Take a moment away from your busy day to imagine. See yourself on the Ponte Vecchio bridge at sunset, or standing in front of a Botticelli, or walking the Boboli Gardens, filling your soul with the smell of jasmine. Feel the spray of the Trevi Fountain, throw in a coin, make a wish.
Imagine yourself at the Colosseum side by side with the ghosts of gladiators, or in a café toasting the end of the day with a rich ruby red wine. Close your eyes and taste warm crusty breads, velvety cheeses and ripe olives. Such are the glories of Rome and Florence. Add to that the Tuscan countryside, vineyards and lofty cypresses marching up undulating hills to medieval hilltop villages. All told, it has the makings of an unforgettable trip.
_________________________________________________________________________
The Great Journey through Europe
Aboard the Glacier Express and the M.S. Amadeus Princess
Join us on a nine-night journey of discovery through the heart of the Alps and along the storied Rhine River via a unique combination of rail and river travel.
You'll spend four days exploring Europe’s most majestic scenery idyllic Swiss resorts to viewing the ice-carved pinnacle of the Matterhorn. Cross the mountainous backbone of Switzerland aboard the celebrated Glacier Express, and ride a cog railway up Mount Pilatus for panoramic vistas of Lake Lucerne. Enjoy accommodations in Zermatt’s traditional, chalet-style Hotel Schweizerhof and Lucerne’s elegant Victorian Hotel Schweizerhof.
Travel overland from Lucerne through the verdant countryside and lake district of Switzerland to Basel and cruise to Frankfurt, Germany aboard the M.S. Amadeus Princess, one of the finest ships sailing Europe’s waterways. Then walk where Roman legionaries once marched; stroll the narrow streets of medieval university towns, stand before the twin spires of Cologne Cathedral, and relax in a street side café over a refreshing glass of Riesling, the Rhine’s famous white wine. Take advantage of the exceptional value of this unique travel opportunity!
________________________________________________________________
Ukraine & Romania
Aboard the MS Dnieper Princess
Steeped in tradition and history but driven by a vibrant modern spirit, Ukraine is rapidly forging a new identity within today’s Europe. This venerable country is rich in monuments, churches and museums, but is also infused with a new energy as its economy expands, spreading the excitement of change. Cruise the Dnieper River through the heart of Ukraine aboard the MS Dnieper Princess as you admire cultural cities and beautiful countryside. Explore the magnificent capital of Kiev; learn about Cossack history in Zaporizhia, journey to Crimea, enjoy Odessa on the Black Sea and experience Bucharest in neighboring Romania. Second in size of all European countries only to Russia, Ukraine shares a fascinating history that is intertwined with many of its neighbors. Discover the storied heritage of this captivating land!
________________________________________________________________
Wonders of the Galapagos Islands Aboard the M.V. Santa Cruz
 |
|
photos coming soon! |
On the 150th anniversary of Darwin’s Origin of the Species and Darwin’s 200th birthday in February 2009, join fellow Galapagos experts who will give talks on evolution and Darwin’s voyage to the Galápagos on the H.M.S. Beagle.
You will travel aboard the state-of-the-art exploration vessel, the M.V. Santa Cruz. Designed specifically to navigate the Galápagos Islands, it is fully equipped with everything necessary to make your experience complete, from a fleet of Zodiac boats to complimentary snorkeling gear. Excursions are led by a highly qualified team of certified naturalists who share their knowledge to enhance your understanding and enjoyment of this fascinating and mysterious natural realm.
These 19 islands, each with its own ecosystem, are literally overflowing with life, including species unknown elsewhere in the world, like the flightless cormorant and the marine iguana. With few natural predators on the islands, the abundant wildlife is nearly fearless and accepts human company up close to an extent found nowhere else. On mainland Ecuador, you visit the colorful Andean market of Otavalo and explore the magnificent colonial churches of Quito. We are also pleased to offer an optional six-night Post-Program to Peru’s legendary “lost city” of Machu Picchu and the historic cities of Lima and Cuzco.
__________________________________________________________________________
 |
|
photos coming soon! |
Spain - Barcelona & San Sebastian
The fashionable and modern city of Barcelona, heart of Spain's culturally distinct Catalonia region, is rich in artistic heritage. Walk Las Ramblas before touring the prominent Modernist architectural sites of Antoni Gaudí, including the ornate La Sagrada Familia basilica.
In Spain's enchanting Penedčs wine country, see the town of Montserrat, and enjoy Cava, the Catalan sparkling wine, on a visit to a local vineyard. Then, travel to the Basque Country, with its unique language and culture, as you drive along the scenic route from Montserrat to seaside San Sebastián on the Bay of Biscay.
Tour the city of Bilbao, and explore its renowned Guggenheim Museum, designed by postmodern architect Frank Gehry. Experience the sites of Pamplona, famous for the running of the bulls.
