You begin in Auckland, known as the “City of Sails”.  On your second day, you’ll explore the city from the unique perspective of your Maori guide and learn about the Maori culture, history and legends.  At night, you’re own your own to explore Auckland, maybe having dinner at one of the waterfront restaurants. From Auckland, fly to Queenstown in the South Island. Queenstown is a beautiful little alpine town.  Instead of the usual day trip, you’ll be staying overnight on the beautiful Milford Sound.  When all the other boats leave for the day, you’ll be the only boat there,
it’s quiet and beautiful.  The next morning you’ll have breakfast and head back to Queenstown and onto Christchurch with its English style architecture and beautiful gardens.  Christchurch is also the gateway to Kaikoura, home to giant sperm whales plus the world’s smallest and rarest dolphin and the world’s largest too!  In Kaikoura, you’ll stay at the award-winning Hapuku Lodge.  Designed by a family of architects, the Lodge blends in with the surrounding native bushland. 

Includes:

2 nights at the Sebel Suites Auckland
2 nights at the Novotel Queenstown Lakeside
1 night aboard the Milford Mariner (includes dinner, bed & breakfast)
2 nights at the Heritage Christchurch
2 nights in Kaikoura, Hapuku Lodge (includes Continental breakfast)
Maori Experience in Auckland
Kaikoura Whale Watch Cruise
Round trip airport transfers throughout
Car rental for 3 days Christchurch (allowing late drop off)
4 meals 

Itinerary:

DAY 1: Auckland
DAY 2: Auckland – urban Maori Experience
DAY 3: Fly from Auckland to Queenstown
DAY 4: Queenstown
DAY 5: Queenstown on the Milford Mariner/Overnight cruise (D, B)
DAY 6: Milford Sound to Queenstown and Christchurch
DAY 7: Christchurch
DAY 8: Christchurch to Kaikoura
DAY 9: Whale Watching cruise in Kaikoura (B)
DAY 10: Kaikoura to Christchurch (B) 

The Fine Print: 

Valid for travel until March 31, 2010.  International and Domestic airfare is not included; please let us know what your gateway city is and we’ll be able to quote a rate.  Land prices are per person, based on double occupancy and subject to availability, seasonal surcharges, currency fluctuations and can change without notice. 

SOUTH PACIFIC

Cook Islands

Escape on a five-night vacation of relaxation, seclusion and beautiful white sand beaches.
The Cooks are known for their Polynesian culture and a laid back island lifestyle.
From $1324 per person based on double occupancy. 

 

There are no high-rises, no buildings taller than a coconut tree, and life moves at island pace.  Explore the main island of Rarotonga, visit the Saturday markets for souvenirs and enjoy the amenities of your boutique resort nestled on Muri Beach, one of the islands most pristine beach locations.  Muri Beach features  white sand, fringed by palm trees and a shallow, safe lagoon.  You’ll have full use of the resort kayaks, and snorkel gear as well as a many other free activities to choose from.  Take a short flight to Aitutaki for three nights; Aitutaki has  one of the most beautiful lagoons in the South Pacific.  Your beachfront bungalowfic offers elegance, romance and luxury.  Be sure to visit the spa! 

Included:

• Meet and greet with fresh flower lei, bottled waterand assistance on arrival in Rarotonga
• Round-trip flights Rarotonga-Aitutaki
• Round-trip transfers on Rarotonga and Aitutaki
• Two nights Pacific Resort Rarotonga, Studio Garden room
• Three nights Pacific Resort Aitutaki, Beachfront Bungalow
• Full Breakfast daily
• NZ$75 food and beverage credit per room per night

BONUS OFFER: Receive a NZ$75 food and beverage credit per room per night.
Valid: until Mar 31, 2010 for travel until Mar 31, 2010 

TAHITI

 

5 nights at the Novotel Bora Bora Beach Resort – from $415 

INCLUDES 4TH NIGHT FREE 

Rooms are divided among ten 2-story Polynesian-style buildings set into a mountainside. Garden view accommodations have a balcony, AC, a coffee/tea maker, safe deposit box, and a hairdryer.  Some guest quarters are available with kitchen facilities. 

