Jetsettersblog

Brendan Vacations is offering several new itineraries for Europe in 2012, including the 12-day Crossroads of Cultures and Contrasts: Bosnia, Croatia & Slovenia; the 11-day Discovering the Balkans; the 17-day From Greece to Dalmatia; the eight-day Highlights of Slovenia; and the 15-day Fabled Cities of Europe: Zagreb to Venice. All are being offers as Definite Departures. They include first class accommodations, breakfast daily and some lunches and dinners.

Also new, but not offered as definite departures are The Best of Russia, Baltic States and Warsaw, 14, 16 or 18 days; Dalmatian Sunshine, Dubrovnik to Zagreb, 10 days; Imperial Cities Showcase, Vienna to Warsaw, 10 days; From Bohemia to Transylvania, Prague to Bucharest, 14 days; The Best of Ukraine, Poland and Hungary, 12 days; Belgrade to Zagreb, 12 days; and Glimpse of Italy, nine or 12 days.

Travel in Style with this Brand New Eastern Europe Vacation

Ukraine gained independence after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 and remains one of the last genuine travel frontiers of Europe. At its heart is the awe-inspiring capital of Kiev, with the autonomous republic of Crimea on its striking southern shores.

The Ukraine and Crimea lie slightly off the beaten track of European travel, so Insight uses a mixture of flights and coach transport to keep the pace easy going. Although this area is still relatively undiscovered by Western travelers, rest assured Insight’s local expertise will smooth your way.

Ukraine and Crimea—13 days. This tour has many included highlights and shows you the best of this fascinating region.

In Moscow, you’ll visit the glorious metro stations and tour Red Square, seeing St Basil’s Cathedral and Lenin’s tomb. Visit one of the Cathedrals inside the Kremlin walls.

In Kiev, see the domed churches, the Opera House and Golden Gate. Climb Vladimir Hill then travel via the Andriyivskyy Descent to the Podol district.

Visit the Monastery of the Caves and Patriotic War Museum with its Motherland statue. Visit St Sophia’s Cathedral and enjoy a relaxing Dnieper River cruise.

In Odessa, you’ll enjoy a panoramic tour of this beautiful coastal city followed by a visit to the catacombs in the village of Nerubaiskoye.

You’ll see all the main sights on a city tour of Kherson. In Yalta, enjoy a cable-car ride to Darsan Hill and the Mound of Glory Monument. Visit the Alexander Nevski Cathedral, see the former Ministry of Defence Hotel, and visit the Chekhov House museum.

You’ll visit Livadia Palace, site of the 1945 post war conference, as well as the Alupka Palace and see the Swallow’s Nest.

In Balaklava, visit the small port which served as a secret Soviet submarine base and see the Crimean War battleground. In Sevastopol, you’ll tour the harbor, Nakhimov Square, and visit the Panorama Museum.

Prices start at $5988 per person, land only, based on double occupancy .

And book between now and December 1, 2011 and SAVE UP TO $1200 per couple on 2012 European Vacations !

Insight Vacations has accumulated an international following by providing outstanding service and quality tour packages to the savvy traveler who seeks better accommodations, choices in dining, and smaller group sizes all while staying in the most desirable locations. For over 30 years, Insight Vacations has been the leader in premium escorted tours and cruises to Europe, the Eastern Mediterranean, Mexico, Canada and the United States.

For more information, contact Insight Vacations at (714) 937-4990 or visit Insight Vacations at www.insightvacations.com

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

Insight Vacations unveiled a new program including Ukraine and Crimea. Ukraine gained independence after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 and remains one of the last genuine travel frontiers of Europe.

At its heart is the capital of Kiev, with the autonomous republic of Crimea on its striking southern shores.

The Ukraine and Crimea lie slightly off the beaten track of European travel, so Insight uses a mixture of flights and coach transport to keep the pace easy.

The 13-day Ukraine and Crimea tour visits Moscow, including Red Square, St. Basil’s Cathedral, Lenin’s tomb and one of the cathedrals inside the Kremlin walls. In Kiev, the itinerary includes the domed churches, the Opera House, Golden Gate, Vladimir Hill, the Andriyivskyy Descent to the Podol district, the Monastery of the Caves, the Patriotic War Museum with its Motherland statue, St Sophia’s Cathedral and a Dnieper River cruise.

Prices start at $5,988 per person double occupancy land only.

Bookings of 2012 European Vacations before Dec. 1 save up to $1,200 per couple.

