Trips of a Lifetime

 

With a new year around the corner, naturally it's a time to look back at what you've accomplished, what you would have done differently and of course create a list of new years resolutions. This year lets add 'go on my dream vacation' that list! Not sure what your dream vacation is made of yet? We can help you! Here are some trips of a lifetime that could become your reality come 2014...

Adventure in Abu Dhabi
Watch a camel race, ride the world's fastest roller coaster, barter in a souk, and gaze up at the world's "furthest leaning man-made tower" all in a single day. Those are just a few of the adventures that await visitors to Abu Dhabi.

Discover the Galapagos
Meet blue-footed boobies, sea lions, marine iguanas and penguins. Visit the Charles Darwin Research station and the historic barrel, that has served as an archipelago post office for two centuries! 

Uncover History in Israel
Visit Jerusalem, the home to holy sites of the three major monotheistic religions- Christianity, Islam and Judaism. Then trek the new Gospel Trail in Northern Israel and make your way south to float in the Dead Sea. End your trip in Israel's cultural capital, Tel Aviv!

Explore Kenya
You could spend a year in Kenya and never experience all that there is to see and do. This rich country offers a wealth of exhilarating adventures from big five safaris to insightful encounters with Maasi elders and village craftswomen.

We want to create your trip of a lifetime in 2014! Contact us for more information.

Fabian & Francis cruising the Black Sea

Where in the world... 

Our trip to the Black Sea

Oceania Cruises: Riviera

The brand new Riviera, which debuted in May 2012, is stunning. Designer touches are everywhere, from the magnificent Lalique Grand Staircase and stunning Owner's Suites furnished in Ralph Lauren Home.


Comfortably mid-sized, with a country club casual ambiance and level of personalized service, combined with new amenities, made it an incredible experience…one which were not expecting. As the first ship designed for lovers of fine dining and travel experiences, the 1250 passenger Riviera offers guests multiple dining venues, of which six are open-seating gourmet restaurants with no surcharge.

Accommodations in every category are incredibly spacious, especially with regard to the lavish bathrooms.

 Our 13 day Itinerary

Day	Date	Location
1	Thu, 25 Jul	Istanbul, Turkey
2	Fri, 26 Jul	Nessebar, Bulgaria
3	Sat, 27 Jul	Constanta, Romania
4	Sun, 28 Jul	Odessa, Ukraine
5	Mon, 29 Jul	Sevastopol, Ukraine
6	Tue, 30 Jul	Yalta, Ukraine
7	Wed, 31 Jul	Sochi, Russia
8	Thu, 01 Aug	Trabzon, Turkey
9	Fri, 02 Aug	Sinop, Turkey
10	Sat, 03 Aug	Çengelköy, Turkey
11	Sun, 04 Aug	Kusadasi, Turkey
12	Mon, 05 Aug	Mykonos, Greece
13	Tue, 06 Aug	Piraeus, Greece

Arrival into Istambul, Turkey:

Turkish Airlines

Excellent Business Class as well as Comfort Class (Premium Economy).

With the most amazing tour operator in the world, Nurdan from Nurdan's United Travel Services, Turkey.

Istanbul, Turkey

MUST SEE:

Dolmabache Palacio

Mezquita azul

Iglesia Sofia

Grand Bazaar

MUST EAT & DRINK

Sur Balak (5mins from Four Season)
Kebabs’  
Doner Kebaps (like Mexican Tacos)

Black tea and Apple tea

Turkish Coffee

Nessebar, Bulgaria

Nessebar, Bulgaria...an ancient town and one of the major seaside resorts on the Bulgarian Black Sea Coast!

MUST EAT AND DRINK: 
Pork (not a lot of options)
Local Wines

Constanta, Romania

Constanta - the oldest extant city in Romania. It was founded around 600 BC 

MUST EAT AND DRINK:

Local Wines
** 1 dollar = 3.3 Lei

Odessa, Ucrania 

The port of Odessa, where they arrived, is one of the most important seaports in Ukraine which is located on the northwestern shore of the Black Sea.

