Cook East is a new company that has been founded with the basic philosophy that food can provide an interesting medium through which to engage with your surroundings, beyond simply being a flavoursome addition to a nice evening. Providing interesting itineraries in their own right, you will be visiting some of the most desirable locations and impressive sights in the world. Where Cook East differs from other travel providers however is the concurrent series of cooking classes that allow you to see precisely how those restaurants at home cook your favourite dishes. These are not aimed at chefs or those with exceptional cooking abilities, but anyone who wants to gain a grassroots understanding of how food cultivation, purchase, preparation and consumption fits into the lifestyle of local people.

A typical day might involve breakfast, a late morning cooking class including the consumption of your prepared dish and then the afternoon spent on a guided tour of the city, at leisure or visiting a local temple of monument.

As the name suggests, the destinations visited by Cook East cover South East and Central Asia, but also include South America and we are always looking to add new destinations.

For up-to-date information on any of our itineraries or destinations please check our website, or get in contact. With prices starting from £735 including international flights we’re sure we have something for everyone.

Website: http://www.cook-east.com

Email: info@cook-east.com

Phone: 01276 682968

General Tours World Traveler is offering two new Small Group Journeys to Eastern Europe. The Small Group Journey product line is distinguished by having never more than 16 guests to a group, with boutique hotel stays, quality meals and activities not possible in a larger group. They are designed to provide a deeper and more authentic look into the culturally diverse destinations.

New for 2012, Grand Capitals of Eastern Europe is a 10-day trip to Berlin, Warsaw, Krakow and Budapest featuring distinguished hotels like the Regent Berlin, deemed one of the best places to stay in the world by Condé Nast Traveler, and the Sofitel Chain Bridge overlooking the Danube in the heart of Budapest. Activities include a visit to the Schindler Factory Museum in Krakow, dinner with a Polish family in the charming town of Lowicz and a countryside excursion to Szentendre, an ancient Hungarian town and now-thriving artists’ colony in the Danube Bend. A pre-trip extension to Prague and Dresden features five-star city-center hotels, complete sightseeing and all on-tour transportation including first class rail from Dresden to Berlin to join the Grand Capitals tour.

Also new in 2012, Journey through Austria, Slovenia and Croatia, features landmark hotels and resorts such as the Grand Hotel Toplice, overlooking Lake Bled, and Zagreb’s Regent Esplanade, originally built for passengers of the Orient-Express train. The itinerary includes Munich, Salzburg and Vienna, as well as destinations rarely featured on traditional large-group escorted tours, such as the Salzburg Lake District; Graz, Ljubljana, often called “Little Prague,” and the sixteen cascading lakes of Plitvice National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Through Dec 30, General Tours is offering savings of $500 per person on bookings paid in full at the time of booking for either of the new trips to Eastern Europe.

Now in its 65th year, General Tours World Traveler offers Small Group, Privately Guided and Small Ship journeys to Asia, Europe, Latin America, Africa and the Middle East. Specifically designed for never more than 16 guests, the company’s programs promise immersive cultural encounters and authentic travel experiences not possible in a larger group. For more information, call 800-221-2216 or visit www.generaltours.com

BRAND NEW LOCATION FOR 2012 IN KOPAONIK, SERBIA
THE BIG SNOW FESTIVAL JOINS FORCES WITH CREATORS OF EXIT FESTIVAL
7 NIGHT PACKAGES INCLUDING LIFT PASS FROM £499
The Big Snow Festival returns to the slopes from the 23rd to 29th March 2012 and is set to be ‘the’ event of the winter as it enters its third year. Since its launch in 2010, The Big Snow Festival has proved to be a mountainous success with snow and music festival fans, and as the festival doubles in size for 2012, the organisers are proud to announce some exciting new developments!

The Big Snow Festival has joined forces with EXIT Team, the creators of the legendary EXIT festival in Novi Sad, Serbia, recognised as one of the leading music festivals in the world. And what’s more, the festival will be moving to its brand new home in the stunning resort of Kopaonik, the largest ski area in Serbia.

