Jetsettersblog

Emirates Business Rewards, the airline’s loyalty program for small and medium enterprises (SME), will offer its customers double reward miles throughout March, highlighting the airlines commitment to supporting SMEs.

For every dollar spent on travel with Emirates and booked via Business Rewards in February and March, the company will be awarded four Business Reward miles, rather then the standard two.

These miles can be redeemed for free flights on Emirates services worldwide, including any of the four U.S. gateways –

New York (JFK), Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO) and Houston (IAH).

This offer is available to all new and existing Business Rewards members globally. SMEs remain one of the greatest contributors to the UAE’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), with the UAE Ministry of Economy recently announcing it will be investing in the development of SMEs across the emirates this coming year.

For more information, visit the banner at right.

SAILING IN GREECE WITH SUNVIL

Learn-to-Sail, Flotilla, Bareboat, Villa-Flotilla

Sunvil Sailing run yachting holidays off Lefkas island in the Greek Ionian Sea with a choice of accommodation either on board the boat or shore-based in a hotel, villa or apartment. They specialise in learn-to-sail weeks with certification but also offer flotilla, bareboat charter, individually tailored villa-flotilla packages and day boat hire.

The Greek sailing holidays run from early May to end October; holidaymakers can charter their own yacht with or without tuition, while singles, couples and parties too small to skipper their own boat can take advantage of Sunvil’s share-a-yacht weeks. New this year will be tuition yachts for single parents plus their children.

Learn-to-Sail Weeks

Sunvil’s learn-to-sail holidays in the Greek Ionian Sea are suitable for the complete novice as well as those with a little sailing experience or whose knowledge has lapsed; courses cater for singles, couples, groups of friends and families with youngsters from nine years upwards (under 16s need to be accompanied by an adult).

Accommodation is either live-aboard or shore-based while the superb coastal scenery, warm sheltered waters and favourable wind conditions provide a safe and pleasant location in which to learn new boating skills.

Tuition follows an internationally recognised syllabus; novices will aim for the Crew Certificate (for 12 years and over), while the more advanced can work towards a Skipper Certificate qualifying them for non-tidal coastal waters (for 16 years and over). Youngsters between 9 and 12 years can gain an Introduction to Yachting Certificate.

Live-Aboard Packages: For those choosing to live-aboard, the tuition yachts form the lead boats in a small flotilla, which departs from Sunvil’s base at Nidri.

Holidaymakers share their yacht with the instructor as it cruises around the stunning coastal islands; itineraries vary taking in islands such as Ithaca, Kephalonia, Kastos, Kalomos and Meganissi. Days are spent literally learning the ropes along with boating and navigational skills, while the flotilla moors up at a different harbour every evening for a relaxing and social dinner ashore in a local restaurant.

Six and eight berth yachts are used for the learn-to-sail programmes with between four and six students to one instructor.

Prices start from £717 per person per week based on two sharing a cabin to include return flights from London Gatwick to Prevesa, transfers, live-aboard accommodation and tuition.

There is a single cabin supplement from £100pppw and a £70 on-site contribution towards the on-board kitty to cover a welcome starter pack with some light refreshments and expenses such as yacht damage waiver, fuel, mooring fees, certification, etc. This rises to £110 for a two-week cruise.

Shore-Based Yacht Training Courses: First time sailors, families and groups where not everybody wishes to learn-to-sail or those who simply prefer the extra comforts of hotel, villa or apartment, can take the shore-based accommodation option.

They can then book as many two-day sailing modules as they wish with instruction. On non-sailing days guests can simply relax by the pool, try some watersports, go horse riding or hire a car and drive along the coast or explore inland.

One week’s stay at the Hotel Armonia in Nidri, B&B for two sharing a sea view room is priced from £549pp to include flights from London Gatwick and transfers in Greece. The learn-to-sail is additional – guests can buy the two-day course modules at £110 each based on a minimum of two people per yacht, plus £20pp on-site to cover certification, log-books and yacht fuel.

