Jetsettersblog

Variety Cruises offer a unique small ship cruise concept on their mega yachts cruises.

Itineraries give much more time in ports of call with some overnight stays giving the opportunity to dine ashore or stay out till late in several ports of call on their Mediterranean itineraries.

These small ships are classified as Mega Yachts, carrying between 40 and 72 passengers depending on the vessel.

Their smaller size allows them to access small island harbours and off the beaten track destinations that are beyond the reach of large cruise ships.

Whilst comfort and service on board compare favorably with mainstream cruises, Variety’s mega yachts offer an informal and friendly atmosphere that is quite unique, with meals on board being more like a dinner party than a formal dinner.

Greek Island hopping / Aegean itineraries are offered on half board basis, giving the opportunity to dine ashore in harbour-side tavernas without feeling that one is missing out on a meal on board that is already paid for.

All itineraries offer a good mix of better know ports such as Santorini and Mykonos with lesser known gems such as Folegandros and Syros.

Prices on the Jewels Of The Cyclades cruise on the 25 cabin classic motor sailer Galileo start at £975 cruise only or £1295 flight inclusive for 7 nights in April and October in an entry level Cat C outside cabin.

This includes 7 night cruise from Marina Zea (Piraeus) on half board basis, and for the flight inclusive package, scheduled flights London to Athens and transfers to and from the port.

Port charges and taxes are an extra £120 pp.

Other itineraries offered by Variety Cruises with weekly departures April to October include:

Classical Greece on the Mega Yacht Harmony V, Aegean Odyssey on the Sail Cruiser Panorama, Adriatic Odyssey on the Mega Yacht Harmony G, Turquoise Coast and Eastern Aegean on the Sail Cruiser Panorama II.

New for 2012 are their West Mediterranean Cruises, ‘Romantic Riviera’ sailing from Nice and Treasures of South Italy and Malta, sailing from Salerno, Italy on the brand new 5* deluxe M/Y Variety Voyager making her debut with this cruise series in July of 2012.

For more info contact Chris Lorenzo at Variety Cruises UK GSA, Seafarer on 0208 324 3114

From balmy temperatures to the magic of a Greek Orthodox Christmas and wallet saving low-season offers, there’s as much to tempt visitors to Cyprus during the months of December and January as at any other time of year – especially given the opportunity to sample the delights of a Cypriot Christmas and New Year.

Just a four hour flight from the UK, and with a typically warm welcome at the other end, a break in Cyprus remains a popular mid-winter retreat with visitors from GB and over – 136,000 Brits alone visited the island last winter.

Twelve of the top winter highlights for visitors to experience in Cyprus over Christmas and the New Year:

1. Make the most of the winter warmth
Average winter daytime temperatures throughout Cyprus rarely dip below 20 degrees (C). With 340 days of sunshine a year there are still plenty of rays to catch throughout December and January. Balmy temperatures mean winter can be one of the best times to explore all the island has to offer.

2. Go for a dip on Christmas Day
Adventurous beach lovers can even enjoy the island’s beautiful blue-flag beaches year-round with sea temperatures remaining in the high-teens throughout the Christmas and New Year period – perfect for an invigorating Christmas Day dip!

3. Experience a Traditional Cypriot Christmas
Christmas (pronounced Christouyenna in Greek) is celebrated with plenty of delicious Cypriot food and the honouring of age-old traditions. Unique to the region is the habit of hanging crosses wrapped in basil and sprinkled with holy water on the front door of a house to ward off the Goblin-like spirits known as ‘kallikantzari’, which are said to make mischief during the twelve days of Christmas.

4. Marvel in seasonal Byzantine spectaculars
Christmas is marked in towns and villages across the island with magical processions, usually accompanied by carols, called “kalanda”, which have been handed down from generation to generation since Byzantine times. The major festival on Christmas day is held in Nicosia in Eleftheria (Freedom) Square, while one of the the most dramatic services is held in Larnaca on 5 January, when young swimmers dive for a cross, only to return it to the priest.

