Jetsettersblog

Star Clippers is offering a one-category cabin upgrade and 40 percent savings on two round-trip Venice sailings aboard Royal Clipper in September. The seven-night cruises explore Montenegro, Croatia and Slovenia and depart Sept. 14 and Sept. 28. Guests receive a one-category cabin upgrade plus savings of 40 percent off the brochure rate. Cruise-only fares begin at $1,964, per person, double occupancy, including the upgrade, 40 percent savings and port charges.

Rail Europe Inc. is offering $100 off the Youth Eurail Global Pass and $75 off the Adult Eurail Global Pass when booked between now and June 12. Agents need to enter coupon code YOUTH100 or ADULT75 during checkout and the discount will be applied to the total purchase.

The Eurail Global Pass from Rail Europe provides city-center to city-center travel on the national rail networks of 24 European countries.

Participating national rail networks include: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Croatia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Ireland (includes Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland), Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Romania, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and Turkey.

Prices begin at $393 for Eurail Global Youth Pass and $682 for the Eurail Global Adult Pass.

The continuous pass is available for 15 days, 21 days, one month, two months or three months and the flexipass is available for 10 or 15 days of travel within a two month period.

Bookings can be made by visiting Rail Europe’s website at agent.raileurope.com or by calling Rail Europe’s contact center or at the banner ad at right.

Eurail Group G.I.E., the organization dedicated to the management and administration of the Eurail Pass products, is offering a 20 percent discount off the regular price of Eurail Global and Eurail Select Passes.

The promotional passes must be purchased by Dec. 31 and are valid for travel through March 31. The promotion applies to both first and second class Eurail Global and Select passes.

“There is no better time to travel to Europe than in the low season; a traveler finds good value, enjoys fewer crowds and it is in general easier to move around.

To now also be able to take advantage of Eurail Group’s 20 percent discount on two of our most popular Eurail Passes, it seems the perfect time to visit Europe,” said Ana Dias e Seixas, Eurail Group’s marketing director.

The Eurail Global Pass gives the pass holder access to 23 European countries, offering the traveler the flexibility of choosing either consecutive or non-consecutive travel days.

Over 82,000 tourists have already traveled this year with the Eurail Global Pass, representing a 15.5 percent increase over 2011 figures.

The national railways of the following countries currently participate in the Eurail Global Pass offer — Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland (includes Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland), Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

The Eurail Select Pass allows travelers to select three, four or five adjoining countries of their choice, provided that they are connected by a participating rail or shipping route.

With 24 countries to choose from in total, there are over 975 possible combinations, giving customers freedom and flexibility. This pass is by far the most popular Eurail Pass.

More than 152,000 travelers took to the rails with a Select Pass thus far in 2012, representing a 4 percent increase over the previous year.

Its popularity stems from allowing travelers to tailor-make their European rail journey, being able to choose from five, six, eight, 10 or 15 travel days within a two-month period and the option to select consecutive or non-consecutive travel days.

Eurail Passes are available from a wide network of authorized general sales agents, operating worldwide.

River Cruise Line Launches Sweepstakes to Send One Facebook Fan and Friend on a Rhine River Holiday CruiseFacebook fans have a great reason to “Like” AmaWaterways’ newest sweepstakes, “Spend the Holidays on The Rhine.” One lucky Facebook fan will win a seven-night trip for two exploring four European countries onboard AmaWaterways’ Christmas on the Rhine itinerary.

From now until Nov. 16, 2012, visitors to AmaWaterways’ Facebook page can become a fan and submit an easy entry form.

One randomly selected Facebook fan will win a seven-night “Christmas on the Rhine” cruise from Dec. 27 – Jan. 3, 2013.

The prize includes one double occupancy cabin, cruise fare and port charges.

The cruise fare includes all onboard meals; free-flowing wine, beer and soda with every dinner; daily shore excursions; in-room direct Internet access and Infotainment; ship-wide Wi-Fi; guided bicycle tours, and much more.

“We are very excited about our growing popularity on Facebook and other social media, and this sweepstakes is our way to say ‘Thank You’ to our loyal fans,” said Kristin Karst, AmaWaterways’ executive vice president and co-owner. “Cruising the Rhine River and exploring Europe’s famous Christmas Markets is a magical and memorable way to celebrate the holidays.”

Europe’s Christmas Markets are a beloved holiday tradition that attracts millions of visitors every year.

