been given a free reign to design the objects which will be displayed in some of the most popular public parks around the 19 districts of Brussels from April to June this year. The full collection will be gathered for display in Brussels Park from July to September.

Dinner in the Sky June
As the title suggests, this major feat involves a restaurant venue on a platform suspended 40 metres above the ground with the help of a crane! Meals are prepared by Michelin starred chefs and there are four locations for each event, each will take place in a different location in the centre of the city. Seven of the most renowned Brussels’ chefs will be hosting the meals: Yves Mattagne of SeaGrill**,Lionel Rigolet of Comme chez Soi**,Pascal Devalkeneer of Chalet de la Forêt*,David Martin of La Paix* -Giovani Bruno of Senza Nome*Luigi Ciciriello of La Truffe Noire* and Patrick Vandecasserie of La Villa Lorraine. Sites include the Atomium, Place de Palais, Boise de la Cambre and the Cinquanternaire. Meals are served daily twice a day and cater for 22 places from 4th June to 1st July.

Dinosaur Dinner June
On the 14th -15 June,The Gallery of Dinosaurs at the Brussels Museum of Natural Sciences will be the backdrop to one of seven thematic dinner venues during the Brusselicious festival. One of many interesting venues, the dinner marks an exhibition which looks into the five senses.

Mussels and Chips @ Brussels Beach July
One of the seven thematic dinner locations, this involves an opportunity to enjoy Moules Frites against the backdrop of the man-made beach at Brussels Le Bains in the (hotly anticipated!) heat of July. Enjoy generous portions of chips and mussels and relax on the shores of the sandy beach created each year for the city’s sun-worshippers. The dinner takes place on 23rd July 2012.

Brusselicious Festival September
The highlight of this prestigious festival takes place from 6-9 September. Representing its milestone event, a superb banquet is planned. Hundreds of marquees will be erected and a food festival extraordinaire is predicted. Samplers, food demonstrations, speciality food producers will represent the very best in breweries, chocolatiers, bakeries etc. Admission will be free and visitors need only pay for the drinks and food they consume. Visiting on an empty stomach is suggested and prepare for the feeding of a lifetime! 6-9 September 2012

Brussels Wine Week September
Not something most would associate with Belgium but wine making is alive and thriving in Brussels. Belgian Winegrowers will be profiling their best wines to consumers in a variety of events. Most notable is but from 21 -23rd September, dedicated to roadshows, seminars, tasting and visits to wine cellars.

Savouring Brussels – Slow Food September
The Karikol Convivium has introduced the concept of Slow Food in Brussels and Savouring Brussels festival is the annual event celebrating this concept. Its theme this year is Brussels’ vegetable gardens and celebrates the flavours of fresh produce and the use of seasonal vegetables. Over 70 restaurants are involved in the venture and will engage in coming up with special menus to celebrate the festival.

Chocolate Demonstration by Master Chocolate makers October
Every day, from the 1st October, there will be an hour’s demonstration by Maison des Maitres Chocolatiers on the Grand Place. Everything you wanted to know about chocolate, cocoa, pralines, and Caraque,( a type of chocolate made from flavoured or spiced solid chocolate) specially created for Brusselicious will be explained, demonstrated and available to taste!

Brussels Chocolate Festival November
This event takes place during Chocolate week, from 1-11 November 2012. The Brussels chocolate festival has dedicated itself to a series of evening events including visits to workshops, entertainment and conferences. Takes place at Brussels Tours and Taxis from 1-4 November 2012.

Chippie Festival November
The Chip stand is a national institution in Belgium and therefore it is fitting that the best chip stands in Brussels are given the chance to show off their delicious products. The competition begins in November 2012.

Tourism Flanders in association with Visit Brussels will be offering press the chance to experience this great culinary festival, first hand on the 10-11 February 2012. Trips will include the chance to sample the food in person , take a walking/tasting tour of some of Brussels’ most delicious addresses and participate in a food workshop in either beer or chocolate. There are limited spaces so please do let us know if you are interested in joining us.