Other Options

In addition, Sunvil Sailing offer flotilla holidays in Greece for those with relevant qualifications to charter their own yacht. By trying to keep to around eight boats, the flotilla can moor overnight at some of the smaller, more attractive ports and form a sociable group for dinner at a local taverna or hotel. Prices start from £559pppw dependent on the size of yacht, number in the party and time of year plus an on-site contribution to cover yacht damage waiver, port documentation, etc.

They also have a limited number of yachts from 27 to 46ft available for bareboat charter for qualified/experienced sailors to sail independently outside the normal flotilla area.

Other options include skippered charter for holidaymakers wishing to relax just occasionally lending a hand when necessary, and day boat hire for shore-based holidaymakers.

Sunvil Sailing can also put together custom made packages with variations for individuals, couples or small groups to provide the perfect combination of live-aboard sailing, tuition and shore-based accommodation to suit all levels from experienced skippers to complete novices.

Sample Packages: A fortnight’s holiday for two with the first week on a shared tuition yacht and the second aboard their own 30ft boat as part of a flotilla would start from £950pp.

And a family or party of four with the first week on their own tuition yacht and the second in a two-bedroom self-catering apartment at the Hotel Armonia, Nidri would be from £790pp.

Malta, Turkey and Croatia Bareboat and Skippered Charter

This year Sunvil Sailing is offering bareboat and skippered charter in Turkey, Croatia and Malta from April to November. A vast selection of monohull and multihull craft are available to suit and can be packaged with flights and transfers; individual quotations on request.

The Maltese programme will operate from the Manoel Island Marina at Gzira while in Turkey the yachts are based at the modern marina at Yalikavak on the scenic coast around 10 miles from Bodrum and just 23 miles from the airport. Holidaymakers chartering a yacht in Turkey will also be able to cruise the long chain of picturesque Greek Dodecanese islands which hug the coastline. In Croatia they sail from the village of Kastela, which is about 15 minutes transfer from Split airport on the Central Dalmatian Coast. There is also the option of a second week in a hotel at all three destinations.

For further details contact Sunvil Sailing on Telephone: 0208 758 4780, email sailing@sunvil.co.uk  or visit www.sunvilsailing.co.uk

Picasso Tours & Cruises is offering a three-night Aegean Legends cruise from Athens via Louis Cruises.

With departures every Friday from March 26 through Nov. 5, 2010, the cruise visits Turkey and a number of Greek Isles, including Mykonos, Ephesus, Patmos, Crete and Santorini, before returning to Athens.

Fares start at $320 per person, double, plus port charges, and $480 for single.

Children ages 2 to 16 sharing a cabin with two full-paying adults pay only port charges, with a maximum of two children per cabin.

The cruise is aboard the 525-cabin Aquamarine or the 395-cabin Aegean Pearl. Onboard amenities include an entertainment lounge, a beauty salon, a swimming pool, a children’s club, a fitness center, a casino and an Internet corner.

For more information, call 800-995-7997 (Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific Time), or visit www.picassotours.com

Central Holidays is offering packages featuring tickets to the Formula 1 Grand Prix that takes place on May 30 in Istanbul, Turkey.

Central Holidays’ Formula 1 Race packages are being offered for both four-day/three-night or six-day/five-night options, with starting rates from $779 and $1,369, respectively.

Package pricing includes general admission to Istanbul’s Formula 1 Grand Prix (including roundtrip circuit transfers), roundtrip airport transfers, hotel stays including taxes, breakfast daily, one full-day Istanbul tour including lunch, a souvenir and document holders.

Participants on the six-day adventure will receive three days of general admission tickets to the race, while the four-day package includes general admission for one day.

Seat upgrades are available for an extra cost – ranging from Bronze level for $75 up to the exclusive Platinum level for $459. Set arrival and departure dates are May 26 thru May 31 for the six-day package, and May 28 thru May 31 for the four-day package.