Starting in late November, thousands of outdoor markets and vendors spring up in city and village squares selling local food, hot mulled wine, and sweet desserts like freshly baked gingerbread and pastries.

Local artisans create wooden toys, handmade crafts, ornaments and more unique gifts and stocking stuffers for loved ones back home.

Visitors can explore amongst Gothic churches and half-timbered houses for the winter experience that fills the senses with holiday cheer.

AmaWaterways’ seven-night Christmas on the Rhine itinerary embarks in Basel, Switzerland, aboard the AmaCello, a 148-passenger ship. Cruising from Basel to Amsterdam, passengers will have a leisurely view of the beautiful scenery of Switzerland, France, Germany and Holland and a variety of shore excursions, including tours of:

· The “Black Forest” region, including a visit to Strasbourg, home to the oldest and largest Christmas Market in France.

Market highlights include shopping for handicrafts and sampling seasonal treats such as hot mulled wine, kouglof (a traditional Alsatian cake), and boules de neige (a chocolate-covered marshmallow confection).

 Tours of Colmar, France, plus a tasting of Alsatian wines; the medieval town of Speyer; the university city of Heidelberg and its red-walled castle; Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Musical Instrument Museum in Rüdesheim, Germany; the charming town of Koblenz; and Cologne, Germany, and its 13th century gothic cathedral.

· A canal cruise and city tour in Amsterdam, where passengers can also purchase local holiday souvenirs (such as Delft Blue ceramics, antiques and cheese) and sample seasonal snacks, such as uitsmijter, (open-faced sandwiches), pommes frites (thick French fries served with mayonnaise) and oliebollen (fried dough dusted with powdered sugar, traditionally eaten on New Year’s Eve).

No purchase is necessary to enter or win the Spend the Holidays on The Rhine sweepstakes. Multiple entries are not valid. Airfare and any relevant taxes are not included.

For the official terms and conditions, please visit www.facebook.com/AmaWaterways

For more information on AmaWaterways, please visit www.AmaWaterways.com.

About AmaWaterways

Founded in 2002 by river cruise pioneer Rudi Schreiner, river cruise executive Kristin Karst and founder of Brendan Vacations, Jimmy Murphy, AmaWaterways is the premier river cruise line on Europe’s Danube, Rhine, Main, Mosel and Rhône rivers. Known for its custom-designed ships, extensive complimentary amenities and personalized service levels, AmaWaterways consistently leads the way in river cruising. With destinations traveling through Europe, Russia, Vietnam and Cambodia, and new voyages to Africa and Portugal, the line’s award-winning fleets complement a variety of travel plans.

The Europe fleet includes the AmaPrima (2013); AmaCerto (2012); AmaVerde (2011); AmaBella (2010); AmaLyra (2009); AmaDolce (2009); AmaCello (2008), AmaDante (2008); AmaLegro (2007) and the AmaDagio (2006). In the spring of 2012, AmaWaterways introduced the new 164-passenger AmaCerto in Europe, joining the AmaVerde and AmaBella in offering an exclusive Twin Balcony design in the majority of staterooms; multiple dining venues; complimentary Internet and Infotainment system, a heated swimming pool or whirlpool on the Sun Deck plus many more unique design elements.

In addition to the European destinations, AmaWaterways offers the separate and distinct AmaVoyages to Vietnam and Cambodia via the AmaLotus (2011) and the La Marguerite (2009); Russia via the AmaKatarina (2011); Portugal via the AmaVida (2013); and Africa via the Zambezi Queen (2009).

Almost all the Slovenian EDEN destinations have been recording a higher number of overnight stays, especially by foreign tourists. The Soča Valley, the Solčavsko Region, the Kolpa River and the town of Idrija are destinations that have been paving the way in Slovenia and abroad for the last decade – in recent years, at a brisk pace – through the EDEN network and its promotional support.

This year, the EDEN project focuses on the promotion of existing EDEN destinations. A new promotional tool for this is the first In Your Pocket guide to Slovenian EDEN destinations.

The guide will be published shortly, with a circulation of 30,000 copies. It will be available in English at various sites, among which the Slovenian EDEN destinations will be included, i.e. in the valleys of the Soča and Kolpa rivers, the Solčavsko region and Idrija.

Soon, the guide will also be published on the In Your Pocket website, where Slovenia has already been introduced and well represented.

