Showing posts with label travel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label travel. Show all posts
P&O 'plague ship' docks at Southampton after norovirus outbreak
P&O 'plague ship' docks at Southampton after norovirus outbreak
Passengers claim captain admitted crew had struggled to cope with outbreak on Christmas Baltic
The P&O liner Oriana, which was described as a 'plague ship' by passengers, has docked at Southampton. Photograph: Niall Carson/PA
A cruise liner dubbed "a plague ship" by passengers struck down with the norovirus winter vomiting bug has docked at Southampton.
Scores of passengers were laid low by the virus.
One female passenger told Sky News today: "It was poorly organised. The crew were running around like headless chickens.
Passengers on the 10-day voyage aboard the P&O vessel Oriana claimed up to 400 travellers had been struck down. Chris Meadows, from Southampton, who attended a crisis meeting between the liner's captain and passengers, said the captain had told them staff were struggling to cope.
Meadows told the Daily Telegraph: "The captain has admitted at the height of the outbreak that the crew could not cope."
"They didn't seem to know what to do and we were told it was all our fault."
A male passenger told Sky that passengers had had to rely on room service for food as parts of the ship had been shut off.
"The wait was around two and a half hours," he said.
A spokeswoman for P&O's owner, Carnival, said on Thursday that out of 1,843 passengers only six had active symptoms.
The Oriana left Southampton on 4 December, with passengers paying up to £1,400 for the voyage, which included visits to Copenhagen, Oslo and Amsterdam.
The Health Protection Agency said this week that more than 750,000 people across the UK could be affected by a norovirus outbreak.
The P&O Cruises managing director, Carol Marlow, apologised to passengers on Friday.
She told Sky: "We had a number of people who were taken ill. I have written to all the passengers saying how sorry I am.
"These are our passengers. We want them to have a good time so they sail with us again."
She invited passengers with particular concerns to contact the company and added that any compensation would be dealt with on an individual basis.
Travel insurance: do I really need it?
One well-travelled reader regales us with tales of his cover-free adventures... but can we all afford to be so oblivious to risk?
Рlease write comment on my blog!
About Travel Agents
About Travel Agents
Travel agents coordinate every aspect of travel, from choosing a destination to booking a flight, from making arrangements for hotel accommodations and car rentals to arranging tours. Many travel agents work closely with cruise lines, as well as with resorts, spas, and special-interest travel groups. Travel agents are expected to know the ins and outs of the destinations they recommend, including tourist attractions, restaurants and entertainment, local customs, as well as any hazards or issues to be aware of.
Education requirements for travel agents include a high school diploma, but many travel agencies prefer their travel agents to have bachelor's degrees or specialized training in the travel field from vocational schools, online programs, adult education programs, or community colleges. Several colleges in the United States offer degree programs in travel and tourism. In addition, travel agents who are experienced travelers are highly sought after.
In addition to being travel savvy, travel agents must have excellent listening and communication skills, must work well with people, must have excellent research skills, and must be well organized. Good sales ability is also a plus.
Travel agents spend a large portion of their time in offices behind desks, using the computer, talking with clients on the telephone, arranging reservations and itineraries, and filling out paperwork. They may also spend some portion of their time traveling to resorts, hotels, motels, restaurants, and attractions to assess cleanliness and convenience, and to better make recommendations.
The job outlook for travel agents increases as people travel. During a slow economy, people tend to travel less, while during a robust economy, travel picks up. Travel agents who specialize in particular destinations, as well as those who handle certain special interest groups, tend to have the best job prospects.Рlease write comment on my blog!
A morning in Germany and Switzerland mountains!
A morning in Germany +Switzerland mountains!
^^
That morning, I found myself in Germany, especially in the city of Cologne. I wanted to make the most of business trip for visiting this city. The day before, I was crossing Germany by train in order to join my final destination in the night. Fortunately, I found a room in a very cheap and nice hotel close to the station.
My morning in Germany
The next day was “The day”, my diary was full, and nevertheless I had some hours to visiting the town. It was in the beginning of January, the weather was cold and the ground slippery because of the black ice. That was a very funny morning during which I made some shopping down town.
My good German surprise
My fantastic journey in Germany ended in the beginning of the evening. I jumped in the car and crossed one more time this pleasant country by road.
I had very good surprise to see a TV in my hotel bedroom, so I could watch the news. In the morning, I was surprised to find a bus stop in the bottom of my hotel. There I could get a bus going to my final destination.
Leaving Germany
Switzerland mountains!!!
