Thursday, November 10, 2011

Venus Transits the Disk of the Sun

What better way to share your love than aboard the South Pacific's luxury cruise ship, Paul Gauguin, watching the transit of Venus across the sun? Only 5 transits have occurred since 1639 and it will not occur again until 2117. Free airfare from LAX and 50% off regular cruise fares.

There's no place better than the deluxe m/s Paul Gauguin to observe this wonder of the skies -- especially with guest host Bill Kramer, an acknowledged expert in solar eclipse prediction mathematics and a world traveler. Safe solar-viewing tools will be available onboard.

Sure to sell out quickly!

Wednesday, February 09, 2011

Tourism to Egypt

If you've ever been to Egypt, you know that the country itself is a treasure. Here are excerpts from an email I just received from the Consult/Director in New York.

"First, no single tourist was hurt in Egypt as this crisis unfolded, and all tourists were able to make it back to their respective countries safely.

Second, as the pro-democracy demonstrators continued to express their opinion and demands, a dialogue is going on between various political forces and the government and it is evolving towards a national consensus that will make Egypt come out of the crisis stronger and more appealing to international travelers.

Third, all Egypt's treasures in all cities and outdoor sites are safe and well kept by both people and the government authorities as a precious heritage for humanity."

Tuesday, February 08, 2011

Visionary Cities

Travel & Leisure points out several current and future plans. Among them...

Masdar City in Abu Dhabi, Arab Emirates which, when fully operational in approximately 2020, expects to have zero waste and zero carbon emissions; it will recycle most of its water and rely on solar energy and other renewable resources. Electric cars will be allowed while gas-guzzling cars are banned. Podlike, battery-operated transit systems travel underground.

Tallinn, Estonia where the government deems free Internet to be a birthright.

Cleveland, Ohio, USA's Galleria at Erieview mall showing how a hydroponics system can ensure a lush growth of vegetables such as spinach, lettuce, and tomatoes. Once harvested, the veggies are sold at the mall's weekly farmers' market.

Thursday, February 03, 2011

Orient Lines Reunion

Captain Erik Bjurstedt and Captain Roland Anderson will be on board as special guests on Voyages to Antiquity August 25 from Athens through Italy and Sicily. 16 days aboard the Aegean Odyssey including shore excursions, shipboard gratuities, expert lecture program, wine with dinnr on board, reunion cocktail party, special dinner at a surprise venue & exclusive visit to the famous Palazzo Gangi in Palermo.

Saturday, January 15, 2011

Hotel Monteleone New Orleans

An Historical Hotel of America, the Hotel Monteleone is celebrating its 125 anniversary this year. What a great time to visit New Orleans or revisit it if you have not been there since Katrina.

From their website: It’s been said that the French Quarter begins in the lobby of the Hotel Monteleone. In fact, this venerable establishment sits majestically at the foot of Royal Street. giving guests the best point of departure for all things New Orleans. Visitors need only step outside to discover shop after shop of fabulous European antiques, estate jewelry, Oriental rugs, and art and antiquities from around the world. Quaint restaurants and specialty shops line the cobblestone French Quarter streets that lead to Jackson Square, the Old French Market and the River Walk where tourists and native New Orleanians stroll the levee and watch the steamboats and barges along the Mississippi River. You’ll find history around every corner.

Friday, January 14, 2011

International Rail Service Suspended to Greece

From Rail Europe: Effective January 1, 2011, the government of Greece announced the suspension of all international rail services indefinitely; including service between Greece and Sofia, Belgrade, Bucharest, and Istanbul. As of now, domestic rail travel within Greece is not affected.

Most of us fly into Greece or cruise in. Athens airport has an easy connector service into "town." By ship, try Louis Cruise Lines with its smaller ships that can get into the harbors of most islands.