To read more information please visit our website.

North America and Asia may be famous for their fall leaves, but there is somewhere much closer to home where the trees are equally striking in the autumn and that is Switzerland. Nothing – not the need to pull on a cashmere jumper, nor the smell of the first log fire – announces the arrival of the new season quite as dramatically as the striking red, glimmering gold and burnt orange leaves of the Engadine trees.

Grand Hotel Kronenhof (www.kronenhof.com ) in Pontresina, which is located in the heavily wooded Upper Engadine Valley, has put together a special package, valid from 9 September and 20 October, to make it possible to witness this phenomenon. The package includes dinner, bed and breakfast, complimentary use of the hotel’s stunning spa facilities, a 10% discount on spa treatments and unlimited use of all the mountain railways in the Engadine/St Moritz area, so that guests can easily get out into wooded areas. Prices start from CHF 415 (approx £275) per night for two people sharing a beautiful double room; guests must stay a minimum of two nights.

The Engadine, protected by high Alpine mountains on all sides, is famous for its sunny climate and beautiful landscapes (Engadine in local Romantsch dialect means The Garden of the Inn River, as the valley is a veritable treasure trove of greenery), making it the perfect European destination to witness autumn colours set against clear blue skies.

Visits to the Engadine at this time of year are particularly popular among hikers and artists; the light in the valley is so magical it led the 19th century German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche to believe that he had found “the cradle of all silver tones”.

For more details and to book, please visit the Grand Hotel Kronenhof website www.kronenhof.com

DVOR TACEN KAVARNA, BED & BREAKFAST IN LJUBLJANA – SLOVENIA
LUXURY SERVICE AND REASONABLE PRICES

Dvor Tacen Kavarna, Bed & Breakfast in Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia is the perfect place for visitors (leisure tourists or bussines people) who likes to relax in the beauty of nature and also being close to the city. It is located in the heart of the nature on the northern outskirts of Ljubljana on the Sava river gravel terrace between the Sava and popular Šmarna mountain and only 15 minutes by car from the city center.

Dvor Tacen is traditionally built house, tastefully decorated and is offering to guests luxury service, intimacy, comfort in different kind of rooms and Bar & Coffee shop. It is comparable with highest category of hotels but with reasonable prices. And in this house Fran Levstik which was a very important Slovenian writer, political activist, playwright and critic met his biggest love Franja and he dedicated to her a crown of poems.

Matjaž Vilfan, General Manager of the Dvor Tacen, said: “Our main goal is to give to our guests the best service as we can and we are happy when they feel like they are at home.”

In May 2012 Dvor Tacen Bar & Coffee shop has opened also the garden terrace which is the perfect place to start the day with great desserts and coffee surrounded by the nature and listening the sounds of the river Sava. And for additional relaxation the staff at Dvor Tacen suggest to guests all kind of sport activities in the surrounding (golf, kayak, canoe, hiking, cycling…).

http://dvortacen.si/en

ExperiencePlus! Bicycle Tours is offering European cycling itineraries for 2013 to Spain’s Catalonia region, Slovenia and western Ireland.

The company is offering a $200 per person discount off any of 2013 European trip departures reserved on or before Nov. 15.

Spain’s Sunny Catalonia Region (and Costa Brava) is an eight- or 12-day tour beginning in Girona and traveling east through hidden fishing villages and wine country to Costa Brava and Figueras, Salvador Dali’s birthplace, to Barcelona and to the Pyrenees foothills.

The price is $3,550 per person double for eight days and $4,495 for 12 days.

Austria, Italy and Slovenia is an eight-day/seven-night or 11-day/10-night itinerary that follows river valleys through the Alps into Slovenia’s Lake District.

The price is $3,250 per person double occupancy for the shorter version and $4,250 for the longer one. Ireland — Bicycling the 51st State is an eight-day or 11-day tour of western Ireland, including Connemara and the Aran Islands, priced from $3,495 or $4,595respectively.

Tall ship cruise line Star Clippers just released its Europe 2013 brochure highlighting its summer season in the Mediterranean, Spain and North Africa, Northern Europe, Baltic and trans-Atlantic crossings.

In addition to the itineraries aboard Royal Clipper, Star Clipper and Star Flyer, the 81-page brochure is filled with stunning photos, detailed maps, port descriptions and pre- and post-cruise land tour options.

