Jetsettersblog

Compagnie du Ponant is offering reduced prices on an 11-day Venice roundtrip departing Aug. 10. Reduced prices range from $3,430 to $9,073 per person, double (regularly $4,900 to $12,962).

The cruise on the 264-passenger L’Austral visits 10 ports of call along the Dalmatian Coast.

Eight-day Adriatic sailings are also available from May through September at prices from $2,950 to $9,856.

The ship will visit Rovinj, Trogir and Dubrovnik, Croatia; Kotor, Montenegro; Otranto, Italy; Parga, Greece; Korcula; and the coastline of Šibenik.

From Northern Light Safaris in Iceland, staying on an iconic island in Montenegro to snorkelling in the volcanic Aeolian Islands, luxury travel specialists, Scott Dunn have introduced a new collection of European honeymoon destinations for 2012.

James Ferguson, Head of Scott Dunn’s European Escapes team commented, “Over the past year, we have definitely seen a trend for couples looking for honeymoons a little closer to home but with a twist. Guests are looking for an itinerary that is a little different and out of the ordinary, without compromising on style and romance – with just a hint of adventure.”

Written in the stars: New Northern Lights Safari in Iceland

Scientists predict that the magical Northern Lights will be at their brightest since 1958 this winter and coming spring. Couples looking to catch a glimpse of the elusive Aurora Borealis can now visit Iceland, the only destination where the lights can be witnessed throughout the whole country, with Scott Dunn’s new Northern Lights Safari – perfect for a winter honeymoon.

After a romantic dip and in-water massage at the famous Blue Lagoon, honeymooners will explore the dramatic south coast from the chic art deco Hotel Borg in Reykjavik, Iceland’s quirky capital.

By day, discover the natural wonders of the Golden Circle on an exhilarating private super jeep adventure. The more adventurous can continue to the Langjökull or Mýrdalsjökull glaciers to snowmobile across the icy, winter wonderland. Then as night falls, head out with a private driver and expert guide to seek the elusive Northern Lights.

The last two nights will be spent at the boutique Hotel Ranga in Iceland’s volcanic south and if the newlyweds are lucky, they might see the Northern Lights from its outdoor hot tubs. From here guests can go hiking, fishing and horse riding or even take a spectacular private helicopter flight over smoking volcanic craters, glaciers and dramatic black sand beaches.

Luxury honeymoon specialists, Scott Dunn’s new Northern Lights Safari in Iceland is available between November 2011 – March 2012 and October 2012 – March 2013 and starts from £3,500 per person and includes two nights in Reykjavik staying at the Hotel Borg, two nights at the Hotel Ranga, flights, private guide and driver for four days, snowmobiling excursion, entrance to the Blue Lagoon, Northern Lights evening safari and private airport transfers.

Feel the earth move: Romance & Adventure in Sicily

An Italian honeymoon with a twist, Scott Dunn’s new Sicily itinerary combines the culture of Taormina with the lunar landscapes of the mysterious Aeolian Islands, one of Italy’s best-kept secrets.

Honeymooners will begin married life in the Sicilian town of Taormina, built on the side of Mount Tauro – where it is said DH Lawrence took inspiration from an English woman living here when writing his most famous novel, Lady Chatterley’s Lover. Stay two nights in the Grand Hotel Timeo, once a favourite of the Elizabeth Taylor, with spectacular views across the bay and Mount Etna. Days will be spent wandering Taormina’s streets browsing designer boutiques, antiques and arts shops and visiting the magnificent Greek Amphitheatre.
Next the couple will spend a week discovering the volcanic Aeolian Islands staying at stylish Therasia Resort on the island of Vulcano, built from local lava and pumice stone.

Honeymoon highlights include; exploring Vulcano’s rocky coastline, black sand beaches, hot springs and bubbling mud pools; taking a boat trip to the fashionable island of Panarea, popular with the jet-set crowd, with its clear blue waters perfect for diving and snorkelling; and an evening climb to the volcanic crater on Stromboli island famous for its spectacular “fireworks” display – the only volcano in Europe with permanently eruptive activity.

