Jetsettersblog

Savings from 10% to 50% Over 2008 Travelers to Europe this summer can save 10% over 2008 on a wide range oftours and vacation packages. But for those willing to go farther afield tocountries like Egypt and Greece, the savings can be even greater, accordingto the U.S. Tour Operators Association.USTOA members voted Egypt number one among countries with the best buy forthe dollar, while in Greece and other countries on the Euro, as well asthose using their own currency such as the U.K. and Hungary, the dollar isstronger this year, and tour operators are passing on the savings.

Below are examples of savings from four USTOA-member companies: Eastern Mediterranean: Save 35% to 50% Over 2008Egypt:

Save 50% Over 2008 Through December 2009, save 50% per person over last year on a 7 night, landonly “Yara Beach Club” package from Sunny Land Tours.

For $199 per person,travelers stay at the Soma Bay, near Hurghada, including accommodations andall meals.

For reservations, call 1-800-783-7839. Greece: Save 35% Over 2008 Explore Greece and save more than $500 per person — or almost 35% — overthe 2008 price of $1,500 on a 12 day/10 night, land only “Homeric Wonder”package.

The $995 per person package from Homeric Tours includes freeaccommodation upgrades, 3 nights in Athens in a 4-star hotel, and 3 nightsin Mykonos in a Junior suite including daily breakfast. Also included is a4 day cruise to the Greek Islands and Turkey in a premium outside cabin withall onboard meals and entertainment, transfers from Athens hotel to port,and round-trip transfers in Mykonos.

The cruise tour can be booked by June30, 2009 for travel on specific departure dates through November 2009.

Forreservations phone 1-800-223-5570.

Europe: Save an Average 10% Over 2008 England, Scotland, and Ireland: 11 Days Save almost 10%, or $250, per person over last year, on Go Ahead Tours’ 11day/9 night “The Best of England, Scotland, and Ireland” tour that costs$2,599 this year vs. $2,849 per person in 2008 this year, when booked byJuly 10, 2009.

Valid for departure dates through 2010, the vacation packageincludes round-trip airfare from Boston, New York, Newark, or WashingtonDC, accommodations, daily breakfast buffet, 4 three-course dinners, localcity guide in Dublin and Edinburgh, high speed ferry transfer across the Irish Sea, tour director, guided sightseeing, entrance fees, and airporttransfers.

For reservations phone 1-800-590-1170.

Central Europe: 7 Days Book by October 31, 2009 and save $150 per person, or more than 10%, over2008 on Isram’s 7 day/6 night “Super Value Budapest and Prague” vacationpackage .

Priced at $1,199 per person for travel through December 1, the package $1,355 last year.

Included are first class hotel accommodations for3 nights each in Budapest, Hungary, and Prague; breakfast daily; motorcoachcity tours in each city; and flight from Budapest to Prague plus private cartransfers to and from the airport.

International airfare is additional,and one extra, free night in Budapest is available for travel from July 1 toAugust 31, 2009.

For reservations phone 1-800-223-7460. More Information

All prices are per person, based on double occupancy. Restrictions andadditional security fees, departure and local taxes and fees may apply.

Transatlantic air fare is additional on all above packages and tours, exceptfor England-Scotland-Ireland. USTOA members have met the travel industry’s highest standards, including participation in the USTOA Travelers Assistance Program, which, among otherthings requires each member company to set aside $1 million security toprotect consumers’ payments in case the company goes out of business.
To learn more, and for a list of USTOA members, visit www.ustoa.com orwww.ustoa.travel.

CHOOSE TO CRUISE EUROPE’S REMARKABLE RIVERS
Discover fabulous new itineraries for 2010 with cruise specialist Page & Moy

Meander through majestic mountains, sail through Europe’s valleys and visit vineyards with leading cruise company Page & Moy (0800 987 5112, www.pageandmoy.com).

The addition of 11 stunning new itineraries for 2010 take in the spectacular riverscapes of Europe. Breezing though striking countryside holiday makers can discover the delights of Germany, Switzerland and Austria through to the eastern European countries of Slovakia, Hungary, Serbia and Romania.