Insight Vacations has accumulated an international following by providing outstanding service and quality tour packages to the savvy traveler who seeks better accommodations, choices in dining, and smaller group sizes all while staying in the most desirable locations. For over 30 years, Insight Vacations has been the leader in premium escorted tours and cruises to Europe, the Eastern Mediterranean, Mexico, Canada and the United States. For more information, call 714-937-4990 or visit www.insightvacations.com

The Rezidor Hotel Group, one of the fastest growing hotel companies in the world, is pleased to bring you a special edition of its quarterly newsletter, focusing on winter getaways including viewing the Northern Lights and winter sports.

AT A GLANCE
Most northern serviced hotel in the World New Park Inn for Trysil, Norway Two new resort properties opening in late 2011 – Park Inn by Radisson Rosa Khutor in Russia and the Radisson Blu Resort Bukovel, Ukraine

NORTHERN LIGHTS
NASA has predicted that this season (September 2011 – March/April 2012) will be the best for viewing the Northern Lights for 50 years.

NORWAY

Head to the World’s most northern serviced hotel:
RADISSON BLU POLAR HOTEL, SPITSBERGEN
Located in the heart of Longyearbyen, on Spitsbergen in the Svalbard archipelago, the hotel is just 1,333 kilometres from the North Pole. The island is home to impressive glaciers, majestic Polar bears and a landscape rich in beauty and wildlife.

The hotel offers 95 guestrooms, including 27 apartments and a suite, with breathtaking views of the Arctic surroundings.

A range of winter sports and safari options can be arranged from the hotel including dog sled trips, snowmobiling and an ice grotto tour and, of course, Northern Lights spotting.

For something a little less remote, but still prime Northern Lights viewing head to:

RADISSON BLU HOTEL TROMSØ, NORWAY
Centrally located in the heart of Tromsø and close to excellent shopping and the lively restaurant area. Nature lovers can enjoy Arctic excursions that include cross-country skiing, dog sledding, ice fishing, sea rafting, and whale watching. During winter months, guests can also try their hand at alpine skiing, ice skating and snowmobile safaris.

ICELAND

Iceland’s capital city is a unique mix of enchanting hidden gems, cozy bars and friendly people. Spend your days in the City’s art museums and galleries, restaurants and shops – and then drive half an hour or so out of town for some Northern Lights hunting. If they don’t make an appearance, you can warm up in the City’s bars and clubs.

Stay at:
RADISSON BLU 1919 HOTEL, REYKJAVIK, ICELAND

This historic hotel, housed in the former offices of Iceland’s first shipping company, constructed in 1919, is known for its elegant blend of historic architecture and sleek interiors. It is located next to the main shopping street, close to art galleries and museums. The striking décor includes designer furnishings and hardwood floors.

Or at:
RADISSON BLU SAGA HOTEL, REYKJAVIK, ICELAND

Take in stunning views of the city, sea or glaciers from all rooms at this true Icelandic landmark, situated in the heart of the city.

SKI AND WINTER SPORTS

NORWAY

Trysil is Norway’s largest Alpine resort, with 65 slopes. Favourite activities include alpine or cross country skiing, snowboarding, dog sledding and sleigh rides in 100-year-old horse-drawn sleighs with torches.

Stay at:
RADISSON BLU RESORT TRYSIL

Located in the heart of the ski resort area, the hotel provides ski in ski out access. After a hard day’s skiing, guests can thaw out at the hotel’s Water Adventure Complex, with several indoor swimming pools and Norway’s only indoor surfing wave. The exclusive spa and wellness centre is equipped with Aroma and Turkish steam baths, two Finnish saunas and nine treatment rooms.

Or:
PARK INN TRYSIL MOUNTAIN RESORT

Opening this December, the resort, which is minutes from the slopes, will comprise 369 rooms, suites and apartments with up to 3 bedrooms, making it the ideal destination for family or friends travelling together. Further services will include a restaurant, bar, wellness area, including indoor swimming pool, sauna and 12 treatment rooms.

With Olympic-quality facilities and guaranteed year-round snow with onsite snow-making facilities, Lillehammer in Norway, promises a unique ski experience. As well as dozens of green, blue and black runs, get an adrenalin kick when you race down the Olympic Luge Track at speeds of up to 80 km/hr at Hafjell Alpine Centre.

Stay at:
RADISSON BLU LILLEHAMMER HOTEL, NORWAY

Located just a few hundred metres from the Olympic Park, in an eight acre private park, the Radisson Blu Lillehammer Hotel offers over 300 well-appointed rooms and suites.

Located just 40 km from Fagernes Airport, Beitostolen provides skiers and snowboarders the opportunity to learn new skills within a safe and relaxed atmosphere. Daily family activities run throughout the winter season offering a break from the slopes. The centre of Beitostolen is located at the base of the slopes, next to the lifts, just a few metres away from the hotels and apartments, featuring a good selection of shops and restaurants.