A week in Geneva
My departure from Switzerland
After this awesome week, I went back by car of course to my home city. I bought a camera in order to capture the wonderful photos of my travel in Swiss Confederation.
Nevertheless, I thank GOD for the last minute place found in a lodge of center Geneva. And I spent a very enjoyable journey in this cosmopolitan city. Thereby, I made the most of my trip by visiting unforgettable places like the Leman’s lake or the famous train station of Cormavin.Here’s the story of my travel by car in Switzerland where I discovered amazing mountains and fascinating lakes. For example, a lake called “Léman” with its nice beaches and the jet. Switzerland is a beautiful country inside the mountain of Alps, a very touristic place for several winter and summer sport. My discovery of Switzerland
Traveling by car was tremendous opportunity to peruse the landscape during my trip. And when I got to the city it’s was a challenge to find a place in a hotel. It’s was then that I realized the need to book an hotel before my departure.
My travel story in Belgium
How to prepare your stay
My travel story in Belgium, stories of a trip to Brussels
my travel story
My first travel story was during a trip to Brussels airport called Zaventem located in Belgium.
My travel story in Europe was in Belgium, exactly in the airport of Brussels. Indeed, I was transiting there because there were no direct flight to my final destination.
Nevertheless, I was impressed by the numerous people from many countries I met during my transit.
My travel story in Belgium
Lastly, at noon, it was time for me to say: “bye” to Brussels airport. I pursued my travel enriched with unforgettable records.
My travel story in Belgium: Part 2
It was a nice morning; I spent about six hours wandering in the airport. I found many shops hidden upstairs and some sitting rooms where travelers could sit down while they were waiting for their plane.
This time I was crossing Belgium by car back from Germany. I was amazed to see the enlightened roads of this kingdom, what is unusual in many countries. I suppose that they found the secret of low cost electricity.
My travel story in Belgium: Third journey
I discovered the north of Belgium during a enjoyable holiday in Antwerp. I perused the diamond shops in the center of the city. Most of these stores are hold by the Jewish community.
Furthermore, I had the good surprise to meet a childhood friend in train the station. Obviously, we talk about the past, the present and the future…
Рlease write comment on my blog!
How to navigate around London Underground
How to navigate around London Underground:
Use a map of the underground to note which line your starting station is on (the easiest way is to note the colour).
If they are two different lines, make a note of where they cross which is where you will need to change trains.
Work out which direction you will need to travel in (ie eastbound, westbound, northbound or southbound) OR make a note of the station name at the end of your destination line.
Then note which line your destination station is on.
Signs and maps situated at the entrance to each station or each line will tell you which line you should take, with the stations marked on them. These will be colour coded according to the line colours on the underground map.
Make a note of how many stations there are until your stop, then get on the appropriate train and count the stops until you have to get off!
If they are two different lines, make a note of where they cross which is where you will need to change trains.
Work out which direction you will need to travel in (ie eastbound, westbound, northbound or southbound) OR make a note of the station name at the end of your destination line.
Then note which line your destination station is on.
Make a note of how many stations there are until your stop, then get on the appropriate train and count the stops until you have to get off!
“When they try to cheat tourists...”
We only went to this place to have a coffee at the bar and paid it 2.50 € each (other coffees in Paris costed 0.95 - 1.20 €). They said it's the price written in the carte but we didn't see it, and anyway they made us pay as we had table service but we didn't! I think it's not honest from them and I'm happy we didn't have dinner there.
The worst part was not that they added 13,50€ to the bill of a lunch for 2, but how terribly they treated us when we complained about it. We ordered a dish of calamaris to share, spaghetti with clams and risotto with seafood. When we asked for the bill, we saw that the price of each of the main dishes had been increased in 2€ and that there were 2 dishes of calamaris instead of the single starter we had ordered, so double of the price indicated in the menu. The waiter accepted without apologising that the price of the main dishes was incorrect but refused to let us pay just the starter we had ordered because we had already eaten it. This after having tried to convince us, with no success, that in fact they had already discounted one of the portions because the whole price of the calamaris would have been 36€. The menu clearly indicated "calamari fritti 9.50." No comments. Then the waiter invited me to go to the hall to meet "il direttore" if I still was not happy with the amount to pay. It was later when I understood how this allowed the director to shout at me and insult me without disturbing the rest of the clients. However, I'm sure everybody heard how he called me "stronza maleducata" while he yelled "when I travel in Spain, I pay what they ask me to" (I'm Spanish.) I decided then to ask for the complaints book. This only made things even worse, with the director holding one of my arms, his other hand raised and shouting at me if I was trying to eat for free. The waiter was also extremely disrespectful to us, saying lovely things as "who do you think you are to complain" and "if you don't have enough money to pay just leave." The funny thing is that before we could even imagine the terrible scene we would have to suffer, we had already regretted having chosen this place for lunch as the food was too salty to be enjoyed and the decoration really tacky, with pictures of old fashion landscapes and plastic flowers among other beautiful details.