5. Make merry with live performance and song
Cyprus has a colourful year-round cultural scene and winter is no exception. Special concerts and events take place across the island, from local bands, choirs, orchestras, dancers and groups through to Viva Verdi – Moscow New Opera in Rialto, Liamssol (22 December). Nicosia’s Eleftheria Square is one of the main places to catch live acts with performances everyday from 17 – 30 December. At the entrance of the Pafos Mosaics near the harbour there is free entertainment every Sunday.

6. Treat your tastebuds
The heart of every Cypriot home is the kitchen so food plays a major role in the Cypriot Christmas celebrations. Loaves of Christopsomo (Christ Bread), normally accompanied by dried figs, nuts and honey, are eaten on Christmas Eve. Familiar dishes such as stuffed turkey, often locally-reared, and roast chicken and roast lamb are traditionally served on Christmas day. Also very popular are the traditional cakes such as ‘kourabiedes’, a delicious small almond cake coated in icing sugar, ‘melomakarona’, a traditional honey cake, and ‘finikia’, a kind of walnut pie.

7. If all you long for on the day is a taste of home
If you’re hankering after sprouts, and for those for whom Christmas would not be Christmas without a proper dinner with all the trimmings, most hotels also observe UK traditions as well, with festive decorations and traditional British fare.

8. Celebrate New Year, Cyprus-style
Even more so than Christmas, New Year is an important date for families in Cyprus. The 1st January marks the Feast of St Basil, the region’s equivalent to St Nicholas, and the day is the main date for present-giving. Some of the best parties on New Year’s Eve are around the town hall in downtown Limassol but most big hotels also host parties. No visitor should celebrate New Year in Cyprus without a taste of Vassilopitta, or Saint Basil’s cake, baked with a silver or gold coin to bring good luck to the person who finds it.

9. A proper break that won’t break the bank
During the winter season accommodation costs in Cyprus are at their lowest. Shopping around should see lower flight costs as well, especially if you can be flexible with your travel dates. Many bars and restaurants in the island’s main tourist destinations offer discounted rates out of season, but with the same excellent levels of service you would expect in the summer months.

10. Drive time
Car hire is also exceptional value at this time of year: with a two day hire coming to as little as €30, visitors have the perfect excuse to explore the island under their own steam. The Cyprus Tourism Organisation has teamed up with the Travel Foundation to create 6 self-drive routes guiding visitors to some of the most beautiful and special parts of the hidden rural interior of the island.

11. Raise a glass at boutique wineries
Six wine routes criss-cross the island, taking in some of the best of the 40 or so boutique wineries which have sprung up on the island in recent years. Cypriot wine production dates back almost 5,000 years. Numerous boutique wineries with modern facilities have sprung up in the last 5 years. Highlights include local xinisteri and mavro grapes or the delicious Commandaria sweet white.

12. Return in better health than when you left
Wellbeing holidays are one of the fastest-growing areas of the tourism industry in Cyprus. The island has seen a number of exciting new high quality spas and health farms open in recent years. With its year-round good climate and varied terrain, Cyprus offers every kind of activity and opportunity, from hiking and cycling to intense yoga stays and relaxing spa breaks. Added to this are treatments indigenous to the island, such as the chance to be immersed in the healing waters at Ayii Anargyri.

Not only has So Nice Boutique Suites raised the bar in boutique accommodation in Ayia Napa, Cyprus, but it has also brought a new level of glamour to Ayia Napa’s night scene by collaborating with London’s top Japanese restaurant, Nozomi, to create a beautiful rooftop dining experience overlooking the Mediterranean.

The award-winning Nozomi restaurant and bar in London has long been a favourite with celebrities and stylish Londoners for its eclectic cocktails and delicious Japanese dishes. Its new restaurant, at So Nice Boutique Suites in Cyprus, provides the perfect setting for discerning travellers to experience a beautiful open air lounge bar and al fresco dining.