Onboard the contemporary river cruiser MV Serenade I, guests can expect the highest standards as she visits some of Europe’s dream destinations. Whether it’s a quiet drink in the panoramic bar, sampling five-star cuisine in the tranquil dining room or relaxing in the on-board sauna, this sophisticated floating hotel caters for all tastes. Her 68 spacious and air-conditioned rooms provide an unrivalled elegance, finished with luxuries such as flat-screen TVs.

Highlights for the 2010 season include:

Three Countries Cruise – prices from £1,299 per person

Departing on 4 September 2010, this awe-inspiring nine-day journey takes in some of the most attractive towns and cities in Europe. Joining the MV Serenade I in Cologne guests will visit Rudesheim and the pretty villages of the history-leaden Rhine Gorge.

Passengers can marvel at the magnificent castles and market squares of Cochem and Bernkastel before sailing on to Luxembourg. Next stop is Cologne to spend the morning admiring the city’s fine architecture before moving on to the Dutch capital of Amsterdam.

One of Europe’s most vibrant cities and a truly fitting way to end the cruise. Holiday makers can explore works by artists such as Van Gough and Rembrandt or take in the fascinating history of Anne Frank’s House before returning to the UK the following morning.

Page & Moy (0800 987 5112, www.pageandmoy.com) offers a nine-day three countries tour, departing on 4 September, 2010.

Prices start from £1,299 per person and include return flights from London Heathrow to Dusseldorf or Eurostar from London St Pancras, transfers and eight nights’ accommodation on a full board basis.

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

Budapest to the Black Sea – prices start from £1,899 per person

This inspirational 14-day tour cruises through five countries from Budapest to Constanta in Romania and back, revealing quaint riverside towns and stunning landscapes. Leaving the UK for Budapest, guests will have chance to relax onboard the MV Serenade I before heading to the charming Hungarian port of Kalocsa to explore at the beautiful town at their leisure.

Serbia’s ancient capital Belgrade is the next step before cruising serenely through the unique Iron Gates region and on to Vidin. The attractive riverside town of Rousse provides the perfect base to discover to the eclectic city of Bucharest.

Following a visit to Cernavoda, guests will travel to the Black Sea city of Constanta, resplendent with ancient ruins, museums and shops.

The return journey to Hungary takes in the historic town of Svistov, nestled at the base of a mountain and Vukovor, located where the Vuka and Danube rivers meet in Croatia. The picturesque town boasts a Franciscan Monastery and many enchanting baroque buildings.

Page & Moy (0800 987 5112, www.pageandmoy.com) offers a 14-day Budapest to the Black Sea tour, departing on 27 July, 2010. Prices start from £1,899 per person and include return flights from London Heathrow to Budapest, transfers and 14 nights’ accommodation on a full board basis. 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.

Uniworld is offering savings on European holiday cruises for those who pay in full by June 30.

The pay-in-full savings are $1,100 for cruise and air or $600 for cruise only. Couples who book and deposit before June 30 can receive savings of $800 for cruise and air, or $300 for cruise only.

The deal is good on six itineraries.

Fares include a river-view stateroom; all meals with complimentary fine wine, beer, and soft drinks served during dinner; celebratory dining events; onboard entertainment; shore excursions hosted by English-speaking local guides; and all transfers on arrival and departure days. Uniworld’s holiday river cruises range from nine to 14 days on the Danube, Rhine, Main and Seine rivers through Austria, France, Germany, Hungary, Slovakia and Switzerland.

For more information, call 800-733-7820 or visit www.uniworld.com

Uniworld is offering two-for-one fares on European river cruises in October when booked and deposited by June 30.

The savings is good on the following cruises and dates: “Danube Discovery,” Nuremberg to Vienna, Oct. 18, nine days; “Portugal, Spain and Douro River Valley,” Lisbon to Porto, 11 days, Oct. 22; “Legendary Rhine and Moselle,” Basel to Amsterdam, 14 days, Oct. 10; and “Paris and Heart of Europe,” Paris to Vienna, 18 days, Oct. 10.

