Where To Go On A River Cruise
Where To Go On A River Cruise Stepping off ship at one of the places along the route can be a breathtaking experience. A unique variety of activities comes with every European river cruise. Tour Europe by way of its renowned rivers and get to discover the cities and peoples along the routes. History aficionados, adventure-seekers, and people merely wanting to learn about different cultures will all find something to love. You will gain limitless insights into Europe’s dynamic cultural centers, its historic treasures as well as its beautiful landscapes. Your cruiser will be able to move into the smaller ports due to its nimble size, providing you the option to visit towns, villages, and sights you might otherwise not be able to see. Famed Rivers of France
France’s various waterways will take you to some of its most distinguished places. From its majestic Bordeaux region and gastronomic Lyon, to historic Normandy and scenic Provence, not to mention stylish Paris, France offers something for everyone.
Discover the harbors, vineyards, farms and forests of Aquitaine, at one time Europe’s most important kingdom. Périgord is home to the celebrated Camus Cognac distillery, where you can create your own personal blend, and offers truffle hunting for adventurous food aficiondos. Enjoy France’s most sought after oysters fresh from the bay at Arcachon. Treat yourself to winetasting at renown wineries in Saint-Émilion, Médoc and Sauternes. Regardless of which French river you prefer – the Seine, Dordogne, Gironde, or Rhône – you will be able to delight in France’s unique food and wine culture and well as its art, history, and other traditions. Historied Rivers of Germany and Central Europe
Elbe River cruises highlight both the Czech Republic and Germany and carry passengers on a fantastic voyage past medieval villages and ancient forts. Fans of German Riesling will love journeying down the Mosel River, known as the Moselle in France, which will take them through the area of Germany celebrated for its wines. If you have a preference for Central Europe, choose a cruise down the Danube to Budapest, the Hungarian city famous for its relaxing banyas (thermal baths); or to Vienna, where you can take a lesson in the waltz, which became popular in the ballrooms of the Austrian court. People who like to discover places off the beaten path will enjoy outings to smaller cities such as Passau and Bratislava, while adventurous eaters will enjoy noshing on the delicacies of the regional cuisine. The Waterways of the Tsars
Enjoy Russia as never before on waterways of the Tsars where you’ll notice the swirling onion domes of St. Basil’s Cathedral and the famous towers of Moscow’s Red Square. In Russia, be sure to get some time at the spectacular Hermitage Museum, which in addition to being an awe-inspiring edifice, is the second largest sized museum in the world. A visit to the kommunalka will give you a first-hand understanding of how families lived commune-style in the Soviet period, while a stop at the gorgeous Peterhof Palace will give you fascinating insight into Peter the Great’s daily life. And last but not least, don’t forget to taste some Russian delicacies like caviar and blini pancakes, borscht, pirog, or solyanka. Numerous peoples had a role in the history of the Dnieper River: Russian, Ottoman, Jewish, Cossack, Greek, Tatar, and Mongol. There are excellent museums and old churches to tour at various stops along the way as well as imposing Soviet-era structures, or for a lighter experience get tickets to an entertaining local dance or musical show. Portugal's Duoro River Valley
The Douro River in Portugal will take you to the exciting capital city of Lisbon, where you can step back in time in the city’s old town or visit the newer areas filled with vibrant cafes, bars, restaurants, and art galleries. Wine lovers will want to stop in the picturesque vineyard region to sip local wines, while the classic foods and fado singing will be a delight for all. A designated UNESCO site, the Douro River Valley was additionally the first demarcated wine appellation in Europe and the world. Nordic Wonders
After first enjoying the gorgeous Nordic region, head to the Rhine River and all it has to offer. Start in Bergen, a historic city where the Vikings landed, then go to the enchanting village of Flåm and the nearby fjords, historic Kristiansand, and the more lively modern cities of Stavanger and Olso. Art enthusiasts will want to stop in Denmark’s coastal village of Skagen, once summer home to the legendary group of Scandinavian artists known as the Skagen Painters, as well as Amsterdam to view the many masterpieces there, before heading to Kinderdijk to see the enchanting windmills of Holland. The many sights and tastes of Germany along its riverways
In Germany, sample local beer and visit the spectacular ancient cathedral in Cologne or take a tour of the magnificent Ehrenbreitstein Fortress. The Middle Rhine is a stunning historic region with ancient walled fortresses, adorable medieval villages, and beautiful ancient churches, and it was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Black Forest in Germany is known for its thick forests, indulgent spas, and enchanting villages; France’s Strasbourg is home to a stunning Gothic cathedral; and Basel, Switzerland is famous for having the country’s most extensive fine arts museum. Absolutely nothing on board is cookie-cutter, so your visits onshore shouldn’t be either. Immerse yourself in the amazing culture, sights and food of the places you’ll visit. Every cruise ship is created to be its own unique creation, just as each stop along the route is a unique and one-of-a-kind place.
