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Europe Travel Tips

tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web) — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 16:06 EST

Europe may appear overwhelming for a first time visitor, or even a seasoned traveler in certain countries. The following information wil help you prepare for your vacation:

Passports/Documents:

Your passport must be current and valid for at least six months past your return date. Passports requires for US citizens traveling to Europe for stays of less than 90 days. A passport and Visa are necessary for travel to Russia (restricted to less than 30 days). A passport and onward/return ticket are necessary for travel to Croatia (less than 90 days).

Currency:

The Euro is the currency for most European nations (major exceptions are the U.K., Switzerland and Scandinavia). ATM’s are prevalent, and are usually your best source for cash at the most current exchange rate.

Adapters and Converters:

European voltage is higher (220v vs 110v) than that in the United States. A continental plug adapter and voltage converter are necessary.

Phone and Calling Cards:

Every country has a unique country code following a plus sign (i.e. +39 for Italy). Instead of area codes, all countries use city codes that begin with zero. Some U.S. phone cards offer international service in Europe. Low cost cell phones may be purchased in any European countries, and some US cell phone service providers offer overseas service for higher rates.

Temperature:

Europe records its temperatures in Celsius. To convert to an approximate Fahrenheit temperature, double the Celsius an add 30.

Time and Date:

The 24-hour clock is used to denote timetables. To convert to U.S. time for 13:00 and over, subtract 12 and add “pm”. For example, 18:00 is 6:00 pm.

Dates are written with day coming before the month. For example, Christmas is 25-12-10.

Greenwich Mean Time (UK) is 5 hours, and Continential Europe is 6 hours ahead of Eastern-Standard Time.

Tipping:

A customary European tip is 10-15%. However, many places include service charges in the bill, in which case no additional tip expected.

Packing for Your Trip:

Check with your airline for luggage weight restrictions, as many local European carriers have their own rules. Your primary bag should be relatively light and not exceed 25 inches.

Clothing:

Temperatures can fluctuate, so be prepared to dress in layers. Be aware that some sites, such as the Vatican, enforce strict dress codes. Consult your travel agent for more details.

Save 40% on Travel to Europe

tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web) — Mon, 5 Jul 2010 12:42 EST

We invite you to experience the traditional magic of Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean in the months of November through April. This is the perfect time of year to vsit. The climate is surprisingly often mild and the cities are less crowded than in the summer months, and prices are 30 to 40% lower than traveling during peak season.

Shop in the glittering Christmas Markets and Bazaars. Explore and soak up the atmosphere of Old World Charm. Our tours are priced much lower than during the summer season and the airlines are advertising some of the lowest airfares of the year. Now is the time to make your reservations.

Italy is still the leader of destinations and Spain is not far behind, but don’t discount Egypt. Egypt is an awesome destination for the winter season. Temperatures are more bearable than the hot, hot summer season. For Christmas Markets, Vienna Prague and Budapest are still most popular. Wherever you choose, you will not be disappointed in our winter seasons magical tour destinations.

Tour operators that offer winter tours are Globus, Trafalgar and Insight.

Travel Improves Your Health

tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web) — Tue, 1 Jun 2010 00:00 EST

We all “feel” better getting away on vacation. Did you know it really is not just your imagination? Science and statistics show it is true. Vacations can reduce risk of heart disease, depression and even slow down the aging process. How about this statistic… Two vacations can cut your risk of heart attack by 50%.

Vacations help reduce stress, which will always help your health.

Here are some other tips to reduce stress during travel.

Get away long enough time to let go of your daily grind. A week is recommended.
Watch your time zones – too many time zones actually increase your stress on your body’s natural rhythms.
Don’t over schedule your trip – Make sure you have quiet time each day.
Be social – making new acquaintances has a restorative power.
Enjoy physical activity – moderate exercise like swimming and walking are great energy boosters.