Stay at:
RADISSON BLU RESORT BEITOSTOLEN

The Resort is situated 900m above sea level, surrounded by spectacular nature, but within walking distance of shops, restaurants, ski lifts and other attractions. Guests have access to the resort’s fitness centre with aerobic workout facilities and a Spa treatment and wellbeing centre. The hotel also has a 25-metre swimming pool, sauna, solarium and indoor tennis and squash hall. The hotel restaurant serves both international and local dishes à la carte and is known for its excellent smorgasbord.

FRANCE

Les Arcs has the reputation of being one of the original French “mega-resorts”. All of which have a convenient, large and varied network of pistes. The five areas are situated at an altitude spanning from 810 to 3225 metres, although the best skiing is to be found above 1200 metres. The ski area consists of 106 runs and 54 lifts.

Stay at:
RADISSON BLU RESORT, ARC 1950

An entirely pedestrian resort, this ski-in, ski-out residence is accessible via an underground car park. The resort offers one, two, three and four bedroom apartments, perfect for families or groups of ski buddies. The on-site Brasserie Le 1950 and its bar serve delicious French cuisine and cocktails in a distinctly Parisian brasserie atmosphere. Guests enjoy complimentary access to the residence’s heated outdoor swimming pools, fitness rooms, Jacuzzis, saunas and steam bath rooms.

RUSSIA

Dubbed the Switzerland of Russia, Sochi amazes visitors with dreamy, snow-capped mountains and warm sunny beaches during the winter months.
Spend one day racing down the challenging slopes in Krasnaya Polyana, which sees an average annual snow fall of 1.5 metres, thanks to its position high in the Caucasus Mountains, and the next lounging by the sea.

Other activities include snowboarding, helicopter skiing, paragliding, snow mobile rentals, and hot air balloon rides.

Stay at:
RADISSON LAZURNAYA HOTEL, SOCHI

Challenging skiing, snowboarding, mountain safaris and rafting are just an hour’s drive from the hotel. Guests have unlimited access to a Fitness Centre with indoor/outdoor swimming pool, saunas, Russian and Turkish baths, whirlpool, gym and massage facilities. Traditional Russian cuisine is available at the casual Russian Riviera restaurant or guests can opt for a spot of fine dining at the resort’s ‘Peter the Great’ restaurant.

Just 50km east of Sochi lies the brand new resort of Rosa Khutor. Spread over a 537 hectare Alpine location, the resort boasts 40 different ski runs and a ski school, as well as a variety of dining venues and retail outlets. Hosting the XXII Olympic Winter Games in 2014 this world class resort is not to be missed.

Stay at:
PARK INN BY RADISSON RESORT, ROSA KHUTOR

Situated just a few minutes’ walk from the gondola at the heart of the resort village, is the Park Inn Resort. Due to open in late 2011, this 200 room development is a young and vibrant addition to Rosa Khutor. As well as featuring an on-site restaurant, guests will have complimentary access to the leisure and meeting facilities of the nearby Radisson Resort, scheduled to open in 2012.

UKRAINE

Ukraine’s most modern ski resort, Bukovel, situated in the Carpathian Mountains offers dramatic views of snow-capped peaks and untouched nature. A wide range of slopes are available for skiers of all abilities, from Beginner to Black Diamond level. For the non-skiers there is the opportunity to experience hot springs and mineral waters, ideal for both recreational enjoyment and health benefit.

Stay at:
RADISSON BLU RESORT, BUKOVEL

Scheduled to open in the 2011/12 Winter season, the Radisson Blu Resort features 252 rooms, as well as a range of retail shops, restaurants, bars and for those who want to enjoy après ski to the full, a nightclub. For families with young children there is a kids club and games room facilities. Guests also have access to a spacious and well-equipped spa & wellness complex, featuring an indoor pool, steam room and sauna, fitness suite and treatment rooms, perfect for relaxing after a long day on the slopes.

SWEDEN

Exciting and trendy, Hammarby Sjostad is just five kilometres from Stockholm’s city centre. It has recently undergone major regeneration and provides one of the World’s highest profile examples of Sustainable City Development. Situated on the edge of a lake, the use of glass in the buildings allows for low impact, almost uninterrupted views of the scenery.

Stay at:
PARK INN STOCKHOLM HAMMARBY SJOSTAD

The ski slope is directly outside the hotel’s front door and shops and the Ericsson Globe event arena are a few minutes away. The hotel provides 178 bright, colourful guest rooms; a bar integrated into the lobby and reception, an RBG Bar & Grill and indoor parking facilities.

