Cruise The Danube

Leading the list of CIE’s new river cruises is The Legendary Danube, a 9-day/7-night vacation that starts in Prague and includes a 7-night cruise from Nuremberg to Budapest. Prices start at $1,499 for land only. A quick price comparison shows this is quite a discount compared to other European river cruise companies. And, with CIE, you know you won’t have to compromise on quality or service.

The itinerary, which includes all meals on board the ship, meanders through medieval Regensburg, Passau, Linz, Melk, Vienna, and ends at Budapest. Highlights of this Danube River cruise include folklore dances, lectures, theme dinners, on board music performances, and afternoon and evening piano music, as well as crossing the Continental Divide, a Benedictine Abbey Tour in Melk, the Main/Danube Canal, Wachau Valley cruise, an optional excursion to Salzburg and an optional evening concert in Vienna. Try to say that all in one breath.

A longer 12-day version of this Danube River cruise is also able from $2,074. Reverse itineraries of both cruises are also available. This is just one of the many exciting and relaxing river cruises CIE is now offering. For more information on any of their cruises visit www.cietours.com.

Is an Italian Tour Right for You?

When planning an Italian vacation, most likely you will decide to either explore by yourself or go on an organized package tour. Going on a package tour is a good choice if it is your first time to visit a country, as you will benefit from the experience and knowledge of the tour company.

A good package tour should provide a variety of different experiences so that all tastes are accounted for. This usually involves visiting famous landmarks, buildings, galleries, museums and shows. Add a choice of optional activities into the mix and you have all the ingredients for a successful Italian package tour.

When choosing a package tour company to book with, make sure you check out all their credentials. Check how long they have been in business, what tour facilities they provide, their tour choices and their backup procedures should things go wrong. It’s also worth considering booking a tour direct with companies in the country you plan to visit. One website with great facilities to help you do this is www.lookforvacations.com. Besides information on many different tour options, their special deals section is up to date with the best values available from many different companies.

VIKING RIVER CRUISES WINS 2008 WAVE AWARD

Named Best Overall River Cruise Line by Agents and Editors – Third Year Running

LOS ANGELES, (June 6, 2008) — Viking River Cruises was again honored this month with the 2008 WAVE Award and “Editor’s Choice” Award for Best Overall Cruise Line for River Cruising at the third annual TravelAge West Western Agents’ Votes of Excellence (WAVE) Awards.

WAVE Awards are awarded on the basis of votes by the trade. Travel agent professionals throughout the 14 Western states and readers of TravelAge West were invited to vote on the “best of the best” from a list of Editor’s Pick award recipients chosen by Editor-in-Chief Ken Shapiro and the editorial team of TravelAge West. Review methods included product analysis, site visits, a survey of a select group of travel agents and online research.

“The WAVE Awards are a celebration of excellence in travel products, services and destinations,” said Michelle Rosenberg, publisher of TravelAge West. “This year’s WAVE winners have consistently demonstrated excellence within the travel marketplace.” TravelAge West will also feature Viking River Cruises in a special WAVE Awards Spotlight Issue due out in August 2008.

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“We’re very proud to be named Best Overall River Cruise Line for the third year in a row,” enthused Mike Wiersema, Vice President, Sales, Viking River Cruises. “We value our travel agent partners so highly, and it is gratifying to realize that this dedication has helped us serve travel professionals and their clients effectively. Given today’s exchange rates and fuel costs, there has never been a better time to sell all-inclusive, dollar-priced vacation packages, and we look forward to continuing to provide high-quality, affordable and memorable travel experiences to our clientele.”

More than 136 companies, individuals and destinations were celebrated by the readers of TravelAge West at the WAVE Awards ceremony. Honorees were recognized in 48 categories spanning the cruise, tour operator, airline, hotel and resort, and destination travel fields. The awards gave travel agents in the Western United States the opportunity to recognize outstanding travel supplier partners.

About Viking River Cruises

Viking River Cruises, the world’s largest river cruise company, offers quality service, gourmet cuisine and comfortable scenic cruising along the majestic rivers of Europe, Russia and China. The company has been honored multiple times as the top river cruise line on Condé Nast Traveler’s “Gold List” and Travel & Leisure’s “World’s Best” Awards. Travel agents have also recognized Viking River Cruises in 2006 as “Best Cruise Line: River Cruise” by Recommend and Travel Agent magazines, and in 2006, 2007 and 2008 as “Best Overall Cruise Line for River Cruising” by TravelAge West. Since its 1997 inception, the company has grown to a fleet of 21 vessels (will be 22 in 2009), and provides unique, deluxe vacations to experienced travelers with an interest in geography, culture and history. For additional information, contact Viking River Cruises at 1-877-66VIKING (1-877-668-4546) toll-free or visit the company online at vikingrivercruises.com.

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For more information, contact Richard Marnell
USMedia@vikingrivercruises.co

The Best of Austria and Germany

There is a lot to see and do in Austria, and for the first time traveler the options can be daunting. If you’re not a college student on summer break you probably don’t have months to explore and stumble across everything you’ll wish you’d seen. For the traveler that wants to see it all but doesn’t have the entire summer, a guided tour is the way to go.

Of course you want to book with a company that has a comprehensive itinerary, experienced guides and a good reputation. That’s why I recommend Trafalgar. Trafalgar’s ‘best of Austria and Germany’ tour shows you everything from the castles along the Rhine to Berlin and all the way to Frankfurt stopping to explore every point of interest along the way.