Four European Cities You Must See

tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web) — Fri, 28 May 2010 14:49 EST

First time visitors to Europe hanker for historic sites and world-class museum's in Europe's most famous cities. Return travelers revisit their favorities for in-depth exploration. Here is my list of four must see European cities and things to do in each.

LONDON, ENGLAND:
Buckingham Palace: Changing of the Guards A ritual that is one of the most famous aspects of the royal residence, the Changing of the Guards features real military soldiers in their trademark red jackets abd bearskin hats.
The Tower of London is not only the home of the crown jewels, it also features permanent exhibitions of crowns and diamonds in the Martin Tower and armor and armaments in the Royal Armouries. Free tours given by the Beefeaters are riddled with tales of the Tower's history. The Ceremony of the Keys, a 700 year old ritual performed every night at evening lockup must be requested in advance for viewing two to three months in advance.
The British Museum holds one of the world's greatest collections of antiquities-94 galleries worth. The National Maritime Museum's 30 galleries contain one of the world's largets collections of boats and navigational equipment, as well as the world famous observatory.

PARIS, FRANCE
La Basilique du sacre Coeur de Montmarte & Montmartre cemetery Sitting atop the highest hill in Paris, the basilica is visible from all over the city. At the top of the steps leading up to the church, there's a plaza with a great view and just beyond the church around the cobblestones is the market square of Place du Tertre with shops, cafes and artists painting. Street performers regularly put on shows. Walled and shaded by trees the cemetery off Rue Caulaincourt near Palce de Clichy is famous for its hillside graves of composers, artists and authors. Notre-Dame de Paris is well known for its towera, flying buttresses and gargoyles. The inside glows with stained glass. The bell in the south tower is heard only on the most solemn occasions. The 11th century organ, which has 8,000 pipes, is played in concerts every Sunday except during Lent. Musee de Louvre needs several days to fully appreciate the museum.

BERLIN - This city's most beautiful plaza is called Gendarmenmarket with its three neoclassical buildings. Flanking it are two rebuilt 18th-century churches, Franzosischer Dom to the North and Deutscher Dom to the South. The French Cathedral has a museum chroniclng the history of the French Hugenots who sought refuge in Berlin following their expulsion from France and a viewing platform at the top of its tower. The German Cathedral houses an exhibition on the history of parliamentary democracy in Germany. Classical music and opera events are held in the square. Museum Berlin-Karlshorst is for history buffs interested in World War II. Dokumentation Zentrum, berlin Mauer is located opposite a preserved piece of the Berlin Wall and the adjoining death strip that constituted the border fortification. This museum gives an overview of the Wall's development and its fall. Alliierten Museum focuses on the history and role of the Western Allies in berlin, particularly during the Cold war.

ROME, ITALY- The piazza is the heart of Rome's most fashionable shopping area, familiar to residents and visitors because of its grand and distinctive steps. At the base sits a fountain by Bernini and the house of 19th century poet John Keats. At the top there's a grand view of the city. The Pantheon is a monumental round ancient structure prserved very well. The painter Raphael and the first king of Italy, Vittorio Emanuele II are buried inside with hundreds of early Christian martyrs whose remains were transferred from the catacombs in the seventh century. Basilica di San Giovanni in laterano holds the distinction of being the highest ranked church - even above St. peter's Basilica in the Vatican- since it conatins the papal throne. The famous Scala Sancta are also at this piazza. Basilica di San Pietro is the spiritual center of the Catholic Church. St. Peter's is the ultimate destination for Catholic pilgrims, but it also drawss visitors with its masterpieces of art and architecture. When the Pope is in residence, he blesses th crowds in Piazza San Pietro at noon on Sunday.

See Europe :: Travel Safely and In Style, Escorted Tours

tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web) — Tue, 2 Feb 2010 15:25 EST

What a Stress Free, Hassle Free way to travel to Europe?

Leave all of the travel details to a tour operator. They provide you with comfortable transportation, several meals, a rich sightseeing program and much more.

