Tauck's Rhone River Revels

Tauck's  river cruise on the Rhone celebrates and explores the rich culinary traditions of France.  The new 10-day “A Taste of France” itinerary begins with a two-night hotel stay and exploration of local food culture in Paris, followed by a seven-night river cruise through the Rhone Valley aboard Tauck’s MS Swiss Emerald riverboat.  Tauck has crafted the new itinerary in collaboration with Churchill & Turen, Ltd., the luxury travel

Tauck’s “A Taste of France” (from $5,390 per person, double occupancy, plus air) begins with guided culinary-themed sightseeing in Paris and a two-night stay at the Hilton Arc de Triomphe.  In Paris, guests will enjoy a Tauck-exclusive, hands-on introduction to French sauces with a tasting at the new Alain Ducasse culinary school, Ecole de Cuisine.  They’ll also attend a workshop and blind tastings highlighting “The Joy of Chocolate” led by Chloe Doutre-Roussel, author of “The Chocolate Connoisseur,” and visit the former haunts of chef Julia Child and learn about contemporary Parisian life during a walking tour of the Left Bank.

Other culinary-themed experiences include:

·       A market visit in Provence with local chefs who will buy ingredients and prepare regional specialties for tasting, such as tapenade, anchoiade and stuffed tomatoes Provencale.

·       A visit to Lyon’s famous market, Les Halles, with tastings of local meats and cheeses.

·       A memorable Provencal evening featuring dinner, local wines and entertainment in the shadow of Pont du Gard, the incredible Roman aqueduct.

·       A wine tasting in Beaujolais.

·       A demonstration of French culinary techniques at a cooking school operated by a three-star Michelin chef. 

Included in Tauck’s cruise price are all sightseeing, activities and shore excursions, two nights hotel accommodations in Paris, all gratuities, complimentary wine with onboard meals, all taxes and port charges, airport transfers, luggage handling, most meals, and more.

TAUCK’S MS SWISS EMERALD RIVERBOAT

Travelers on “A Taste of France” will cruise in relaxed elegance aboard Tauck’s stylish MS Swiss Sapphire riverboat.  Launched in 2006, the ship was recently enhanced with new décor and other improvements.  As with Tauck’s other riverboats, the MS Swiss Emerald accommodates just 118 guests to ensure a relaxed and intimate atmosphere, compared to other lines that accommodate up to 160 passengers on ships of the same approximate size. 

Those interested in more information can visit their local travel professional, call Tauck at 1 800 468 2825, or go to the company’s website at www.tauck.com.

SILVERSEA'S SECOND EXPEDITION SHIP WILL SET SAIL AS SILVER GALAPAGOS

- New 7-day itineraries introduced for late 2013

- Voyages to go on sale in mid-November

Leading cruise operator Silversea, renowned for its ultra-luxurious ships and exotic destinations, has announced Silver Galapagos as the name for its second small-sized expedition ship, which is currently sailing as the Galapagos Explorer II.
The new name signals the company's intent to maintain a consistent level of elegance throughout its fleet and will take effect following a full refurbishment in September 2013. The hull of the all-suite, 100-guest vessel has already been painted the same dark blue as Silver Explorer, the company's other expedition ship.
Silver Galapagos will be the only luxury expedition ship offering socially and environmentally responsible ecotourism to the Galápagos archipelago, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This important distinction enables Silversea to broaden its portfolio of expedition cruises tailored to tap into the rising interest in green tourism.
Silversea will start selling its 2013 Galápagos programme in November 2012, offering two new 7-day itineraries. These will begin operating in late September 2013, sailing Saturday to Saturday on a round-trip voyage from Baltra Island. The two voyages will be as follows:
Saturday to Saturday – round-trip from Baltra Island: Silver Galapagos will trace a path across the western, southern and eastern islands, including Santiago, Bartolomé, Isabela, Fernandina, Floreana, San Cristóbal, and Santa Cruz.
Saturday to Saturday – round-trip from Baltra Island: Silver Galapagos will encompasses the northeast, central and southeast islands of Santa Cruz, Genovesa, Seymour Norte, San Cristóbal, Española, and Plazas Sur.
This new schedule will offer adventurous travellers the chance to discover a wild, pristine paradise that has long been regarded as a natural laboratory of evolution. Through complimentary expeditions, guided by an experienced expedition team (certified by the Galápagos National Park Service), Silversea's guests will be able to experience up-close encounters with an abundance of wildlife including sun-basking land iguanas, giant tortoises, blue- and red-footed boobies, colorful marine iguanas, sea lions, penguins and Darwin's famous finches.
The programme will also offer guests the opportunity to swim and snorkel in tranquil clear waters, witness unique highland ecosystems, hike through lush mangrove forests and across volcanic fields, explore natural lava tunnels, watch for wild flamingos (in season), read cave inscriptions from the 1800s, and learn about conservation efforts at the Charles Darwin Research Station.
In true Silversea Expeditions style, the guests of Silver Galapagos will enjoy full-scale exploring from an enclave of luxury at sea including spacious, ocean-view suites, sumptuous gourmet cuisine, a personalised butler service and a selection of all-inclusive shipboard amenities, including complimentary beverages, wines and spirits served throughout the ship and all gratuities.