My worst experience so far in a restaurant and the only bad incident I had in my, apart from this disturbing episode, wonderful holidays in Sardinia.
Peru cruise: eating up the Amazon
Peru cruise: eating up the Amazon
In the observation deck of the M/V Aria, the most opulently-appointed cruise ship on the Amazon, there is less appetite than usual for the communal Jacuzzi. Passengers would normally be immersing themselves in the cool, clear water to soak away the heat and humidity of this spot, close to the equator, where the Marañon and Ucayali rivers meet. Today they have formed a huddle round the tub, but no one has ventured in and, on closer inspection, I can see why.
On the 147ft-long Aria and its sister ship the Aqua, both operated by Aqua Expeditions, gastronomy is high on the agenda. Last September the Aria hosted Ferran Adrià, of El Bulli fame, with Gastón Acurio – the chef who, seven years ago, took Peruvian cuisine to new heights and has promoted it worldwide in his 33 restaurants. Both were in Lima for Mistura, South America's biggest food festival, along with René Redzepi of Noma in Copenhagen.
This one will feed 32 passengers at a dinner showcasing the talents of five top chefs, among them Nobu Matsuhisa – owner of more than 30 restaurants worldwide, including two in London with a Michelin star each – and Yoshihiro Murata, arguably the most influential chef in Japan. His Kikunoi restaurant in Kyoto has three Michelin stars while Roan Kikunoi (also in Kyoto) and Akasaka Kikunoi (in Tokyo) have two stars each. In Peru for a conference, they have been invited to cook on board by Pedro Miguel Schiaffino, the Aria's executive chef, himself dubbed "South America's Heston Blumenthal" for his use of esoteric ingredients both here and at Malabar, his acclaimed restaurant in Lima.
In the observation deck of the M/V Aria, the most opulently-appointed cruise ship on the Amazon, there is less appetite than usual for the communal Jacuzzi. Passengers would normally be immersing themselves in the cool, clear water to soak away the heat and humidity of this spot, close to the equator, where the Marañon and Ucayali rivers meet. Today they have formed a huddle round the tub, but no one has ventured in and, on closer inspection, I can see why.
Not only is it filled with muddy river water that smells faintly of methane, but the surface is broken every few minutes by a gargantuan fish. "It's a paiche," says Victor Coelho, one of four naturalist guides on board, leaping into the Jacuzzi in his shorts to wrestle with the prehistoric leviathan and to present it for a photo opportunity. "The paiche is at the top of the food chain and has a bony tongue to rake in smaller fish. Like a mammal, it has to surface every five or 10 minutes for oxygen. A large fish could feed a family for a week."
This one will feed 32 passengers at a dinner showcasing the talents of five top chefs, among them Nobu Matsuhisa – owner of more than 30 restaurants worldwide, including two in London with a Michelin star each – and Yoshihiro Murata, arguably the most influential chef in Japan. His Kikunoi restaurant in Kyoto has three Michelin stars while Roan Kikunoi (also in Kyoto) and Akasaka Kikunoi (in Tokyo) have two stars each. In Peru for a conference, they have been invited to cook on board by Pedro Miguel Schiaffino, the Aria's executive chef, himself dubbed "South America's Heston Blumenthal" for his use of esoteric ingredients both here and at Malabar, his acclaimed restaurant in Lima.
One day they might release baby turtles back into the wild, the next they might visit a sanctuary for manatees, seal-like river mammals. They arrive back in time for a rain shower in their air-conditioned, Italian-styled suite, followed by a pisco sour (grape brandy, lime juice, sugar, egg white), elegantly mixed by Robinson the bartender, and a sumptuous Peruvian feast.
In the mornings and afternoons, passengers set out on motorised skiffs with the Aria's naturalist guides – all local – to fish for piranhas and spot pink river-dolphins, caimans, iguanas, monkeys, bats, sloths and a bewildering variety of birds in the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve west of Iquitos, the main city in the Peruvian rainforest.