Traveling can be stressful, especially if you are traveling to a country where English is not their first language. Something amazing happens when you feel comfortable. Your senses have the luxury to stray from the detail and worry, finding in their place anticipation and wonder. You'll feel comfortable staying in first class hotels located in clean, safe areas.

Save time and money. Spending hours in line to get into major attractions such as the Louvre or Vatican Museums can take all day. Groups have a separate entrance, and get to go in with little or no wait so that you have more time to enjoy the sites, and more free time in the city.

Nothing introduces you to the true flavors of your destination like fine local cuisine. Included three course dinners are carefully planned to avoid the repetition of entrees. From the tapas bars of Spain to the vineyards of Italy and France, the tour operator will include on your trip optional specialty dinners and plenty of free time to venture out on your own. For the evenings when dinners are not included, your tour director will have a number of suggestions for favorite nearby restaurants. After all, one of the best ways to learn about a foreign culture is to eat like the local do!

The tour buses are air conditioned are are equipped with emergency washrooms. The bus normally accommodates 53 seats, but they install fewer seats (44) for extra leg room.

If buses are not for you, tour operators have many other options including city stays, rail packages and river cruises through Europe.

There are hundreds of tour operators you can choose from, however some have been in the business for over 50 years and have proven over time that they offer consumers the best value and service. Check with a travel agent if you need assistance finding a reputable operator.

Here is our network of Europe travel destination sites:

We also have specialty European Tour Operators sites:

Europe Language Tips

tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web) — Tue, 2 Feb 2010 15:16 EST

There is no need to enroll in French, Italian, German and Spanish classes for your European Tour. Your Tour Manager will fill you in on how to say some of the basics (eg. hello, please, thank you) in the native tongue of each of the countries you visit. It is often not only useful, but also polite to know a few of the basics in the local language and it’s a good idea to try and remember and uses these basics.

English is a widely spoken and understood as a second or third language amongst many Western Europeans, particularly those of the younger generations.

Western European Language Basics

English	French	Spanish	Italian	German	Greek	Dutch
Good Morning	Bonjour	Buenos Dias	Buongiorno	Guten Morgen	Kalimera	Goedemorgen
Good Bye	Au revoir	Adios	Arrivederci	Auf Wiedersehen	Yasou	Tot ziens
Please	S’il vous plait	Por favor	Perfavore	Bitte	Parakalo	Alstublieft
Thank You	Merci	Gracias	Grazie	Danke Schon	Effaristo	Dank u
Yes	Oui	Si	Si	Ja	Ne	Ya
No	Non	No	No	Nein	Oki	Nee
Where is?	Ou est?	Donde ésta?	Dové	Wo ist?	Poo eeneh?	Waar is?
The toilet	Les toilettes	El lavabo	Il gabinetto	Die toilette	To oahlehtes	De toilet
The bank	La banque	Banco	Banca	Die bank	Trapeze	Bank
Post office	La poste	Correos	Ufficio postale	Die post	Takedromeo	Postkantoor
How much?	Combine?	Cunato?	Quanto?	Wieviel?	Posso?	hoeveel?
The bill	L’addition	La cuenta	Il conto	Die rechnung	To loghariazmo	rekening
Ladies	Dames	Enoras	Donne	Damen	Yinekon	Dames
Gents	Messieurs	Senores	Uomini	Herren	Anthron	Heren
Stamp	Timbre	Sello	Francobollo	Briefmarke	Grammatesimo	Stamp
One/two	Un/deux	Uno/due	Uno/due	Eins/zwei	Ena/thio	Een/twee
Three/four	Trios/quatre	Tres/cuarto	Tre/Quattro	Drei/vier	Tria/tesera	Drie/vier
Five/six	Cinq/six	Cinco/seis	Cinque/sei	Funf/sechs	Pende/eksi	Vijf/zes
Seven/eight	Sept/huit	Siete/ocho	Sette/otto	Sieben/acht	Epta/okta	Zeven/acht
Nine/ten	Neuf/dix	Nueve/diez	Nove/dieci	Neun/zehn	Enea/theka	Negen/tien
Open	Overt	Abierto	Aperto	Geoffnet	Anikton	Open
Closed	Fermé	Cerrado	Chiuso	Geschlossen	Kilson	Gesloten
Hot	Chaud	Caliente	Caldo	Heiss	Zesto	Hete
Cold	Froid	Frio	Freddo	Kalt	Krio	Koude
Water	Eau	Agua	Acqua	Wasser	Nero	Water
Tea	Thé	Té	Té	Tee	Chai	Thee
Coffee	Café	Café	Caffé	Kaffee	Kafe	Koffie
Beer	Biére	Cerveza	Birra	Bier	Bira	Bier
Wine	Vin	Vino	Vino	Wein	Krasi	Wijn
Excuse me (sorry)	Excusez-moi	Perdon	Scusi	Entschuldigung	Sygnomi	Sorry
Cheers	Santé	Salut	Saluté	Prost	Yamus	Proost

