Jetsettersblog

Copper Canyon Summer Discounts

Canyon Travel
TEL: 800-843-1060
copper@canyontravel.com
www.canyontravel.com

BULVERDE, TX— The mysterious canyons of NW Mexico’s Sierra Madre run deep. This summer, so do the discounts on Copper Canyon tours hosted by Canyon Travel. The region’s most respected and experienced tour operator recently announced savings starting at $100 dollars up to $500 dollars per person! The deals, available May-September vary based on the itinerary and length of stay.

Just 300 miles south of the Texas border, the amazing canyon system spans 25,000 square miles occupying four times the space filed by the Grand Canyon in the United States. Development is minimal and traversing the steep terrain can be tricky, so travelers are advised to explore the canyons under the direction of guides with local experience and knowledge. Leading intrepid travelers into the bottomless canyons for more than four decades, it’s difficult to find an operator more familiar with the canyons and its’ native people than Canyon Travel owner, Emilio Kifuri. With his passion for the region and dedication to practicing ethical, eco-tourism, Canyon Travel enjoys a relationship built on trust with the Tarahumaran Indians often resulting in his guests being granted exclusive access to the most remote canyon areas untouched by mass tourism.

After a day exploring the less traveled trails of this magnificent eco-system, only Canyon Travel guest’s retreat to private lodges built to take advantage of the canyon’s most breathtaking views. Each room has a private bath outfitted with plush terry robes. Guests are served tasty regional cuisine on fine linens and often dine by candlelight followed by a bonfire or performance by regional musicians.

In addition to hiking and biking adventures, Canyon Travel offers customized tours based on their traveler’s special interests. Trips can be arranged to focus on birding, botany, or history and archaeology. Naturalist guides trained by field scientists lead guests on a fascinating journey of discovery to one of the most biologically diverse places on earth.

Canyon Travel tours are priced regularly from $899, per person based on double occupancy, and range in length of seven to 12-days. With discounts available for up to $500 dollars per person, this summer the wonders of Copper Canyon are within everyone’s reach.

New Greenwich Wheel 21 Jun - 28 Sep

NEW MARITIME GREENWICH OBSERVATION WHEEL

For the first time this summer there will be a new addition to the landscape of Greenwich – an Observation Wheel that stands taller than Nelson’s Column! At 180ft (55m) from the ground visitors will take in panoramic views beyond St Paul’s Cathedral and the Tower of London to the west, across the river and past Canary Wharf to the heights of Hampstead Heath, and east to the Olympic site in the Lea Valley. In the foreground, the Maritime Greenwich World Heritage Site will be laid out in a rare perspective.

The wheel will be situated within the grounds of the Old Royal Naval College in front of the Pepy’s Building Visitor Centre and will be open to the public from Saturday 21 June to Sunday 28 September.

Forty gondolas will each carry a maximum of six people taking 12-15 minutes to complete a rotation. One gondola has disabled access, all children must be accompanied by an adult and light refreshments will be available near the wheel.

Ticket prices per session are £7 per adult and £4.50 for children under 16; a private gondola is £30 or, for that special experience, a champagne gondola can be booked on request. It will be open seven days a week from 10am until 10pm. Tickets will be available at the wheel, subject to availability, (last tickets 9.30pm) or can be booked in advance online at www.greenwichwheel.com (from 1st May). The Greenwich Wheel is operated by PWR Events and supported by Regatta outdoor clothing.

The wheel is a new attraction for Greenwich helping to boost the profile of the World Heritage Site and enhance the visitor experience at a time when the Cutty Sark remains closed for restoration, and Greenwich pier is under reconstruction. It is one of many events happening at the Old Royal Naval College this summer; visitors to the college will also be able to see the free entry Painted Hall and Chapel, or take a guided tour; for more information visit www.oldroyalnavalcollege.org.

Other Greenwich attractions welcoming visitors include the National Maritime Museum; Queen’s House; Royal Observatory and Peter Harrison Planetarium in the Royal Park; Fan Museum; Wernher Collection at the Ranger’s House and St Alfege Church. The vibrant Greenwich Market will also be open Wednesday to Sunday with a new food market on Wednesdays, while the World Heritage Site has some of south east London’s best pubs, restaurants and evening entertainment; a perfect place to enjoy a bite to eat and then go on to experience some brilliant theatre, exhilarating dance or live music.