Away from the desk: Philip Johnston (and John Major) in Colombia
Away from the desk: Philip Johnston (and John Major) in Colombia
Yopal must be among the more unlikely destinations for the visit of a British prime minister. It was to what was then a sleepy cattle town in the province of Casanare, in Colombia, that John Major travelled 20 years ago this summer, accompanied by the usual posse of political correspondents (of whom I was one) and by enough military hardware to fight a small war. In fact, getting caught up in a small war was exactly what we feared: Colombia in the early Nineties was a pretty unstable country even by South American standards. Not only were the drug traffickers armed to the teeth but a rebel outfit called the National Liberation Army had a few days earlier fought a pitched battle with Colombian troops just 50 miles from Yopal.
More than that, we were travelling with César Gaviria, then the Colombian president, whose crackdown on both the Cali drug cartel and the guerrillas had made him a must-kill target for both, which is why a detachment of marines had come along for the ride. So, an invitation for one of the British reporters to fly from the capital, Bogotá, to Yopal in El Presidente's official plane did not exactly trigger a rush of volunteers. We drew lots – the loser went with the president; the rest of us took the bus.
Travelling with a prime minister is an experience that makes it hard ever again to fly with the hoi polloi. An official minibus and a fleet of cars transports the PM's entourage directly to the VIP suite; there is no queuing at the check-in or passport control and no security searches. Even though the press effectively paid for the whole trip, we were pretty much regarded as economy-class passengers, certainly in terms of importance. But the one compensation was that the food and service on board the prime ministerial plane were always of the highest standard. More Krug champagne with your beluga caviar, sir? Oh, if you insist.
Yopal must be among the more unlikely destinations for the visit of a British prime minister. It was to what was then a sleepy cattle town in the province of Casanare, in Colombia, that John Major travelled 20 years ago this summer, accompanied by the usual posse of political correspondents (of whom I was one) and by enough military hardware to fight a small war. In fact, getting caught up in a small war was exactly what we feared: Colombia in the early Nineties was a pretty unstable country even by South American standards. Not only were the drug traffickers armed to the teeth but a rebel outfit called the National Liberation Army had a few days earlier fought a pitched battle with Colombian troops just 50 miles from Yopal.
More than that, we were travelling with César Gaviria, then the Colombian president, whose crackdown on both the Cali drug cartel and the guerrillas had made him a must-kill target for both, which is why a detachment of marines had come along for the ride. So, an invitation for one of the British reporters to fly from the capital, Bogotá, to Yopal in El Presidente's official plane did not exactly trigger a rush of volunteers. We drew lots – the loser went with the president; the rest of us took the bus.
So what had brought us there? A few weeks earlier, Major had won a general election victory against the odds and what better way to celebrate than to play the role of statesman far from the trials and tribulations of domestic politics? Prime ministers are, by nature, a suspicious bunch and tend not to like being out of the country for long in case their colleagues start plotting. But this trip was a glorious exception: it would last seven days and take in the United States, Colombia and, finally, Brazil, where Major was to attend the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro.
Direct flights bring Vietnam closer for British travellers
Direct flights bring Vietnam closer for British travellers
From Thursday, Vietnam Airlines will begin twice-weekly services between Gatwick and Hanoi and the same number between Gatwick and Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon). The flights will take approximately 12 hours, cutting several hours off the journey to Vietnam – until now only possible via regional hubs such as Bangkok, Singapore and Hong Kong.
Vietnam and neighbouring Cambodia and Laos have been attracting a growing number of British visitors since opening up to tourists some two decades ago. Last year, 80,000 Britons visited Vietnam, exploring the Mekong Delta and Halong Bay by boat, heading to the hills of Sapa, engaging with the legacy of the Vietnam War and relaxing on one of the country’s many beaches. Cambodia, home to the Angkor Wat temple complex, drew some 103,000 British visitors. Laos attracts those looking for a more laid-back atmosphere, beautiful scenery and the Buddhist charms of Luang Prabang.
From Thursday, Vietnam Airlines will begin twice-weekly services between Gatwick and Hanoi and the same number between Gatwick and Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon). The flights will take approximately 12 hours, cutting several hours off the journey to Vietnam – until now only possible via regional hubs such as Bangkok, Singapore and Hong Kong.
Vietnam and neighbouring Cambodia and Laos have been attracting a growing number of British visitors since opening up to tourists some two decades ago. Last year, 80,000 Britons visited Vietnam, exploring the Mekong Delta and Halong Bay by boat, heading to the hills of Sapa, engaging with the legacy of the Vietnam War and relaxing on one of the country’s many beaches. Cambodia, home to the Angkor Wat temple complex, drew some 103,000 British visitors. Laos attracts those looking for a more laid-back atmosphere, beautiful scenery and the Buddhist charms of Luang Prabang.
