Europe Travel

Monday, December 29, 2008

Monograms has several nice itineraries, but the Rome, Istanbul & Athens is very unique. Visit Southern Europe's most fascinating locales and step back in time to explore cities rich with historical treasures. Begin you stay in Rome. Should you follow Augustus and Caesar, whose Rome is filled with spectacular ancient structures, or Michelangelo and Da Vinci, whose city invites artistic pilgrimage...the possibilities are limitless. Next, it's off to Istanbul where East meets West in striking contrast. The sight of mosques and bustling bazaars, along with the small of incense and spices, are common in Istanbul. Whether you're relaxing at a traditional Turkish bath or exploring ancient Byzantium at the Yerebatan Cistern, you'll discover a land that reflects its 2,500 year history at every turn. Continue on to Athens, where you can walk in the steps of Socrates, Pericles and Sophocles. Marvel at the great archaelogical sites at the Acropolis, take a day trip to Delphi or consider a cruise to see some of the Greek Isles. No matter what strikes your interest, the diversity and beauty of Greece is the idyllic way to round out an unforgettable Monograms vacation.  Prices start at $3,949 pp and includes flights Rome to Istanbul, and Istanbul to Athens as well as transfers.

Sunday, December 21, 2008

With 2009 right around the corner, it's time to plan your next big getaway. Where are you looking forward to traveling next year? Here are some of the predictions, trends and statistics for travel in 2009.

The U.S. Tour Operators Association reported that for the 5th straight year, Italy placed first as the most popular international destination for vacation packages and tours. Modern Bride's annual "World Best Honeymoon" survey showed Italy has even beaten out Hawaii as the #1 honeymoon destination.  Recommend Magazine's Readers Choice awards also listed Italy as the #1 destination. Croatia and China were the hottest up-and-coming countries for tours and travel packages. We were surprised not to see Dubai on the list.

Lonely Planet's top 10 destinations: #1 U.S. with emphasis on National parks and Hawaii;  #2 Mexico, with an emphasis on Mexico City and the Pacific Coast; #3 Argentina; #4 Japan; #5 India & #6 Canada (tied);#7 Australia #8 China (tied);#9 Spain and #10 France.

Frommers recently released its top destinations for 2009, focusing on international destinations that are affordable and seeking the newest "hot spots".  Washington D.C.; Waiheke Island, New Zealand; Saqqara, Egypt; Lassen Volcanic National Park, California; Istanbul, Turkey; Civil Rights Trail, USA; Cartagena, Colombia; Cape Town, South Africa; Berlin, Germany;  Belfast, Northern Ireland; Angkor Wat, Cambodia; Waterton National Park, Alberta, Canada

According to TripAdvisor, the top three predicted hot spots for North America travel are Florida, North Carolina and Alaska.

At Atlas Cruises & Tours, we are seeing a number of trends. Italy continues to be very popular. Consumers are booking specialty travel packages including river cruises, cooking and wine vacations, as well as religious travel. Several dates for the 2010 Passion Play are already sold out. We have been doing several blogs about sustainable travel in the past 6 months, as we are finding consumers more concerned in traveling with suppliers that are environmentally conscious, as well as the desire to visit destinations threatened by climate change such as Antarctica, Alaska, Galapagos and Machu Picchu. Cruises to the Caribbean, Alaska and South America are up, and we except a surge in Europe cruises, as air prices should be coming down considerably, and cruise lines are offering aggressive fares. For those staying close to home, National Parks, Canada & Hawaii are up as well.

Where are you planning to travel in 2009? We'd love to hear your top 3 list!

Saturday, November 22, 2008

Winter in Venice shines with a different glow – a pale, almost lemon-hued sun pushes through the mist that rises from the lagoon. And in those heady days before Lent descends, the streets pulse with a cadenced rhythm that rises and falls with the light: It is Carnevale with its grand gala evening costume balls in ancient palazzos and casual piazza afternoon soirees with hand-held masks. At once bright and chatty, shrouded and whispered. Are you ready to experience the magic? Choose this extraordinary escape – Venice Carnevale – a fivenight homage to a millennium-old celebration. The city’s Grand Canal and those who wander its alleyways and bridges are transformed into characters in one of life’s great plays.

A BRIEF HISTORY OF VENICE CARNEVALE
Since 1162 Farewell, meat! From the Latin, comes today’s Carnevale. All meat, butter, and eggs had to be consumed before the liturgical season of Lent began, and so became a superb excuse for a religious celebration – one that harked back to pagan festivities. Venice Carnevale first commemorated a military victory on Shrove Tuesday, but in 1228 the first “masks” appeared, and a new celebration was born. The 18th century – and its excesses – allowed Carnevale to blossom. A decline in the 1900s was reversed in the latter part of the century, and this historic tradition was revived in earnest. Within a few years the image of the masked reveler – unique to Venice Carnevale – had become an icon worldwide.

Want to Experience a Luxury package to the 2010 Carnivale? Visit EscortedItalyTours.com

Saturday, November 15, 2008

Sicily, also known as the "football being kicked by Italy's boot,"  is Italy’s largest Island, & is steeped in history, & possesses an extraordinary range of art, archaeology, culture and folklore.  Sicily offers visitors an extraordinary range of art, archeology, culture & folklore. You will come back surprised with the beauty of the island, history of the ancient world & touches of every Mediterranean culture.

Make sure & visit the archaelogical sites. Sicily has some of the best preserved temples from the ancient Greek & Roman times. This combination of civilizations has created a unique culture with a charm of its own.  Palermo is the regional capital of Sicily, & has some of the region's most important tourist attractions. The city revolves around the Piazza Vigliena, a Baroque square in the city center.  Other highly visited cities include Messina, Catania, Agrigento, Syracuse & Trapani. Mt. Etna, is Europe's highest & most active volcano. The mountains make Sicily perfect for adventure travel including mountain biking, camping & hiking. 

The dining-table is the place of introspection of all the different civilizations that have passed through the island. Popular dishes include locally caught seafood, eggplant, veal & of course olive oil & cheeses. Pastries & desserts are famous for their richness & stuffed with cheese, chocolate & fruit. Sicilian gelato is excellent, & you cannot leave without trying a cannoli which are tubular crusts with creamy ricotta & sugar filling. Sicily with it's warm temperatures, hilly terrain, sea breezes & rich soil, is very similar to the growing conditions seen in the best wineries of California or Australia. Marsala is Sicily's most well-known wine.

You can visit Sicily year round, but April through mid-October are the most popular months. Most coastal resorts close their hotels from November through March. Be careful with July & August, as they can be quite hot.

Monday, October 20, 2008

Disney Cruise Line just opened for reservations this week for European cruises beginning in 2010.

The Disney Magic will offer 12 day cruises to Scandinavia, Germany & Russia, as well as Med cruises. Do you think Russia is a child friendly destination? The ship will stay overnight in St. Petersburg. Children will be able to dress up as princes & princesses and attend balls at a real castle. Would parents be willing to do separate excursions from that of their children, or miss out on all that St. Petersburg has to offer?