www.silversea.com

Wonderful Autumn scenery displaying every shade of red and gold, gourmet cuisine, fine wines, ancient castles, palaces, pretty villages – it’s all a wonderful combination. All this and more is offered on an Autumn cruise on the Royal River Thames.

On the 8 passenger Magna Carta, passengers will cruise along some of the best stretches of the River Thames, such as Cliveden Reach, Cookham and Runnymede. They will have the chance to experience the true essence of British history with guided visits to Hampton Court Palace, Windsor Castle, Dorney Court further upstream and Oxford’s Christ Church College. All this with a charming riverside backdrop while being doted on by an attentive crew serving wonderful meals prepared by the onboard chef.

Prices for a 6 night cruise aboard the 8 passenger hotel barge ‘Magna Carta’ are from £2,460pp in a twin/double en suite cabin, including all meals, wines, an open bar, excursions and local transfers. 

Full boat charters are also available. Call European Waterways: +44 (0) 1753 598555 Website: www.gobarging.com

Star Clippers offers third season of popular `Art Afloat’ voyages in 2013

Tall ship specialist Star Clippers (0845 200 6145/www.starclippers.co.uk) is once again offering guests the opportunity to learn sketching and watercolour painting on two `Art Afloat’ tall ship cruises in 2013. This is the third year running Star Clippers has operated these exciting themed voyages, which have been a great success among guests, regardless of existing artistic ability.

On the voyages, participants can learn to paint and draw, or hone their existing skills, in the company of successful British artist Richard Nichols, who specialises in seascapes and coastal scenes.

Richard will run workshops on board each cruise using a variety of media, aimed at all levels of experience and helping artists to capture the dazzling turquoise of the sea along the Croatian coast, the texture of a cream sail filled with wind, or the ochres and terracottas of the houses lining the chic little bay of Portofino.

Included in the price of the cruise is a special artist’s backpack that converts into a seat for sitting and sketching on location. The backpack contains sketchbooks, paper, watercolours, brushes and pencils, so guests do not need to supply any equipment.

Against a backdrop of a beautiful tall ship under full sail, in some of the Mediterranean’s most stunning locations, the two voyages between them visit the French Riviera and, new for 2013, the beautiful Croatian coastline, sailing out of Venice, one of the most alluring cities in the world for artists.

The ‘Art Afloat’ cruises are:

Monaco round-trip on Star Clipper, seven nights, departing April 27, 2013 and calling at Calvi, Bonifacio, Costa Smeralda, Portoferraio, Lerci and Santa Margarita (for Portofino). From £1,599 per person including flights to Nice, transfers, full board on the ship, all art equipment, daily tuition and welcome cocktail party. For travel by rail with a one-night stay in Monaco before the cruise, the price per person is from £1,849.

New for 2013, Venice round-trip on Royal Clipper, eight nights, departing September 27, 2013 and calling at Kotor, Dubrovnik, Hvar, Rovinj and Piran, with a night inVenice before the cruise. From £1,995 per person including flights to Venice, transfers, one night’s B&B accommodation in Venice, full board on the ship, all art equipment, daily tuition and welcome cocktail party.