Upon arrival in Istanbul, clients will take a full-day tour led by a professional Central Holidays tour guide of historic sites, including the Topkapi Palace in the Old City, the Hippodrome where the ancient chariot races once took place, the Grand Bazaar where the art of bargaining still thrives as well as the magnificent Blue Mosque and St. Sophia Museum.

A traditional Turkish folklore evening will conclude the day, as guests prepare to hit the tracks for the high-speed Istanbul F1 Grand Prix on May 30.

Central Holidays’ Formula 1 Race Package prices are per person double occupancy — and extra nights and hotel upgrades are available upon request.

Early booking discounts of $50 per person for three and four star hotel categories and $100 per person for the five-star hotel categories will be offered for bookings made through April 14.

For more information, call 800-935-5000 or visit www.centralholidays.com

Searching for the perfect family holiday has just got easier with the recently launched holiday rental portal – www.pureholidayhomes.com

Created by PURE Holdings, the parent company of PURE International Property Ltd and PURE Destinations, pureholidayhomes.com is capitalising on the growing trend for holidaymakers to choose self-catering properties over traditional hotels and resorts as they seek better value, more flexibility and greater choice.

Families will also benefit from having greater space, the freedom to do what they want when they want and a chance to fully immerse themselves in the local life and experiences.

pureholidayhomes.com offers fast, efficient and user-friendly ways to search and book that perfect holiday rental. Holidaymakers deal direct with owners so there are no hidden costs or fees. The website currently features over 4,000 unique properties, state-of-the-art search functions, and opportunities for last minute deals as well as fantastic early bird savings.

Easter Holidays

Celebrate Easter the Spanish way and join colourful “Semana Santa” processions and extravagant fiestas in Malaga.

The processional floats are renowned for their size, some requiring up to 200 “costaleros” to carry them.

Stay in a beautiful four bedroom rural home which is available for £825 per week based on 8 people sharing (£103 per person per week). This house is a perfect base from which to enjoy the Easter celebrations and explore the outstanding beauty of the Sierra Tejada National Park, coastal towns and local villages.

Families looking for an active break can venture further afield and enjoy awesome surf on Glen Beach in South Africa.

Located only 15 minutes drive from Cape Town, it offers seclusion and a more exclusive vibe than neighbouring Camps Bay. Glen Beach Villa sits just above the beach and offers spectacular vistas of the 12 Apostles mountain range and the ocean. Available from £510 per week based on 6 people sharing (£85 per person per week), this contemporary three bedroom house is only a short walk from local restaurants, theatre and convenience shopping.

Those staying close to home must not miss the annual Easter Egg Challenge at Blenheim Palace, which takes the little ones on an exciting Easter egg hunt in the beautiful Pleasure Gardens.

A tastefully converted stable, Aintree Cottage in Bruern, Chipping Norton, is ideally located to enjoy the Easter celebrations at Blenheim and many activities in the surrounding Cotswolds, such as walking and horse riding.

The cottage is available from £500 per week based on 6 sharing (£83 per person per week).

Non-Eurozone destinations are popular with holidaymakers this year as they seek better value for money. Bulgaria is known for its unspoilt and empty beaches, and there are still many parts of the country to be discovered.

Bansko is one of the most developed ski and winter resorts in Eastern Europe and its proximity to Pirin National Park (a UNESCO site), pine woods and lakes makes it also an ideal spot for summer holidays. Families can enjoy the Bansko Jazz Festival which is the most prestigious music festival in the country. Amazingly, prices for mountain chalets and apartments start from as little as £100 per week.

Turkey’s Aegean shores are home to vast and pristine beaches, idyllic fishing villages and ancient ruins.

There is something for everyone – sun lovers, culture enthusiasts, as well as the more active types.

From £105 per week for a city apartment to £1,500 per week for a stunning villa for 10 people, there is a home to suit every taste and budget.

Families looking for unspoilt and rustic Italy should look no further than Puglia.

The area combines all the charm, beauty and history of Italian culture with incredible food and wine.

Families can stay in a “trullo”, a traditional stone dwelling with a conical roof.

