Jetsettersblog

If you are looking for something a bit different to do with your loved one this Valentine’s Day how about heading to the Carpathian Mountains of Slovakia to take part in a conservation project!

Biosphere Expeditions, the award winning not for profit conservation specialist, is giving you

the opportunity to help monitor lynx, wolf & wildcats, together with their prey species by joining a small, international team working alongside scientists and making a real contribution to important research.

This will entail tracking the animals through their forest and mountain habitats, and may also include capturing them so they can be fitted with a radio collar for future monitoring.

You will learn how to recognise other signs of animal’s presence and all this is in an effort to create a sustainable future for these icons of the Carpathian wilderness and to promote a greater understanding of their role in the European ecosystems.

The expedition is based in a 19th century villa, with ensuite accommodation and the project runs between 12-18 February. The cost is £980 per person excluding travel to and from Slovakia.

For full details please visit: www.biosphere-expeditions.org  or call 0870 4460801

Slovakia is moving even closer to fully integrating with European travel. Slovakia will join the Eurail Global Pass on the Jan. 1.

The national railway of Slovakia will be included in the Eurail Global Pass offer, which permits unlimited rail travel throughout a range of validity periods for either continuous travel periods or flexible travel days in 23 countries.

Discounts are offered to groups of two or more, and to young people under the age of 26. Prices start from 30 euros a day for a 15-day Global Saver Pass. Slovakia has evolved into a popular European tourist destination and was ranked second among the top adventurous destinations in the world by The Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) in the category of Developing Tourist Destinations in 2010.

The Slovakian railway covers 2,247 miles and is connected with the pan-European railway network of the surrounding countries of Hungary, Austria and the Czech Republic. Bratislava is often called the “Beauty of the Danube,” and Slovakia has much to offer ranging from castles, the Tatras mountain range, vineyards and spa and wellness centers.

The Eurail Global Pass represents 42 percent of the overall Eurail Pass sales (more than 70,000 travelers used this pass in 2010), and it continues to be a popular rail pass giving travelers endless opportunities to explore Europe by rail.

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

Trade the frenetic pace of every day life for peace, tranquillity and spectacular scenery on Tatra Yoga Holidays three night retreat in the heart of Slovakia’s stunning Tatra Mountains.

The break, from 8 to 11 September, costs just £599 per person including: return flights from Gatwick, airport transfers, three nights half board in a mountain cottage based on single sex sharing, two guided mountain walks, meditation and six yoga sessions. To book consult: http://tatrayogaholidays.com  0161 408 8988.

The outdoor yoga sessions are designed to suit both curious beginners and experienced yogis as tutors incorporate posture adaptations or progressions to cater for individual levels. Morning classes involve dynamic “wake up” postures and late afternoon sessions focus on quietening positions, breath work and relaxation. Yoga classes are complimented with relaxing meditation and brisk mountain walks in spectacular mountain scenery.

Guests stay in mountain cottage Chata pri Zelenom Plese deep in the valley of Dolina Kezmarskej bielej vody on the side of an emerald green mountain tarn. Accommodation is in shared bedrooms with communal showers and hot running water. The cottage creates its own electricity from the force of the mountain stream.

The retreat caters for all fitness levels and helps with wellbeing and stress management, using yoga physical postures (asanas), visualisations, relaxation and breathing techniques as the core activities.

Yoga tutors are fully qualified, experienced and insured and teach Hatha yoga, which moves at a slow to medium pace, and is suitable for everyone. All monies paid for the air holiday package shown are ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority. The company’s ATOL number is ATOL 6404.

Auto Europe has expanded its prestige and sports car services in addition to offering a large selection of hybrids from Toyota and Honda, and low CO2 models from Volkswagen, Citroen, Mercedes and BMW.

Auto Europe offers the largest selection of luxury vehicles including the latest models from Aston Martin, Audi, Bentley, BMW, Ferrari including the Ferrari 612 Scaglietti, Jaguar, Lotus, Mercedes, Maserati, Porsche, Range Rover and others. New additions to their selection of models including the Porsche Panamera, Mercedes SLS AMG, Ferrari California, Rolls Royce Phantom, Mercedes Benz S Class hybrid and the Rolls Royce Ghost.

• Explore Mt. Everest base camp and the world’s highest monastery,
• View gorillas in the wild,
• Learn about erotic pre-Columbian pottery
• Go on an eastern European scavenger hunt.

These are just some of the unique experiences offered by members of the U.S. Tour Operators Association.

From short trips that can be added to a longer itinerary, to vacations of a week or more, USTOA members offer a full array of enriching and one-of-a-kind activities to destinations worldwide. Since each tour operator takes care of the arrangements, travelers are assured a hassle-free vacation that would be harder to arrange, and in many cases more costly, than doing it on your own.

