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.

From New Year At North Cape To Star Gazing With An Astronomy Expert! Hurtigruten Launched 2009/10 Northern Lights Programme

FROM NEW YEAR AT NORTH CAPE TO STAR GAZING WITH AN ASTRONOMY EXPERT!

Hurtigruten launches 2009/10 Northern Lights programme

Want to do something different this year? Fancy learning more about the Northern lights from an expert? Hurtigruten has launched its 2009-10 Northern Lights programme featuring more themed voyages, new flights and new excursions such as reindeer sledging.

The brochure offers a host of unique experiences in Norway for all ages and with prices starting from only £495 per person, it offers something for everyone. Seeing the Northern lights continues to be high on people’s wish list of things to see in their lifetime. Hurtigruten recently carried out some research into why people travel in winter and the overriding response, from all demographic groups was to see the Northern Lights.

Highlights include:

• NEW YEAR AT THE NORTH CAPE (page 26) – New for 2009/10 is the opportunity to celebrate New Year at the top of the world and see in 2010 at Europe’s most northerly point, North Cape.

Departing on 29 December, this itinerary travels from Tromsø to Honningsvåg and back on board MS Richard With where on arrival, guests have dinner on board before heading to the North Cape for midnight. The ship then returns the next day via Alta where a range of winter excursions can be enjoyed. Priced from £1285pp for a five night trip.

• MORE THEMED VOYAGES (pages 27-29) – Due to demand, there are now more departures than ever before. Previously there was only one of each and they sold out months in advance.
- There are two astronomy voyages (3 February and 11 March) with Dr John Mason onboard to share his incredible knowledge of the Northern Lights.

The entire journey is spent above the Arctic Circle, increasing the chances of seeing the Northern Lights. Dr Mason is Principal Lecturer at the South Downs Planetarium in Chichester and has appeared many times on BBC TV’s ‘The Sky at Night’. Priced from £985pp.

- Two digital photography voyages (22 January and 2 February) are also available with an experienced lecturer in photography. Passengers will learn how to realise the full potential of their digital camera and develop skills for capturing the challenging and awe inspiring Arctic light.

Priced from £1070pp.Other themes available include an Opera Voyage, a Northern Lights Festival trip and a Sami Day and Reindeer Races themed journey.

• NEW EXCURSIONS (page 30-33) – Arctic Norway offers a range of quirky excursions that ensure passengers get to enjoy some of the amazing experiences that the region has to offer and for 2009/10 the selection has grown.
- Reindeer sledging in Tromsø which takes guests to Risvika to sledge through the winter landscape pulled by reindeers. A four hour trip which includes a meal in a traditional Sami Lavvo (tent) after. Priced from £120pp.

- Polar Night with the Aurora Gazing takes guests away from the city lights of Tromsø out into the countryside to look for the Aurora Borealis. Dinner is served in a Sami Lavvo afterwards. Priced from £70pp for five hours.

- Arctic City Walk in Tromsø is a guided walk around this historic and cultural city including a visit to the Polar Museum and the Catholic Church. Priced from £25pp.

• NEW FLIGHTS – for 2009-10 flights are now available from London Gatwick as well as London Heathrow on the operator’s core voyages, the Classic Round Voyage,

Voyage North and Voyage South, on a daily basis. In addition, regional airports are once again featured for a supplement.

These include Manchester, Birmingham, Aberdeen, Dublin, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Belfast.

For more information call Hurtigruten on 020 8846 2666 or www.hurtigruten.co.uk

Norwegian Broadcasting (NRK) announced during a press conference that next years Eurovision Song Contest semi-finals and finals will be arranged in Oslo on May 29th 2010 after some discussion about the location in Norway.

Last years Eurovision concerts in Moscow attracted almost 800 million viewers and a whopping 2.500 press.

NRK also announced that the arena will be either the brand new and ultra-modern Telenor Arena, which already has hosted stars like Tina Turner and Iron Maiden, comfortably seating more than 22.000 spectators even when rigged for a broadcast of this magnitude, or the Oslo Spectrum which already hosted the finals in 1996.