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 five-star resort hotel Kempinski Grand Hotel Gelendzhik is the third hotel managed by Kempinski Hotels in Russia, and the first on the Black Sea coast. Kempinski Grand Hotel Gelendzhik sits on the first line of the Black Sea coast, in Cape Tolstiy on Gelendzhik Bay. The eight-hectare site encompasses the hotel with 379 rooms, including seven bungalows, a private beach, indoor and outdoor pools, a multi-functional congress center, an amphitheatre for outdoor events, street level and underground parking, tennis courts and sports ground, spa center, aquatic center, three restaurants and a children’s playground.

The 379 rooms of the Kempinski Grand Hotel Gelendzhik include 30 suites. Each room is equipped with Wi-Fi, satellite and interactive TV, air conditioning and climate control, electronic safe for valuables and laptop storage, mini bar and orthopedic beds. The Presidential Suite provides 198 square meters of living and entertaining space, featuring a panoramic balcony, terrace and the benefit of a private entrance to the Gelendzhik presidential lounge, with a separate reception area.

For younger guests, the hotel has developed special program for children, run by trained childcare specialists who organize not only playtimes but also educational activities. A private beach of the hotel is equipped with sunbeds, separate entrance, as well as Mistral beach restaurant and bar offering a wide range of light snacks and drinks. Numerous restaurants and bars are always available to meet a whole variety of culinary tastes, including a children’s restaurant, beach restaurant, pool bar and round-the-clock lobby lounge. The main restaurant Riviera can accommodate up to 400 guests, and has an open-air summer terrace. A gourmet restaurant Fusion specializes in sophisticated European and Asian cuisine. At sundown guests like to gather in the Fusion wine bar, to enjoy a cocktail and marvel at the rays sinking into the sea on the horizon.

The conference facilities include 4,900 square meters of multi-functional space, and the congress center is the largest in Southern Russia. For smaller scale business events and meetings, the hotel boasts three multi-functional halls, laid out for business meetings from 15 to 50 participants.

Free access to Wi-Fi in public areas makes the list of services complete. The spa center of the Kempinski Grand Hotel Gelendzhik is 3,000 square meters and offers an indoor swimming pool, two outdoor swimming pools, phyto bar, beauty center and fitness center. For more information, visit www.kempinski.com

MyExcursions.com is offering an excursion for cruisers calling at the Black Sea port of Nessebar, Bulgaria, to visit a special exhibition called “The Ancient Gold Treasures of the Thracians” which is open through Aug. 31 in nearby Bourgas.

The itinerary starts with a walking tour of Nessebar, followed by a 40-minute drive to Bourgas, a visit to the Treasures exhibition, lunch in Burgas in the five-star Primoretz Hotel located in the Maritime Garden, and free time after lunch. The excursion begins with departure from the ship at 9:30 a.m., with return to Nessebar at 4:15 p.m.

Pricing is based on the number of guests in the party.

For more information, email info@myexcursions.com  or visit www.myexcursions.com

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Black Sea Treasures Cruises from Istanbul to Odessa and Odessa to Istanbul from only $3520 per person twin share visiting Ukraine, Bulgaria, Romania and Turkey.

Gateway Travel launches new summer Black Sea Cruises into their product range. The 8 day/7 night cruises operate from July to September aboard the Megayacht Pegasus.

Prices include accommodation in a double or twin cabin; full board; filter coffee; tea & water all day; use of fishing equipment; English speaking cruise escort and VAT. Port taxes of Aud 378 per person are additional.

Contact Gateway Travel on (02) 9748-3333 or www.gatewaytravel.com.au  for the full itinerary and price details.

Mystery novelist Mary Higgins Clark will sail aboard Crystal Cruises’ “Beyond the Bosporous” sailing from Venice to Istanbul departing on Sept. 7.

Clark’s books have sold over 100 million copies in the U.S. alone, with her most recent, “I’ll Walk Alone,” being published just this past April.

She will make presentations onboard Crystal Serenity on how she writes her books, from conception to publication, and will participate in a Q&A session.

Additional calls during the 12-day Black Sea/Mediterranean voyage include Katakolon and Navplion, Greece; Constanta, Romania; Odessa and Yalta, Ukraine; and Trabzon, Turkey (a maiden call). Per person, two-for-one fares start at $7,485, with savings on verandah and penthouse staterooms as part of Crystal’s big fall fare sale. All bookings include free air transportation from 24 North American gateway cities, and $2,000 per couple shipboard credit.