Below are four selections ranging from one- to 10 nights.

Pre-Columbian Erotica in Lima, Peru: 1 night/1 day

If you’re visiting Machu Picchu or the Amazon, start out with an overnight pre-trip to Lima, including a guided morning visit to the Larco Herrera Museum to view the world’s largest private collection of pre-Columbian art.

Representing 3,000 years of pre-Columbian history, the museum’s artifacts include a huge collection of erotic pottery and statuary crafted by ancient Peruvian cultures. This excursion from International Expeditions is available as part of a custom itinerary or a pre-extension in combination with a longer tour. The $178 per person price includes private airport transfer, overnight hotel accommodations, local guide and museum tour, and is available with Thursday departures throughout the year. For more information phone 205-633-4734 or visit www.IETravel.com

Gorilla Trek in Rwanda, 4 days/3 nights

Take a once-in-a-lifetime guided trek from Kilgali to Volcanoes National Park to view gorillas in their natural habitat. Recommended for those in good health, the 4 day/3 night package from Great Safaris includes accommodations and all meals.

The package, which can be added on to a longer Africa itinerary, is available for booking through November 1 with travel through December 15. Per person cost is $2,655, which the company estimates saves travelers 10 – 15% over making the same arrangements on their own. For more information phone 800-409-7755 or visit www.GreatSafaris.com

Family Scavenger Hunt in : Bratislava, Slovakia, 8 days, 7 nights

Compete in a fast-paced scavenger hunt with the whole family in Bratislava, Slovakia, as part of Tauck Bridges’ “Blue Danube: Riverboat Adventure.” The 8-day/7 night river cruise, is priced from $2,990 per person, including virtually everything. Beginning in Budapest, Hungary the cruise ends in Regensburg, Germany. Tauck estimates that travelers save 30 – 40% over arranging the same itinerary on their own. Air fare is additional. For more information, phone 800-468-2825 or visit www.Tauck.com

Travel Tibet to Katmandu: 10 days/9 nights

Join experienced mountain guides on a small-group journey across the “Roof of the World,” from Tibet to Katmandu. En route travelers see spectacular high-mountain passes, visit Ronguk Monastery, world’s highest, and the Mt. Everest Base Camp. General Tours World Traveler’s 10 day/9 night “Across the Himalayas” tour spends two nights each in Lhasa, and Tingri, Tibet, with an overnight in Shigatse, and a final three nights in Nepal at the Hyatt Regency Resort and Hotel. The overland adventure takes travelers along the Kanabala Pass and the 17,000 ft. Gyatsola Pass, and includes 20 meals, small group sightseeing, services of mountain guides and drivers, and all on-tour transportation. Priced from $2,699 per person, the tour is available for booking until April 13, 2012, for travel valid through May 15, 2012.

International air fare is additional. For details phone 800-221-2216 or visit www.GeneralTours.com

More Information

All prices are based on double occupancy. International airfare is additional. Restrictions and additional security fees, departure and local taxes and fees may apply. Prices may vary based on departure date.

For more information on domestic or international vacation arrangements with culinary or wine interest visit: www.USTOA.com , or www.USTOA.travel . USTOA member companies have met the travel industry’s highest standards, including participation in the association’s Travelers Assistance Program, which among other things protects consumer payments up to $1 million in case the company goes out of business.

USTOA is the premier association of companies providing vacation packages, tours, and custom travel itineraries for more than 11 million people yearly.

The UK’s leading trekking holidays company, Walks Worldwide, working closely in conjunction with local study and conservation group Projekt Medved, has created a unique trip called ‘Walking with Bears’ in the High Tatras mountains of Slovakia. No other operator in the world is able to offer such an experience in the High Tatras of Slovakia.

The High Tatras are the highest mountains in the Carpathian Arc, which stretches from Romania to the Czech Republic. The range is small in area but they are very steep and provide the only High Alpine environment in Europe north of the Alps.

There are a number of well-marked tourist trails but the highlight of this new trip are the days spent off the trail, following animal tracks and ancient smuggling paths in the company of guides who know the region and wildlife inside out.

This trekking holiday with a big difference, provides the chance to walk not only in a spectacular mountain area populated by bears, but with the intention of seeking the mighty beasts on foot!

“Rather than sit in a hide for hours on end – the usual practice for bear-watching trips – the objective is to actively locate and observe (from a safe distance!) bears in their natural habitat, behaving naturally” said Walks Worldwide manager Mark Knowles.

