Jetsettersblog

TAKE time out and enjoy a seven-day yoga and meditation holiday at the picturesque baroque style Castle Hotel in Szirák, just an hour outside of Budapest.

This stunning castle hotel is surrounded by five acres of pristine evergreen forest and is the perfect location to relax and restore body and mind with daily yoga classes taught by internationally renowned masters, as well as meditation, massage and other pampering treatments.

All classes are conducted in English and are suitable for all levels from beginners to advanced levels and guests will immerse themselves in this ancient discipline to rediscover their inner harmony, as well as listen to lectures from the masters. Guests also receive a complimentary traditional Hungarian foot massage and a Thai massage during their stay.

A day trip to Dobogókõ is included, a stunning village that is said to be an important place for ‘Chakra’ energy and is often mentioned alongside other important places such as the Pyramids of Giza and Machu Picchu. The Dalai Lama is said to have visited this location to meditate and the day’s yoga class and mediation sessions will take place here.

There is also the opportunity to discover the local area and to visit a nearby farm where guests can enjoy activities such as horse riding, horse and cart rides, feeding of the animals and can even have a go at milking the cows, if they wish!

The castle which has been converted into a beautiful hotel was originally built in 1684 and now offers guests four suites furnished in period style, four double rooms in the main building and 17 rooms in the wins. Facilities include an outdoor swimming pool, tennis courses, riding stables, sauna, solarium and indoor archery room and bowling room.

The price is from €1,310 per person (or €1,580 based on single occupancy in a double room) and includes return transfer from Budapest airport or hotel in Budapest, six nights accommodation with breakfast and either lunch or dinner (three courses), daily yoga and meditation sessions, two massages and the farm visit, plus use of all the fantastic facilities.

For more information and to book please visit www.yogainhungary.com

Getting to Hungary

Fly to Budapest with direct flights with Malev Airlines from Gatwick, British Airways from Heathrow; Easyjet from Luton and Gatwick; Ryanair from Bristol, Dublin, East Midlands and Glasgow Prestwick; Jet2 from Manchester and Wizzair from Luton.

Flight time is just under two and half hours from London.

To find out more about Hungary visit www.gotohungary.co.uk

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

Do you need to learn how to say ‘not too spicy’ while travelling in Vietnam?

Perhaps you’re a vegetarian and want to avoid ordering a goat curry in Nepal?

Intrepid Travel in conjunction with their friends at World Nomads, today launched free language guides for travellers.

Travellers can visit the Intrepid website from today and download the portable mp3 guides for their travels around the world.

The unique guides are available in 20 languages ranging from Arabic to Indonesian, Portuguese, French, Hindi and more.

Intrepid Travel CEO and Co-founder Darrell Wade said, “Intrepid are passionate about educating our travellers before they arrive in a country. These portable language guides are another way that Intrepid demonstrates its commitment to responsible travel.”

“We are dedicated to offering extraordinary travel experiences from the initial purchase of an Intrepid trip right through to the last day of their trip. We’ve always said to our travellers not to be afraid of using the language - simple pleasantries will help break the ice - so keep practicing!” he said.

“I only wish the technology was available when we began our business 20 years ago!” he continued.

Each of the conversational lessons follows Intrepid traveller Scott as he picks up essential phrases from the locals. The language guides range from 10 to 16 minutes.

The files can be stored on a portable mp3 device and take up less space than a full CD.

The Facts

What: Intrepid launches free language guides for travellers

Range: 20 languages including Arabic, Dutch, French, German, Greek, Hindi, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Lao, Malay, Mandarin, Nepali, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Swedish, Thai, Turkish, Vietnamese.

Cost: FREE!
Visit: www.intrepidtravel.com/languageguides

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.

The Mamaison Andrássy Hotel in Budapest is offering a three-night Jewish Heritage Package, valid until Dec. 28.

The package includes three nights at the five-star Mamaison Andrássy Hotel, daily buffet breakfast, welcome gift, 72-hour Budapest Card, ticket for the Grand Jewish Tour and all related taxes.

The Budapest Card allows free or discounted entry to 60 museums, free use of the public transportation systems, and many discounts for events and sightseeing tours.

Some permanent exhibitions are also free without the card.

The four-hour Grand Jewish Tour features visits to the Dohány synagogue (Europe’s largest synagogue), guided tour in the Jewish Museum, Holocaust Cemetery, Raul Wallenberg Memorial Park, Heroes temple, new Jewish Quarter (with synagogues, monuments, kosher restaurants and shops), Carl Lutz Memorial, Rumbach Street Synagogue, Király Street, Gozsdu Courtyard (center of the orthodox Jewish community), and the Kazinczy Street Synagogue, plus cake and coffee in a kosher confectionary.

Per room rates (based on double occupancy) for the three-night package start at 549 euros ($758) for a superior double room during the low season (July, August, November and December), and 609 euros ($840) during the high season (September and October).

The Mamaison Andrássy Hotel, located at 111 Andrássy Ave. on the Pest side of Budapest, is in the exclusive Embassy section. Andrássy Avenue is part of the UNESCO World Heritage.

It is Hungary’s first hotel to become a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, and also one of the first boutique hotels in Budapest.

Nearby historical buildings and places of interest include Heroes Square, City Park, Széchenyi Bath, the National Opera and main shopping areas.

For more information, call 800-525-4800 or visit www.andrassyhotel.com/jewish_heritage

SeaDream Yacht Club is offering savings on voyages in the Mediterranean, Greek Islands and along the Dalmatian Coast until the end of October.

These savings are up to 60 percent off brochure prices for new bookings.

The voyages are on the twin mega-yacht cruisers SeaDream I and II. Examples of these high-value voyages are from Athens to Istanbul, Monte Carlo to Rome, Dubrovnik to Athens, and Venice to Athens.

A cruise from Alexandria, Egypt, to Athens, Oct. 3 to 10, is priced from $3,299 per person with an extension from Athens to Barcelona, Oct. 10 to 18, for an additional $3,149 with the 10 percent savings on back-to-back voyages.

Fares include ocean-view accommodations, meals, wine with lunch and dinner, open bar with selected premium brands, gratuities, use of water toys from the yacht’s marina, mountain bikes, golf simulator, SeaDream’s “Champagne and Caviar Splash” and more.

Some restrictions apply.

This offer may be withdrawn at any time, and prices are subject to change without notice.

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

Gutsy Women Travel, the leading tour operator for women by women, is offering an eight-day tour called Beauty of Central Europe: Budapest & Prague departing on Sept. 13 (this tour is guaranteed to operate).

Priced at $2,709 for air and land, the tour costs less than $339 per day and offers a wide variety of inclusions.

The highlights of this tour are small groups; cooking class at world-famous Gundel Restaurant; thermal spa treatment in Budapest; illuminated cruise on the Danube; tours of Bratislava, Slovakia, with an expert local guide; the Mucha Museum in Prague; Lobkovicz Castle and its galleries; tea and cake at Prague’s Municipal House; and a carriage ride around Prague.

The price starts from $2,709 per person double occupancy, including flights NYC to Budapest, and Prague to NYC (other departure cities available at a slightly higher rate);

all transfers; three nights at the Hotel Astoria in Budapest;

three nights at the Mercure Praha Old Town in Prague; six breakfasts, one lunch and four dinners; and tour manager throughout.

This tour price does not include airport taxes, fees, and Sept. 11 Security fee and gratuities.

For more information, call 866-IMGUTSY or visit www.gutsywomentravel.com

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