Ten of the Greatest Off-the-Beaten-Track Hikes
Ten of the Greatest Off-the-Beaten-Track Hikes How cool would it be to take time away for on your own and be absolutely alone? Cut yourself off from the daily grind and be connected with nature on some of the world’s most off-the-beaten-paths. Travel from Africa’s third tallest peak to the Australian deserts, or trek down to the most southern point in Patagonia – you won’t be sorry. Even though these tracks are not easy to get to, don’t let that limit you, there is a trek out there for everyone. Gokyo Lakes & Renjo La in Nepal
Duration: Approximately 17 days - 13 days actual trekking
Level of Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging (6)
Ideal for the active travelers who wants to try a trail different to Everest Base Camp trek
February to mid-May, End of September to December is the best time to go
Would you like to experience a much quieter trail in the Everest area? You can journey though Sherpa villages to the breathtaking turquoise Gokyo Lakes and pass through Renjo La (5400) on a very quiet trail. It is ranked as the top trail in the Everest region, and offers a view of the Himalaya’s 8,000-meter peaks. As you travel to the top of Gokyo Ri, you will get one of the most striking sights of Everest and neighboring mountains, like Cho Oyu in Tibet. Larapinta Trail End to End in Australia
Duration: 14 days (approximately}
Level is Moderate to challenging (6)
Ideal for the wilderness lovers and seasoned walkers who desire a challenge
Best to go from Mid-April to August
One of Australia’s most legendary hikes - the full traverse of the Larapinta follows the backbone of the West MacDonnell range, in Central Australia, over 223 kilometers. Hike through this desert-like area with tucked away ridges and canyons, sleep under the night sky in the Outback; ascend Mount Sonder, one of the highest mountains in the Northern Territory and wake up to a most memorable sunrise. Dientes Circuit on Navarino Island in Chile
Duration: Approx. 6 days - 4 days of trekking
Level is Challenging (7)
Ideal for the trekkers who desire getting off the beaten track in Patagonia
Best time to go is December to March
Experience traveling to the southernmost part of the planet to Dientes de Navarino Massif and feel like you are removed form everything and everyone. You will not observe many others on this 42-kilometer trek at the tip of South America. This route has been identified by Lonely Planet as an outstanding trek in Patagonia and is probably one of the few very distant places on earth left to visit K2 Base camp, Concordia & Gondogora La in Pakistan
Duration: About 24 days (16 days trekking)
Grading is considered entry level mountaineering/ exploratory trekking (8)
Ideal for: Those who are looking to get into mountaineering, or who are looking to take on a challenging trek
Best time to go: June to August
Thought to be some of the best picturesque hiking trails, it travels from the widely known Baltoro Glacier, to the “Throne Room of the Mountain Gods” and to the bottom of the earth's 2nd biggest peak. This well-known passage in Pakistan has snagged the minds of adventure seekers and mountains climbers for years, with a view that spans 360-degrees of a 7000 meter and 8000-meter mountains, together with the great K2. The Southern Alps in New Zealand
Duration: About 6 days
Grading: Moderate (5)
Ideal for those looking to head for heights
Ideal time to go: Months of November to April
Often referred to as one of the world’s best trekking, or “tramping” as it is known among the locales, New Zealand’s Southern Alps are a perfect backdrop for a hiking adventure. Trekking in the out of the way alpine tarns with open views from above, this trek has even been used as a precursor for a trek in the Himalayas. Mountains of the Moon in Uganda
Duration: Approx. 13 days - 10 days trekking
Grading: Entry level mountaineering/ exploratory trekking (8)
Ideal for those who have checked off Mt. Kilimanjaro from their to-do list and are looking for their next challenging summit
When to go: December to February or June to September
Secluded and almost never visited, the Rwenzori Mountains (or Mountains of the Moon) are Africa’s hidden treasure. Climbing Margherita Peak (5,109m), Africa’s third tallest crest, is not for the faint of heart. West Coast Trail in Canada
Duration: Approximately 8 days (7-day full-pack trek)
Grading: Moderate to Challenging (6)
Ideal for those active walkers who love coastal walks and want to combine it with an breathtaking forest trek and wildlife spotting
Best time to go is August
Travel the Strait of Georgia by ferryboat, head to the northerly trailhead of Vancouver Island to begin your travels, with the prospect of seeing Orca whales, sea lions, eagles, and bears near the shoreline. This is regarded as one of the world’s top 10 treks, and if scheduled well, you will be able to take shoreline walks on the shelf. Snowman Trek in Bhutan
Duration: Approximately 27 days (23 days trekking)
Grading: Exploratory trekking (8)
Best for anyone seeking a challenging trek that goes far off the beaten track
Ideal time to go is September to November
Journey the greatest traverse of Bhutan crossing 11 grand passes over 4,500 meters through the isolated part of Lunana. This coveted walkabout discovers the splendid Paro Valley where you will unearth an area of tiny Buddhist monasteries and isolated villages that are concealed from the world most days of the year. Pamir Fann Mountains in Tajikstan
Duration: Approx.14 days - 5 days actual trekking
Grading: Moderate (5)
Ideal for: Those adventurers seeking to take their bush walking adventures up a notch while incorporating historical and architectural sightseeing