These Languages are of use in….

French – France, Southern Belgium (including Brussels) parts of Switzerland

Spanish – Spain (Spanish will be understood in most parts of Spain, however Catalan and Basque are spoken in Barcelona and the North of the country)

Italian – Italy, parts of Switzerland, Albania

German – Varying dialects throughout Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Liechtenstein

Greek – Greece

Dutch – Dialects throughout the Netherlands and Northern Belgium

Here is our network of Europe travel destination sites:

We also have specialty European Tour Operators sites:

Tips on Packing for a Contiki Tour

tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web) — Tue, 2 Feb 2010 15:01 EST

Contrary to some literature, you do not need to dress up with dress pants and dresses to get into clubs and bars in Europe. Most of the time jeans and a t-shirt is more than enough with some bars and venues even allowing entry with shorts and flip flops.

General

For most occasions, comfortable, casual clothes are recommended for your European travel adventures.

Going Out and Evening Wear

Although you don’t have to wear slacks and tie everywhere, you should definitely take at least one set of ‘going out’ clothes (slacks, shirt, tie, smart dress).

A nice dress, a pair of slacks, a button up shirt and even a tie are great for places like:

Paris Cabaret Shows like the Nouvelle Eve and the Moulin Rouge.
Monaco – lifestyles of the rich and famous – it may pay off to look good here.
Italy – Just because the Italians generally look so good.
Space Electronic Disco and other nights out at bars or clubs.

‘Church Dress’

Europe is filled with amazing buildings, architecture and churches. If you want to visit the inside of European churches, particularly in Italy, you need to dress respectfully, wearing what is generally referred to as ‘church dress’. As a general rule, you should have your shoulders, mid-section and knees covered. This rule applies to both males and females.

For ladies this means that mid-riff tops are not allowed, nor are ‘strappy’ tops that do not cover your shoulders, however, wrapping a thin shawl or a sarong around your shoulders is considered sufficient. Likewise, generally short shorts and skirts that do not cover your knees are not allowed but, again, a longer skirt, shorts or wrapping a sarong around your waist to cover your knees is acceptable.

Gentlemen likewise should wear long pants or shorts that cover their knees.

T-shirts, jeans and the like are perfectly acceptable, as are any other forms of clothing that simply cover your shoulders, mid-section and knees.

Rules regarding footwear do not apply and thongs, sandals and flip flops are perfectly fine, as are all other varieties of footwear.

Although you may find these entry requirements are not observed in some churches, the larger churches like St Marks in Venice, the Duomo of Florence and St Peters Basilica of the Vatican in Rome often strictly enforce this dress code, as does the Vatican Museums, home to the Sistine Chapel.