To book, tel. 0845 200 6145 or visit www.starclippers.co.uk.

Save from £378pp off the brochure price

Are you a single traveller wishing to see the Northern Lights this winter? Perhaps you prefer travelling with a friend but like the privacy of your own cabin? If so, the latest offer from Hurtigruten is sure to appeal. Solo travellers can now take advantage of an extension to Hurtigruten’s no single supplement offer to give them more opportunities to see the Northern Lights this winter. With savings from £378pp off the brochure price, no single supplement sailings are now available on select departures from 1 January to mid-April 2013, as well as specific dates in November andDecember 2012.

The offer is applicable on the 12-day Classic Round Voyage, 11-day Norwegian Discovery Voyage, seven-day Classic Voyage North and six-day Classic Voyage South. All voyages are on afull board basis.

There is no better way to experience the Northern Lights than by sailing through the sheltered coastal waters of Norway on board a Hurtigruten ship, as the Northern Lights are set against a dark sky, free from artificial light. Following some phenomenal sightings last winter, the solar activity this winter is also expected to be extremely high.

In addition, throughout the voyage, a wide range of winter activities can be enjoyed, from snowmobiling and husky dog sledging to a trip to North Cape or a visit to the Kirkenes Snow Hotel.

Classic Round Voyage – from £1177pp – Enjoy a 12-day voyage from Bergen in the south to Kirkenes by the Russian border and back again. Prices lead in at £1177pp on selected departures from January to March and include full board on the ship. Flights are extra.

Voyage South – from £756pp – This six-day voyage south starts in Kirkenes, far north by the Russian border and travels down the coast to Bergen in the south. Starting at £756pp on selected departures from January to March, the price includes full board on the ship. Flights are extra. 

www.hurtigruten.co.uk

River cruising on foot

New river cruise holidays with gentle, guided walks, from Ramblers Worldwide Holidays

Guided walks holiday specialist, Ramblers Worldwide Holidays, has launched new river cruise holidays (15^th October) which include a programme of gentle walks tailored specifically for guests to explore Europe’s cities, villages and countryside in comfort and on foot, in the company of an experienced Ramblers Worldwide holiday specialist.

The emphasis of the programme is on gentle strolls, rather than strenuous walks, to appeal to those who enjoy exploring in the fresh air, on foot.

Ramblers Worldwide Holidays is offering a choice of three 7 night cruise itineraries along the Rhine, Danube and the Rhone, as part of its new `Adagio’ programme of more gentle, walking holidays. The cruises are on board 5* river cruisers from the award winning AmaWaterways’ fleet, including the brand new AmaCerto (launched May 2012), the most advanced river cruiser of its type.

At each daily port call guests will have the opportunity to explore the capitals, villages and countryside on foot with their own Ramblers Worldwide specialist, sometimes accompanied by knowledgeable local guides. Excursion choices include strolls through the scented Alpilles hills in Provence, a walking tour of Austria’s capital, Vienna, and walks along the River Vils to Schweiklberg Monastery.

Prices for the new `river cruises on foot’ start from £1899 per person, based on two sharing, and including return UK flights, transfers, the company of an experienced UK host, daily walks and excursions, while the cruise includes all meals, complimentary wine and beer with dinner, free wi-fi, and free use of on board bicycles.

· The Danube on foot Departing on 26 August 2013, this 7 night cruise on board the brand new luxury river cruiser ‘AmaCerto’ embarks in the German city of Vilshofen and includes walks along the River Vils to Schweiklberg Monastery; a lunchtime cruise to Passau in the Austrian Lake District, a ride on the Schafberg Railway; a visit to the idyllic Wachau wine village of Dürnstein; breakfast in Vienna and the opportunity to ‘walk the city’ with a local guide, a visit to a wine Heurige in the Vienna Woods; a tour of the old town of Bratislvava and a discovery of Budapest and Margaret Island on foot.

The holiday costs from £1,999 per person, based on two sharing, and including return flights from Heathrow to Munich, transfers, the company of an experienced holiday specialist, daily walks and excursions, while the cruise includes all meals, complimentary wine and beer with dinner, free wi-fi, and free use of on board bicycles.