Monograms released its 2012 roster of 50 independent packages for European vacations ranging from four to 16 days with a promotional campaign built around the idea of encouraging travelers to get off the Internet, get out of magazines and just go.

“Let’s face it, life is short,” said Steve Born, vice president of marketing for the Globus family of brands, Monograms’ parent company. “The Coliseum isn’t getting any younger and Paris isn’t getting on a plane to visit us. Instead, we’re helping travelers realize their travel dreams by making going now not only possible, but also easy.”

Monograms packages take care of booking hotels, airport transfers and transportation between cities and provide a half-day orientation/sightseeing tour and on-site support from local hosts, who help clients find their way around the destination and do what they want to do while there. Monograms packages also include the ability to include options to individualize their experiences. Options available in Europe include such things as a trip to the Normandy landing beaches, a drive to the hilltop town of Tivoli to view the ruins, a guided ghost tour of Venice, a walk through the Olympic Village in Barcelona, a bike ride around Amsterdam and a visit to a brewery to learn about the art of beer-making in Munich. The options are available for pre-purchase, before the trip begins, and their cost is commissionable to travel agents.

Monograms unveiled six new vacation packages for 2012 and has bundled some major cities into 13-day, all-in-one packages. Monograms offers mini-vacations with four-day city getaways in 14 cities, including Barcelona, Budapest, Paris, Prague, Venice and Vienna. Monograms also offers multi-country vacations, romantic getaways, food and wine experiences and art and architecture itineraries.

For first-time travelers to popular destinations like Italy and Britain, Monograms has put together European Starter Guides to guide travelers through the vacation planning process. “We’re passionate about experiencing and discovering the world and are doing our best to encourage others to explore all Europe has to offer by making it easy to plan to perfect getaway and just go,” said Born. Clients who book a 2012 Monograms Europe vacation by Feb. 14 can save $200 per person.

The list of 2012 Monograms Europe Vacations includes Venice Getaway (four days), from $874; Dublin & London (seven days), from $1,282; Paris & Nice (seven days), from $1,966; Budapest & Vienna (seven days), from $1,439; Vienna & Munich (seven days), from $1,626; Rome & Sicily (seven days), from $1,925; St. Petersburg & Moscow (seven days), from $1,808; Barcelona & Madrid (seven days), from $1,792; London, Paris & Rome (10 days), from $2,687; Rome, Florence & Venice (10 days), from $2,165; London, Paris, Barcelona & Madrid (13 days), from $3,625; and Rome, Florence, Venice & Lake Maggiore (13 days), from $3,871. Prices are per person, land-only. For more information, call 800-221-0090.

Viking River Cruises marks its 15th anniversary in 2012, and is planning its biggest year yet. Founded in 1997, Viking River Cruises was established with four Russian river cruise vessels and a company name to honor the Vikings that first traveled by longship to explore Russia’s waterways. Today, Viking owns and operates the world’s largest fleet of river vessels, and 2012 will see the launch of six new Viking Longships as well as the completion of its Russian fleet refurbishment.

Since entering the North American market in 2000, Viking River Cruises has expanded to operate in the six regions of Europe, Russia, Ukraine, China, Southeast Asia and Egypt. “Every year I am proud of our company’s milestones, but this is certainly a special anniversary in Viking’s history,” said Torstein Hagen, chairman and CEO of Viking River Cruises.

Designed by maritime architects Yran & Storbraaten, the six new Viking Longships will accommodate 190 passengers and feature energy-efficient hybrid engines, the largest real suites in Europe, and more full-size rooms and full-size verandas.

On March 21 in Amsterdam, Viking will christen four of the Longships — Viking Njord, Viking Odin, Viking Idun and Viking Freya.

The christening will mark the first time in history that four cruise ships will be christened at once.