“In Vietnam itself most people travel from one end of the country to the other, taking in all the different highlights along the way. With these new flights it will be possible to fly into Hanoi and out of Ho Chi Minh City – or vice versa.”
“For travellers wanting to explore south-east Asia, this new route will make things much easier and should mean one less flight at each end of the journey,” said Natalie Lewis of Audley Travel, a company that began as a south-east Asia specialist 15 years ago.
Vietnam: a view from the train
Vietnam: a view from the train
It is one minute to 7pm at the main railway station in central Hanoi. The relaxed bustle of boarding is complete, and a palpable air of expectation hangs over platform 1. An electric bell rings, the locomotive hoots impatiently. Outside each carriage door, a uniformed attendant looks nervously up and down the train, holding a lantern aloft and waiting for the off.
From the station loudspeakers, a last urgent call in staccato Vietnamese fills the warm night air. As the second hand sweeps towards the 12, the attendants step smartly up into the train, removing the numbers hung outside their carriage doors. One long blast and one short toot on the horn, a muted hiss from the brakes, and train SE1 glides gently off into the night on its 33-hour, 1,070-mile journey to Vietnam's second city, Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon).
This is the celebrated "Reunification Railway", a steel artery running the length of Vietnam. It was completed in 1936 in what was then French Indo-China, and its trains ran for 18 short years before the French pulled out and the country split into North and South. Hanoi station is still visibly a French colonial building, despite its stark concrete central section, an ugly reminder of a direct hit by American bomb in December 1972.
Not until 1976 did the north-south trains resume, and four or five air-conditioned trains now link Hanoi, Vinh, Hué, Da Nang, Nha Trang and Saigon every day, providing affordable and relatively comfortable transport for locals and visitors alike.
It is one minute to 7pm at the main railway station in central Hanoi. The relaxed bustle of boarding is complete, and a palpable air of expectation hangs over platform 1. An electric bell rings, the locomotive hoots impatiently. Outside each carriage door, a uniformed attendant looks nervously up and down the train, holding a lantern aloft and waiting for the off.
Not until 1976 did the north-south trains resume, and four or five air-conditioned trains now link Hanoi, Vinh, Hué, Da Nang, Nha Trang and Saigon every day, providing affordable and relatively comfortable transport for locals and visitors alike.
I had last visited Vietnam more than a decade before, and as the SE1 raced the frenetic road traffic through the Hanoi suburbs, it seemed that every cyclist then now owned a motorbike, and every motorcyclist a car. Tourism has also boomed, and I was travelling in one of two privately run Livitrans sleeping-cars aimed at visitors, a cut above the SE1's regular "soft sleepers" but still only $59 (£38) for the 494 miles to Da Nang.
Burma: should British holiday makers visit?
Burma: should British holidaymakers visit?
Dave Cameron is to make an historic visit to Burma on Friday. Should British tourists be following in his footsteps?
What do you think? Should tourists be following in the Prime Minister's footsteps? Is tourism to Burma ethical? Should Britons be practicing small-scale tourism to the country, rather than travelling with large tour operators? How can this be achieved?
Having previously opposed tourism to Burma, Ms Suu Kyi relaxed her position last year, and said that low-key "individual tourism" would be welcomed. Her shift in attitude was first revealed in August 2011 by Telegraph Travel. Following the announcement, visitor numbers to Burma have soared, with reports of a shortage of tour guides and hotel rooms in Rangoon (Yangon), where facilities for tourism are still rudimentary. An increasing number of package operators are adding the country to their brochures.
Рlease write comment on my blog!
Dave Cameron is to make an historic visit to Burma on Friday. Should British tourists be following in his footsteps?
David Cameron is to make an historic visit to Burma on Friday. He will become the first western leader in a generation to visit the country. His decision comes after the National League for Democracy, the party of Aung San Suu Kyi, won 43 seats in parliament in the first democratic elections for more than 50 years.
What do you think? Should tourists be following in the Prime Minister's footsteps? Is tourism to Burma ethical? Should Britons be practicing small-scale tourism to the country, rather than travelling with large tour operators? How can this be achieved?
Рlease write comment on my blog!
London in your lunch break: London Eye
London in your lunch break: London Eye
Take your lunch break at...
The London Eye at the South Bank. Hardly an unheard of destination, but this popular viewing point over London has recently launched an interactive guide to about 50 of the many attractions visible from its heights.