“The next twelve months are going to be hard work and great fun, thanks to among others Alexander Rybak and Norwegian Broadcasting. Together with
everything else happening in Oslo I think we are gong to attract even more visitors than ever!, says Heidi Thon - Director Marketing and Sales Visit Oslo.

Alexander Rybak and his self-composed and arranged winning contribution “Fairytale” has already hit the top ten in countries like Germany, Italy and the UK.

Keep yourself updated on www.visitoslo.com  or contact VisitOSLO for more information.

Avanti is offering a free additional day — plus a $35 discount on Hertz car rentals of seven days or longer. Bookings must be made between now and July 31 for travel through Dec. 31.

In Great Britain, Avanti offers the seven-day Celtic Connection, which follows the historic route of the Celts through England, Wales and Ireland, with stops in London, Conway or Llandudno (Wales), Dublin and Chester, priced from $979.

In Germany, the company has a pre-planned six-day Romantic Road driving tour, featuring the panoramic byways, fairytale castles, medieval towns and shops of Bavaria. Among the highlights are the famed castle of King Ludwig II in Neuschwanstein, and the fascinating towns of Rothenburg and Dinkelsbuhl, priced from $723.

In France, Avanti’s five-day Normandy Driving Tour includes not only the beaches of the D Day invasion, but the charming seaside town of Honfleur, Mont St. Michel and the famous Beaux Tapestry, priced from $599.

Using Avanti’s Pro-F.I.T. planning and booking system, travel agents can quickly and easily plan an independent vacation in Europe that mixes driving, rail, hotels and sightseeing. It provides a complete ready-to-book itinerary with all costs and taxes in a matter of a few minutes.

For more information, call 800-422-5053 visit www.AvantiDestinations.com

American Express has awarded two restaurants in Finland with the Best Service Award: The Russian Restaurant Šašlik in Helsinki and Gustav Wasa in Vaasa. The 16th annual Best Service Award is based on votes from American Express cardholders.

For more information:
Mrs. Johanna Haataja, Sales and Marketing Director, A&S Restaurants
+ 358 (0)9 7425 5505
www.asrestaurants.com

When you’ve got limited time and a credit-crunched budget, why would you want to fritter away your precious holiday in the casino of a floating hotel? Choose a cruise less ordinary and take the adventure of a lifetime where not a moment of your voyage will be wasted! Each day will be packed with activities like nature walks, swimming, snorkelling and exhilarating small boat rides, as well as educational lectures, demonstrations, presentations and meetings with local people. With so much to see and do, you’ll get the best possible adventure for your time and money.

Now Tucan Travel is offering better value than ever, with 10% off Arctic, Patagonia, Galapagos Islands, Amazon and Antarctica Expedition Cruises booked by 31 July, except for Classic Antarctica (RATC+Cabin) which is discounted by 20%.

“With deals like this there really is no better time to book an Expedition Cruise. Take the opportunity to get out on the water and closer to nature and you’ll never regret it. My cruise in Antarctica two years ago was one of the most extraordinary wildlife experiences of my life and I can’t recommend it highly enough. I saw a myriad of different birds, whales, seals and penguins, took some thrilling zodiac rides around ice bergs, learnt a lot about the ecological importance of Antarctica and met some genuinely lovely people along the way,” General Manager Bec Whiffin said.

“Our Expedition Cruises offer a range of convenient departure dates, smaller purpose-built or specially adapted vessels and excellent onboard facilities. All of our vessels have experienced crew and expert naturalist guides who take a responsible approach to the environment while offering high levels of service. It’s a great chance to see the world in a different way.” Ms Whiffin said.

Bookings can be made online at www.tucantravel.com , or via Tucan Travel reservations on 020 8896 1600.