Luxury honeymoon specialists, Scott Dunn’s new Romance and Adventure in Sicily and Aeolian Islands starts from £1,795 per person and includes two nights in Taormina staying at the Hotel Timeo, seven nights at the Therasia Resort in the Aeolian Islands with return flights and hydrofoil transfers.

Island icon: Dubrovnik and Montenegro

New from Scott Dunn for 2012, this two-centre itinerary combines the historic city of Dubrovnik with a unique experience on one of Montenegro’s most iconic islands, Sveti Stefan.

Beginning in Dubrovnik with three nights at chic and stylish Villa Dubrovnik set amongst pine, orange and lemon trees with stunning views back over to the old town. Take the hotel’s private boat across to the old town to explore the cobbled streets, walk around the historic city walls and visit the old harbour.

One highlight is a day on a private yacht, where honeymooners will sail between the neighbouring Elaphite Islands, stopping at Kolocep, Lopud and Šipan. As well as exploring the islands and their unique fishing heritage, the newlyweds can take advantage of having their own private yacht and drop the anchor to a refreshing dip before finishing the day with a with a typical Dalmatian dinner in one of the best restaurants on Sipan.

The itinerary concludes with four nights on the beautiful coastline of Montenegro, staying in one of the original fisherman’s cottages at the exclusive new Aman on the small iconic island of Sveti Stefan – the most photographed place in Montenegro.

Luxury honeymoon specialists, Scott Dunn’s new Dubrovnik and Montenegro honeymoon starts from £2,500 per person and includes three nights at Villa Dubrovnik including a private yacht excursion and four nights at the Aman Sveti Stefan with return flights and tranfers.

For more infromation visit www.scottdunn.com  or call Scott Dunn’s European Escapes team on 020 8682 5080.

The United States and Montenegro have reached an Open-Skies aviation agreement that will liberalize air services for the carriers of both countries. This is the first aviation agreement between Montenegro and the United States. Previously, air rights between the two countries were governed by an agreement between the United States and Yugoslavia. There currently are no direct flights between the two countries, and the agreement goes into effect immediately.

General Tours World Traveler is offering two new Small Group Journeys to Eastern Europe. The Small Group Journey product line is distinguished by having never more than 16 guests to a group, with boutique hotel stays, quality meals and activities not possible in a larger group. They are designed to provide a deeper and more authentic look into the culturally diverse destinations.

New for 2012, Grand Capitals of Eastern Europe is a 10-day trip to Berlin, Warsaw, Krakow and Budapest featuring distinguished hotels like the Regent Berlin, deemed one of the best places to stay in the world by Condé Nast Traveler, and the Sofitel Chain Bridge overlooking the Danube in the heart of Budapest. Activities include a visit to the Schindler Factory Museum in Krakow, dinner with a Polish family in the charming town of Lowicz and a countryside excursion to Szentendre, an ancient Hungarian town and now-thriving artists’ colony in the Danube Bend. A pre-trip extension to Prague and Dresden features five-star city-center hotels, complete sightseeing and all on-tour transportation including first class rail from Dresden to Berlin to join the Grand Capitals tour.

Also new in 2012, Journey through Austria, Slovenia and Croatia, features landmark hotels and resorts such as the Grand Hotel Toplice, overlooking Lake Bled, and Zagreb’s Regent Esplanade, originally built for passengers of the Orient-Express train. The itinerary includes Munich, Salzburg and Vienna, as well as destinations rarely featured on traditional large-group escorted tours, such as the Salzburg Lake District; Graz, Ljubljana, often called “Little Prague,” and the sixteen cascading lakes of Plitvice National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Through Dec 30, General Tours is offering savings of $500 per person on bookings paid in full at the time of booking for either of the new trips to Eastern Europe.

Now in its 65th year, General Tours World Traveler offers Small Group, Privately Guided and Small Ship journeys to Asia, Europe, Latin America, Africa and the Middle East. Specifically designed for never more than 16 guests, the company’s programs promise immersive cultural encounters and authentic travel experiences not possible in a larger group. For more information, call 800-221-2216 or visit www.generaltours.com

Cook East is a new company that has been founded with the basic philosophy that food can provide an interesting medium through which to engage with your surroundings, beyond simply being a flavoursome addition to a nice evening. Providing interesting itineraries in their own right, you will be visiting some of the most desirable locations and impressive sights in the world. Where Cook East differs from other travel providers however is the concurrent series of cooking classes that allow you to see precisely how those restaurants at home cook your favourite dishes. These are not aimed at chefs or those with exceptional cooking abilities, but anyone who wants to gain a grassroots understanding of how food cultivation, purchase, preparation and consumption fits into the lifestyle of local people.