Kopaonik is a spectacular ski resort located in the heart of the Balkans in the Dinanic mountain range. At an altitude of 1770m (highest peak 2017m), the snow-sure resort of Kopaonik offers breathtaking vistas, a high standard of ski-in, ski-out accommodation and provides some fantastic venues for The Big Snow Festival parties.

The move to Kopaonik will bring bigger parties, more accommodation and amazing value for money, not forgetting fun-filled days out on the pistes. With 55km of alpine ski runs and 23 chair lifts, Kopaonik boasts a great range of runs to suit every level from gentle greens and sweeping blue runs for novices to a number of challenging reds and blacks for intermediates and experts. In addition, Kopaonik has 12km of cross country skiing and by night, skiers and snowboarders can enjoy night skiing the floodlit piste.

The move to Kopanik and working with EXIT Team will bring a new and exciting dimension to The Big Snow Festival and organisers are thrilled by the new partnership. Festival organiser, Deborah Milroy comments;

“We are really excited about our new home in Kopaonik. The resort is beautiful and the perfect setting for The Big Snow Festival. By teaming up with EXIT Team, we can most certainly promise our fans a memorable experience for 2012. The line-up is currently under wraps, but you can be sure to expect big things!”

Dusan Kovacevic, founder of the EXIT festival says;
“We are delighted to be working with The Big Snow Festival and it’s a great fit for EXIT Team. We have seen EXIT grow for more than 10 years to become one of the most recognised music events of its kind, and we hope to bring a taste of EXIT to the mountains.”

Exclusive 7 night packages to The Big Snow Festival are on sale now at www.nomud.com from £499pp.

Packages include return flights, airport transfers, 7 nights accommodation, 6 day lift pass and Big Snow Festival wristband providing you access to all the action and entertainment.
Secure your trip today with a deposit of £75pp.

Keep your eyes peeled on our Facebook page www.facebook.com/thebigsnowfestival for breaking news, line up announcements, hot deals and more!

Notes to editors:
Flights are available from London Heathrow, Luton and Manchester airports flying to Belgrade
The Big Snow Festival launched in Arinsal, Andorra in 2010 and has doubled in size since its launch
Exclusive deals for ski hire and lessons will be available to book from The Big Snow Festival

Condé Nast Traveler just announced their prestigious 2012 Gold List winners for the world’s finest hotels, resorts, and cruise lines, and Uniworld Boutique River Cruises is thrilled that it was once again included in the “World’s Top 12 Cruise Lines” category. This year, as a way to mark 25 years of Condé Nast Traveler, the magazine celebrated the “superstars” of the Gold List in their Platinum Circle honor, which includes Uniworld, which has made the Gold List every year for the past five years’ running.

Earlier this year, Uniworld was also rated as the world’s Number One “Best River Cruise Line” in Condé Nast Traveler’s prestigious 2011 Readers’ Choice Awards.

“I am deeply honored that Uniworld has again been recognized in Condé Nast Traveler’s prestigious Gold List,” states Guy Young, president of Uniworld.

“The significance of being included as a Platinum Circle member reaffirms Uniworld’s commitment to consistently delivering the best river cruise experience possible to our guests. I am also very proud to be included in a list of well-respected cruise lines such as Crystal, Silversea, Seabourn, and Regent,” furthers Young.

The eighteenth annual Gold List contenders are tested afresh every year in Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Survey, described by Condé Nast as “the collective result of some eight million votes cast by as savvy a group of travelers as you’ll find on the planet.”

About Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection

Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection, the world’s only authentic boutique cruise line, is recognized among the “World’s Best River Cruises” by Travel + Leisure. Uniworld was voted the“#1 River Cruise Line in the World” in Condé Nast Traveler ’s Readers’ Choice Awards, was named to Condé Nast Traveler’s prestigious Gold List, and won “Best River Ships” in their Readers’ Poll, which ranked River Beatrice and River Duchess the #1 and #2 river ships, along with five other highly ranked ships in the top 20. Uniworld’s cabins and dining are also ranked among the top three in the world by Zagat Survey; Uniworld is the only river cruise line named in the Zagat Survey amongst the best of the best in the cruise industry.