When to go: From June to September
Known for its exceptional mountain views and eye-catching alpine lakes, this off-track hike in virgin Pamir flows into deep valleys with pure clear lakes and flowering fields. You could potentially spot the summer camps of the Tijiki shepherds. Mongolia: Tavan Bogd
Duration: About 11 days (4 days trekking)
Grading: Moderate (5)
Ideal for: Anyone seeking to explore untracked wilderness and authentic nomadic culture
When to go: Months of June to August
This most removed area in Mongolia is overflowing with beautiful natural scenery, plentiful wildlife and a engaging history. You will encounter local herders, bactrian camels, Kazakh eagle hunters and throat-singing Tuvan citizens, and comprehend more about the native people.
What It Takes to Plan A Family Vacation
What It Takes to Plan A Family Vacation Organizing your family vacation can be challenging as you have lots of people to consider.
Families grow and evolve, and so do the interests and hobbies. The greatest vacation is waiting for you, whether you are vacationing with little ones or big ones, young adults or grandma and grandpa. Let’s face it, family quality time is limited these days because of insane lifestyles so a vacation together is a significant time for families to truly be together. Enjoying things collectively is not only good for individual family members, it also strengthens family ties. And they allow everyone to relax, enjoy life and build lasting memories. Family vacations, however, can be a challenging endeavor. Finding the precise fun-filled activities to keep everyone interested is a tedious undertaking. So what is the secret to a fantastic family holiday?
Make sure that there is enough to do to keep all people content, no matter what age. While the little ones will need babysitters, specialized care and specialized foods, teens and tweens will have other needs. Although family time is fundamental, teens will need some time to themselves sunning by the swimming pool, going out to explore on their own or meet up with fellow teens. Immersive travel is a way to uncover more about the place you are visiting and allows your family to be more than typical tourists. Getting involved in the local culture and experiencing it first hand, you can truly become part of the place you are visiting, and it will be part of you forever. Staring at the Milky Way at night, exploring the jungle, seeing sea turtles for the first time and feeling the immense splash of a whale in the wild are all invaluable times that will make you want to make take a trip a part of your life. You can even go further and participate in a hands-on baking demo in a French boulangerie or pay a visit to children in a local Masai Mara school, get close to a glacier in Antartica; genuine activities are endless. The family can have fun picking up some of the local lingo and relishing in the local cuisine. Those looking for a luxurious and relaxing setting or wanting to discover far-away places, the choices are never-ending.
Below is a short listing of just a few of the places to visit:
Nihi Sumba Island, Indonesia
Regarded as one of the top hotels in the world, the Nihi Sumba in Indonesia is an over-the -top fantasy for all. The scenery here will take your breath away and it distinctively includes a spa located under a waterfall, horseback riding, surfing and even an open air Land Rover Safari. Cruise the Italian Rivierah
There is nothing like yacht travel where the choices are limitless with shopping, touring, water sports or if leisure is your aim, peace and quiet. Start in Naples, head on over to the Blue Grotto in Capri and Positano and complete your journey on the volcanic island of Stromboli. The Ranch at Rock Creek, Montana
You may possibly be looking for a good place to go fishing, hiking or horse back riding. Yet, you still fancy falling into a comfortable bed with 1000 thread-count sheets at the end of your day. If so, therefore go to the Ranch at Rock Creek in Montana. Rock Creek comes with impressive cabins and the most current spa treatments available. African Safari
A safari is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to get your kids off their devices and to look up, see the world and experience nature. People of all ages will be left enlightened by the great beauty of the African plains and wildlife. Iceland
Iceland has rapidly become the place to go to and for very good reasons. It is great if you are flying from the east coast and want to visit a magical place. And it offers grand adventure for the kids and extravagance for mom and dad. Not only that, your kids will be able to post photos of the Northern Lights and wow all their friends back home. Patagonia
San Carlos de Bariloche in Patagonia is one other destination if you are looking to escape the summer season and experience the beauty of this small town set in the foothills of the Andes Mountains. To get to Bariloche, as it is colloquially known, is not complicated; it is a short 2 hour flight from Buenos Aires. Costa del Sol, Marbella
Is your young one the next Roger Federer? And do you want to lounge in the sunshine with a margarita? Then Puente Romano Beach Resort in Marbella is your destination. Bermuda
One can enjoy Bermuda all year round and it is a fast trip from the East Coast. The Hamilton Princess & Beach Club, or “The Pink Palace” as it is known as by the local people, is a wonderful spot for all ages. Regardless of which way you cut it, the best family vacations become the stuff of legend, encouraging stories you can reflect on for years.