With so much to see and do within the Maritime Greenwich, it deserves more than just a day trip. Visitors can stay in the heart of the World Heritage Site at Devonport House or Novotel London Greenwich, both graded four star, or a quality B&B, perfectly placed to explore the many attractions and eateries on their doorstep.
For details about travel to Greenwich, other events, places to visit and accommodation suggestions log onto www.greenwichwhs.org.uk  or telephone the Greenwich Tourist Information Centre on 0870 608 2000.

Travelling to Maritime Greenwich in 2008

Maritime Greenwich is easily reached by mainline train from London Bridge to Greenwich or via the Docklands Light Railway alighting at Cutty Sark. Alternatively there are several bus services coming through Greenwich or visitors can arrive by passenger boat at Greenwich Pier.

Docklands Light Railway (DLR) is currently carrying out improvements to the line which will allow great capacity on the trains. There will be some closures over the next few months affecting the journey to Cutty Sark station for Maritime Greenwich. In addition both Cutty Sark and Greenwich DLR stations will be closed over four weekends during July and August.

South Eastern Trains provide alternative overground services into Greenwich station from London Bridge, or visitors can take a river cruise from a choice of piers and disembark at Greenwich.

Passengers are advised to check before travelling either by calling DLR customer services on 020 7363 9700 or online at www.dlr.co.uk where the journey planner might also be of assistance.

Greenwich Pier is also under redevelopment with a new landing stage, restaurants and café which will create a stylish, new waterside environment scheduled to open summer 2009. The Pier remains open throughout its redevelopment period.

Swiss Mountain Peaks Rail Tour

Head to Switzerland this Spring Bank Holiday – taking in mountain peaks, cities and lakes – on a three-night break, courtesy of the Switzerland Travel Centre.

Highlights of this whistle-stop ‘Swiss Mountain Peaks’ rail tour include a panoramic excursion on the Schilthorn/Piz Gloria – the Alp’s longest aerial cableway - a trip to the awe-inspiring glaciers at Mount Titlis and a spectacular ice flyer chairlift ride at its peak.

There’s also sightseeing and shopping in Lucerne and Zurich.

Departing daily between 23–29 May, the twin share price of £416 per person includes return flights from Heathrow, train transfers, excursions and three-star hotel accommodation with breakfast in Interlaken, Engelberg and Zurich. Fights are also available from a choice of regional airports, supplements may apply. 0207 420 4900, www.stc.co.uk

Hot Summer Offers in Latin America

Despite the credit crunch woes, there seems to be no sign of a drop in demand for exotic holidays this summer. And Latin America is no exception, with Journey Latin America’s best-selling holiday being its 18-night “Luxury Peru” tour. But we do seem to be booking later and all still love a bargain. Read on for Summer Offers and Late Space to Latin America - from boutique boltholes near Rio, or “women-only” cruises in the Galapagos, to classic highlights tours to Panama, Cuba and Peru.

* BEACH BLISS

1) Pousada Picinguaba, Costa Verde - BRAZIL
- Offer: SAVE £286 on a 6-night stay. Valid for travel 01 May – 31 July.
- Price: 6 nights from £709 per person + flights

A beautiful pousada located on a hill overlooking the tranquil fishing village of Picinguaba, four hours’ drive south west of Rio. A peaceful hideaway with 10 tastefully-decorated rooms, nice gardens with a pool and great views of the bay and surrounding Mata Atlantica coastal rainforest. Discover empty beaches and jungle waterfalls; take a boat trip to nearby islands or visit the colonial town of Paratí. The Paratí Literary Festival runs from 02 - 06 July.

2) EL Careyes, Manzanillo – MEXICO

- Offer: Stay 7 nights and pay for 6 (SAVE £197). Plus, enjoy a 20% discount at the restaurant, 10% off spa treatments and a free kayak and horse riding tour. Valid for travel in May.
- Price: 7 nights from £692 pp + flights.