After departing from Amsterdam, the Viking Longships will sail Viking’s most popular European itineraries including the 15-day “Grand European Tour,” eight-day “Romantic Danube,” eight-day “Danube Waltz” and 10-day “Tulips & Windmills.”

Two more Viking Longships — Viking Embla and Viking Aegir — will make their debut in July and August, respectively.

And given unprecedented demand, Viking is reviewing its newbuild program for 2013 and 2014.

Also new for 2012 is an enhanced Russian offering. With the launch of Viking Rurik (formerly Viking Peterhof), this year will mark the completion of bow-to-stern refurbishments of Viking’s owned and operated Russian fleet. To commemorate the transformations and to honor Viking’s heritage, the ships have been renamed Viking Rurik, Viking Helgi, Viking Ingvar and Viking Truvor.

In addition to multiple itinerary updates, new for 2012 is an eight-day program, “The Glories of the Hermitage,” which features exclusive access and private tours at the museum and the launch of a Russia-focused microsite.

The January Trivago Hotel Price Index (tHPI), rating average hotel prices at ski destinations and other hotels in Europe and North America, reports that Romania has the least expensive ski resort prices this winter.

In January, ski resorts in the Romanian town of Predeal are reporting the cheapest prices Europe-wide, at $71 per night in a standard double. In the Polish winter resort of Szczyrk, skiers pay an average of $81, while in Bansko, Bulgaria, rooms are available for $93 per night.

The highest prices in Europe were reported in St. Moritz in Switzerland ($545), and in the U.S., in Beaver Creek, Colo. ($498).

This month, Poiana Brasov, Romania, is offering overnight stays for an average cost of $123 per night, a 36 percent increase from last month.

The Polish ski towns of Szczyrk ($81) and Zakopane ($101), are also reporting price increases between 21 to 22 percent, compared to December 2011, while those headed to Bansko, Bulgaria, will find hotel rooms for an average rate of $93 per night (up 20 percent).

Destinations such as Lake Tahoe ($103, up 5 percent from last month) and Stowe, Vt. ($193, up 23 percent) were among those reporting the lowest winter prices across North America.

Swiss destinations such as Gstaad ($504, up 39 percent compared to last month) and Zermatt ($368, up 24 percent) present the most expensive rooms in winter sports regions this month.

Colorado’s Beaver Creek ($498, up 70 percent) and Aspen ($474, up 83 percent) reported the highest average prices in North America, while the Austrian ski resorts in Kitzbuhel ($470, up 44 percent), Ischgl ($376, up 32 percent) and St. Anthony ($375, up 46 percent) also reported increases over the previous month.

In the French Nobel ski resorts, Val d’Isere ($434, up 47 percent) and Courchevel ($414, up 39 percent), travelers are likewise paying high prices as can also be seen in the German mountain resorts of Oberstdorf ($270) and Garmisch-Partenkirchen ($218), with price increases of 36 percent and 16 percent, respectively.

Although slightly lower than the above, the German town of Winterberg is also reporting a rise in rates — January travelers can expect to pay an average of $180 (up 28 percent).

Compared to last month, European prices have dropped in January by around 3 percent to $136. Athens has dropped to $98 (down 1 percent from last month), the lowest figure since recording the tHPI (May 2008).

With an average of $209, the hotel industry in London reports the lowest price for an overnight stay in a standard double room since February 2011, a 13 percent drop in price compared to last month.

In Barcelona, overnight rates reached their lowest level since December 2009, reporting $124 per night, 7 percent lower than the reported rate in December 2011.

Even Rome ($138, down 7 percent), Istanbul ($123, down 7 percent) and Amsterdam ($153, down 5 percent) recorded their lowest accommodation prices since February 2011.

Following the trend, all major U.K. cities, for the first time since April 2009, are reporting price reductions in the tHPI this month. London ($135), Edinburgh ($89), Cardiff ($71) and the Irish capital of Dublin ($70) are among those reporting decreases in price this month between 11 to 15 percent compared to last month.