A SMALL SAMPLE OF OUR EXPEDITION CRUISES RANGE

GALAPAGOS ISLANDS
Expedition Cruise packages start from as little as £1,161* (10% off)

Follow in Darwin’s footsteps and explore the unique environments of the Galapagos on first-class vessels, with first-class service accompanied by expert naturalist guides. Get up close and personal with a unique and virtually fearless wildlife including blue-footed boobies, Galapagos penguins, giant tortoises, marine and land iguanas, Darwin’s finches and much more! Choose from 16 itineraries, 8 vessels and cruises from 6 to 10 days long, year-round departures, cruise and accommodation packages available.

*Galapagos Santa Cruz 6 Day, ex Quito.

Price available for departures until 20 Dec 09.
Availability may be limited.

Twin, main deck standard cabin. Includes transfers, 1 night pre cruise accom., cruise, 1 night post cruise accom. International flights not included, Quito to Galapagos flights additional cost, fuel surcharge may apply. Ask us about longer itineraries.

THE ARCTIC

Explore spectacular landscapes including rugged mountains, sweeping tundra, ice caps and glaciers.

Enjoy excellent wildlife viewing opportunities including seabird colonies, seals, walrus, reindeer,

Arctic fox and elusive polar bears. Experience exhilarating zodiac cruises and landings, supported by expert naturalist guides.

Navigate to remote areas on specially adapted ice-strengthened vessels, and see the Aurora Borealis on clear summer nights.

Choose from 8 itineraries, 4 vessels, and cruises from 9 to 15 days long, including Greenland, Norway, Iceland, Russia & North Pole.

Availability may be limited.

Twin, inside cabin. 1 night pre cruise accom. included, international flights not included. Ask us about alternative itineraries.

ANTARCTICA
Expedition Cruises start from as little as £2,720* (20% off)

Access remote areas of the great ice continent on specially-adapted ice-strengthened vessels. Enjoy extraordinary wildlife viewing opportunities including whales, penguins, seals and albatross. Enjoy exhilarating zodiac cruises and landings. Explore spectacular scenery and experience glaciers and islands on foot. Learn about ecology, flora and fauna, and Antarctic navigation from onboard experts. Choose from 16 itineraries, 4 vessels and cruises from 11 to 22 days long, including Antarctic Peninsula, Shetland Islands, Falkland Islands & Polar Circle.

*Classic Antarctica (10 day), ex Ushuaia. 7 Nov 09 departure only at this price. Availability may be limited. Twin / Twin share, C cabin. Cruise only. International flights not included, fuel surcharge may apply. Ask us about alternative itineraries.

PATAGONIA
Expedition Cruises start from as little as £819* (10% off)

Sail through the Strait of Magellan and the Beagle Channel and explore one of the most beautiful and remote wilderness regions in the world. Take in channels, bays, fjords, glaciers, mountains, islands and unexplored forests of incomparable beauty. Choose from 2 itineraries on 2 vessels, cruises 4 or 5 days long.

*Patagonia Australis 4 Day, ex Ushuaia. Price applies to 23 Sept 09 and 26 Sept 09 departures only. Availability may be limited. Twin, B cabin. Cruise only. Fuel surcharge applies. International flights and port tax not included. Ask us about alternative itineraries.

AMAZON, BRAZIL
Expedition Cruises start from as little as £1,773* (10% off)

Penetrate deep into the Brazilian rainforest on a stunningly appointed river boat. Journey with skilled naturalist guides and learn about Amazon ecology, flora and fauna from local experts.

Investigate tropical forests on foot, swim off deserted beaches and meet deep forest settlers.

*Amazon Tucano 9 Day, ex Manaus. Price available throughout the year, subject to availability. Twin outside cabin with window. Transfers & 1 night pre cruise accommodation included. International flights not included. We offer a 9 day cruise package

only.

Fishmind is a Greater Helsinki based tour organizer that arranges fishing trips to fishing trips in 3 different sea areas: Gulf of Finland, Finnish Archipelago and Aland islands. The trips are all inclusive trips and ideal for groups of 4–8.