· The Rhine on foot

This 7 night river cruise and walk holiday departing on 12 July 2013, takes guests through the stunningly beautiful Black Forest region, including a ride on the Belchen cable car, a visit to the picturesque village of Staufen; breakfast in Strasbourg to discover the city’s Petite France; excursions to the Alsatian vineyards around Dambach La Ville; the opportunity to explore the ancient city of Heidelberg on the river Neckar; Rudesheim with its famous vineyards; an iconic sailing through the Rhine Gorge to Koblenz; a visit to the Drachenfels Rock overlooking the Rhine and to Cologne’s Cathedral; and the opportunity to explore historic Amsterdam.

The holiday costs from £1,899 per person, based on two sharing, and including return flights from Heathrow to Basel, transfers, the company of an experienced holiday specialist, daily walks and excursions, while the cruise includes all meals, complimentary wine and beer with dinner, free Wi-Fi, free use of on board bicycles.

· The Rhone on foot

· Departing on 12 April 2013, this 7 night river cruise embarks in the magnificent city of Arles, Provence, immortalised by Van Gogh. Highlights include, walks through the scented Alpilles hills; a visit to the hilltop village of Les Baux de Provence; a dinner-time cruise to Avignon; a morning in Avignon to visit the famous bridge and Palais des Papes; an excursion to the ancient caves of Soyons; a tour of Vienne, capital of Roman Gaul; a discovery of Lyon with its beautiful cobbled alleyways and courtyards followed by a lunch time cruise to Collonges in Beaujolais wine country.

The holiday costs from £1,999 per person, based on two sharing, and including return flights from Heathrow to Marseilles, transfers, the company of an experienced holiday specialist, daily walks and excursions, while the cruise includes all meals, complimentary wine and beer with dinner, free wi-fi, and free use of on board bicycles.

The new Adagio gentle walking holidays are available to book from 15^th October 2012 at www.adagio.co.uk and 01707 386700

Holiday like Bond with Voyages of Discovery

The latest James Bond film Skyfall premieres later this month so as talk turns to martinis, high speed car chases and code breaking, recollect your favourite 007 moment on a James Bond inspired cruise with Voyages of Discovery (www.voyagesofdiscovery.com / 0844 822 0820).

The film Golden Eye was inspired by creator Ian Fleming’s Jamaica estate – known by the same name – and the films Dr. No and Live and Let Die were also shot nearby in glamorous locations in the Caribbean.

Visit these destinations for yourself on board Voyager on the Caribbean Gems cruise to uncover the colonial history, stunning landscapes and vibrant cultures of these destinations.

The 17-day Caribbean Gems cruise is available from £1,999 per person (based on two people sharing an inside cabin). The itinerary departs from Barbados (British West Indies) and calls at St. Lucia (British West Indies), Guadeloupe (Guadeloupe), Montserrat (Montserrat), Grenada (British West Indies), Tobago (Trinidad and Tobago), Margarita Island (Venezuela), La Guaira (Venezuela), Curacao (Netherlands Antilles), Bonaire (Netherlands Antilles), Santo Domingo (Dominican Republic) and Montego Bay (Jamaica). Price is based on a 20 December 2012 UK departure.

Price includes return flights from a major London airport and relevant transfers, talks by eminent Guest Speakers, meals and entertainment on board, all on board gratuities and all relevant port and airport taxes/fees.

For more information and to book call 0844 822 0820, visit www.voyagesofdiscovery.com

Sri Lanka sailing with Swan Hellenic

See your money go further on a cruise to the popular Asian country, Sri Lanka with Swan 

Hellenic (www.swanhellenic.com / 0844 822 0679). Recently named the ‘best value destination’* for the third year running, the To Sri Lankan Shores cruise offers temples, heritage and nature on a voyage around the island.

Explore the ancient port of Galle (a UNESCO heritage site) admire the Dutch architecture of the city or venture to Koggala, famous for its stilt fisherman. Sail to Sri Lanka’s capital – Colombo before travelling across the countryside to visit the Temple of Tooth and the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage.

The 15-day To Sri Lankan Shores cruise is available from £2,125 per person (based on two people sharing an inside cabin). The itinerary departs from Singapore and calls at Port Klang (Malaysia), Penang (Malaysia), Langkawi (Malaysia), Port Blair (Andaman Islands), Chennai (India), Trincomalee (Sri Lanka), Galle (Sri Lanka) and Colombo (Sri Lanka). Price is based on a 13 February 2013 departure.