Make a reservation for a minimum of 5 nights – receive $1000 off your booking!
What’s the catch? 

only that the reservation’s made with the following type of combination: 

1 night at the Sofitel Tahiti + 4 nights at the Sofitel Marara
1 night at the Sofitel Tahiti + 4 nights at the Sofitel Motu
5 nights at the Sofitel Marara
5 nights at the Sofitel Motu
3 nights at the Sofitel Marara + 2 nights at the Sofitel Motu 

MEXICO

Cancun

iveria Maya 

! 

Los Cabos

Puerto Vallarta

COSTA RICA

Call us! 

BELIZE

Tranquility Bay Resort - Imagine a beautiful, palm-fringed tropical island with a very wide, white sandy beach; lining the beach, elegantl rustic beachfront cabanas with luxurious furnishings and island decor. Imagine the warm, crystal clear Caribbean Sea right at your feet.
World class fishing, sailing, snorkeling and diving are all yours. If relaxation is your goal, this is the perfect spot to stick your toes in the sand and simply watch the world go by.
Included:  7 nights in air conditioned, one bedroom cabana, transfers, taxes, daily breakfast, 4 tank dives and Marine Reserve Fee.
from $1299 per person – Valid:   until March 31, 2010 

The Inn at Roberts Grove – 8 nights hotel accommodation in a one bedroom
Beachview room, transfers, taxes and Continental breakfast daily.
$788 per person – Valid:   until March 31, 2010 

 

CLUB MED

  

  

  

  

  

HAWAII

Land-only packages -ask us about airfare from your gateway city

*working on new specials – stay tuned 

Oahu

Big Island

Maui

The Fairmont Kea Lani Maui

  

Kauai

EUROPE

Greece

Honeymoon in Greece – from $1651

Your 10-day tour begins in Athens with its Acropolis overlooking the city. Discover the lively nightlife of the Plaka as you stroll through narrow alleys lined with tavernas and the sound of Bouzouki music. Greece is famous for its beautiful islands and on this package there are three of the best. 

Mykonos, with its whitewashed harbor town and famous nightlife, Santorini,  built on the
cliffs of the volcano offering magnificent views at sunset and Crete, Greece’s largest island
and home to the ancient Minoan civilization. You can visit the Palaces of King Minos in Knossos,
enjoy tranquil sandy beaches, hike the Gorge of Samaria ending at sea level or discover
the many picturesque towns on this island. 

Included: 

• Airfare from New York City; other Gateway Cities available upon request
• 8 nights accommodation:  2 nights Athens, 3 Santorini & 3 Mykonos
• Daily buffet breakfast at hotels
• Champagne and flowers in your room upon arrival in Athens
• Candlelight dinner, including a bottle of wine, mineral water and coffee in Santorini and Mykonos
• All transfers as per itinerary
• Local representative in Athens for any assistance
• Half day tour of Athens
• Flight from Athens to Santorini and high speed feery from
• Santorini to Mykonos
• Document holder, luggage tags and all taxes and service charges

France

Italy

 

Packages to Italy have been reduced to make them affordable. In addition, when you pay in full by January 31, 2010, you will SAVE an extra 5%, OR make a reservation WITH a deposit by January 31, 2010 and save from $100 to $250.10 Day 

Italy Itinerary

You’ll visit the three most influential cities to Italy’s civilization, Rome, Florence and Venice. This Italian Tour offers half-day guided city tours
in every city you visit, and first class rail transportation between cities. Rome is one of the most beautiful and historic cities in the world. You can go back in time and imagine what it must have been like to live in ancient times just by exploring the Roman ruins for a day. Florence is an essential Italian city to have on your itinerary and Venice is certainly one of the first places that come to mind. Its unique setting with a maze of waterways have attracted tourists for centuries. 