Guests at Nozomi, Cyprus, can choose from a wide range of contemporary Japanese cuisine and authentic sushi all prepared live in a central open-air sushi counter by world class chefs. The lounge bar is perfect for before and after dinner drinks or fresh fruit cocktails created by the resident mixologist. The lounge bar hosts London DJ’s who create a chilled, ambient vibe to start, livening up the atmosphere later in the evening.

So Nice Boutique Suites is a collection of 60 luxurious beach bungalows situated in the Makronissos area of Ayia Napa, Cyprus. Being the first of its kind in Ayia Napa, So Nice Boutique Suites take holidays in the area to a new and exclusive level. Each room is modern and minimalist with premium features including Philip Stark furniture, superior mattresses, marble bathrooms and granite kitchens. LCD TV’s and complimentary internet access enhance the comfort of a guest’s stay at the hotel and each suite has a sea, pool or garden view – the latter providing an array of tropical plants including palms, bougainvillea and sweet smelling jasmine. Amidst the gardens is the lagoon pool where guests can soak up the sunshine on large contemporary loungers or alternatively beach lovers need only to take a few steps to discover one of Cyprus’ most beautiful blue flag beaches, ‘Golden Beach’.

Ayia Napa

Located on the southern coast of Cyprus and just 3.5km from the cosmopolitan area of Ayia Napa, So Nice Boutique Suites is close enough to access the town but secluded enough to enjoy peace and tranquility. Enjoy some of the hotel’s personal recommendations of cool bars, cosy restaurants and sophisticated clubbing experiences. For those in search of some natural beauty, Cape Greco is a 10-minute drive away from Ayia Napa and is a protected nature park. Here visitors can enjoy stunning views from the cliff or relax in the picturesque Konnos Bay.

So Nice Boutique Suites start from €40 Euros per person including breakfast and transfers. The hotel is open all year round.

For more information visit www.sonicehotel.com  and www.nozomi.com.cy

Cyprus-based Louis Cruises announced its 2012 schedule of three-, four- and seven-night sailings from Piraeus, from March 16 to Nov. 2, 2012.

Fleet highlights include upgraded quality and capacity with sailings onboard Louis Majesty, and seven-night Greece and Turkey itineraries aboard Louis Majesty.

Louis’ three-night “Aegean Legends” itineraries sail from Piraeus and call at Mykonos, Patmos and Santorini, Greece; and Kusadasi, Turkey.

Three-night “Greece and Turkey” voyages depart from Piraeus and visit Istanbul and Izmir, Turkey, plus Alexandria, Egypt. Four-night “Jewels of the Aegean” cruises depart every Monday from March 19 through Oct. 29, 2012. Seven-night “Greece and Turkey” voyages depart weekly from March 30 through Oct. 26, 2012.

For more information, call 877-568-4787 or visit www.louiscruises.com

Lights, camera, action: The legendary island of Aphrodite lures the stars with its year-round sun and short fly time from all UK’s major airports.

So, if you’re after a bit of star spotting from your sun lounger, here’s our handy guide:-

Where are the hotspots?

Naturally at home in front of the camera, they want their holidays to be paparazzi free (well, nearly) so they don’t hang out at the local beach. They head to the island’s five-star spas to pamper, pose and party on the private beaches.

Hotspot one: Paphos

The Elysium Hotel – a luxury resort and spa is where Denise Van Outen took a week out of her one-woman West End show to relax www.elysium-hotel.com

Our footballing hero, Rio Ferdinand also headed to the same hotel with Swansea City player Ashley Wiliams, where they spent their time sipping beer around the pool being adored by bikini clad fans. They later partied in Paphos with a group of close friends.

Sex in the City siren Kim Cattrall is a fan Columbus Beach Resort in Pissouri Bay, and Harry hunters take note – HRH Prince Harry dined here while on military dive training, no doubt gaining stamina for his brother’s big day.