Not only did I find out that Battersea Power Station is Europe’s largest brick building, I discovered that it was designed by the same architect behind the classic red phone boxes – and there are many more titbits of information like this.
Рlease write comment on my blog!
Viking Denmark
Viking Denmark
There is, apparently, no place in Denmark where one can be further than 50km from the sea – a perfect homeland for the Vikings, whose impact was widely felt in Europe and beyond between the 9th and 11th centuries.
Adept seamen and shipwrights and able to muster considerable bodies of armed men, they travelled as far as Newfoundland in the west, and the Caspian sea in the East, taking their rich traditions of artistic expression, story-telling and building skills with them.
There is, apparently, no place in Denmark where one can be further than 50km from the sea – a perfect homeland for the Vikings, whose impact was widely felt in Europe and beyond between the 9th and 11th centuries.
This journey through their homelands will start at their southern land defence, the Danevirke, and will explore the evidence for their towns, their burial monuments and, perhaps most importantly, the remains of their ships, including the chance to sail in a replica at Roskilde. John Hines is particularly knowledgeable about the Viking legends and sagas, and he will weave these into the archaeological journey.Whilst the focus of the tour is the Vikings, it would be hard to pass by some impressive discoveries dating to earlier periods, such as the famous Iron Age bog bodies, preserved by the wet terrain, and the richly decorated Gundestrup cauldron of the 1st century BC (in the National Museum).
We also see fine examples of more recent traditional architecture, such as Roskilde’s lovely cathedal.
Umbria -Archaeology in the Hill Towns
Umbria -Archaeology in the Hill Towns
Instead of concentrating on the medieval churches and their paintings, we go further back to tribes of pre-Roman Umbria and the gradual increase in importance of the area during the Roman period.
This is an unusual way of looking at the beautiful area of Umbria, home to the classic landscapes of tall cypress trees, ancient hilltop towns and olive groves which, for many travellers, represent the essence of central Italy.
The Iron Age Umbrian tribes inhabited independent cities which were as likely to be at war with each other as with outsiders. They shared a common language, related to Latin, but more closely related to that of the Samnite tribes to the south.
In 220BC, Caius Flaminius built a great road through Umbria which linked Rome to the East coast of Italy. This road had a dramatic effect on the communities of Umbria; those situated close by could take advantage of it and flourish, and those further away declined. In the turmoil of Rome’s civil wars, control of the road became important and Umbria was turned into a battlefield.
The trip is based in a single hotel in an attractively renovated fortified 15th century house on the plain west of Assisi.
Our tour traces the changing fortunes of the Umbrian landscape, the development and flourishing of Roman settlements in the valley, sited for ease of communication and trade, and the later creation of hill-towns sited for defence.
Instead of concentrating on the medieval churches and their paintings, we go further back to tribes of pre-Roman Umbria and the gradual increase in importance of the area during the Roman period.
This is an unusual way of looking at the beautiful area of Umbria, home to the classic landscapes of tall cypress trees, ancient hilltop towns and olive groves which, for many travellers, represent the essence of central Italy.
In 220BC, Caius Flaminius built a great road through Umbria which linked Rome to the East coast of Italy. This road had a dramatic effect on the communities of Umbria; those situated close by could take advantage of it and flourish, and those further away declined. In the turmoil of Rome’s civil wars, control of the road became important and Umbria was turned into a battlefield.
The trip is based in a single hotel in an attractively renovated fortified 15th century house on the plain west of Assisi.
Our tour traces the changing fortunes of the Umbrian landscape, the development and flourishing of Roman settlements in the valley, sited for ease of communication and trade, and the later creation of hill-towns sited for defence.
The Peloponnese from Homer to hadrian & beyond
The Peloponnese from Homer to hadrian & beyond
This is the land of Homer’s heroes and the great Bronze Age citadels from which they came. The home cities of Agamemnon, Menelaus and Nestor help us to put the Trojan War into its Greek context as a meeting with the world of the Hittites of Asia Minor, at a time when Greek colonists were hungry for land, and introducing their way of life to new territories across the sea.
In later times the Peloponnese was also home to major cities and sanctuaries of Classical Greece and, once again this part of Greece took centre stage in ancient world politics as the Peloponnesian War of the late 5th century BC brought the power of Athens to an end, and changed western civilisation forever.
Perhaps this was the memory immortalised by Homer in his epic poems. Certainly many aspects of the Mycenean culture rediscovered by Heinrich Schliemann clearly echo the world described by Homer.