Included: 

• Hotel accommodation:  3 nights Rome & Florence, 2 nights in Venice
• Daily buffet breakfast at your hotels
• All transfers per itinerary
• First class train from Rome – Florence and Florence to Venice
• Half Day guided sightseeing tour in each city
• A travel bag, document holder and luggage tags
• All hotel taxes and service charges

Spain

Rates listed are land-only tours unless indicated otherwise;
please ask us for a quote for airfare from your Gateway City 

Southern Spain – 9 days – from $1856

Day 1 Fri Depart USA Overnight flight to Malaga, Spain. 

Day 2 Sat Costa del Sol Arrive at the Malaga Airport where you’ll be met and taken to your hotel. You’ll have the day at leisure. In the evening, meet your host and traveling companions and enjoy a welcome dinner at a fun restaurant in Costa del Sol. (D) 

Day 3 Sun Costa del Sol/Granada After breakfast, leave the hotel with the tour professional and head toward the quaint town of Nerja. The hightlights of your visit include visiting the prehistoric caves before continuing on toward Alpujarras with views of the picturesque mountain villages sprinkled across the area. Once you arrive, you’ll take part in a special cooking class and then enjoy your creation for lunch with your fellow travelers. Afterwards, continue to Granada for dinner and your overnight stay. (B,L,D) 

Day 4 Mon Granada Today begins with a step back into the rich history of Granada as you the amazing Alhambra Palace, widely regarded as being one of the 10 architectural wonders of the world. This beautiful citadel is laced in stone and surrounded by gorgeous gardens and fountains. You’ll have ample time to walk through the beautiful grounds of Generalife before returning to your hotel. (B) 

Day 5 Tue Granada/Cordoba/Seville After a short drive, you arrive in the captivating city of Cordoba where you’ll enjoy a guided tour of this UNESCO World Heritage Historic Center. Visit the ljama 8th century Mosque combining Islamic, Baroque and Gothic design and internationally recognized as an architectural treasure. Afterwards, stroll along Cordoba’s Jewish quarter before continuing on to Seville. (B) 

Day 6 Wed Seville This morning, you start out with a local guide for a tour of the romantic city of Seville. Highlights include a visit to the Cathedral, considered the world’s largest Gothic edifice. Afterwards, stop for some photos of La Giralda tower before strolling through the narrow lanes of Seville’s delightful Santa Cruz, a former Jewish Quarter. (B) 

Day 7 Thu Seville/Jerez/Costa del Sol Today’s excursion begins with a visit to Jerez, recognized for fine sherry and beautiful horses. Highlights of your tour include a visit to a local Bodega winery for wine tasting, followed by an equestrian ballet at the Horse Ride Exhibition center. You then continue to Costa del Sol for your overnight stay. (B) 

Day 8 Fri Seville/Costa del Sol Stroll along the beaches, try one of the many cafes and restaurants, or simply relax and take in your surroundings.
Your afternoon is free for you to enjoy Seville at your own pace. (B) 

Day 9 Sat Costa del Sol to USA (or extend your stay) After breakfast, it’s goodbye to your fellow travelers. You’ll be taken to the airport for your flight to the USA, arriving the same day. (B) 

Spanish Masters - 10 days

Day 1 Depart USA 

Board your overnight flight for Malaga, Spain. 

Day 2 Malaga 

Arrive at Malaga Airport where you will be met and taken to your hotel. You’ll have the remainder of your day at leisure to explore the Mediterranean coastal shores of the area. 

Day 3 Malaga 

Begin your day with a double decker bus tour of Malaga, the birthplace of Picasso. Your visit in this seaside gem city includes the magnificent Baroque Cathedral and the Gibralfaro Castle. In addition, view the ruins of the Roman theatre, the Plaza del Obispo, City Hall, the Courthouse and the Alcazaba Palace. Afterward visit the Picasso Museum, which is one of only three museums in the world dedicated exclusively to the artist. 