Beaches

While you may find yourself covering up in some places, European beaches are the perfect place to take it off, rest, relax soak up the sun do a little people watching and enjoy European beach culture at it’s best.

|Find your Contiki Tours |

Independent Vacation 2010 Prices Down 10 Percent Worldwide

tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web) — Sat, 2 Jan 2010 08:43 EST

Independent Vacation 2010 Prices Down 10 Percent Worldwide

LITTLETON, Colorado – September 23, 2009 – With nearly 40 offices staffed with more than 200 travel experts that extend as far as Asia and as wide as Europe, Monograms – the independent travel arm of the Globus family of brands – has inherited a rich reputation as a company travelers can depend on to help them simplify travel planning while personalizing their dream getaway. And, in 2010, Monograms is taking this notion of dependability a step further, becoming the “go-to” company for travelers visiting a destination for the first time in nearly every corner of the world with 100 travel packages from which to choose the perfect escape – be it a family vacation, honeymoon, couple’s retreat or a much-needed girlfriend getaway.

“We give travelers the power to personalize their vacation without having to take care of planning details and logistics,” said Scott Nisbet, president and chief executive officer for the Globus family of brands. “And, in 2010, we’re extending our offerings with new vacations in Europe, North and South America and Asia.”

Monograms 2010 vacation offerings provide travelers diversity in length of stay (itineraries range from four to 20 days) pricing and destinations, boasting getaways to Britain, Ireland, France, Holland, Italy, Hungary, Austria, Czech Republic, Germany, Switzerland, Spain, Russia, South America, Asia, the South Pacific and many cities and regions in North America.

The company is not only expanding its vacation portfolio, it has increased the services that make Monograms the perfect travel companion. For instance, Monograms is now providing travelers the chance to book activities and excursions online before their vacation. And, Monograms has expanded the cities worldwide in which Local Host services and expertise are available.

“Monograms is the only brand in the world to provide travelers a Local Host in dozens of destinations around the globe,” said Steve Born, vice president of marketing for the Globus family of brands. This on-site local expert helps Monograms vacationers get to know their destination by facilitating a half day of sightseeing. Then, the expert helps them personalize their experience by providing suggestions, making excursion arrangements and answering questions while also taking care of such details as facilitating transportation between cities as well as airport and hotel transfers.

“Our goal is to make our clients feel both comfortable and confident while traveling abroad,” said Born.

Monograms vacation packages also come with an impressive selection of hotels recommended for their location and amenities. And, a daily buffet breakfast is included in most Monograms getaways (in Europe, South America, Asia, the South Pacific).

“The plethora of services Monograms provides takes away many of the stresses the average person experiences when planning and taking a getaway – domestically or internationally,” said Nisbet. “Our experts take on the details so our travelers can immerse themselves in their escape and focus on fun.”

DEAL ALERT: Monograms 2010 package prices are down an average of 15 percent in Europe and 10 percent worldwide.

NEW Monograms vacations in 2010 include:
•    Rome & Sorrento (7 days), priced from $1,343
•    Brazil, Argentina & Chile (12 days), priced from $3,039
•    Costa Rica Wonders (7 days), priced from $1,299
•    Tokyo & Kyoto (7 days), priced from $2,099
•    Beijing & Shanghai (7 days), priced from $1,109
•    Bangkok & Phuket (9 days), priced from $1,219
•    Maui & Kauai (7 days), priced from $829
•    Vancouver & Whistler (7 days), priced from $549
•    Redwoods, Wine Country & Yosemite (9 days), priced from $699

The above prices are based on land-only, including intra-vacation air and rail transfers. Air-inclusive pricing is also available, including hotel/airport transfers when Monograms issues tickets.

Visit http://www.independentvacations.org for a full list of 2010 vacation packages.

MAKING THE MOST OF A “MINI”: PACK FUN INTO QUICK GETAWAYS WITH MONOGRAMS

tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web) — Sat, 2 Jan 2010 08:06 EST

Pack Fun into Quick Independent Vacations - here is a press release about the changing world of Independent Vacations.