Lake Tahoe ($103, up 5 percent from last month) reported having the least expensive rates for a standard double room within a top ski destination this month. Stowe ($193) followed, up 23 percent from last month. Mammoth ($208) reported increasing prices, however only a 7 percent increase from last month, while the Canadian Mont-Tremblant — also up only 3 percent — was close by with $212.

Jackson Hole reported price increases of 34 percent, with an average overnight price of $233. Kicking-off the winter season price jump however, is Whistler, Canada ($299) with a reported 40 percent increase in prices compared to last month.

The most expensive winter sport destinations in the U.S. and Canada can be found in Colorado this January.

Even rivaling prices in European winter destinations Kitzbuhel and Gstaad, Beaver Creek, Colo., is offering standard double rooms for $498 per night — a 70 percent increase compared to last month. Aspen, not far behind, is offering prices reaching $474 per night, 83 percent more expensive than December 2011. Vail also topped the list with $403 (up 43 percent).

Eurostar’s direct summer services to Avignon will open for sale earlier than usual, available from Dec. 20.

The early sale is to cope with traveler demand for its services to the Provence region of France.

Travelers are advised to book early for the weekly direct services that will run from July 7 to Sept. 1.

With direct journey times of less than six hours from St. Pancras International in London and Ashford International in Kent, the summer service is a favorite with travelers and tickets sell fast every year. Customers can take advantage of several Eurostar deals by boarding a Eurostar service in the U.K., then travelling nonstop through the French countryside, directly to Avignon in the heart of Provence.

Direct Eurostar tickets are available in both Standard class Standard Premier.

If direct services are full, Eurostar offers connecting services all year that arrive into Avignon TGV station, which is located just outside the town center.

Condé Nast Traveler just announced their prestigious 2012 Gold List winners for the world’s finest hotels, resorts, and cruise lines, and Uniworld Boutique River Cruises is thrilled that it was once again included in the “World’s Top 12 Cruise Lines” category. This year, as a way to mark 25 years of Condé Nast Traveler, the magazine celebrated the “superstars” of the Gold List in their Platinum Circle honor, which includes Uniworld, which has made the Gold List every year for the past five years’ running.

Earlier this year, Uniworld was also rated as the world’s Number One “Best River Cruise Line” in Condé Nast Traveler’s prestigious 2011 Readers’ Choice Awards.

“I am deeply honored that Uniworld has again been recognized in Condé Nast Traveler’s prestigious Gold List,” states Guy Young, president of Uniworld.

“The significance of being included as a Platinum Circle member reaffirms Uniworld’s commitment to consistently delivering the best river cruise experience possible to our guests. I am also very proud to be included in a list of well-respected cruise lines such as Crystal, Silversea, Seabourn, and Regent,” furthers Young.

The eighteenth annual Gold List contenders are tested afresh every year in Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Survey, described by Condé Nast as “the collective result of some eight million votes cast by as savvy a group of travelers as you’ll find on the planet.”

About Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection

Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection, the world’s only authentic boutique cruise line, is recognized among the “World’s Best River Cruises” by Travel + Leisure. Uniworld was voted the“#1 River Cruise Line in the World” in Condé Nast Traveler ’s Readers’ Choice Awards, was named to Condé Nast Traveler’s prestigious Gold List, and won “Best River Ships” in their Readers’ Poll, which ranked River Beatrice and River Duchess the #1 and #2 river ships, along with five other highly ranked ships in the top 20. Uniworld’s cabins and dining are also ranked among the top three in the world by Zagat Survey; Uniworld is the only river cruise line named in the Zagat Survey amongst the best of the best in the cruise industry.

Uniworld features luxurious boutique ships with an average capacity of 130 guests, included shore excursions, world-class gourmet cuisine, and award-winning hospitality.