This exclusive retreat is located on a relatively undeveloped stretch of Mexico’s beautiful Pacific coast; surrounded by cliffs, lush tropical vegetation and mountains. The 51 luxurious rooms are spacious and light, with suites having private balconies, Jacuzzi or plunge pool. Facilities include a pool, fitness centre, tennis court and an array of water sports. Combine a stay here with a visit to the colonial “silver” cities or the fascinating capital, Mexico City.

* INDIANA ADVENTURES

3) Coppola lodges, Mayan temples & Caribbean – GUATEMALA & BELIZE
- Offer: Book 8 nights at Coppola lodges and pay for 7 (SAVE £175). Plus, receive 1 free massage and a bottle of Sofia Coppola sparkling wine. Valid for travel from 01 Jun – 30 Nov.
- Price: 11-night itinerary from £1230 pp + flights.

With less than a month until the much-anticipated release of “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull” (May 22); where better to head, for anyone looking to recreate their own Indiana adventures, than the lost Maya temples of Guatemala and Belize. And you can now do it style, exploring the rainforest-clad temples by day and staying in the comfort of luxury jungle lodges by night - owned by legendary film director, Francis Ford Coppola. Start your trip in the colonial town of Antigua, and end it in laid-back Placencia, on the Caribbean.

* WILDLIFE WONDERS

4) Pousada Aguapé, Iberá wetlands – ARGENTINA

- Offer: Save 20% on all bookings made before July (SAVE £116 for a 3-night stay).
- Price: 3 nights from £349 pp + flights.

Argentina’s answer to Brazil’s famous Pantanal, the Esteros del Iberá wetlands are located in the country’s north-east corner. The region is absolutely teeming with wildlife and yet it still remains amazingly undiscovered by foreign visitors. Head off on foot, horseback or by boat in search of caiman, capybaras, deer, monkeys and hundreds of species of birds. The ranch-style lodge offers simple accommodation, a pool and a good range of activities. Combine a stay here with the awesome Iguazú Falls, or visit to the ruined Jesuit Missions in the area.

* WOMEN ONLY

5) Galápagos “Women only” cruise – ECUADOR

- Summer departure: 24 August (7 nights) onboard the MV Letty, Eric or Flamingo.
- Price: 7-night cruise from £1742 pp + international flights (includes flights from Quito). No single supplement for those willing to share with other single.

The MVs Letty, Eric and Flamingo are compact yachts which offer comfortable cruising at the top of the “tourist-class” range. Each boat has 10 outside cabins distributed over 3 decks; contemporary interiors with polished teak features; a spacious sundeck and an excellent range of activities – from “onland” nature walks with guides, to snorkelling with sealions and rays off the boat. There are nine crew and two naturalist guides.

* CLASSIC TOURS

6) Inca heritage, Peru highlights in style – PERU

- Summer departures: 27 July and 03 August.

 7) Rivers, rainforest & volcanoes – COSTA RICA & PANAMA

- Summer departures: 25 July and 22 August. - Price: from £2543 pp including all flights.

Cross from the Pacific to the Caribbean with a full-day transit of the incredible Panama Canal. Discover fairyland cloudforest and hummingbirds in Monteverde. Explore the wildlife-rich jungle creeks of Tortuguero; relax in hot springs under the smoking cone of Arenal volcano.

* ORIGINAL ADVENTURES

The Real Cuba, beyond the beach – CUBA

- Summer departure: 27 July.
- Price: 19 nights from £1098 pp + flights.

See the “real Cuba”, staying in and eating at local family homes. Travel from one end of the island to the other, with highlights including colonial Havana and Trinidad; revolution sites in Santa Clara; walking in the Sierra Maestra and exploring jungle rivers and hills near Baracoa.

Note - special offers are only valid for 2008 travel dates as stated. Cost savings are quoted as a total discount per room. Prices are based on double occupancy and do not include international flights (unless stated otherwise). Inclusive prices with flights can be provided.