LITTLETON, Colorado – October 28, 2009 – It’s no secret that Americans are changing their vacation habits: Many time-starved travelers are opting for quick getaways to fill their vacation void. Monograms is making it easy for people vying for a quick escape to another city – domestically or internationally. The company simplifies vacations for independent travelers on five continents, in more than 30 countries, by enabling them to personalize their vacation without having to take care of logistics and planning obstacles such as choosing the perfect hotel (in an equally desirable location) and getting from point A to B to city orientation and “must-see” sightseeing.

Monograms offers four-day getaways to London, Paris, Rome, Venice and Sorrento, starting at just $480. Domestically, travelers can enjoy short escapes to New York, Boston, Toronto, Chicago, New Orleans, San Diego, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Washington, DC for as low as $259. And, week-long escapes in nearly every corner of the globe are also available, including: Britain, Ireland, France, Holland, Italy, Hungary, Austria, the Czech Republic, Germany, Switzerland, Spain, Russia, South America, North America and Asia.

“Not only do we provide travelers a plethora of destinations from which to choose the perfect mini getaway,” said Scott Nisbet, president and chief executive officer for the Globus family of brands, the parent company for Monograms. “As part of our international vacation packages, we include a half-day city orientation, ensuring our travelers don’t miss the must-see sights. In addition, our Local Hosts share insights and suggestions to help vacationers make the most of their quick getaway.” Domestically, Monograms provides travelers with 24-Hour Service On Call.

Taking advantage of nearly 40 offices and more than 200 support staff around the world, Monograms also offers travelers a selection of hotels known for their comfort, style, service and convenient locations. In addition, Monograms takes care of flight arrangements, transfers from airport to hotel and transfers between cities, further simplifying the planning process and making it easier than ever to take a mini vacation.

“A vacation – short or long – should be just that … a vacation,” said Nisbet. “At Monograms, we value a traveler’s time and need for an unparalleled, stress-free getaway. Our experts take on the details so our travelers can immerse themselves in their escape and focus on fun.”

For more information about Monograms and the nearly 150 vacation packages available worldwide, visit http://www.independentvacations.org.

Things to See & Do While in Florence, Italy

tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web) — Tue, 1 Dec 2009 12:33 EST

Florence, a Renaissance city in the heart of Tuscany, has some of Italy's best museums, beautiful cathedrals and churches, and interesting streets and squares with elegant buildings and shops.

The most visited square is Piazza della Signoria, the heart of the historic center and a free open-air sculpture exhibit. Loggia della Signoria holds some important statues such as Michelangelo's David.

Florence's most popular site is its Duomo (cathedral), the Cattedrale de Santa Maria del Fiore. The exterior, made of green, pink, and white marble, has several elaborate doors and interesting statues. Inside, Brunelleschi's Dome is a masterpiece of construction. Buy a ticket to climb the 463 steps to the top of the bell tower. The panoramic view of the city is amazing. Please note, is not air-conditioned on the way up, so peak summer months can get very hot, so make sure and bring water.

The Baptistery of John the Baptist, from the 11th century, is one of Florence's oldest buildings. Its exterior is made of green and white marble and has three sets of amazing bronze doors. Inside, you can see some mosaics and a marble pavement of the zodiac.

The Galleria degli Uffizi holds the world's most important collection of Renaissance art but it's also Italy's most crowded museum. You can buy tickets ahead to avoid long lines. Better yet, if you purchase a shore excursion or are on one of our escorted tours, your group will have priority access. The Uffizi holds thousands of paintings from medieval to modern times and many antique sculptures, illuminations, and tapestries.

Florence's Galleria dell' Academia holds important paintings and sculptures from the 13th-16th centuries. Michelangelo's David, probably the most famous sculpture in the world, is in the Galleria dell' Academia as well as other sculptures by Michelangelo. You'll also find an interesting collection of musical instruments, from the Medici family.

Florence has some of the finest shopping in Europe. Leather goods, paper goods, and jewelry as well as nice souvenirs and art productions. Florence also has a number of open air markets selling food, clothing, and antiques.