A typical day might involve breakfast, a late morning cooking class including the consumption of your prepared dish and then the afternoon spent on a guided tour of the city, at leisure or visiting a local temple of monument.

As the name suggests, the destinations visited by Cook East cover South East and Central Asia, but also include South America and we are always looking to add new destinations.

For up-to-date information on any of our itineraries or destinations please check our website, or get in contact. With prices starting from £735 including international flights we’re sure we have something for everyone.

Website: http://www.cook-east.com

Email: info@cook-east.com

Phone: 01276 682968

The Insight Vacations sales team met in Moscow to launch Insight’s expanded product line to Eastern Europe with a new stand-alone Eastern Europe brochure with 15 tours, including seven new itineraries. The meeting included the entire sales and management team, including Travel Corporation CEO Brett Tollman and Insight Vacations U.S. President Marc Kazlauskas.

Kazlauskas kicked off the new product line with high hopes. “We feel there is huge growth potential in Eastern Europe, and it’s a perfect place for an escorted tour,” he said. “Insight tour directors speak all the local languages, and we do all the driving on difficult to navigate roads. We anticipate 2012 will be a banner year for Eastern Europe, and Insight will have a product for everyone who wants to visit Eastern Europe.”

Insight Vacation’s new Eastern European destinations include Ukraine, Crimea, Poland, Southern Bohemia, the Northern Balkans as well as already existing tours to Austria, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Croatia, Estonia, Latvia, Slovenia and Montenegro.

Insight Vacations offers tour packages targeting the savvy traveler who seeks better accommodations, choices in dining, and smaller group sizes while staying in the most desirable locations. For more than 30 years, Insight Vacations has been offering premium escorted tours and cruises to Europe, the Eastern Mediterranean, Canada and the United States. For more information, call 800-582-8380 or visit www.insightvacations.com

Avalon Waterways has waived the single supplement on several departures of nine itineraries in October — the Grand Black Sea Cruise, departing Oct. 14; the Burgundy and Provence itinerary, departing Oct. 22; the Paris to Normandy’s Landing Beaches itinerary, Oct. 3, 10 and 31 departures; The Legendary Danube cruise, departing Oct. 22 and 26; the European Splendor itinerary, departing Oct. 11; the Windmills, Vineyards and Paris itinerary, Oct. 2 departure; the Romantic Rhine cruise, departing Oct. 22; The Blue Danube Discovery itinerary, Oct. 16, 20 and 30 departures; and the A Taste of the Danube itinerary, departing Oct. 11 and 15.

Five staterooms are available in this promotion for each departure, Category P only.

Booking must be made, under deposit, and discount applied by Aug. 30.

The offer is available for new bookings only.

Certain government-imposed taxes and fees of up to $375, including a September 11th security fee of up to $10, are additional and must be paid by each traveler.

Full cancellation penalties and other restrictions apply.

For more information, call 800-221-0090 or visit www.avalonwaterways.com/Specials/Waive-Single-Supplement

For general information, visit www.avalonwaterways.com

The World’s Most Award-Winning River Cruise Line, Viking River Cruises today announced the launch of the second-state-of the art ‘green’ ship, The Viking Prestige.

Building upon the high standard set by Viking Legend the industry’s first “green” river cruise vessel, the Viking Prestige will have the same efficient, hybrid propulsion system. Producing less vibration and using significantly less fuel, this cutting-edge technology offers a quieter, smoother journey than other ships and represents the environmentally responsible future of Viking’s European vessels.

“We take great pride in doing our part to help the environment,” comments Wendy Atkin-Smith, Managing Director Viking River Cruises UK Limited. “With two ‘green’ vessels now in use, we are hoping to set the standard for vessels around the world.”