Gap Adventures 20% off

The Ghan Platinum rail luxury

Great Southern Rail announced today (21 April) that a new deluxe ‘Platinum Service’ will be launched on The Ghan service departing Adelaide for Darwin on 10 September 2008. Ticket sales will open on Monday, 5 May 2008.

Platinum Service introduces a new spacious deluxe cabin with a level of appointment that matches the best train cabins in the world. This is complemented by a new standard of service that reflects a deluxe hotel.

Platinum Service will be very exclusive, with a total of 25 cabins in 5 carriages that accommodate up to 50 guests. This service will be available once a week on The Ghan from Adelaide to Darwin and once a week on The Ghan from Darwin to Adelaide.

Tony Braxton-Smith, Chief Executive Officer said, “We are very excited to be launching our new Platinum Service. This will deliver a truly world-class standard of luxury train travel on The Ghan, enhancing its reputation as one of the world’s great train journeys”.

“Almost twice the size of the Gold Service cabins, the new Platinum cabin has been designed to a brief that called for all of the modern comforts in classic style with a distinctly Australian character. To complement this, we have also created a number of deluxe touches to the service, such as twenty-four hour in-cabin steward service”.

“Platinum Service has been designed to meet the needs of the discerning traveler looking for the ultimate level of comfort and sophistication as they take one of the world’s great train journeys through the heart of Australia”, he added.

Platinum Service appears on track for success with more than 10,000 holidaymakers having already joined the Platinum VIP Club. Members are given priority access to purchase tickets in Platinum

Service one week prior to tickets went sale to the general public on 5 May 2008.

For further information contact Great Southern Rail on 13 21 47 or visit www.gsr.com.au/platinum

Discover Europe on escorted holidays by rail

In response to the growing demand for ‘No Fly’ holidays which use rail travel to minimise customers’ carbon footprint, Treyn Holidays have a selection of tours for people looking for a more environmentally friendly way to travel.

The superb collection of great value holidays to Europe are also ideal for travellers wishing to escape frustratingly long check in queues, crowded airport departure lounges, delayed flights and the seemingly endless wait to collect luggage.

Quick and efficient European rail travel is becoming increasingly popular with travellers. With check-in time at St Pancras International only 30 minutes before departure and your holiday beginning the moment you step foot on the train, holidaymakers are able to escape the stresses and strains of flying and enjoy a more relaxed means of travel.

Treyn Holidays’ 12 itineraries which visit destinations such as Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy and Switzerland, range from £245 for a four-day break to Bruges & Ghent to £815 for a nine-day holiday to the Italian cities of Venice, Florence and Bologna.

The Timeless Venice, Florence & Bologna escorted tour offers the opportunity to saviour the historic treasures of northern Italy’s elegant and romantic cities. Based in the mediaeval city of Bologna, highlights include a visit to romantic Venice and a trip to Renaissance Florence. Passengers are free to explore Bologna and the region at their own leisure and can take advantage of an optional sightseeing excursion to the historic city of Rome.

Available with selected departure dates between 28 May and 8 October, the cost is from £795 per person, based on two sharing. This includes return rail travel and transfers, eight nights’ hotel accommodation with breakfast (six in Bologna, one in Chambery and one in Mulhouse) and the services of a Tour Manager throughout.

Alternatively, discover the breathtaking beauty and spectacular scenery of the French Alps from our base in charming Aix-les-Bains, on a six-day Lakes & Mountains of the French Alps tour. Departing on a number of dates between 22 May and 16 October, highlights include an excursion to the lakeside resort of Annecy and the chance to explore Aix-les-Bains and the thermal spas for which the town is famed. Days at leisure provide you with the opportunity to travel further afield to locales such as Lake Geneva or to take advantage of an optional excursion to Lyon with its Old Town and its impressive galleries, stylish boutiques and snug bistros.

The cost is from £395 per person, based on two sharing. This includes return rail travel and transfers, five nights’ hotel accommodation with breakfast and the services of a Tour Manager throughout.