Day 4 Malaga/Madrid 

After breakfast, transfer on your own to Malaga train station where you will board the AVE train for Madrid. Upon arrival in Madrid, transfer on your own to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of your day shopping the sophisticated boutiques of the Salamanca district or sampling tapas at a trendy Chueca neighborhood cafe. 

Day 5 Madrid 

Begin your day in Madrid with a unique view of the city as you enjoy a double-decker bus tour viewing the city’s highlights including historical monuments and the modern architecture of the city. Spend your afternoon exploring one of the many treasures of Madrid. 

Day 6 Madrid 

Spend the day visiting one of the internationally recognized museums along the “Golden Art Triangle”. Enjoy the Prado, one of the world’s foremost museums and home to great European compositions by Goya, Velazquez and El Greco. Stroll the halls of the Reina Sofia Museum and absorb modern masterpieces by Picasso, Dali and Miro. 

Day 7 Madrid/Barcelona 

After breakfast, transfer to the Rail station where you will board the AVE train for Barcelona, Spain. Upon arrival in Barcelona, transfer on your own to your hotel. The remainder of your day is at leisure. 

Day 8 Barcelona 

Begin your day getting to know Barcelona, a vibrant city facing the Mediterranean Sea. Board your double-decker tour bus for a unique view of the city allowing you to hop on and hop off at various points, for as many times as you like during the day. From this vantage point, you will have a great opportunity to view some of Barcelona’s great architectural gems including Antoni Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia and Casa Mila. 

Day 10 Barcelona to USA (or extend your stay) 

After breakfast it is time to bid farewell as you are transferred to the airport for your homeward bound flight to the USA, arriving the same day. 

Valid for travel:  January, February and March, 2010 - from $1307.
Airfare Quote upon request, just let us know your gateway city. 

Heart of Spain – from $995
This escorted tour gives you a journey through Spain’s rich culture and history.
Your tour begins in the capital, Madrid, where a host will be available to help you take advantage of the city’s at your own pace. After a few days in Madrid, a transfer is provided to the station where you will board a high-speed train to Seville. Once arriving in Andalusia’s capital city, a tour guide who will accompany you throughout the remaining days as you explore the southern Spain. As you travel along the route, your tour includes guided tours to world UNESCO World heritage sites including, Seville’s famous Cathedral, the Mosque of Cordoba and Alhambra Palace, together with the Generalife Gardens in Granada. Your tour ends with a few days on the Costa del Sol, relaxing by the Mediterranean before returning home. 

Eastern European Cities – from $2627

This tour visits five Eastern European countries: Austria, Hungary, Poland, Germany and the Czech Republic with accommodations in first-class hotels and transportation by deluxe air-conditioned motorcoach. A certified professional tour director will accompany you as you visit some of the most wonderful cities and surrounding countrysides in Europe. Vienna, Budapest, Krakow, Warsaw, Berlin and each city has its own cultural heritage which we discover  each day – the Hofburg Palace and St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Vienna; the Parliament, Royal Palace and the Fisherman’s Bastion in Budapest; the Opera house in Berlin; the Royal Castle in Krakow and the Jewish Ghetto in the old quarter of Prague. These are just a few of the excursions that you’ll experience on this tour of Eastern Europe. 

Italy

Independent Tour of Italy – from $1515 per person

This is called a “Hosted Program” – we take care of all the details of your trip, but YOU set the pace. We take care of all the essentialsL  airfare, hotel accommodations, airport transfers, inter-city transfers and guided sightseeing tours. All you have to do is relax and enjoy yourself. 

If you have any questions about sightseeing, shopping, dining, excursions, or any particular personal interests, you can ask our Local Hosts for help. 

Included: 

• Hotel accommodation:  3 nights Rome, Florence and Lake Como, 2 nights in Venice
• Daily buffet breakfast at your hotels
• All transfers per itinerary
• First class train from Rome – Florence and Florence to Venice and
• Venice to Lake Como
• Half Day guided sightseeing tour in Rome, Florence and Venice
• A travel bag, document holder and luggage tags
• All hotel taxes and service charges