What could be more glorious than cruising through some of Europe’s most scenic waterways during the beauty of summer, enjoying gourmet meals and unique wines as you relax on the sundeck of a lavishly furnished touring barge? This summer you can find out on one of the barge cruise offerings from European Waterways or French Country Waterways.
European Waterways has just announced a High Season Special Offer of 10% off its luxurious Alsace-Lorraine “Panache” Cruise for the August 2nd departure, if you book by April 7, 2015. Highlights of the cruise include gourmet meals, a visit to the famous Art Nouveau Lalique Jewelry museum, wine tastings at vineyards on the famed Route des Vins d’Alsace, a specially designed boat “elevator” that lifts the barge 450 feet up a mountain, and the summer liveliness of the region’s unique blended French/German culture. To whet your appetite, watch a video of the boat elevator at http://bit.ly/1AcEJor. For complete information and pricing, visit www.gobarging.com or call toll-free at 1-877-879-8808. European Waterways is also on Facebook and Twitter – @gobarging.
French Country Waterways is giving its guests a glimpse into life along the Upper Loire Valley with its Horizon II barge cruise through French chateau country, where French royals used to escape from their hectic city lives. The six-day cruise will include stops at medieval towns with their gardens, churches and castles, as well as some local wineries. Guests will have a chance to stroll the towns, sightsee, and take photos while the barge makes its leisurely way to the next town. That is only half the fun, however — the other half is in the gourmet meals and traditionally elegant furnishings enjoyed aboard the barge. On one of the nights, guests will be treated to a special dinner at the Michelin-starred Auberge des Templiers in the town of Les Bezards, to once again remind themselves why the French are famous for their food. An optional side excursion is a hot-air balloon ride through the countryside. Aboard this cruise, guests will truly be able to see the Upper Loire Valley by land, water and air. For complete information and pricing, call French country Waterways at 1-800-222-1236 in the U.S. and Canada, or visit www.fcwl.com.
If you’d rather give your legs a workout after being cooped up inside all winter, consider taking a six-night Tuscan Trek through the medieval towns of San Gimignano and Montalcino, through Dolce Tours. Mornings will be spent hiking through the vibrant Tuscan spring countryside, while afternoons will be enjoyed tasting local wines such as Vernaccia di San Gimignano and Brunello di Montalcino. Both of these wines are famous in different ways, the former being a medieval white wine served to Holy Land pilgrims, and the latter Montalcino’s most impressive red wine. You’ll be able to purchase the first bottlings of the 2010 Brunellos, considered to be an outstanding vintage, and have a chance to meet and talk with the vintners. To accompany the wine, you’ll also be visiting Pienza, southern Tuscany’s Pecorino cheese capital, to sample its famous sheep’s milk cheese. So prized is this cheese that the ability to make it was once considered to be a dowry-worthy asset for a young woman. Other tour attractions include the gothic art of Siena, a visit to the Etruscan town of Volterra and nightly wine dinners. For complete information, including prices, visit www.dolcetours.com, or call 1-888-746-0022.
For pure indulgence with an Italian flair, be sure to check out the Hotel Hassler Roma’s new “Flavors of a Journey” culinary package. Overlooking the famous Spanish steps in Rome, the Hotel Hassler is Rome’s premier luxury destination, with its meticulously designed rooms, fine restaurants and wine bar. It also houses the International Wine Academy of Rome. Chef Apreda of the Hotel’s Imàgo restaurant brings the flavors of his many trips to the unique tasting menu; each dish represents a different part of the world and its signature taste — sweet, umami, spicy, bitter, salty or sour. The package includes accommodations, daily buffet breakfast, a special tasting menu dinner for two at Imàgo and a massage for two at the Hotel’s spa. For complete information, visit www.hotelhasslerroma.com.
If you’re traveling to England in the near future, make sure you check out The British Traveler’s newly redesigned, mobile- and tablet-friendly website, www.TheBritishTraveler.com. It includes new details about recently-formed travel partnerships, an expanded See & Do section and new ways of searching for your favorite sightseeing activity or preferred type of accommodation. Especially if you’re looking for a unique accommodation experience, such as a stay in a castle or with a British family, the improved site definitely caters to you. It also performs a search and comparison of different travel sites (similar to Kayak.com), which enables you to choose the best option for your budget and taste. In addition, tickets to many of the attractions listed on the site can be booked online. For more information, visit www.TheBritishTraveler.com.
Back in the U.S., O.A.R.S. (Outdoor Adventure River Specialists) is offering tourists the chance to win a 3-day Colorado River multi-sport trip. O.A.R.S. is a California-based whitewater rafting and adventure travel outfitter established in 1969 by George Wendt, a middle-school math teacher with a passion for the outdoors and introducing others to it. His company offers destinations on over 35 rivers and coastlines, and caters to travelers of all types. National Geographic Adventure even named O.A.R.S. the “Best River & Sea Outfitter on Earth,” and it has been honored as “best in class” by various travel organizations and publications. For more information on itineraries and pricing, visit www.oars.com.
Finally, from adventure travel to indulgence travel: on March 12, Caesars Palace Las Vegas welcomed a new venue into its fold with the opening of the Omnia Nightclub, a modern, opulent and technology-forward interactive club designed by the Hakkason Group, a global hospitality company. The club is actually three in one, with a Main Club/Balcony level, Heart of OMNIA, a hip and seductive lounge, and the Terrace, which provides an amazing view of the Las Vegas strip. The Terrace also houses a dance floor, expansive bar, private cabanas, plush seating and a DJ. All three boast elegant décor and an interactive experience utilizing modern technology. An impressive talent lineup completes the appeal of this new, luxurious nightclub. For more information and tickets, visit www.omnianightclub.com or call 702-785-6200.
As the snow melts and spring paves the way for summer, we hope this has whetted your appetite for an enriching travel season ahead. Discover a new region, sample unique wines and taste gourmet food you haven’t experienced before. Enjoy the beauty of the upcoming summer in all its different forms.
Cheers!