Starting with the oracle at Delphi, as all great journeys should, we cross to the Peloponnese and travel through a beautiful countryside of mountains, plains and seascapes. Your journey follows the course of history through the coming of Rome, and then early Christianity, visiting the impressive Byzantine and Frankish city of Mistra.
This is the land of Homer’s heroes and the great Bronze Age citadels from which they came. The home cities of Agamemnon, Menelaus and Nestor help us to put the Trojan War into its Greek context as a meeting with the world of the Hittites of Asia Minor, at a time when Greek colonists were hungry for land, and introducing their way of life to new territories across the sea.
Perhaps this was the memory immortalised by Homer in his epic poems. Certainly many aspects of the Mycenean culture rediscovered by Heinrich Schliemann clearly echo the world described by Homer.
We finish in Athens, and now spend two days here seeing not only the National Museum, but also the new Acropolis Museum, both with incomparable collections which illustrate all aspects of life and death in Ancient Greece.
Starting with the oracle at Delphi, as all great journeys should, we cross to the Peloponnese and travel through a beautiful countryside of mountains, plains and seascapes. Your journey follows the course of history through the coming of Rome, and then early Christianity, visiting the impressive Byzantine and Frankish city of Mistra.
The Dordogne Prehistoric Cave Art
The Dordogne Prehistoric Cave Art
From the fierce debate which raged during the 19th century about the age and authenticity of decorated caves, to the most recent scientific research, the Dordogne has been at the centre of study of prehistory for many years.
The art in question belongs to the period approximately between 40,000 BC to 10,000 BC. To many, this period (known as the late Pleistocene) is so remote that it is difficult to envisage man as anything more than a ‘squat grunting savage’. However, we know that primitive forms of human had been making stone tools for more than 2 million years, and that Homo sapiens, the modern form of humankind to which we belong, evolved nearly 100,000 years ago.
Travel Between that time and the phase of cave decoration, Neanderthal man and his associated stone industries had come and gone, so that by 35,000 BC an advanced society of hunting and gathering humans of modern form was sufficiently well-established to combat the rigours of the final extreme cold phase of the Ice Age.
Malta & Gozo Prehistory and History
Malta & Gozo Prehistory and History:
A thousand years before the Great pyramid at Giza was constructed, people on the tiny island of Malta were moving stones weighing up to 50 tonnes, to make the oldest surviving free-standing structures in the world. Decorated with some of the most extraordinary art to be found anywhere in the Mediterranean, they were made by a society intensely engaged in the practice of ritual and ceremonial activities.
We will never know for sure why this extraordinary culture developed, and the only intriguing glimpses we have of the early people are in the well-proportioned figures found as statuettes at some of the temple sites.
It was a valuable prize to be coveted by all the powers through history, and the island became famous as the Headquarters of the Knights Hospitallers of St John.
To understand Malta’s subsequent history you have to see the mighty harbour at Valletta, a safe and secure haven in the middle of the busy shipping lanes of the Mediterranean.
It was later a treasured gem of the British Empire, leaving a legacy of familiar landmarks of times gone by such as red telephone boxes.
A thousand years before the Great pyramid at Giza was constructed, people on the tiny island of Malta were moving stones weighing up to 50 tonnes, to make the oldest surviving free-standing structures in the world. Decorated with some of the most extraordinary art to be found anywhere in the Mediterranean, they were made by a society intensely engaged in the practice of ritual and ceremonial activities.
We will never know for sure why this extraordinary culture developed, and the only intriguing glimpses we have of the early people are in the well-proportioned figures found as statuettes at some of the temple sites.
It was a valuable prize to be coveted by all the powers through history, and the island became famous as the Headquarters of the Knights Hospitallers of St John.
To understand Malta’s subsequent history you have to see the mighty harbour at Valletta, a safe and secure haven in the middle of the busy shipping lanes of the Mediterranean.
Canals of Bangkok
Canals of Bangkok, Buddhist temples, float down the mighty Mekong, visit majestic caves, cascading waterfalls, stunning limestone karsts, explore Hanoi, sail a junk through Halong Bay, shop Hoi An, explore tunnels in Cu Chi, cruise the Mekong.
Description
From the vibrant cityscape of Bangkok to Halong Bay's magnificent limestone karsts, this trip encompasses the highlights of Indochina.