Available from £1,200 per week, Trullo Cattevodda has been painstakingly restored to provide an idyllic setting for an unforgettable Puglian holiday for a family of four.

For more holiday homes around the world please visit

www.pureholidayhomes.com

As another year draws to a close, Cox & Kings reveals its predictions for the travel hotspots of 2010.

BEIRUT

Following Foreign Office advice against travel to Lebanon issued in 2006, the country was off limits for nearly three years. Since the advice was lifted in January 2009, there has been a surge in demand for trips to Lebanon, which only looks set to increase.

A year on, with the recent opening of Le Gray hotel and imminent launch of the Four Seasons brand, Beirut is really marketing itself as a chic city break destination.

Cox & Kings offers four night breaks at Le Gray from £1,095 per person including flights with bmi, accommodation with breakfast, and private transfers.

INDIA ON RAILS

Tipped to be the most luxurious train in the world, the Maharajas’ Express will be launched on 16th January 2010 in Mumbai.

The super-luxurious train will accommodate up to 84 passengers in four categories of suite and will operate four pan-Indian itineraries: from Mumbai to Delhi, from Delhi to Calcutta and both journeys in reverse.

An 11-night itinerary combining six nights onboard the Maharajas’ Express, travelling from Delhi to Calcutta, plus three nights’ B&B in Delhi and two in Calcutta, costs from £4,795 per person. All meals on board the train, flights, transfers and excursions are included.

*** Limited Offer: Buy One BA Club World Upgrade, Get One Half Price***

Cox & Kings is offering anyone that travels on the Maharajas’ Express before the end of April an exclusive Buy One Get One Half Price offer on Club World upgrades, saving £672.50 per couple. Subject to availability.

ABU DHABI

As the glitter of Dubai appears to fade before our eyes, Abu Dhabi is stepping out from its shadows as the city to watch in the United Arab Emirates. With a sparkling new Formula One track and Ferrari World set to open in 2010, plus plans in motion for a Guggenheim, Louvre and a new National Museum, set to on Saadiyat Island in 2012, it’s all happening in Abu Dhabi.

Cox & Kings offers five nights at the iconic Kempinski Emirates Palace from £1,395 per person, including flights with Etihad, transfers and accommodation with breakfast. Five night breaks at the 5 star Beach Rotana cost from £925.

CHOBE CRUISE

This luxurious new river cruiser on the Chobe River has introduced a whole new safari experience to Botswana and Zambia. Billed as a ‘luxury houseboat safari’, the Zambezi Queen cruises along the Chobe River through the Chobe National Park, which is home to 120,000 elephants and 400 species of bird.

The 45-metre boat features just 14 suites and master suites, all with private balconies and full-length sliding shutters.

There’s an open-plan lounge with a fireplace, an astronomical telescope and a stylish bar area.

The top deck features a swimming pool, sunbathing area and shaded seating area, where guests can also have manicures, pedicures and massages.

Cox & Kings offers two and three night cruises on the Zambezi Queen. A five night tailor-made trip that combines a three night cruise on the Zambezi Queen (fully inclusive of meals and all activities) with two nights’ B&B at the Royal Livingstone, on edge of the Victoria Falls in Zambia, costs from £3,295 per person including flights with British Airways and private transfers.

SOUTH AFRICA

With the World Cup looming, all eyes are on South Africa for 2010. New hotels, spas and sports venues are springing up country-wide, and the country’s palpable energy and excitement make it a great time to visit. Combine the sights of Cape Town and the Garden Route with a safari and a visit to some of the impressive new stadiums and event venues in a comprehensive tailor-made trip.

Cox & Kings organises group tours, private journeys and tailor-made holidays in South Africa. A seven-night self-drive Taste of South Africa costs from £1,745 per person.

ISTANBUL

Cox & Kings offers short breaks in Istanbul and holidays throughout Turkey. A three-night break at the Avicenna Hotel, in the heart of the Sultanahmet area of Istanbul, costs from £375 per person including flights and transfers.