Prices includes return flights from a major London airport and relevant transfers, a tailor-made programme of shore excursions, talks by eminent Guest Speakers, meals and entertainment on-board, all gratuities and all relevant cruise taxes/fees.

Swan Hellenic passengers choosing an outside cabin grade or higher (Grades A-I) can enjoy a complimentary return chauffeur service from their home to the UK departure airport or port within a radius of 75 miles (excess mileage charges on journeys over 75 miles will apply) on all 2013 cruises departing from 13 February 2013. Passengers on this cruise booking an outside cabin (Grades F-I) will also receive £100 onboard credit per cabin, or passengers booking a balcony suite (Grades A-D) will receive £200 onboard credit per cabin.

For more information and to book visit www.swanhellenic.com or call 0844 822 0679. 

Uncover Latin America with Voyages of Discovery in 2013

Uncover Latin America with Voyages of Discovery in 2013

Discover Latin America’s diverse mix of culture, history and stunning landscapes with Voyages of Discovery’s (www.voyagesofdiscovery.com / 0844 822 0820) mv Voyager.

Join the 21-day A Tapestry of Central America cruise and relax on the white sands of Montego Bay (Jamaica), explore Mexican Mayan ruins at Progreso (Mexico) and visit the tropical Costa Rican jungle.

A Tapestry of Central America costs from £2,499 per person and departs from Montego Bay (Jamaica)-overnight and calls at Progreso (Mexico), Belize City (Belize), Puerto Cortes (Honduras), Puerto Limon (Costa Rica), Cartagena (Colombia), San Blas Islands (Panama), Panama Canal transit (Panama), Balboa (Panama), Manta (Ecuador) and Quito (Ecuador). Price is based on 4 January 2013 UK departure.

Alternatively join the 22-day Natural Wonders of Latin America cruise, from £2,399 per person. Guests can marvel at the glacier-capped mountains of the Chilean Fjords and take in the historic past of Port Stanley (Falkland Islands) before arriving in the world famous cosmopolitan city of Buenos Aires (Argentina).

The Natural Wonders of Latin America departs from Valparaiso (Chile)-overnight and calls at Puerto Montt (Chile), Puerto Chacabuco (Chile), cruising the Chilean Fjords (Chile), Ushuaia (Argentina), Port Stanley (Falkland Islands), Puerto Madryn (Argentina) and Buenos Aires (Argentina)-overnight. Price is based on 5 February 2013 UK departure.

Prices include return flights from a major UK airport, transfers, all on board gratuities, service charges and relevant port/airport taxes, a comprehensive Guest Speaker programme and all meals and entertainment on board. Cabins will not be allocated at the time of booking with the fares quoted above.

All Voyages of Discovery shore excursions are now also bookable online – visit www.voyagesofdiscovery.com for further information.

For more information and to book call 0844 822 0820, visit www.voyagesofdiscovery.com, Facebook

With the thought of those cold Winter months fast approaching, planning a trip to the stunning Canal du Midi next Spring is a most appealing option. Luxury hotel barge operator European Waterways offers a range of relaxing, 6-night cruises on the waterways of France, including aboard the 8-passenger Enchanté, with its spacious cabins, which are the largest of any hotel barge on the 300-year old Canal du Midi, a UNESCO world heritage site.

One of the most luxurious barges in the fleet, Enchanté, with its double decks is contemporary in style, with 4 beautifully-appointed, en-suite twin, or double suites, air-conditioning, a large lounge/saloon, sun deck with hot tub, alfresco dining area, and a demonstration galley where guests can watch the skilled chef at work.

Known locally as Le Midi, this region of Southern France is one of the most picturesque and popular holiday destinations in the world, particularly in the Spring, when the weather is warm and an abundance of wild flowers such as poppies and mimosa – adorn the banks of the tree-lined canal.

During a classic Canal du Midi cruise aboard Enchanté, from Puichéric to Sallèles d’Aude, guests will experience during their voyage:  excursions to Cathar hilltop towns like Minerve; historic Narbonne and the fortified medieval city of Carcassonne; wine tastings at a renowned vineyard; and all with the backdrop of a widely diverse landscape overlooked by the distant Pyrenees Mountains.