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

For more details, please visit www.uniworld.com or connect with Uniworld Boutique River Cruises at www.facebook.com/uniworldrivercruises or www.twitter.com/UniworldCruises

European Waterways will introduce a new luxury barge in 2012, the 12-passenger Panache. The company also will offer new amenities on some barges, such as barging and biking options. The Panache features six air-conditioned Junior Suites, all with full private bathrooms and oversized showers.

The Panache launches in 2012 with the early season tulip cruises in Holland that visit Keukenhof Gardens and Delft. Options include a visit to Floriade 2012, the World Horticultural Expo that takes place once every 10 years. The boat will be repositioned later in the season to Alsace Lorraine, cruising between Nancy and Strasbourg.

Of classic Dutch design, the barge is traditionally furnished with warm colors, brass and mahogany, and features a heated pool, bicycles for passenger use, and a professional crew of five that includes a master chef.

The company is giving 10 percent off per cabin and whole-boat charters on all April departures on La Belle Epoque and L’Art de Vivre, which cruise the Burgundy region. It is also offering the same deal in April on Anjodi on the Canal du Midi and the Scottish Highlander in Scotland.

Meanwhile, those who book by Jan. 6 get 5 percent off whole-boat charters on EnchantÈ from May through October. Rosa offers 10 percent off whole-boat charters for all March, April and May departures on the Canal du Midi and Gascony, as well as 5 percent off all whole-boat charters for June through October.

The 20-passenger La Bella Vita is offering 10 percent off whole-boat charters for all April departures and 5 percent off whole-boat charters for May-through-October departures. Bookings must be made by Jan. 6 on the River Po cruise between Venice and the Renaissance city of Mantua.

European Waterways are launching their ‘Barging and Biking’ options for 2012. Because so many passengers enjoy taking some exercise during their hotel barge cruise – especially after indulging in the gourmet meals served on board – all of the hotel barges carry bicycles.

Biking Plus
For those passengers who would like to be a little more adventurous, a number of thebarges now offer a Biking Plus option. Whilst others are relaxing on deck, or maybe enjoying a stroll, guests can take a bike and follow an interesting, but not too challenging carefully researched route.

They will be given clearly marked maps for each round trip route and a backpack with everything they might need so that, for an hour or two, they can explore the surrounding countryside and villages along the lanes and byways. Then they can just rejoin the barge where they left her – or maybe a little further along the canal. They won’t miss any of the organised excursions or much of the cruising, but will have seen a little more of the people and places around them – and done themselves some good at the same time!

Tandem Biking
Most people haven’t had the chance to ride a tandem bike, but European Waterways now have them on board some of their hotel barges. A romantic and amusing way on a bicycle made for two and not as hard as many people might think.

Biking Charters
Lastly, for more committed cyclists, European Waterways offer biking charters with half day guided itineraries, upgraded bikes and lunch picnics – but still with their usual five star hotel barge service.

Prices for a 6 night Barging and Biking cruise aboard a European Waterways hotel barge start from £2,090pp in a twin/double cabin, including all meals, wines, an open bar, excursions and local transfers. Full boat charters also available.

Contact European Waterways: 01753 598555 Website: www.gobarging.com

Brendan Vacations is offering several new itineraries for Europe in 2012, including the 12-day Crossroads of Cultures and Contrasts: Bosnia, Croatia & Slovenia; the 11-day Discovering the Balkans; the 17-day From Greece to Dalmatia; the eight-day Highlights of Slovenia; and the 15-day Fabled Cities of Europe: Zagreb to Venice. All are being offers as Definite Departures. They include first class accommodations, breakfast daily and some lunches and dinners.

Also new, but not offered as definite departures are The Best of Russia, Baltic States and Warsaw, 14, 16 or 18 days; Dalmatian Sunshine, Dubrovnik to Zagreb, 10 days; Imperial Cities Showcase, Vienna to Warsaw, 10 days; From Bohemia to Transylvania, Prague to Bucharest, 14 days; The Best of Ukraine, Poland and Hungary, 12 days; Belgrade to Zagreb, 12 days; and Glimpse of Italy, nine or 12 days.