NARA, JAPAN

Japan’s ancient capital, Nara, will be celebrating its 1300th anniversary in 2010. 12 – 15 million people are expected to attend the series of events that will be held throughout the prefecture.

There will be special exhibitions displaying national treasures and rarely-seen objects; organised walks that will explore famous sites of Nara; special lectures at some of Nara’s temples, and regional events in towns and villages in the area.

The ambition is that the entire prefecture will be turned into a giant historical gallery for the celebrations.

The eight-night Essential Japan private journey takes in the main sites of Japan using the country’s superb public transport network. See Tokyo, Nikko, Hakone National Park, Kyoto, Nara and Hiroshima. From £2,995 per person.

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

2010 will see the return of the Great Australian Cattle Drive to South Australia. In 2002, a series of events and festivities was organised to mark Australia’s ‘Year of the Outback’, including a recreation of the legendary cattle drives.

The 2010 programme is set to be the biggest yet, comprising six 4 night / 5 day droving itineraries that have been especially developed to recreate the romance and history of cattle droving. During the five-day experience, visitors will travel on horseback through diverse landscapes, droving herds of cattle around 15 kilometres each day. Get to know the drover and farrier teams and learn about this fascinating part of Australian culture.

The cost of the five-day Cattle Drive experience is £1,595 per person, including superior tented accommodation, horse riding, equipment and meals. Flights are not included.

CUBA

Cox & Kings predicts a surge in Cuba bookings over the next few months in anticipation of the relaxation of current US immigration laws, following promises by President Obama.

Cox & Kings’ Latin America Product Manager, Vessela Baleva, says:

“Cuba has such a unique and distinctive culture and vibe, and now is a great time to go and experience the country while this remains. President Obama sees improving relations with Cuba as a big priority, and Cuba is bound to make changes to better suit the mass American tourist market once it arrives.”

The ten-night Cuban Discovery private journey takes in the colonial cities of Havana and Trinidad, the rolling countryside of tobacco and coffee plantations, and the historical sites of the Revolution, and costs from £1,795 per person. It is also possible to extend your visit with a few nights on the sandy beach of Cayo Santa Maria.

BRASILIA

Brasilia, Brazil’s little known capital, turns 50 in 2010.

This purpose-built city is famous for its strikingly modern layout and architecture and was awarded UNESCO World Heritage status in 1987 – just 27 years after its creation – in appreciation of its creative cityscape.

The capital, which now has renowned restaurant and arts scenes, has a number of celebrations planned for 2010.

Combine a visit to Brasilia with a stay in Rio which, having gained the Olympic Games for 2012, is buzzing even more than usual.

Cox & Kings can tailor-make a tour of Brazil that includes Brasilia.

For more information, please contact a Latin America expert on 020 7873 5000.

Asia-Transpacific Journeys is adding Turkey to its roster of exotic itineraries with programs blending tradition with luxury travel. Marilyn Downing Staff, CEO of Asia Transpacific Journeys, said that tour leadership by experts in Turkish cultures makes for an insightful experience and luxurious yet culturally authentic accommodations have recently opened in Turkey, making it easier to access far-flung areas of the country.

“On our Small Group Trip, Turkey—Outer Edge of Asia we visit Turkey’s iconic sights, then seek out special performances, explore underground monasteries, and meet with locals at a pottery studio and a family-run vineyard. It’s this kind of in-depth interpretation that sets our tours to Turkey apart,” she says.

The journey features three UNESCO World Heritage sites; a cruise along the Bosporus from Europe and Asia; the carved rock formations of Cappadocia; a mystical Whirling Dervish performance in a 13th century fortress; a visit to some of the 4,000 shops that make up Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar; and Greco-Roman ruins that were visited by Alexander the Great, Cleopatra, Julius Caesar and St. Paul

The per-person cost for 14 days is $8,195 (exclusive of international air) and includes most meals, and medical and evacuation insurance.

Departures are scheduled for May 4, 2010 and Sept. 21, 2010.