A Unique Kind of Intimate Trip
A Unique Kind of Intimate Trip Taking a holiday to renew your vows is an awesome way to re-energize any partnership. It does not matter if you are celebrating five years together in Amsterdam or twenty-five in Cabo, going away on an anniversary holiday delivers all kinds of love. And for the married couple getting near the Ruby wedding anniversary? Whereas a honeymoon is designed for relaxation after the grueling months of planning, an anniversary trip may require more strategic planning. The first thing is to decide on a location and schedule that is ideal to your marital milestone. For example, a 45-year anniversary may call for a quiet time in Santa Barbara wine country, whilst a 5-year anniversary may possibly require a ski trip to Colorado or a safari in Botswana. Everything from daring expeditions to romantic moments, these holidays will show you a side of the world, and your relationship, that you have never seen. And luckily, there is a listing of destinations ready to go. Principality of Monaco
Monaco Ville, also called Le Rocher, is the only part of Monaco that has preserved its old town architecture with tiny, windy medieval lanes. For some fun and a little gambling, the Casino de Monte-Carlo is a must visit, where partners can dress up and participate in some fun wagering. Amsterdam, Holland
For couples wanting to experience romance, there is no better place than to stop by Holland’s tulip display. What you don’t want to miss though are the 17th century canals in Amsterdam, which haven’t changed since the time of Rembrandt. Beaver Creek, Colorado
A couple can reserve a private room in the lavish Trappers Cabin, which usually holds ten, and rekindle their vows at Beaver Creek Mountain, only 12 miles from Vail, Colorado. Cabo San Lucas
Whale watching is the thing to do in Cabo from the months of December to April when humpbacks start showing up. Republic of Botswana
Go on a safari in Botswana to the Khwai Private Reserve which offers unmatched admittance to the famous Okavango Delta and is situated along the Khwai River on the eastern border of the protected Moremi Game Reserve. Algarrobo, Chile
Does chilling out by the 2nd largest saltwater pool all day appeal to you? Then fly to Chile and stay at the San Alfonso del Mar.
Create Your Own Trip
Create Your Own Trip Thinking back, what was your most unforgettable trip? What made it the greatest trip ever?
The location was of course a part of it. However, your travel partners played an even more important role. All you want from a trip on occasion is time to spend with your loved ones. And other times, you want to get away from your everyday life to meet new people and maybe even find that special someone. Create your perfect vacation by individualizing your travel.
Standard itineraries are always available but tailoring a distinct one for you takes into consideration your time, interests and finances. Although, organizing a custom tour that ticks all the boxes can be a exhausting process. This is the time you go to an expert in the field. They will give you guidance on preparing your family or romantic holidays, the best places to go and how to get there, where to encounter like-minded people, and even more. Personalized tour packages are the perfect way to go for those who have specific interests. They offer possibilities that you just cannot get from a group tour. Those adventurers, foodies and historians are going to benefit much more from an immersive travel program that will fit their needs. Wildlife photography is a good example of this type of travel program. Getting the best snaps can take a very long time, something hard to attain on your run-of-the-mill trip. A photography outing ensures that you get as much time as you need to get that photo that will impress your friends. This type of program is also perfect for birdwatchers of the world. Inspirational words from Robert Lynd were dead on; “In order to see birds, it is necessary to become a part of the silence”. Private tours are ideal for birders, as they are often called, because they can spend all day looking for that elusive species without having to be concerned about the others in the group. Do you have the time?
How much holiday time do you have and how much do you have left on your credit card? Specialized trips are completely flexible, taking these things into account. Are you looking to see local festivals and need to travel on specified dates? Travel professionals can help you with all of this. A customized trip means you can enjoy what you really love to do the way you want to do it.
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