Uniworld cruises include river-view staterooms; all meals with complimentary wine, beer, and soft drinks during dinner; celebratory dining events; onboard entertainment; shore excursions hosted by English-speaking local guides; and all transfers on arrival and departure days.

AMAWaterways has christened its sixth new ship in three years, the 148-passenger Amadolce.

The ceremony comes six weeks after the christening of Amadolce’s sister ship, the Amalyra, in Vilshofen, Germany.

The historic town of Durnstein, Austria, served as the backdrop for the Amadolce’s christening.

Located on the Danube in the Wachau wine-growing region, Durnstein is one of the area’s most-visited tourist sites. It is also a popular destination on several of AMA’s Danube river itineraries, known for its hilltop castle fortress dating back to the days of Richard the Lion-Hearted.

Like its sister ships, the Amadolce features an upscale décor and amenities like complimentary Wi-Fi; 170-square-foot standard cabins, with over 82 percent boasting French balconies; plush bedding with down duvets; flat-screen TVs; in-room “infotainment systems” with complimentary Internet access; and marble bathrooms with spa-quality bath amenities, terry robes and slippers. Gourmet meals in the restaurant are accompanied by complimentary local wines, and complimentary specialty coffees are always available in the main lounge and at meals.

AMA vessels also feature a fitness center, a beauty salon, a whirlpool, a walking track on the Sun Deck and a fleet of bicycles for passenger use. A professional cruise director accompanies passengers throughout their entire cruise and land experiences, and expert local guides conduct complimentary city tours at every destination.

For more information, call 800-626-0126 or visit www.amawaterways.com

Rail Europe is offering customers a summer deal aboard Eurostar, the high-speed passenger service that links the U.K. with the European continent. Leisure Select is a popular, first-class treat with service between London, Paris and Brussels, as well as on daily services to Disneyland Resort Paris and weekly direct services from London to Avignon in Provence during the summer.

Eurostar’s Leisure Select class occupies the same first-class coaches as Eurostar’s Business Premier class, with roomy seats, power points, newspapers and magazines.

However, it is aimed at travelers who want to relax, not work, with at-seat service designed to maximize enjoyment of the journey. Travelers are offered champagne, a choice of meal, and have the opportunity to read, play games or meet like-minded travelers.

Rail Europe’s exclusive Leisure Select promotion offers style, quality and value to customers who can save up to 68 percent on regular prices.

Fares start at $119 for one-way tickets and $184 roundtrip. Tickets must be booked before July 17, with travel valid during peak season from June 10 thru Aug. 31.

For more information click the banner at right.

To book rail for groups of 10 or more, contact the Group Department at www.raileurope.com/group-travel/group-travel.html

MSC Cruises is offering summer savings on European cruises.

Clients can explore Mediterranean and Northern Europe cruise destinations with a number of itineraries.

Rates start at $799 per person, double, for a seven-night cruise. In addition, children under the age of 17 sail free on all sailings when sharing a stateroom with two full-fare-paying adults.

MSC calls at more than 80 European ports, including Eastern Mediterranean sites like Dubrovnik, Alexandria and Ephesus; historic landmarks of the Western Mediterranean like Barcelona, Tunis and Sicily; and ports in the Scandinavian Fjords, the Baltic and the North Cape of Northern Europe.

Among the cruises that are offering the savings:

The MSC Fantasia, which debuted in December 2008, will sail seven-night Mediterranean Fantasy roundtrip itineraries from Barcelona to Marseille, Genoa, Naples, Palermo, La Goulette, and Palma, through Nov 1.

Its sister-ship, the MSC Splendida, which enters service in July, will begin its inaugural season July 13, sailing

The Splendid Mediterranean roundtrip seven-night Western Mediterranean itineraries from Barcelona through November. MSC also will have three ships in Northern Europe this summer: the MSC Lirica, with fares from $1,349; the MSC Opera, with fares from $1,299; and the MSC Orchestra, with fares from $1,099.

Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection is offering savings of up to $2,000 on European River cruises via its 2010 Pay-In-Full and Early Booking Discount programs.