If you are passionate about France then why not enjoy the contrast between sophisticated coastal resorts and the unspoilt landscapes of the Provençal region on the seven-day Nice & The Glamorous Riviera holiday. Experience a journey aboard the charming Train des Pignes from our base in Nice to St André-les-Alpes in the heart of the Verdon canyons and lakes. Optional excursions include a visit to the tiny principality of Monaco or a tour of St-Paul-de-Vence and the hinterland of the Riviera. A French Rail Pass will also allow you unlimited rail travel to explore the region at your own pace.

 Available on selected departure dates between 11 May and 12 October, the cost is from £595 per person, based on two sharing. This includes return rail travel and transfers, six nights’ hotel accommodation with breakfast, a French Rail Pass and the services of a Tour Manager throughout.

For further details and to request a copy of our Classic European Rail Holidays Summer 2008 brochure please call our reservations team on 01904 734 899 or visit www.treynholidays.co.uk

No Fly Holidays with Treyn Holidays

In response to the growing demand for ‘No Fly’ holidays which use rail travel to minimise customers’ carbon footprint, Treyn Holidays have a selection of tours for people looking for a more environmentally friendly way to travel.

The superb collection of great value holidays to Europe are also ideal for travellers wishing to escape frustratingly long check in queues, crowded airport departure lounges, delayed flights and the seemingly endless wait to collect luggage.

Quick and efficient European rail travel is becoming increasingly popular with travellers. With check-in time at St Pancras International only 30 minutes before departure and your holiday beginning the moment you step foot on the train, holidaymakers are able to escape the stresses and strains of flying and enjoy a more relaxed means of travel.

Treyn Holidays’ 12 itineraries which visit destinations such as Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy and Switzerland, range from £245 for a four-day break to Bruges & Ghent to £815 for a nine-day holiday to the Italian cities of Venice, Florence and Bologna.

The Timeless Venice, Florence & Bologna escorted tour offers the opportunity to saviour the historic treasures of northern Italy’s elegant and romantic cities. Based in the mediaeval city of Bologna, highlights include a visit to romantic Venice and a trip to Renaissance Florence. Passengers are free to explore Bologna and the region at their own leisure and can take advantage of an optional sightseeing excursion to the historic city of Rome.

Available with selected departure dates between 28 May and 8 October, the cost is from £795 per person, based on two sharing. This includes return rail travel and transfers, eight nights’ hotel accommodation with breakfast (six in Bologna, one in Chambery and one in Mulhouse) and the services of a Tour Manager throughout.

Alternatively, discover the breathtaking beauty and spectacular scenery of the French Alps from our base in charming Aix-les-Bains, on a six-day Lakes & Mountains of the French Alps tour. Departing on a number of dates between 22 May and 16 October, highlights include an excursion to the lakeside resort of Annecy and the chance to explore Aix-les-Bains and the thermal spas for which the town is famed. Days at leisure provide you with the opportunity to travel further afield to locales such as Lake Geneva or to take advantage of an optional excursion to Lyon with its Old Town and its impressive galleries, stylish boutiques and snug bistros.

The cost is from £395 per person, based on two sharing. This includes return rail travel and transfers, five nights’ hotel accommodation with breakfast and the services of a Tour Manager throughout.

If you are passionate about France then why not enjoy the contrast between sophisticated coastal resorts and the unspoilt landscapes of the Provençal region on the seven-day Nice & The Glamorous Riviera holiday. Experience a journey aboard the charming Train des Pignes from our base in Nice to St André-les-Alpes in the heart of the Verdon canyons and lakes.

 Optional excursions include a visit to the tiny principality of Monaco or a tour of St-Paul-de-Vence and the hinterland of the Riviera. A French Rail Pass will also allow you unlimited rail travel to explore the region at your own pace.

Available on selected departure dates between 11 May and 12 October, the cost is from £595 per person, based on two sharing. This includes return rail travel and transfers, six nights’ hotel accommodation with breakfast, a French Rail Pass and the services of a Tour Manager throughout.

For further details and to request a copy of our Classic European Rail Holidays Summer 2008 brochure please call our reservations team on 01904 734 899 or visit www.treynholidays.co.uk

WHAT’S ON IN ATLANTIC CANADA IN 2008?