Bikes are available for the guests to explore the towpaths and the barge is also equipped with DVD/TV, a computer with internet access and a CD/iPod sound system.

While on board, guests will be pampered by the professional crew – Captain, Master Chef, Tour Guide and Housekeeper – and enjoy gourmet cuisine, accompanied by expertly-selected wines, including fine examples of the local Minervois and Cotes de Roussillon.

Prices in 2013 for a 6-night cruise aboard hotel barge Enchanté, with departures between March and May, are from £3,670pp in a twin/double suite, including all meals, wines, an open bar, excursions and local transfers. Full boat charters also available from £25,380 (6 people).

For more information go to www.gobarging.com

Norwegian Fiords Offer

If sailing the Norwegian Fjords is on the ‘must-do’ list for 2013 then this special offer from Hurtigruten is sure to make that dream come true. Anyone booking a full or half voyage along the Norwegian coast before 30 November 2012 can save up to 25% off the brochure price. Whether it a summer voyage to see the Midnight Sun, a winter trip in search of the Northern Lights or perhaps a spring or autumn voyage to enjoy the changing seasons, savings can be made on departures throughout the year.

The offer is applicable to the popular 12-day Classic Round Voyage starting in Bergen in the south and travelling above the Arctic Circle to Kirkenes and back plus the two half voyages, the Voyage North or the Voyage South. The saving is also valid on the Classic Norwegian Discovery itinerary, which travels from Bergen to Kirkenes and back to Trondheim.

A voyage with Hurtigruten offers passengers the opportunity to get closer to the shores, coastline and communities of Norway as the ships call at over 34 ports of call, many of them not visited by the larger cruise ships.

Classic Round Voyage – Bergen – Kirkenes – Bergen – 12 days

Summer - 1 June – 14 September – from £1893 – saving £631pp off the brochure price

Winter – 1 Jan-14 March and Nov/Dec – from £1177 – saving £392pp off the brochure price

Classic Voyage North – Bergen to Kirkenes – 7 days

Summer - 1 June – 14 September – from £1279 – saving £426pp off the brochure price

Winter – 1 Jan-14 March and Nov/Dec – from £826 – saving £275pp off the brochure price

All prices are full board and based on two sharing. Flights are extra. MUST BOOK BY 30 NOVEMBER.

www.hurtigruten.co.uk

Hebridean Island Cruises reveals a dedicated 2013 European Rivers Programme

Back by popular demand Hebridean Island Cruises (www.hebridean.co.uk/01756704704) introduces its second season of European rivers cruises on the five-star vessel, Hebridean’s Royal Crown.

Following its successful inaugural year, Hebridean will offer cruises to the Main for the first time along with cruises to the Rhine and Danube. With a choice of five itineraries starting from June 2013 on board Hebridean’s Royal Crown, guests can expect a luxury travel experience reminiscent of the golden age of cruising.

Colin Stone, Managing Director at Hebridean Island Cruises commented:

“This year’s Hebridean river programme has been an incredible success; it gave us the opportunity to offer our loyal guests something different on a par with the luxury experience commonly associated with Hebridean Princess. Following on from the four dedicated charters in 2012 we have slightly expanded the forthcoming programme and we are confident that the 2013 sailings will be greatly received by existing guests and those looking to try river cruising for the first time.”

Highlights of the new brochure include:

- Cruising the Rhine – Seven night cruise from £2,750 per person (based on two people sharing a cabin). Guests will visit the famous Baden wine region; take an evening cruise to Strasbourg followed by a tour of the old city - the Grand Ile - a UNESCO Heritage Site.

- Cruising the Rhine and the Main – Seven night cruise from £2,750 per person (based on two people sharing a cabin). Highlights of the package include a trip to Remagen – renowned for its churches and castles, scenic cruising through the World Heritage Site of the Rhine Gorge and a day exploring the history of Bamberg.

- Cruising the Danube – Seven night cruise from £2,995 per person (based on two people sharing a cabin). Visit Passau and see the world’s largest church organ, discover the romantic city of Vienna and then onto the Slovakian city of Bratislava – the only capital to border two countries.