ALAND ISLANDS TOUR 2009

Sea trout and pike fishing is offered in Aland. Accommodation takes place in a well-equipped 130sqm cabin.

Price for max 4 people / day 950 € (VAT 0%)
Price for max 8 people / day 1580 € (VAT 0%)

The prices include a guide, fishing equipment, permits and accommodation.

Ask for tailored trips tom@fishmind.fi
For more information www.fishmind.fi

There has never been a better time to visit Lithuania than now as the country enters its second Millennium.

Exactly one thousand years later capital Vilnius has a golden opportunity to reveal its secrets as the European Capital of Culture 2009.

The year will see more than 300 events take place across Vilnius and 120 projects planned for the 2010 and 2011 ahead to mark the occasion.

This summer will be bursting with events across the country.

The capital Vilnius will host various festivals from classical music to the Millennium Song and Dance festival, which is attended by over 40 thousand folk dancers and singers worldwide.

Kaunas will attract visitors with medieval festivals while Klaipeda will host „Tall Ships’ Races” and the festival of European folk culture “EUROPEADE”.
These are just some of the events scheduled to take place in Lithuania in the summer of 2009.

Vilnius:

Vilnius Opera Festival (Until – 6 July)

The first International Opera Festival will be presenting acknowledged classics of the genre and modern experimental works, most famous theatre troupes, creative team members and artists from Lithuania and abroad, unique works dedicated especially to the festival. www.opera.lt

(The link: http://www.opera.lt/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabid=367)

The Millennium Song Festival (1-6 July)

Continuing our country’s significant cultural tradition dating back to the memorable 1924, the Millennium Song Festival of Lithuania in Vilnius is being arranged. That will be one of the most prominent events in celebration of the Millennium of Lithuania. The traditions and symbolism of Lithuania’s Song and Dance festivals was proclaimed by UNESCO as the masterpiece of the oral and intangible heritage of humanity. The parade of participants, the folk art exhibition, concerts of artistic collectives, the joint performance of amateur theatres “Amerika pirtyje” and many other events will take place. About 40,000 performers from Lithuania and emigrants from all over the world will take part in different programmes. www.dainusvente.lt

The link: http://www.dainusvente.lt/index.php?495349762

Grand Official Opening of the Reconstructed Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania (06 July)

The restoration of Palace of the Grand Dukes in 2009 is one of the most important projects dedicated to Lithuania’s millennium anniversary.

The reconstructed Palace will represent a national pride and will be a powerful reminder of Lithuania’s strong traditions as a state.

Also it will be an educational centre meant to promote a greater understanding of the country’s history and cultural heritage. http://www.valdovurumai.lt/Istorija/Rumu_istorija.en.htm

Christopher Summer Festival (1 July – 28 August)

The Christopher Summer Festival is the largest and one of the most impressive summer events in Vilnius, which will take place for the 15th time in 2009. The conception of the festival was to be original—in that the events, music and theatre premieres, exceptional projects and performances would be executed in the unique surroundings of Vilnius’ architecture and in the unique courtyards and churches of the Old Town so that it would be especially interesting for both visitors and residents of Vilnius.

http://www.kristupofestivaliai.lt/ http://www.vilnius-tourism.lt

Klezmer Festival (25-29 August)

Klezmer Music Festival – the first in the Baltic States will confirm once again that Vilnius has been open to different nations, religions and cultures at all times.

The main idea of the Festival is to introduce music which can be played and enjoyed irrespective of religion. 

Visit this link.

Festival of experimental archaeology of live archaeology: “Days of Live Archaeology” (4- 6 July)

During the festival prehistoric and early medieval crafts, lifestyle, medieval fights are being demonstrated and archaic music groups perform. A historic and cultural heritage of Lithuania and other European countries from prehistoric to late medieval times will be presented during the event, through the methods of experiment and archaeological reconstruction.
http://www.culturelive.lt/en/2009/millennium/kernave

Pazaislis Music festival in Kaunas (Until  31 August)

Since 1996 when the first Paþaislis music festival took place a lot of representatives of music elite had visited Lithuania.