Each itinerary includes a summer trans-Atlantic air credit and highlights Advanced Purchase Discounts up to 45 percent off the brochure rate for Europe itineraries and up to 55 percent off trans-Atlantic voyages.

“Our inaugural season in the Baltic was very successful and we’re thrilled to return for a second season with new ports and new itineraries,” said Mark Carlson, director of marketing for Star Clippers Americas.

“We also have new itineraries in the Mediterranean, so the brochure is an ideal tool for both consumers and travel agents to become familiar with our sailing options and rates, and read detailed information about the ships.”

Royal Clipper, the 227-passenger flagship of the fleet, returns to the Mediterranean for another season of western Med itineraries. The ship sails new seven-night round-trip Venice, Italy, cruises that visit ports in Montenegro, Croatia and Slovenia. The ship also sails seven-, 10- and 11-night cruises to Italy, Portugal, Morocco, Spain, France and Greece. Shorter three- and four-night itineraries round-trip from Venice and round-trip from Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy, are ideal for travelers with less time or who might already be in Europe and want a mini vacation.

The 170-passenger Star Flyer returns to the Baltic and Northern Europe for a second season with new ports and new itineraries, in addition to returning favorites.

The ship sails a variety of itineraries ranging from two to 11 nights, including several cruises surrounding exclusive sailing parades in Germany. Maiden calls include Saaremaa Island, Estonia; Travemunde, Helgoland and Binz (Rugen), Germany; Aero and Gudhjem (Bornholm), Denmark; Ystad, Sweden, and Ostend, Belgium.

In addition to Star Flyer’s northern Europe and Baltic itineraries, the ship explores Spain and North Africa on seven-night sailings from Lisbon, Portugal, and Malaga, enabling guests to visit historic sites like Seville and Granada, Spain.

The 170-passenger Star Clipper offers the most diverse itineraries of the season, with sailings across the Mediterranean. The ship’s western Med itineraries cruise round-trip Monte Carlo, Monaco, between Monte Carlo and Civitavecchia, between Monte Carlo and Barcelona, Spain, and from Barcelona to Malaga, Spain.

These sailings visit ports in France, Italy and Spain, including the exotic French Riviera and beautiful Balearic Islands.

The ship returns to Greece and Turkey on its popular seven-night itineraries that explore these two countries. On longer nine-, 10- and 11-night sailings between Venice and Athens, Greece, or between Civitavecchia and Athens, Star Clipper calls at ports in Croatia, Montenegro and Italy, including an evening sail past the still-active Stromboli Volcano.

Star Clipper also sails around Spain and the coast of North Africa in spring and fall. Guests will visit the picturesque Canary Islands on the seven-day sailing from Malaga to Las Palmas.

Guests looking for a longer cruise vacation can embark on nine Grand Voyages ranging from 12 to 18 nights. The extended itineraries aboard all three ships offer a more in-depth exploration of some of the most beautiful areas in northern Europe, the eastern and western Mediterranean, and North Africa.

For those who truly love the sailing experience while also visiting exciting ports, Star Clippers offers six trans-Atlantic crossings in 2013 ranging from 14 to 26 nights. Trans-Atlantic journeys in April, October and November reposition the ships between Europe and the Caribbean.

The brochure also highlights additional pre- and post-cruise land tour options in Italy, Greece, Turkey and Sweden.

Between two and six nights, the tours allow for an overland journey to Rome and Venice, Italy; Athens and several smaller destinations like Mycenae and Olympia in Greece; Istanbul, Turkey, and Stockholm, Sweden.

Guests who book early can take advantage of the line’s Advance Purchase Discounts, which can provide significant savings. Early bookings were strong for Star Clippers’ 2012 Europe sailing season, so guests are encouraged to reserve space early to ensure they get the sailing and accommodations of their choice.

To request a 2013 Europe brochure, call toll-free 800-442-0556 or e-mail brochures. To make a reservation, contact a travel professional. For information, call Star Clippers at 800-442-0551 or visit www.starclippers.com  to view a video about the line or take a virtual tour of Star Clippers’ tall ships.

Keep up-to-date on the latest Star Clippers news by visiting us on our blog at www.starclippersblog.com  and on Facebook and Twitter.