The center of the UNESCO world heritage listed town is quite small and is accessible either on foot or by bicycle. You can visit the most impressive of Luang Prabang’s 32 temples including Vat Vixoun, Vat Sene, and Vat Xiengthong. Why not pack a picnic to eat on Phousi Hill and watch the sun set over the horizon or rise at dawn to watch the monks walk through the city collecting offerings of food from the locals. Take an afternoon to browse the many textile galleries and relax and enjoy a local coffee in on of the town's cafes.
Description
The center of the UNESCO world heritage listed town is quite small and is accessible either on foot or by bicycle. You can visit the most impressive of Luang Prabang’s 32 temples including Vat Vixoun, Vat Sene, and Vat Xiengthong. Why not pack a picnic to eat on Phousi Hill and watch the sun set over the horizon or rise at dawn to watch the monks walk through the city collecting offerings of food from the locals. Take an afternoon to browse the many textile galleries and relax and enjoy a local coffee in on of the town's cafes.
Thousands of islands rise dramatically from the waters of Halong Bay and, to further their beauty, intricate cave systems naturally exist throughout these limestone karst formations.
Santo Domingo
Rafting in the highlands, canyoning down waterfalls, biking down a mountain, experiencing Cabarete night life, exploring the fascinating colonial zone of Santo Domingo.
Description
For those with limited time looking to experience the best of the Dominican Republic, this comfortable week-long adventure offers a true taste of the region. On this active adventure, you'll go whitewater rafting on the Yaque del Norte River then really get your adrenaline pumping rappelling down a waterfall on a canyoning adventure. Tear it up on mountain bikes through the stunning scenery of the Septentrional Range and enjoy a dose of local culture in Santo Domingo. While plenty of activities are included, you'll always have free time to explore or relax—ensuring you a true once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
A beautiful adventure in breath-taking surroundings, carving through the “Dominican Alps” you will experience excellent class III rapids that will change your image of a Caribbean island forever. Experience jumping from the "El Cerrazo" rock and swimming through the "Crocodile" rapids. Rapids are gentle to start with, allowing time to learn skills and understand guide commands, leading to more challenging sections of river later in the trip. Rafting is followed by lunch and then transfer back to the hotel.
Description
Santo Domingo is the capital and largest city in the Dominican Republic. The city is located on the south side of the island on the Caribbean Sea, and at the mouth of the Ozama River. Founded by Bartholomew Columbus (brother of Christopher) in 1496, it is the oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in the Americas, and was the first seat of Spanish colonial rule in the New World. Today, Santo Domingo is the Dominican Republic's major metropolis, and is the largest city in the Caribbean by population.
Day 2-3 Jarabacoa (2B,L,2D)
Guided walking tour of Santo Domingo Colonial Zone and half-day whitewater rafting on the Yaque del Norte River. Option to ride by horesback to the Jimenoa Waterfall or visit organic coffee plantation Finca Alta Gracia.
A beautiful adventure in breath-taking surroundings, carving through the “Dominican Alps” you will experience excellent class III rapids that will change your image of a Caribbean island forever. Experience jumping from the "El Cerrazo" rock and swimming through the "Crocodile" rapids. Rapids are gentle to start with, allowing time to learn skills and understand guide commands, leading to more challenging sections of river later in the trip. Rafting is followed by lunch and then transfer back to the hotel.
Europe- Amsterdam
Partying across Europe, exploring historic cities, galleries and museums, discovering medieval towns straight from a fairytale, embracing a variety of cultures, sampling regional wines and delicacies.
Description
Ah, a relaxing week’s vacation in Old Europa. What could be finer? Don’t ask anyone who’s taken this trip! Our seven-day odyssey across five countries is a blur of beauty, culture and adventure from start to finish, with loads of optional activities to pick and choose from. From the varied architectural wonders of Prague to the nightclubs of Amsterdam and Berlin to romantic Bruges and classic London, this trip contains more European awesomeness per minute than should be permissible by law. (We won’t tell if you won’t.)
If you only do one thing in Amsterdam, make it a canal cruise. Amsterdam's canals are its signature and cruising these criss-crossing waterways puts the city in perspective while offering unique views of dozens of spectacular Amsterdam sights in a short period of time. Afterwards, head into a cozy bruin café o “eetcafé” (to the Dutch what pubs are to the British and Irish), local spots where friends gather to catch up over a beer or glass of house wine.
Description
Amsterdam is one of the coolest cities in Europe. Beautiful, hip, and laid back, with lots to do, lots to see, many pubs, food from all over the world and friendly people. A visit to this stunning city can feel like stepping back in time, surrounded by the charming architecture dating back to the 17th century. But this city is far from old-fashioned and will be best seen on foot or like the locals, by bicycle.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)