Whether it's for a day, or an extended vacation, Florence, Italy is a wonderful travel experience. For more information on travel to Italy, you can visit http://www.escorteditalytours.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=S_Brage http://EzineArticles.com/?Things-to-See-and-Do-While-in-Florence,-Italy&id=2015407

Adventures by Disney Invites Families to Experience the World in 2010

tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 12:03 EST

Adventures by Disney just released their tour vacations for 2010.

Entering its fifth year, Adventures by Disney designs tours with the family in mind and provides educationally-enriched experiences so even younger travelers understand, appreciate and have fun in their new surroundings. These hassle-free vacations, rooted in the service and quality of family travel leader Disney, provide distinctive opportunities and special touches to make memories that last a lifetime.

“We are able to offer vacation experiences to some of the most fascinating places on earth, literally bringing history to life for our guests,” said Don Gross, Vice President, Adventures by Disney. “Each itinerary is carefully planned, creating a vacation that includes the most iconic and must-see sites as well as off-the-beaten path excursions. In fact, guests often tell us the hardest part about the trip is choosing the adventure.”

The Disney Difference

From snorkeling with sea turtles in the Galapagos to discovering Europe’s classic history, each itinerary is as matchless as its surroundings. Yet one aspect holds true for every trip: the special touches that are collectively called “the Disney difference” .

Adventure Guide: Part storyteller, ambassador, concierge and role model, Adventures by Disney’s highly-trained Adventure Guides are the friendly hosts and travel specialists who lead guests on every trip. With two guides assigned for every group (of up to 40 people), travelers receive individual attention to ensure a fun and enriching vacation.

Junior Adventurers: Young travelers are transformed into Junior Adventurers – seeing, hearing and tasting things that they might otherwise not have experienced. The immersive activities created just for kids allow young travelers to learn and have fun in places like museums that aren’t always as entertaining for the younger set. For example, at the Louvre in Paris, the Junior Adventurers play an Art Detective game throughout the museum with their Adventure Guides, while adults take a privately guided tour with an art historian. In addition, the Adventure Guides are expert storytellers and are trained to create fun and unique, locally-based experiences for the kids. On almost every departure, there is also a Junior Adventurers night, in which the kids have a special evening experience with their Guides, while the adults get a quiet evening on their own at the resort.

Local Experts: An authentic Tuscan chef, a naturalist from Costa Rica, a Chinese tai chi master – these local experts share a passion; they live and breathe the local history and culture of their destination. They are an integral part of every Adventures by Disney vacation. They join guests to share their stories and provide an “insider’s” perspective to each destination.

VIP Access: Travelers vacationing with Adventures by Disney receive VIP experiences that are practically impossible to schedule on their own. Special entry to otherwise crowded sites, unique accommodations (like castles in Ireland and Germany, a dude Ranch in Yellowstone and at the base of a live, active volcano in Costa Rica. Guests also get backstage access of celebrated performances like “The Lion King“ in London. These are just a few of the exceptional moments woven through each itinerary, promising expedited service and a broader knowledge of each destination.

Adventures by Disney’s 2010 destinations include 19 global itineraries:

Asia & Pacific

Enchanted China - China: Beijing, Chengdu, Guilin, Shanghai and Hong Kong
Safari to South Africa - South Africa: Cape Town, The Garden Route and Kapama Game Reserve
Discovery Down Under - Australia: North Queensland, Ayers Rock and Sydney

British Isles & Europe

Cities of Knights and Lights – England and France: London and Paris
The Emerald Isle – Ireland: Dublin, Killarney and Shannon
Once Upon a Fairytale – Germany: Heidelberg, Trendelburg, Rothenburg and Munich
Alpine Magic - Italy and Switzerland: Stresa, Zermatt and Lake Lucerne
Viva Italia - Italy: Rome, Tuscany and Venice
Bella Italia – Central Italy: Sorrento and Florence