Star Clippers operates three of the world’s largest and tallest sailing vessels. Visiting ports often untouched by larger cruise ships and offering passengers the activities, amenities and atmosphere of a private yacht, Star Clippers is recognized as one of the premier specialty cruise lines. The ships currently sail throughout the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Costa Rica and Northern Europe/Baltic.  Read the Jetsetters Magazine feature about Greek Island sailing: Cyclades Tall Ship Odyssey.

Build new partnerships and find new ideas for active holidays at Natour Alps!

This October, Natour Alps will bring to one place a large number of different providers of outdoor activities in a natural environment making sure hosted buyers leave the trade show with new ideas, new activities and new programmes they will be able to include in their offer, satisfying even the most demanding clients.

So don’t miss out on this excellent opportunity to find that certain something you will be able to “wow” your clients with. 30 exhibitors from Slovenia, Austria and Italy have already confirmed their presence at the trade show and we are expecting many more.

Check out the list of exhibitors and apply for hosted buyer status today!

To make your decision easier, starting today we will be introducing all exhibitors at the trade show by reviling the people who will be greeting you at the stands. Read their message and get to know them better before the start of the trade show:

Organizer’s words

Tatjana Humar, LTO Sotočje, Slovenia

Why Natour Alps 2012?

Natour Alps – where you will encounter the best players in the field of active holiday in nature, taste the best gastronomic offer of Slovenia and discover stories from the world history. Hospitality, professionalism and originality are our guidelines. Exhibitors and buyers will leave the Natour Alps 2012 with new acquaintances, fresh ideas and unforgettable memories of this hidden paradise in Europe.

Jan Klavora, Go-Mice, Slovenia

Dear colleagues,
We invite you to visit the 5th Natour Alps trade show, which will take place in Kobarid this year. Kobarid is a small town in Western Slovenia which is mostly known to the world for the Soča and activities running on it and in its immediate surroundings (rafting, kayaking, cycling, paragliding and hiking).

This year we expect participation of more than 40 suppliers from all over Slovenia, and also some from Italy and Austria. We are confident that you can meet lots of potential future partners at our Trade Show that will convince you with the quality of their offer and implementation of programmes to convince even the most demanding guests. All you have to do is to register and participate at our trade show in October. Believe me, you will not regret it. So see you in October!

Exhibitor’s message:

Tanja Hvala & her team, Hotel Hvala, Kobarid, Slovenia

We are reviling the people who will be greeting you at the stands. Read their message and get to know them better before the start of the trade show.

“In the embrace of the Julian Alps and the Soča River you will find your experiences, your own piece of heaven, and everything that you came for in the first place.

Treat yourself to some of the wildest activities, which will raise your heartbeat, take your breath away and dim your view.

We are located only a few steps away, in a small town Kobarid right in the centre of Soča valley a family-run Hotel Hvala and restaurant ‘Topli Val’ (Warm Wave) with a long tradition, dominated by Mediterranean cuisine with the addition of the local culinary tradition.

With us you’ll sleep well for two reasons: either because of fatigue or relaxation. Choose your recipe.

When you visit us bring friendly relationship with the environment. Let’s keep nature clean and when you return, take back a bag full of unforgettable memories. Nature and people of the Soča valley, we will be grateful.”

Blaž Lužnik, Positive Sport, Slovenia

“Positive Sport is a team of positive energy with which you will live unforgettable moments on the emerald green beauty Soča, conquer tops of Julian Alps (on bicycle or on foot) and have lots of fun doing it!”

Lidija Koren, Kamp Koren, Slovenia

Embraced by mountains, in the bosom of magnificent Mt Krn spreads beautiful Soča River Valley. Her emerald reflection fascinates passers-by and its rapids are inviting enthusiast to an unforgettable experience.

At the sound of the rushing river Soča, you can relax in the shade of the trees in the camp, and in luxurious eco-cottages, where you can find everything for a carefree holiday. You could test your skills on the climbing tower in the adventure park; look out for challenges in adrenaline sports offered by camp and its surroundings, or discover corners of unspoiled nature – the jewels of the Triglav National Park – with a rented mountain bike.

Janko Humar, LTO Sotočje, Slovenia

Soča Valley the No1 Slovenian outdoor centre is the most inspiring place to create new ideas and to network new business connections. We will do our best to assure excellent working conditions for buyers and suppliers. We will make you feel good and help you to built enthusiastic offers to your client.