Couples who book a 2010 Uniworld all-inclusive Europe river cruise and pay in full for the trip before Sept. 30, 2009, can save up to $1,000 per person on select programs in Europe.

Those who simply would like to place a deposit on a 2010 river cruise can save up $300 per person by booking and depositing by Nov. 30, 2009.

The Eurail Group GIE, the organization which issues Eurail Passes, is teaming up with the International Student Identity Card Association (ISIC) to promote jointly developed offers to young people around the globe.

Through this partnership, the ISIC, Eurail and its participating authorized distributors promise to make traveling through Europe more affordable venture for students.

In celebration of this partnership, as well the 50th anniversary of the Eurail Pass, the Eurail Group and the ISIC are launching a worldwide promotion offering two days of free rail travel with the purchase of any eight-day Eurail Select Pass Youth, valid in 2nd class.

Eurail Select Passes allow unlimited rail travel in three, four or five bordering countries, with 24 participating countries to choose from.

This promotion is open to all ISIC card holders for purchase before July 31.

Ana Dias e Seixas, Eurail Group’s marketing director, said,

“We aim to raise the bar, reinforcing the global reach of the Eurail Pass offer to the youth and student market.

“We are looking forward to welcoming more travelers from all over the world.”

In addition to the Eurail Select Pass, the Eurail Group offers a wide selection of pass products ranging from several One Country and Regional Passes all the way up to the Global Pass, which is now valid in 21 participating countries.

For more information, visit the eurail banner at to the right for purchases of all your Eurail passes.

Europcar has announced the launch of its new weDeliver service, offering free deliver and collection for car and van hire

TEDDINGTON, ENGLAND, — Europcar, the UK’s leading vehicle rental company, is offering free delivery and collection for car and van hire with its new weDeliver service, allowing customers to phone the company and get a car delivered to their door within a guaranteed two hour time window.

Europcar’s free delivery and collection service is designed to make car hire much more accessible and convenient at a time when people are looking for a safe and convenient way to get away in the UK for their holidays. The service is available for car and van hire of more than two days.

Unlike competitors where the customer has to be taken back to the rental location or car clubs where the car has to be collected from, or returned to, a designated parking spot, Europcar will deliver the car to the customer’s door ensuring their holiday can begin without delay. At the end of the auto hire, the car will be collected and taken back to its original location by Europcar.

Delivery and collection is free for the first ten miles and after that a small, per-mile charge will be applied. The service is available from 152 of Europcar’s 197 locations (excluding car hire in London and airports where good transport links make collecting a vehicle easier for consumers) and, once booked by phone, the car or van will be delivered to the customer’s home within the two hours time slots from Monday to Friday and Saturday morning.

“The timing for this couldn’t be better,” said Catriona Lougher, Marketing Director for Europcar. “We know our customers want convenience, value and a simple, no nonsense car hire service. With household budgets stretched, and with reports that more of us will be staying in the UK for holidays this year, car hire is really coming into its own - whether it’s for a bigger, more reliable vehicle for a holiday or to replace a second family car.

“While we have a strong network of locations that puts us on average just 20 minutes away from every customer, the time and logistics needed to collect a vehicle can be a barrier, especially when you have luggage and children to organise too. By removing the need to collect the car we are opening up car hire to a much wider range of customers. This is all part of Europcar’s drive to become the UK’s most consumer focused car hire company giving customers their car, their way.”

About Europcar:

Europcar is the European leader in passenger car and light utility vehicle rentals. The company serves business and leisure customers, providing car hire in Edinburgh and throughout Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Latin America and the Asia-Pacific region. Since March 2007 with the acquisition of Vanguard EMEA, its network comprises over 5,300 rental outlets in 160 countries. The Europcar fleet has an average CO2 of 158g/km compared to the average UK car park* which has 164.9 g/km CO2.

Excluding franchise operations, in 2008 Europcar signed more than 10 million rental contracts, with 8,000 employees and a fleet exceeding 225,000 vehicles. In September 2008, Europcar and U.S. market leader Enterprise Rent a Car joined forces in a strategic alliance to form the world’s largest car rental network, with more than 1.2 million vehicles and 13,000 locations around the world.