This journey can also be arranged on a private basis around a traveler’s dates for just friends or family. A private Custom Journey to Turkey can also be created from scratch to emphasize a traveler’s particular interests and timeframe.

For more information, visit www.AsiaTranspacific.com

Due to strong demand, Crystal Cruises has expanded its 2010 European cruise collection to include two Black Sea voyages this summer.

The two new itineraries feature a maiden visit to Sevastopol, Ukraine, as well as calls in Greece, Italy, Bulgaria and Turkey.

The 12-day cruises sail from Venice to Istanbul on July 19 and Aug. 24 aboard the Crystal Serenity.

Beginning with overnight stays in Venice, the itineraries visit Katakolon (birthplace of the Olympics) and Navplion, Greece;

Nesebur, Bulgaria; Yalta, Sevastopol and Odessa, Ukraine; and conclude with an overnight stay in Istanbul, Turkey.

Other highlights include the sail from Venice, the cruise through the Dardanelles and the Bosporus Straits.

Speakers include Newsweek’s Chief Political Correspondent Howard Fineman;

Dr. David Davenport, research fellow at the Hoover Institution at Stanford University;

and Dr. Bulent Atalay, an expert on art, archaeology and the sciences.

Two-for-one cruise fares start at $6,470 per person, and include $1,000-per-person shipboard credits.

Free air transportation from more than 20 North American gateways — business-class air for Penthouse guests — is also included.

Key Tours is offering its 15-day Glories of Turkey deluxe escorted tour from $1,599 air included from New York.

The escorted tour visits Istanbul, Troy, Pergamum, Ephesus, Kusadasi, Pamukkale, Antalya, Aspendos, Konya, Cappadocia and Ankara.

The price includes international roundtrip airfare from New York, accommodations at best available Deluxe Class hotels, daily breakfast, 11 dinners, arrival and departure transfers, extensive sightseeing with entrance fees, deluxe air-conditioned motor coach with emergency washroom on board, and professional tour director throughout the tour.

Key Tours is offering its nine-day Wonders of Egypt deluxe tour from $1,999 air included from New York.

Visit Cairo with Pyramids, Sphinx and Egyptian Museum;

and sail the Nile Cruise and enjoy visits to Temples of Luxor and Karnak, Valley of the Kings and other ancient cities on the Nile like Edfu and Kom Ombu.

Price includes three nights in Cairo at the five-star Ramses Hilton with breakfast daily; and four nights on Deluxe Nile Cruise with all meals on board, transfers, extensive sightseeing and shore excursions.

Book one of these tours and pay in full by Feb. 26 and save $100 per person.

Add-on airfares available on request from major gateways.

For more information, call 800-576-1784 or visit www.keytours.com

Marking its 20th year as a premier boutique tour operator, FLO USA will return to Turkey from March 17 to 31, for Turkish Delights, a 15-day/13-night all-inclusive itinerary exploring the country’s history and cultural traditions.

One of FLO USA’s 11 escorted tours in Turkey, the Turkish Delights tour departs Istanbul on March 17 and is priced $1,299 per person (50 percent off the regular $2,600 per person rate.)

The rate includes all accommodations, most meals, entrance fees to museums and other attractions, land transportation, and travel insurance. Gratuities are additional.

On the Turkish Delights tour, guests will overnight in a thermal hotel in Pamukkale and beach hotels in Antalya and Kusadasi, among other well-chosen accommodations.

“We believe that luxury travelers will always look to experts to provide “insider” connections and experiences,” said Cengiz Aras, president of FLO USA.

To that end, the company’s 24 tours in 2010 are led by “experienced travelers, learned historians and culture buffs whose expertise, humor and sense of adventure set them apart,” Aras said.

Highlights of the tour include visits to the ancient Roman cities of Ephesus, Troy and Pergaumum, as well as the painted cave-churches of Cappadocia and the capital city of Ankara.

For more information, call 888-435-6872 or visit www.flo-usa.com

Read the Jetsetters Magazine feature about Flo Turkey Tours.