Festival is famous for the fact, that the listeners of the most particular taste may find in the schedule of the festival something what interests them, starting from the old music and finishing with jazz, from the subtle chamber music to the grand vocal instrumental pieces, from the modern music premieres to the impressive pageants of Lithuanian dramaturgy in the approaches of Kaunas Castle. http://visit.kaunas.lt

International Operetta Festival (4-5 July)

This is a unique musical event in the open that attracts audience of various tastes. The festival “Musical in Kaunas castle” takes place on July 6, the Day of Lithuania’s Statehood, and is an outstanding accent of the day. “Operetta at Kaunas castle” is an original festival, first of such kind in East Europe. At the traditional annual event, not only popular fragments of musicals and operettas, but also some new pieces, never heard before, are performed by singers and musicians from Lithuania and other countries. http://visit.kaunas.lt

Hansa Kaunas 2009 (22 – 23 August)

The Midlle Ages, the knights, and Hansa markets in Kaunas downtown. http://visit.kaunas.lt

Klaipëda:
Sea Festival (25-26 July)

The main event of Klaipëda city, celebrated annually last week-end of July since 1934. During the festival there are more than 100 various events organized (concerts, fairs, exhibitions, artistic actions, ceremonies of seamen, etc.). It is also famous for traditional sailing regattas “BALTIC SAIL” and „SPRINT CUP” taking place during the festival. More than 500 thousands of people are coming to the city during the festival. http://www.klaipedainfo.lt/en/index.php?page=7⊂=18

EUROPEADE (The festival of European folk culture) (22 – 26 July)

For the first time European folk culture festival “Europeade” will take place in Lithuania, in Klaipëda.

The main goal of the festival is „free and peaceful Europe, where cultures of different nations coexist together“.

Thus there are cultural forms of more than 20 European States presented during five days of „Europeade“ and thousands of Europeans (approx. 5 thousands) have their folk-art meeting with dances, songs and music.

Klaipëda will become the 25th city, which has been honoured to accept festival for the 46th time and to present uniqueness of our country and its culture, but also contribute to the creation of an image of the country, which cherishes its identity in the framework of Lithuanian Millennium program. www.europeade.eu

The Tall Ships‘ Races Baltic 2009“ (31 July – 3 August)

The first regatta of sail training ships “The Tall Ships’ Races” held from Great Britain to Portugal in 1956, had to mark the end of “the epoch of sails”.

But, actually, it happened to prophesy a new era for sailing ships and sail training. Every year the regattas are organized in different seas, but they always cover three routes and are hosted by four ports of different countries. In 2009 Klaipeda will host the finals of the regatta.

The event is dedicated to the Millennium of the Name of Lithuania. www.talships.lt

Bus Pass is a ticket specifically designed for holiday travel in Finland and can be used for unlimited travel on all bus routes throughout Finland.

Bus Pass is valid either for seven days (€ 149) or 14 days (€ 249) and is available throughout the year.

The Bus Pass is available at Matkahuolto service outlets and it is activated at the moment of purchase. It does not include travel in local transport in the Helsinki area and Turku.

For more information:
http://www.matkahuolto.fi/en/travel_services/ticket_products/bus_pass

Ruunaa Hiking Centre has been awarded the best Finnish recreational destination of 2009 by the Finnish Expo Foundation. The 7600+ acre hiking center is located in Lieksa, in Eastern Finland, close to the Russian border.

It also runs area along the Lieksajoki River and contains seven rapids within a 16 km stretch.

Ruunaa offers fishing, paddling, rapid shooting, and hiking.

Nature lovers can see many wild deer, beavers, otters, bears, wolves, wolverines, and other typical forest and bird species in this area. The area is well-equipped for visitors with 10 restaurants, accommodations, and recreational service providers.

For more information:   www.ruunaa.fi/en/main