This Carpathian wildlife walking odyssey commences in Poland and initially follows recognised way-marked trails across the High Tatras, descending into Slovakia. Reaching the Ticha, the group will be joined by a Park Ranger who will take the group ‘off piste’ and walk amongst the mountains and valleys in an area where tourists are usually forbidden.

This unique opportunity is restricted to a maximum group size of eight people, to minimise disturbance. Walking is graded as demanding, hiking at altitude in mountainous terrain for up to 9 hours per day.

The one-off trip departs on Sunday 14 August and costs from £985 pp (land only). This includes ground transportation, 7 nights’ accommodation, most meals and the services of and expert walking and wildlife guide.

Call 0845 301 4737 (www.walksworldwide.com )

Newly built at the De Hoop shipyard in The Netherlands, the S.S. Antoinette will be Uniworld’s largest ship length-wise at 443 ft. and width-wise at 37.5 ft. The public space per passenger, along with the staterooms and suites, will be significantly higher than on comparable vessels.

De Hoop, who has been building ships for over 120 years, has partnered closely with Uniworld, and their sister company, Red Carnation Hotels – a collection of four- and five-star boutique hotels – to set a new standard in river cruise ships. According to Patrick Janssens, owner of De Hoop, “The S.S. Antoinette is a highly customized vessel, more so than any other vessel, and we have used new techniques to optimize it and to make sure that it really is the next generation of vessels for the luxury cruise market.”

Several unique features will make the S.S. Antoinette the most innovative, efficient, and luxurious river cruise ship in the marketplace today. All top deck suites and staterooms offer full open-air private balconies that, with a touch of a switch, will raise the glass to create a completely enclosed conservatory. All staterooms throughout the ship will have their own LCD flat-screen infotainment center, including movies-on-demand, music, news, sports, hotel services, and more. And each suite has an extra TV located on the balcony.

For those who wish to view movies in a more traditional venue, the S.S. Antoinette features the first movie theater on a river cruise ship. Equipped with a 20-seat movie theater, guests can view a range of movies on a state-of-the-art flat screen with Dolby surround sound.

Surround sound is also a feature that can be found as guests swim in the inviting, blue-tiled mosaic, heated swimming pool. With a water depth of five feet, guests can listen to underwater music piped in as they swim. The swimming pool together with the Serenity River Spa™ and fitness center, provide a host of options for guests to maintain their overall well-being throughout their trip.

The S.S. Antoinette has impressive green credentials as well with a waste-management system consisting of a food macerator and tank, a glass-crunching machine and compactor machine. Further, she will be powered by a newly developed noise and vibration reduction feature consisting of double-resilient mounted frames for the engine and thruster. And De Hoop has designed the S.S. Antoinette for the highest degree of safety – beyond existing rules and regulations.

“Our goal is to make the S.S. Antoinette set a really new standard in luxury river cruising. Together with Uniworld and the Red Carnation Hotel team, we are going to make this happen, and we are going to be even more proud when the vessel sets sail,” furthers Janssens.

About Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection

Los Angeles-based Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection, the world’s only authentic boutique cruise line, is recognized in Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Top Small Ship Cruise Lines; Condé Nast Traveler’s prestigious Gold List and their Readers’ Poll for Top 25 Small Ships, and their Readers’ Choice Awards for World’s Top Small Ship Cruise Lines and Best River Cruise Ships; Cruise Critic’s Editors’ Pick for Best River Cruise Line and Best New River Ship for the River Beatrice; and Top 3 cruise line ranking in Zagat Survey® in the categories of Top Cabins and Top Dining, and is the only river cruise line represented in their cruise survey with the best of the best in the cruise industry. Uniworld features luxuriously appointed boutique cruise ships with an average capacity of 130 guests; expertly planned itineraries with custom-blended, included shore excursions; world-class, gourmet cuisine; and award-winning hospitality from an all-English speaking staff. The company offers over 500 departures on 39 itineraries sailing on 12 rivers in 20 countries throughout Europe, Russia, Egypt, and China.

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

European Waterways announced the completion of refurbishment projects on several luxury hotel barges for 2011. The 12-passenger hotel barge in Burgundy, La Belle Epoque, now has new bathrooms in two cabins, new air conditioning, heating and dehumidifying systems, and new or improved electrics, soundproofing and plumbing. The cabins have been redecorated and now feature new wood paneling, beds and bed linen. The barge also has new carpets, curtains and brass lighting throughout.

Its sister ship, L’Impressionniste, now has one new bathroom, new beds in all the cabins, new seating in the saloon and new lighting throughout. Anjodi, European Waterways’ most barge on the Canal du Midi, has four newly fitted bathrooms and new bedding and soft furnishings. European Waters offers 10 percent commission to travel agents on all bookings. For more information, visit www.gobarging.com