Music legends Rod Stewart and George Benson have both stayed at the Amathus Beach Hotel. The Paphos area is also a favourite with Topshop tycoon Phillip Green (celebrating his 50th birthday at the Anassa Hotel), Danielle Lloyd and former Eastenders star Natalie Cassidy.

Olympic legends Lord Coe and Dame Kelly Holmes are among stars who’ve lapped up the luxury of the Aphrodite Hills resort in Cyprus. They follow in the hallowed footsteps of the British Olympic team who trained for the 2004 Olympic Games in Pafos.

This prestigious sports and leisure base overlooks the rock near where the Greek goddess of love is said to have emerged from the Mediterranean. Other celebs spotted soaking up the sun here include singers James Blunt, Bryan Adams and Mick Hucknall. www.aphroditehills.com . Meanwhile, Nick Faldo was in town to promote the Elea Golf Club www.eleaestates.com

Hotspot two: Limassol

Famous goalkeeper David Seaman and East Enders actress Barbara Windsor wind down at Limassol’s five star Le Meridien Spa and Resort – as does millionaire WAG Colleen Rooney and a host of others. The hip Londa Hotel meanwhile attracts the fashion crowd like Julien McDonald and a list of low key names, www.londahotel.com

Set on a ten mile stretch of golden beach lined with restaurants and cafes, Limassol is a buzzing metropolis with a hopping cultural scene set around a working port, the Old Town – not to mention its designer shopping parades.

Hotspot three: Ayia Napa

Prime time TV beautyChristine Bleakley recently treated herself to a laid back girlie getaway in Cyprus – without her new fiancé and soccer star Frank Lampard. She and her pals spent much of their time relaxing by the pool and sipping on champagne during the holiday.

Meanwhile, Coronation Street’s teenage lover – Sacha Parkinson – aka Sophie Webster – relaxed with female pals in Cyprus party resort Ayia Napa just last month.

With Cypriot heritage, reality star Peter Andre is a regular visitor to the island with his children to visit extended family, while staying in his own holiday villa, outside Larnaca where he and ex wife Katie Price (aka Jordan) finished building before their split.

Autumn is a wonderful time to visit Cyprus, with temperatures in the high 80s.

For more information, www.visitcyprus.com

Variety Cruises will begin operating its 36-cabin mega-yacht Variety Voyager early next year with two new Mediterranean itineraries.

The ship will operate the “Romantic Rivieras” itinerary along the French and Italian rivieras from June to September and the “Treasures of South Italy and Malta” from September to October.

Each seven-night cruise is priced from $2,990 per person.

“Romantic Rivieras” sails from Nice, France, to St. Tropez, Corsica, Elba, Portovenere, Portofino and Monte Carlo.

The “Treasures of South Italy and Malta” sails from Salerno, Italy, and visits Taormina, Syracuse, Agrigento, Cefalu, Capri, Malta and Lipari.

The 223-foot Variety Voyager accommodates 72 passengers and has a 28-member crew.

The cruise fare includes accommodations in double or twin cabins with private bathrooms and air conditioning; American buffet breakfast and two main meals daily; use of fishing equipment; coffee, water or tea; and an English-speaking cruise escort. Port charges are an additional $350 per person.

For more information, call 800-319-7776 or visit www.varietycruises.com

The Moorings has announced the opening of two new Crewed Yacht charter destinations in Nice, France and Orhaniye, Turkey for luxury sailing holidays during the Mediterranean summer season, June through September 2012. These Crewed Yacht charters will be aboard the popular Moorings 4600 crewed catamaran, which offers three luxurious guest staterooms with private, en-suite bath and a roomy interior making it an excellent choice for a party of six.

The Crewed Yacht Experience

With services of a professional Captain and Chef aboard a private yacht, The Moorings Crewed Yacht charter experience blends the very best comforts of a luxury holiday with the spirit of adventure and freedom to sail a personalized itinerary tailored to each guest’s preferences. This all-inclusive holiday includes gourmet, chef-prepared meals, a premium full bar and water sport kit such as kayaks, snorkelling gear, fishing gear and more. With a professional captain at the helm, guests will travel where cruise ships cannot venture along a customized itinerary to stop when they want, where they want.