Latin America

Path to Pura Vida – Costa Rica: San Jose, Arenal and Manuel Antonio National Park
Treasures of the Galapagos - Ecuador and Galapagos Islands
Sacred Valleys and Incan Cities – Peru: Lima, Sacred Valley and Cusco

North America

Spirit of America -Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, Pa., and Williamsburg, Va.
Quest for the West – Wyoming: Jackson Hole, Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks
Southwest Splendors – Arizona and Utah: Sedona, Grand Canyon and Moab
Backstage Magic – Southern California: Hollywood and Disneyland Resort
Golden Path to Yosemite – Northern California: Lake Tahoe, Yosemite National Park and San Francisco
Taming the Last Frontier – Alaska: Fairbanks, Denali National Park and Kenai Peninsula
Rocky Trails and Mountie Tales - Montana and Canada: Glacier National Park and Banff National Park

For Family Tour Vacations visit EscortedFamilyTours.com. For more on Adventure by Disney & other family tours, we invite you to visit www.luxurytour.com.

Rome, Istanbul & Athens :: See it Your Own way

tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 11:55 EST

Globus Monograms: Rome, Istanbul & Athens

Monograms has several nice itineraries, but the Rome, Istanbul & Athens is very unique. Visit Southern Europe’s most fascinating locales and step back in time to explore cities rich with historical treasures. Begin you stay in Rome. Should you follow Augustus and Caesar, whose Rome is filled with spectacular ancient structures, or Michelangelo and Da Vinci, whose city invites artistic pilgrimage…the possibilities are limitless. Next, it’s off to Istanbul where East meets West in striking contrast. The sight of mosques and bustling bazaars, along with the small of incense and spices, are common in Istanbul. Whether you’re relaxing at a traditional Turkish bath or exploring ancient Byzantium at the Yerebatan Cistern, you’ll discover a land that reflects its 2,500 year history at every turn. Continue on to Athens, where you can walk in the steps of Socrates, Pericles and Sophocles. Marvel at the great archaelogical sites at the Acropolis, take a day trip to Delphi or consider a cruise to see some of the Greek Isles. No matter what strikes your interest, the diversity and beauty of Greece is the idyllic way to round out an unforgettable Monograms vacation. Prices start at $3,949 pp and includes flights Rome to Istanbul, and Istanbul to Athens as well as transfers. Article about: Italy, Greece and Turkey

http://www.escortedglobustours.com

Leaning Tower of Pisa, Italy

tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 11:53 EST

The Tower of Pisa, one of Europe's most famous towers and designed by Bonanno Pisano, is a freestanding bell tower, of the cathedral of the Italian city of Pisa. The Tower of Pisa was a work of art, performed in three stages over a period of about 177 years. It stands 183.27 feet tall from the ground on the shortest side and 186.02 on the highest side.

Construction of the first floor of the white marble campanile began on August 9, 1173. This first floor is surrounded by pillars with classical capitals, leaning against blind arches.

The tower began to sink after construction progressed to the third floor in 1178. This was due to a mere three-meter foundation, set in weak, unstable subsoil and the construction was halted, allowing time for the underlying soil to settle, otherwise, the tower would almost certainly have toppled.

The construction resumed in 1272. Trying to compensate for the tilt the engineers built higher floors with one side taller than the other. This made the tower begin to lean in the other direction. Because of this, the tower is actually curved. Construction was halted again in 1284.

The seventh floor was completed in 1319. The bell-chamber was not finally added until 1372. There are seven bells in the tower, one for each note of the tuned musical scale.

After a phase (1990-2001) of structural strengthening, the tower is currently undergoing gradual surface restoration, in order to repair visual damage, mostly corrosion and blackening.

After 2001, the tower reopened to the public. However, the number of visitors is strictly controlled via compulsory 35- to 40-minute guided tours where you are able to climb to the top. There are 294 stairs with no hand rails and the walls are worn smooth. The stairs are slippery and were built in a very tight spiral. You may think it was harder getting down than going up.