The new ship will feature Viking’s signature décor: sophisticated, understated elegance across the Prestige’s’ 188-passenger, state-of-the-art river cruise ship. Boasting all-outside staterooms and French balconies on both the Upper and Middle decks, the ship’s public areas, including a single-seating restaurant, observation lounge and bar, and library as well as an expansive sun deck, provide unobstructed panoramic views throughout.

“This is a very exciting time for Viking River Cruises” continues Atkin-Smith. “Viking Prestige will mark the first in our fleet expansion program which is set to roll out over the next three years, setting the bar high for river cruise vessels globally.”

For further information and reservations call 020 8780 7979 or please visit

www.vikingrivercruises.co.uk/winners.

About Viking River Cruises

Viking River Cruises, the world’s leading river cruise company, offers scenic cruising along the rivers of Europe, Russia, China and Southeast Asia. The company has been honoured multiple times as the top river cruise line on Condé Nast Traveller’s “Gold List” and Travel + Leisure’s “World’s Best” Awards as well as being recognised as the World’s Leading River Cruise Operator at the World Travel Awards and the “Best River Cruise Line” at the British Travel Awards. Since its 1997 inception, the company has grown to a fleet of 19 vessels, and provides unique, deluxe holidays to travellers with an interest in geography, culture and history. With a $250 million investment in a fleet development programme, by 2013 Viking will have several refurbishments plus the introduction of 10 new ships beginning with Viking Emerald and Viking Prestige in 2011 and four ships in 2012. For additional information, contact Viking River Cruises 020 8780 7979 or visit the company at www.vikingrivercruises.co.uk  Follow Viking River Cruises on Facebook.

Oceania Cruises has announced inaugural itineraries for its new 250-guest Riviera, which will depart on its maiden voyage April 14 from Barcelona. Those who book by Aug. 31 will receive a free hotel stay and bonus savings of up to $3,000 per stateroom. Fares begin at $1,999 per person and include free roundtrip economy-class air from 22 North American cities.

From April 14 through Nov. 29, 2012, the Riviera will operate 21 departures of 13 itineraries calling on ports in France, Italy, Greece, Spain, Portugal and Turkey as well as Israel, Croatia, Cyprus, Montenegro, Morocco and Monaco.

The Riviera will feature 10 dining venues — six of which are open-seating restaurants — including a French bistro by Chef Jacques Pépin. Facilities include a Canyon Ranch SpaClub, Bon Appétit Culinary Center and Artist Loft enrichment center. Interior design highlights include a Lalique-designed grand staircase and Owner’s Suites furnished in Ralph Lauren Home.

Riviera’s maiden voyage is a 10-day “Mediterranean Tapestry” cruise from Barcelona to Piraeus (Athens). Ports of call include Marseille (Provence), Livorno (Florence/Pisa), Civitavecchia (Rome), Taormina, Amalfi/Positano, Kusadasi (Ephesus) and Santorini.

From Piraeus, Riviera operates a 12-day “Ancient Grandeur” itinerary to Istanbul, departing April 24. Ports include Alexandria, Port Said, Haifa (overnight), Ashdod (Jerusalem), Rhodes, Patmos and Kusadasi.

On May 6, Riviera departs Istanbul on a 10-day “Greek Glory” voyage that includes calls at Mitilini and Cephalonia (Argostoli), Greece, the latter a maiden call for Oceania. The cruise is repeated, departing Aug. 3, 2012.

Another highlight of the inaugural season is the 10-day “Accent on Italy” cruise, which sails between Civitavecchia and Venice.

Ports of call include Monte Carlo, La Spezia (for Cinque Terre), Livorno, Amalfi/Positano, Taormina, Corfu, Kotor, Dubrovnik and Venice (overnight).

This itinerary departs June 27, Aug. 13, Sept. 24 and Oct. 24.

Rivera’s Europe season concludes with a 12-day “Mediterranean Medley,” departing Nov. 3, 2012, from Venice. The voyage calls at Dubrovnik, Corfu, Messina, Sorrento/Capri, Civitavecchia, Livorno (two days), Monte Carlo, Marseille, and Barcelona (overnight). For more information, call 800-531-5658.