Hebridean’s Royal Crown offers 85 guests elegant surroundings and a personal service, with 45 art deco style cabins available – some of which are dedicated to single occupancy.

Prices for all cruises include ex UK flights and transfers to and from the ship, meals, a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, shore excursions and gratuities and all relevant cruise taxes/fees.

For more information and to book visit www.hebridean.co.uk or call 01756 704 704. 

With Silversea to Antarctica

Adventure-seeking travellers with discerning tastes will be thrill to discover that Silversea Expeditions offer cruises that are just as exhilarating as they are luxurious.
USHUAIA - USHUAIA: Marvel at spectacular iceberg sculptures and calving glaciers, set foot on the continent of Antarctica and encounter gentoo, chinstrap and Adelie penguins. Watch for whales – humpback, Minke, orca, pilot, and beaked and identify seabirds including Antarctic cormorant, kelp gull, Antarctic tern and cape petrels.
Silversea’s Silver Explorer sets sail 3rd December 2012 on a 10-day round-trip voyage from Ushuaia, Argentina. Prices start at £5,399 per person, based on double occupancy in adventurer class. Also available on voyages departing 21 Jan / 31 Jan / 10 Feb / 20 Feb 2013. For more information please call 0844 770 9030 or visit www.silversea.com
USHUAIA – CAPE TOWN: Follow in the footsteps of great Antarctic explorers, see snow-covered mountains, mighty glaciers and spectacular iceberg sculptures. Watch for sea lions, seals, dolphins, and whales and identify seabirds including albatross, shearwaters and petrels. Visit the most remote inhabited archipelago in the world and marvel at the dramatic views from South Africa’s Cape Point.
Silversea’s Silver Explorer sets sail on 2nd March 2013 on a 22-day voyage from Ushuaia, Argentine to Cape Town, South Africa. Prices start at £6,399 per person, based on double occupancy in adventurer class. For more information please call 0844 770 9030 or visit www.silversea.com
ACCRA TO DARKAR: Visit a traditional Ewa village and school, Learn of the voodoo culture and contemplate the solemn history of slave trade sites. Admire the fishing skills of the Tofinu people, explore the seldom-visited Bijagos Archipelago and identify rare endemic bird species and wild monkeys.
Silversea’s Silver Explorer sets sail on 11th April 2013 on a 12-day voyage from Accra, Ghana to Dakar, Senegal. Prices start from £4,299, based on double occupancy in adventurer class. For more information please call 0844 770 9030 or visit www.silversea.com 

Canal du Midi next Spring

With the thought of those cold Winter months fast approaching, planning a trip to the stunning Canal du Midi next Spring is a most appealing option. Luxury hotel barge operator European Waterways offers a range of relaxing, 6-night cruises on the waterways of France, including aboard the 8-passenger Enchanté, with its spacious cabins, which are the largest of any hotel barge on the 300-year old Canal du Midi, a UNESCO world heritage site.

One of the most luxurious barges in the fleet, Enchanté, with its double decks is contemporary in style, with 4 beautifully-appointed, en-suite twin, or double suites, air-conditioning, a large lounge/saloon, sun deck with hot tub, alfresco dining area, and a demonstration galley where guests can watch the skilled chef at work.

The Enchanté’s tastefully furnished interior features exotic hardwoods and a remodelled dining area with a stylish, contemporary twist, bring to this barge “a new level of luxury and comfort on the famed Canal du Midi,” according to Derek Banks, managing director of European Waterways.

“Enchanté has consistently attracted strong bookings, especially in the Spring, as guests seek to shake off the chill of winter and escape the fast-paced city to drift slowly down a tree-lined canal and watch nature take its course,” said Banks. “Springtime is one of the sunnier periods of the year for the historic region, bringing the countryside to life with almond blossoms and lush green hills.”

Known locally as Le Midi, this region of Southern France is one of the most picturesque and popular holiday destinations in the world, particularly in the Spring, when the weather is warm and an abundance of wild flowers such as poppies and mimosa – adorn the banks of the tree-lined canal.