A SUMMER-LONG NON-STOP PARTY RIGHT NEXT DOOR

Celebrate Heroes & History; Ceilidhs & Kitchen Parties and Mussels & Lobster

ATLANTIC CANADA,– This summer, history will come alive, literary heroines and heroes will be celebrated and plenty of Celtic fiddling, Scottish step dancing and some of the world’s most pristine seafood will be on display in Atlantic Canada. Fancy a taste of Irish, Scottish, English or French (Acadian) culture without crossing the pond? The four provinces of New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island are less than two hours away from most East Coast gateways. Maxxim Vacations offers many value-added packages starting as low as $725 for a six-night land package,* or $1265 with airfare

www.maxximvacations.com

PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND – ANNE’S 100TH AND PLENTY OF SEAFOOD

This year Prince Edward Island is commemorating the 100th anniversary of “Anne of Green Gables.” For over a century, Lucy Maud Montgomery’s spunky heroine has charmed millions, and to celebrate, the island is hosting a year-long series of ceilidhs, or kitchen parties, concerts, picnics, barn dances and firelight story-telling sessions. Come June, this welcoming island in Atlantic Canada will be a non-stop, open-air festival for the whole family with historical re-enactments, theatrical performances, parades and a country fair (July 3-6). Homemade ice cream and raspberry cordial will be in plentiful supply.

www.anne2008.ca

Billed as the “biggest kitchen party in Atlantic Canada,” the 13th annual PEI International Shellfish Festival in Charlottetown will be the place for seafood lovers September 19-21. Chowder cook-offs, oyster shucking contests and a chef’s challenge are on the menu along with plenty of mussels and other delicious seafood.

www.peishellfish.com

And a few days later, the entire 2,000 square miles of Prince Edward Island will be Chef Michael’s kitchen. From September 30 to October 10, “Fall Flavours,” a new island-wide food festival with more than 100 culinary events, will take place with native son Michael Smith, one of Canada’s leading chefs, hosting a gala dinner and cooking classes. Visitors can learn about wine and cheese pairing, how to pickle and preserve or opt for a more hands-on experience – digging clams, catching lobsters, harvesting oysters, or even picking the island’s famed potatoes, Visit this link.

NOVA SCOTIA – LOYALISTS, LOBSTERS AND LOUISBOURG’S 250TH

Fancy reliving the life of an 18th century soldier – skirmishing in the hot sun, sleeping on the hard ground, with music, dancing and tall tales till dawn? Nova Scotia and New Brunswick are throwing a year-long celebration for the 225th anniversary of the United Empire Loyalists landing. After the Revolutionary War, 3000 Loyalists fled to Shelburne, Nova Scotia, while others continued on to New Brunswick. The population quickly swelled to 10,000, making Shelburne the fourth largest city in North America, while nearby Birchtown became Canada’s first free black settlement. In July, the city is hosting three weekends of boat races, tall ship tours, treasure hunts, concerts and fireworks. The re-enactment – featuring 500 costumed characters – kicks off on July 17, and visitors who don’t want to play soldier can get in the spirit at the annual provincial Town Crier Competition or attend the Loyalist Garden Party, complete with a pageant of 18th century dress.

http://www.loyalistlanding2008.org

 From June to August, Nova Scotia will also commemorate the 250th anniversary of Louisbourg’s second siege. The Fortress of Louisbourg will host a series of encampments – with North America’s first nighttime siege re-enactment – and military displays (July 25-27), complete with fireworks, parades, chowder cook-offs, street dances, concerts and quilt displays. www.louisbourg2008.com/index.asp

Did someone say lobster? Lobsterpalooza promises 35 days of “feasts and fun” including lobster suppers, whale watching tours and Gaelic music. www.lobsterpalooza.ca

Albert Bigelow Paine’s tale of a canoe journey through the wilds of Nova Scotia, Tent Dwellers, marks its 100th anniversary this year. From May through October, there will be a “public paddle” day, an outdoor arts festival and a recreation of the original journey. At the Canoe Festival (August 15-17), visitors can learn canoe building, paddling, fly-fishing, wilderness preparation, basket making and more.