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises will introduce their most extensive collection of itineraries in 2012. They will offer 32 itineraries ranging from 8 to 32 days along Europe and Russia’s great waterways.

Two of their newest programs: Gems of Germany, Belgium & the Netherlands, and Grand Treasures of Europe will include the internationally famous Floriade – a world horticultural exposition presented only once every ten years.

Uniworld will also launch three exciting new programs to make their expertly planned, always-included shore excursions better than ever. These programs are all included in the price of Uniworld’s cruises and will allow travelers the opportunity to customize their travel experience like never before.

Experienced travelers who have already seen some of Europe’s most popular sites can take advantage of Uniworld’s “Choice Is Yours” program, which offers alternate included excursions to the continent’s hidden gems. For travelers who crave a more active adventure, they can try Uniworld’s exclusive “Go Active” program, which lets them explore the great outdoors at their own pace.

And for those who prefer to take a bit more time getting to know the destinations on their itinerary, they can opt for their “Gentle Walking” program, which guarantees a relaxed-pace group with a private guide on many walking tour destinations. In addition, Uniworld has many exclusive excursions only available to Uniworld guests, including special wine tastings in castles with royalty, guided art tours, archeological visits, and so much more.

“Each year, Uniworld actively looks for ways in which to enhance our guests’ experience. With the introduction of these new programs, such as ‘Choice is Yours,’ we are able to deliver a more customized experience to our guests,” states Guy Young, President of Uniworld.

Also in 2012, Uniworld will completely remodel three of their boutique cruise ships, the River Countess, the River Duchess, and the River Royale. “Uniworld continues to invest heavily in the maintenance of our fleet to ensure we are delivering a five-star product to our guests. In 2011, we remodeled three ships completely, River Ambassador, River Baroness, and River Princess, as well as introduced three new ships, including the stunning S.S. Antoinette,” adds Young.

Uniworld ships offer unparalleled luxury in the river cruise arena with the finest of furnishings, inspiring original art, and modern luxuries.

Over the years, Uniworld has worked tirelessly with their sister company, the award-winning Red Carnation Hotels, to elevate the standard in river cruising with an unyielding commitment to quality and service.

“Be assured that when you sail with Uniworld, you will have an unrivaled cruise experience, because no other cruise line in the world has a sister company with over 50 years of expertise in running a collection of five-star luxury hotels,” furthers Young.

Uniworld’s luxury value-packed cruises include the Zagat®-rated staterooms on the river; all meals onboard with complimentary fine wines, choice of beer, and soft drinks served during lunch and dinner onboard Europe company-owned ships; captivating included excursions; Signature Lectures and entertainment onboard; and complimentary transfers on arrival and departure days.

Couples can save up to $2,400 on Uniworld’s 2012 boutique river cruises by paying in full at time of booking by September 30, 2011. “Our goal is to deliver unparalleled luxury at an uncompromising value, so we want to reward those who book early with the greatest possible savings,” states Young.

For more information, please contact your preferred Travel Professional or call Uniworld at 1-800-733-7820 or visit www.uniworld.com

Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection

Los Angeles-based 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. It is the only river cruise line named to Condé Nast Traveler’s prestigious Gold List, and has received their Readers’ Choice Award for “World’s Top Small-Ship Line” and won “Best River Ships” in their Readers’ Poll, which ranked River Beatrice and River Duchess the #1 and #2 river ships in the world. Cruise Critic named River Beatrice the “Best New River Ship” and awarded Uniworld their Editors’ Pick for “Best Cruise Line.” Uniworld’s cabins and dining are also ranked among the top three in the world by Zagat Survey®; and is the only river cruise line named in the Zagat Survey® among the best of the best in the cruise industry.

Uniworld features luxurious boutique cruise ships with an average capacity of 130 guests; expertly planned itineraries with included shore excursions; world-class gourmet cuisine; and award-winning hospitality by an English-speaking staff. Uniworld offers over 500 departures on 40 itineraries sailing on over 13 rivers in over 20 countries throughout Europe, Russia, Egypt, China, Vietnam, and Cambodia.

Uniworld is a member of CLIA, Cruise Lines International Association