Cruise the French Riviera from the Moorings Nice
A cruise through the French Riviera, or Côte d’Azur, offers wonderful experiences for everyone – cultural aficionados, art enthusiasts, history lovers, culinary connoisseurs and all those seeking an idyllic French getaway. A typical 7-day Nice Crewed Yacht charter itinerary reaches as far northeast as the tiny nation of Monaco and southwest to the Gulfe de la Napoule and nearby Cannes, home to the world’s most renowned film festival. Longer cruises can include sultry St. Tropez and many points in between. Cheryl Powell, Chief Operating Officer of The Moorings, commented, “The entire region is paradise, and the professional Moorings crew will create a customized itinerary to ensure guests experience all the French Riviera has to offer.”

Visit exclusive harbors and bays along the coast, as well as the area’s many upscale restaurants, boutiques and exceptional mix of sightseeing. The French Riviera’s world famous white-sand beaches are ideal for snorkelling, swimming and sunbathing. During the primary cruising season from June through September, weather conditions are comfortable between 59°F and 79°F (15°C to 26°C).

Cruise the Aegean Sea to Greece from the Moorings Orhaniye
An exceptional complement to The Moorings bareboat sailing offerings in Turkey, Moorings Crewed Yacht charters will soon begin departing from Orhaniye as well. Stretching 30 miles into the Aegean Sea between the Greek Islands of Kos and Rhodes, the peninsula provides great sailing amid deep blue seas with secluded coves, nearly 10 hours of sunshine a day and small tranquil villages offering local Turkish delicacies. Sailing these waters is a trip back in time, an opportunity to ride the same winds that the Carinas, Lycians, Greeks, Romans and Byzantines sailed a millennia ago.

Powell continued, “Cruising the Lycian coast is an unforgettable voyage, which is now possible with the confidence and five-star service provided by the professional crew of a Moorings Crewed Yacht.” This cruising ground offers a range of experiences from the narrow fjord-like bay leading to Bencik to the quiet coastal village of Bozborum, one of the primary places traditional, colourful Turkish boats called gullets are built. The area also offers historic ruins like those in Bozukale and ancient Loryma. “In addition to Turkey’s Lycian coast, your captain may develop an itinerary through the Dodecanese Islands of Greece. Our goal is to provide our customers with access to the world’s best cruising grounds and customizable charter options; the addition of this Orhaniye base exemplifies this commitment.” The Orhaniye base is also easily accessible from the airport in Dalaman or Bodrum.

For more information call The Moorings on 1800 553 720 or visit www.moorings.com.au

Cyprus now has 56 European Blue Flag beaches. The Blue Flag, an eco-label awarded to over 3,450 beaches and marinas in 41 countries around the world, was launched in 1987, during the European Year for the Environment, and is coordinated and run by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). It contributes towards sustainable development at beaches/marinas through strict criteria dealing with water quality, environmental education and information, environmental management, and safety and other services. The Blue Flag serves as an incentive for local authorities and the private sector to take measures for the overall improvement of the coastal areas in accordance with the above-mentioned criteria.

Cyprus, as a Mediterranean tourism destination, has recognized the importance of this campaign as one way in which tourism can be better integrated with the coastal environment. With the initiative of the Cyprus Tourism Organization (CTO) and the cooperation of the Cyprus Marine Environment Protection Association (CYMEPA), Cyprus became a full member of the FEE in 1995. In 1996, 11 beaches were awarded and in 1997 a total of 18 beaches were awarded Blue Flags. Since then, the number of Blue Flag beaches has been increasing, reaching 54 in 2010. For more information, call the Cyprus Tourism Organization at 212-683-5280, email gocyprus@aol.com  or visit www.visitcyprus.com