NEW BRUNSWICK – LOYALISTS AND LOBSTERS, ACADIAN STYLE

Since 1949, the self-proclaimed “lobster capital of the world” has hosted the Shediac Lobster Festival (July 2-6) with parades, entertainment and feasting on this delicious crustacean. The Loyalist Heritage Festival (July 14-18) will offer activities for the whole family including organized walks, visits to historic houses, parades, re-enactments and artistic performances.

 Known as one of North America’s top festivals, the Acadian Festival (August 1-15) draws 100,000 spectators to see some 200 artists perform – concerts, theater, dance performances – and comes with the blessing of the fishing fleet by the local Catholic clergy. There’s plenty of Acadian food and drink capped off by the Tintamarre, a massive – and very loud – street celebration with fireworks on August 15, Acadia Day.

www.festivalacadien.ca

NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR – MUSIC, MAGIC AND A REGATTA

St. John’s Time in Newfoundland’s capital is an 11-day, non-stop party. This lively celebration kicks off with the George Street Festival (July 31-August 5). Streets are closed, pubs throw open their doors and bands rock into the night. Celebrated since 1826, the Royal St. John’s Regatta, one of North America’s oldest continuing sporting events, is a series of rowing events on Quidi Vidi Lake – cheered on by 50,000 many garbed in outlandish dress. From August 8 to 10, the Newfoundland and Labrador Folk Festival features singers, dancers, storytellers and musicians performing traditional Newfoundland music, Celtic tunes handed down through the centuries and modern rock. At the Buskers Festival visitors can see up to 30 shows a day watching jugglers, acrobats and magicians on four stages.

www.stjohnstime.ca

Maxxim Vacations offers packages to all four provinces. A six-day/five-night “St. John’s Time” package starts at US$1186 per person ($1209 CAD), double occupancy and includes hotel accommodations in a 4 ½ -star hotel, roundtrip airfare from New York, a midsize car rental with unlimited mileage, city tour and entrance to the Johnson Geo Center and The Rooms, the province’s museum and leading art gallery. Taxes are not included.

Call 1-800-567-6666 or go to www.maxximvacations.com.

The Atlantic Canada Tourism Partnership (ACTP) is a nine member pan-Atlantic partnership comprised of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, the four Atlantic Canada Tourism Industry Associations and the four departments responsible for tourism for the provinces of New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island.

Go to www.tourismnewbrunswick.ca (1-800-561-0123), www.novascotia.com  (1-800-565-0000),

www.newfoundlandlabrador.com  (1-800-563-NFLD) and for Prince Edward Island, go to www.gentleisland.com  (1-800-463-4PEI).

Maxxim Vacation’s “Nova Scotia Sampler” features stays in Halifax, Lunenberg and the Western Shore and Baddeck with six nights’ accommodation at select hotels, country inns and B&B’s, seven-day midsize rental car with unlimited mileage, admission to the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic, Pier 21 National Historic Site and the Alexander Graham Bell Museum. The land-only package starts at $725 per person, double occupancy and covers: 4½ -star Canada Select accommodations, or $823 with deluxe accommodations. The price is $1265 with airfare, or $1363 for the deluxe package with airfare and taxes are extra.

BritRail Pass Offers Extra Day of Travel

Customers who purchase a BritRail Pass will get one extra day of travel. BritRail is offering travelers who purchase the BritRail Consecutive Pass, BritRail FlexiPass, BritRail England Consecutive Pass, BritRail England FlexiPass or BritRail Freedom of Scotland Travelpass the choice of any validity period (from four days to one month) and the option to travel in either first or standard class.

Although the BritRail Pass must be purchased between May 16 and June 30 it can be used anytime within six months of its issue date. This offer can be combined with BritRail’s promotional Passes, which offer discounts on adult regular priced BritRail Passes. Clients traveling together as a small party (group), family, can extend to the BritRail Party Pass (50 percent off third through ninth person in group), BritRail Family Pass (one child per adult travels free), BritRail Senior Pass (15 percent off in first class), BritRail Youth Pass (20 percent off in first or standard class) and the BritRail Guest Pass (25 percent off for you and a British resident).