During a classic Canal du Midi cruise aboard Enchanté, from Puichéric to Sallèles d’Aude, guests will experience during their voyage: excursions to Cathar hilltop towns like Minerve; historic Narbonne and the fortified medieval city of Carcassonne; wine tastings at a renowned vineyard; and all with the backdrop of a widely diverse landscape overlooked by the distant Pyrenees Mountains.

Bikes are available for the guests to explore the towpaths and the barge is also equipped with DVD/TV, a computer with internet access and a CD/iPod sound system.

While on board, guests will be pampered by the professional crew – Captain, Master Chef, Tour Guide and Housekeeper – and enjoy gourmet cuisine, accompanied by expertly-selected wines, including fine examples of the local Minervois and Cotes de Roussillon.

This area of France is served by excellent regional airports and airlines, including Air France and British Airways, as well as by the ultra-fast TGV rail services from Paris.

Prices in 2013 for a 6-night cruise aboard hotel barge Enchanté, with departures between March and May, are from £3,670pp in a twin/double suite, including all meals, wines, an open bar, excursions and local transfers. Full boat charters also available from £25,380 (6 people).

Note to Editors:

Europe’s largest luxury hotel barge operator, European Waterways offer traditionally 6-night departures along the canals, rivers and lagoons of nine European countries. These ultra-relaxing holidays include: all gourmet meals on board, selected, quality wines, open bar, daily escorted shore excursions, local transfers and the use of all barge facilities such as bicycles and spa pools.

European Waterways’ fully-crewed, luxury vessels accommodate between 6 and 20 guests. Clients can choose to either join a small group of like-minded travellers on an individual cabin basis, or charter a whole boat with family and friends. The average crew ratio is one crew member for every two passengers and includes Captain, Chef, Tour Guide and Hostesses, ensuring a very high level of service.

For more information/reservations, visit www.gobarging.com or contact European Waterways:

Tel: +44(0) 1753 598555 Email: sales@gobarging.com

SeaDream Yacht Club Announces Asia debut in 2013/14 Season

SeaDream Yacht Club has announced that, for the first time, they will deploy one of their twin mega-yachts, SeaDream II to Asia for the winter season 2013/14 after the completion of her advertised summer 2013 Mediterranean season.

The first of her Asia programme departures is “Passage to the Far East”, which will depart Athens, Greece on 12^th October 2013 and include a transit of the Suez Canal, excursions to Egypt’s fascinating archeological sites (accompanied by Egyptologist) en route to Mumbai, India; prices for this epic 15-night voyage start from £4,050 per person inc Govt, fees, handling & port tax. From Mumbai, she will sail onwards via Cochin, Sri Lanka and the Andaman Islands to Thailand before dropping down to Singapore; this 13-night trans-Indian Ocean sailing costs from £3,995 per person inc Govt. fees, handling & port tax.

Thereafter SeaDream II will visit almost every coastal country in South East Asia, as well as visiting Northern Australia during a six months programme which features destinations in Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Myanmar (Burma), East Timor, Indonesia, New Guinea, Vietnam, Cambodia and Hong Kong.

Offering 18 unique sailings in total, each voyage in SeaDream II’s new Asia programme offers unique and exciting ports of call, each ranging from seven to fifteen nights duration; most may be combined to create longer back-to-back holidays. Typical 7-night itineraries such as her “Asian New Year Celebration Cruise” from Phuket to Singapore on 28^th December 2013 costs from £3645 per person including Govt. fees, handling and port tax whilst a typical longer voyage such as her 14-night “Voyage of the Warrors” sailing from Cairns to Bali departing on 1^st February 2014 costs from £5995 per person inc Govt. fees, handling and port tax.

SeaDream II accommodates up to 112 guests in a maximum of 56 sea view staterooms and suites. She has a permanent crew of 95. Her full Asia programme is ‘live’ at www.seadream.com where full itinerary information, facts about the yacht, accommodation choices and ‘live’ pricing can be found.

The newly-released 2013 Berlitz Complete Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships, has announced that SeaDream I and SeaDream II have for the tenth successive year achieved the top two ratings in the ‘Boutique Ships’ category (for cruise vessels up to 250 passengers).

To view SeaDream’s “Asian Discoveries” e-brochure go to link: http://brochures.seadream.com/asian-discoveries/