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The 13th annual Cyprus Pafos Aphrodite Festival will open on Sept. 2 with the popular opera “Les Contes d’Hoffmann” (“The Tales of Hoffmann”) by Jacques Offenbach, performed by the National Theatre Prague. The festival is held at the Medieval Castle in Pafos. There will be a simultaneous translation in Greek and English via subtitles from the original German. Ticket prices are 35 euros ($51), 50 euros ($72), 60 euros ($87) and 80 euros ($115). For more information, visit www.pafc.com.cy. For general destination information, contact the Cyprus Tourism Organization at 212-683-5280, email gocyprus@aol.com  or visit www.visitcyprus.com

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Culture al fresco is on tap in every corner of sunny Cyprus. From now onwards, the events calendar is jam packed with exciting dates and happenings, from Akamas to Ayia Napa.

Watch a starlit ancient Greek drama or dance to jazz and pop concerts. Take your pick from our top ten below, with a little help from Time Out Cyprus www.visitcyprus.com

Commandaria Festival:

When: late July
Where: Alassa, Agios Georgios, Doros, Laneia, Monagri & Silikou.
The villages of the Kourris Valley hold the annual festival dedicated to the delicious sweet dessert wine created at the Gran Commanderie, by the Knights Templars in the 12th century www.commandariawine.com

Summer Dance Festival:

When: One week late July-early August 
Where: Lemesos. Performances are held in unusual, public spaces, aimed at engaging non-theatre-going audiences.

Limassol Wine Festival:

When: Twelve days in late August and early September, from 8pm. Where: Celebrate Dionysian style at Limassol’s famous 6,000 year old viticulture at the open air Municipal Gardens with several weeks of evening free wine tastings of Muscat and Commandaria, dancing, music and Cypriot foods to be enjoyed, www.limassolmunicipal.com.cy

Ayia Napa International Festival:

When: September Where: Ayia Napa Main Square. Promotes and celebrates the town of Ayia Napa and Cypriot culture, through music, dance, theatre, art exhibits (icon painting and mosaics), fireworks and local food treats.

Absolut Summer Party, Agia Napa:

When: 12 August Where: Makronisos Beach Club in Ayia Napa. Sell out DJ Sander Van Doorn plays his remixes at the top international clubbing resorts to a growing fan base.

Paradise Jazz Festival:

When: until 6 August. Where: Pomos village, north of Paphos 10-15 euros. Jazz and blues festival with some of Europe’s best talent as well as local musicians playing on self made instruments. E: paradiseplace@cytanet.com.cy

Agros Village Festival:

When: August (2 days). Where: Agros village. Sample local food and wine along with music. The village is the rose capital of Cyprus, so sip organic rose liqueur, rose brandy and buy direct from an affordable range of perfumes and beauty products, produced by Venus Rose Farm, www.venus-rose.com.

Paphos Aphrodite Festival:

When: September, at 8pm Where: Medieval Fort. 35-80 euros. Three days of classic opera under the stars by the old harbour. This year the famous operetta ‘The Tales of Hoffman’. Ladies, wear shawls for those night time onshore breezes. E: info@pafc.com.cy

Kypria

When: Sept-Oct
 Where: Various venues. Established in 1991 by the Ministry of Culture, this is Cyprus’ most internationally recognised multi-arts festival; previous acts include Martha Graham Dance Company, Ute Lemper and Tap Dogs.

International Festival of Ancient Greek Drama:

When: July-Aug
Where: Kourion Amphitheatre, Makarios III Amphitheatre, Lekosia & Pafos Ancient Odeon. 
Experience cultural overload in three of Cyprus’ most ancient theatres. Epic tales from the great dramatists are performed by international companies in different languages. More information on www.visitcyprus.com

-Ends-

For more information on Cyprus and forthcoming press trips to Cyprus call Kallaway Travel team June Field

E: june.field@kallaway.com

D: 020 7313 6274.

http://mediacentre.kallaway.co.uk/cyprus-tourism.htm