The Itinerary is unrushed, the accommodations are top of the line and Trafalgar’s guides are notable for their friendly demeanor, knowledge of tour subjects and professionalism. One tour organizer stays with you the entire trip to ensure that all your needs are met. If you want to get to know Austria and Germany, Trafalgar’s “Best of Austria and Germany” 15 day tour is a great way to do just that.

Travel to Dublin

With its rich heritage, attractive architecture and famously good atmosphere, Dublin never fails to disappoint. One of Europe’s top tourist destinations, it is bustling with a wealth of activities. Catering to varied tastes and budgets, Dublin also offers its visitors the chance to see breathtaking countryside a stone’s throw from the city.

Renowned for inspiring some of the world’s most feted wordsmiths, no trip to Dublin would be complete without a little celebration of James Joyce and George Bernard Shaw. The Dublin Writers Museum should be the first port of call for anyone wishing to explore Ireland’s literary heritage, as it brings 300 years of history to life. The James Joyce Museum and the simple Victorian home commemorating the birthplace of Shaw are also must-sees.

But the best thing about Dublin are the people. Ireland was recently voted as one of the top 20 places to live, rated on such factors as gender equality and sense of community among many others. You can expect friendly faces and warm conversation at any of the local pubs, and neighborly good will just walking down the street.

Day Trip From Freiburg

Along the southern edge of the western Black Forest, Stuttgart and the surrounding area lend themselves to day trips and meandering excursions. Taking a road trip from Freiburg to Stuttgart could take as little as two hours, but that would be missing the point of slow travel. Slow travel caters to both of the explorer’s true desires; to know one place in detail, and to never stop moving. To meet those seemingly contradictory impulses one can turn a Sunday drive into a Sunday–and–night drive.

Leaving Freiburg and heading north along the river valleys affords amazing views that will have your shutter finger itching. Trace the river valleys from the road and let yourself pull over whenever you wish. It may not be a bad idea to bring a picnic basket. Other sights worth checking out are the Uhrenmuseum (clock museum) and the world’s biggest cuckoo clock. The actual cuckoo is over one meter long. Perhaps the reason the black forest inhabitants became so proficient at creating ornate time pieces is so they can remind themselves of the passage of time, Time that seems at a standstill in a place where the serene spirits of long gone trees can yet be felt, towering tall.

Despite the classic style and medieval sentiment of much of the black forest, Stuttgart is a cosmopolitan city in every sense. Of course, there aren’t many modern cities around with castles from the year 950, but that’s what makes it Germany. Stop at the Triberger Wasserfälle–the highest waterfalls in Germany–before making your way into town and enjoying a haute cuisine dinner in the fourth largest city in Germany.

Day Trip Around Cap Corse

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Corsica, the third largest European island, sits happily between the Tyrrhenian and Balearic seas just north of Sardinia, is shaped like one of those giant foam hands you can buy at sporting events. The finger of this hand points north toward Milan. This finger is called Cap Corse, and a ride or tour around it is one of the most picturesque day trips possible in Europe.

The measure of beauty in Europe has long been whether a famous artist chose the area as a subject. Several famous artists, including M.C. Escher, have made pilgrimage to Cap Corse and been inspired to creation by the classic buildings, dramatic coast and majestic peaks. One great slow travel opportunity is to cruise along the coast from St Florent to Bastia.

The drive gives the relaxed explorer the opportunity to stop at numerous fishing ports and quiet beaches to drink in the ocean, visually speaking, and some of the most impressive views of the French and Spanish mainland. On the eastern shore be sure to check in on Eschaluna, a fishing port favored by artists seeking inspiration. If you’re on the daring side get a map to Corniche Road. Corniche is not a drive for the weak hearted but the view from the precipitous heights are the finest, and most exciting, available. Corniche Road will have the most hardened heart beating fast, ready to retire to Bastia for a cool drink and the moon looming large over the sea.

River Cruise in Austria by Viking

Here’s what one guest on a Viking cruise had to say about their experience:

“We were both very happy with our first river cruise. Not knowing what to expect and unable to find only a few reviews, we did extensive research of the various offerings. Needless to say, there exist a great variety of cruise lines, from budget to expensive. We were particularly pleased with the crew of the Viking Star. They are young, energetic and without exception, personable, eager to please and very competent.”

Vikings reputation often precedes them. Their innovative ship design allows their cruises to dock right in the heart of most cities. You can disembark right in the center of town and head to the best sites in a matter of minutes. Viking was recently voted in the top ten by Conde Nast, with reasons cited including their itineraries and service.

One of those Itineraries that probably helped them earn their Conde Nast rating was the Grand European tour. As the name implies, this is not just an Austrian tour but a tour of several countries with ports of call in Amsterdam, Bamberg, Bratislava, Budapest, Cologne, Dürnstein, Linz, Main-Danube Canal, Mainz, Melk, Nuremberg, Passau, Regensburg, Rothenburg, Rüdesheim, Vienna, Wertheim and Würzburg. Absolutely, this tour is grand.

Escorted Tours in Spain

Escorted tours have been growing in popularity and sophistication as a more experienced and worldly crowd’s rising interest in experiencing the best of the world drives international tourism. Escorted tours in Spain are a great example of why these experiences are gaining business.

Spain’s rich history and great variety of experiences themselves to thematic tours. From the nightlife, shopping and revelry of Madrid and Seville to the unique culinary and leisure opportunities of the eastern coasts there is a tour focus that is just right for any interests.

Spain has so many must-see sights that having an expert guide with a well rehearsed itinerary is a necessity if you are going to have the opportunity to take it all in. Select a tour that has the locations and themes you’re looking for. From adventure to nature to religion, Spain’s got it all and there’s definitely a tour operator for you.