MUST SEE:

        Potemkin Steps y Odessa City Hall 

       Opera House

       Fine Arts Museum 

       Primoski Boulevard

MUST EAT & DRINK :

Pork and vegetable dumplings 

Pork   Borsch (onion and egg soup)
Vodka : Horilka 
Cold fruit tea
 

Sevastopol, Ukraine
Sevastopol is one of two cities with special status in Ukraine (the other being the capital, Kiev). A strategically important naval point, it is also a popular seaside resort and tourist destination.

MUST SEE:

Khan Palace in Bakhchisaray (1hra del puerto)

Yalta, Ukraine

YALTA, a resort city in Crimea, southern Ukraine, on the north coast of the Black Sea. The city is located on the site of an ancient Greek colony, said to have been founded by Greek sailors who were looking for a safe shore on which to land.

MUST SEE:

Museum: Chekhov
Alexander Nevsky Cathedra;

MUST EAT AND DRINK:

Beer: Lvivske
BBQ Pork

Sochi, Russia

Situated on the Black Sea coast near the border of Georgia, Sochi is one of Russia's largest resort cities. A lot is going on here in the next few years. Sochi will host the XXII Olympic & Paralympic Winter Games next year as well as the Russian Formula 1 Grand Prix. It is also one of the host cities for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Basic info:

* "Spasibo" = Thank you
* 1 Dolar = 30 Rubles

Trabzon, Turkey

Trabzon played a key role in both the Silk Road and the Ottoman period because of the importance of its port.

MUST SEE:

Monasterio Sumela (1 hr from port)  CANT MISS

MUST EAT AND DRINK:
Kebabs

Kusadasi, Turkey

A resort town on Turkey's Aegean, its primary industry is tourism given it is so close to Ephesus.

MUST SEE:

Ephesus: Old Roman Town-  CANT MISS

MUST EAT AND DRINK:

Kebabs

You Really Can Have It All

How much can you really do on your vacation? 

Take a cruise and you'll see, everything you could possibly want - even if it's nothing at all! For inspiration, peruse this month's Travel Catalog, then contact me to help you choose the best destination, the best cruise ship and the best stateroom, plus make all the arrangements for an unforgettable time on shore. Every exclusive offer featured includes extra perks, like complimentary spa credits and specialty dining experiences. Just one call and you truly will have it all....

The Chedi in Oman

THE CHEDI IN MUSCAT, OMAN

Where in the World...
By: Tania Swasbrook

We arrived in the mystical city of Muscat on our cruise, Silversea Cruises. The port of Muscat has one of the most spectacular and diverse welcoming: the contrast of the mountains with the clear water…the modern port with the historical monuments.

The country itself is like that. Modern Oman was really born in 1970 when sultan Sa'id bin Taimur, who had ruled since 1932, was overthrown by his son, Qabus ibn Sa'id (also spelled Qaboos) who promised to establish a modern government and use newfound oil wealth to aid the people of this very isolated state. Oman joined the Arab League and the United Nations in 1971 and has never looked back.

One of the first things you notice is how clean it is. It feels like it is a criminal offense to litter and people actually get a ticket if they are driving a dirty car. The loyalty to the Sultan is quite evident as is the pride of those that are citizens of Oman (almost impossible to become one). Citizens are very well taken care of and that is reflected on the way they take care of their country.

Don’t get me wrong – it is not a “modern” country in what you may describe New York or even Dubai. It is purposely taking its time to become ‘modern’ in that sense but it still keeps its roots and history. As a tourist, you can feel and clearly see the history and you definitely feel as if you are in the Middle East. 

That being said, there are pockets of extreme luxury such as The Chedi hotel in Oman. What an incredible hotel…both modern and luxurious but encapsulating Oman perfectly. 

With 156 rooms and suites (and growing) it sits on the Gufl of Oman. A short drive from the airport (or port) it has two swimming pools, a pristine private beach, spa and almost all of the rooms have a scenic view of the Gulf or surrounding mountains. Although there are impeccable standard rooms…we definitely recommend getting the extra space for a bit more with the Deluxe Club rooms. The villas are absolutely incredible and perfect for a family or a discerning couple.

 

Funnily enough, having your honeymoon here would be ideal as you can do absolutely nothing other than the beach, spa and wonderful food….or have a full day of exploring the nearby mountains and regions.

We look forward to going back to the Chedi Oman and thank Olga kindly for showing us around!