Uniworld features luxurious boutique ships with an average capacity of 130 guests, included shore excursions, world-class gourmet cuisine, and award-winning hospitality.

Uniworld offers over 500 departures sailing on over 13 rivers in more than 20 countries throughout Europe, Russia, Egypt, China, Vietnam, and Cambodia.

For more details, please visit www.uniworld.com or connect with Uniworld Boutique River Cruises at www.facebook.com/uniworldrivercruises or www.twitter.com/UniworldCruises

Festivals are an incredible way to experience a region and its culture and these new 2012 dates from the boutique operator Travel The Unknown showcase some of the most colourful festivals of Asia, Europe and South America.

From the Trumpet Festival in Serbia, the Barranquilla Carnival in Colombia and the Day of the Dead celebrations in Oaxaca, Mexico, to North India’s grandest festival, the Hindu Festival of Navratri, Travel the Unknown guarantees a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Departure dates are in February, August and October 2012:

Cartagena and The Carnival, Colombia (seven days) £1,750 departing February 15 2012

Colombia’s biggest and brightest carnival, the Carnaval de Barranquilla, celebrates everything that’s great about this country. Take part in elaborate processions, dance to Colombian rhythms and get swept up with the vibrancy of this dazzling extravaganza. Discover the hip city of Bogota and its world-famous Gold Museum, before heading to Colombia`s crown jewel, Cartagena. Witness spectacular colonial architecture, cobbled alleys and mellow plazas and spend a relaxing day experiencing the magical healing powers of the Mud Volcano.
http://www.traveltheunknown.com/tours/CBC/Colombia/Cartagena%20&%20The%20Carnival

Festivals of Serbia (eight days) £1,545 departing August 11 2012
Discover Serbia`s premier festivals – the Trumpet Festival of Guca and Belgrade’s Beer Fest, as well as the cultural delights of Central Serbia – stunning orthodox monasteries, ancient and bizarre landscapes and the eerie Skull Tower of Niš. Experience the warm welcome of the Serbian people and eat, drink and be merry in Europe’s forgotten gem.
http://www.traveltheunknown.com/tours/FOS/Serbia/Festivals%20of%20Serbia

The Day of the Dead, Mexico (10 days) £2,325 departing October 29 2012
Discover the famous celebrations of the Day of the Dead in Oaxaca, the indigenous capital of Mexico and the best places to experience this special event. The Day of the Dead in Mexico is not a mournful commemoration but a happy and colourful celebration in which death assumes a lively, friendly expression.

After the festival, explore the ancient history and phenomenal architecture of Monte Alban and Mitla, the stunning natural landscapes of Hierve El Agua and Santiago Apoala and wander colourful craft markets before taking a stroll in a cloud forest. Finally, learn some traditional Oaxacan cooking or taking a tour of Oaxaca`s legendary biodiversity in the botanical gardens.

http://www.traveltheunknown.com/tours/DOD/Mexico/The%20Day%20of%20the%20Dead

Festivals of India (14 days) £2,545 departing October 19

With more than 300 million gods, it is no surprise that India is unrivalled when it comes to its colourful religious festivals. Learn about Hindu culture and join millions of devotees as they celebrate the Hindu Festival of Navratri, dedicated to Goddess Shakti in her various forms. North India, in particular Mumbai, comes roaring into life with traditional song, dance and delicious food. In Kolkata, meet the skilful clay idol-makers of Kumartuli. Witness Durga Puja, where idols of Goddess Durga are carried through the city and immersed in the River Hooghly.

This magnificent tour also takes in Delhi and India’s other important religious towns -Amritsar, famed for Sikhism’s glittering Golden Temple and the hill-station of Dharamsala, home to the exiled Dalai Lama and his Buddhist followers.

http://www.traveltheunknown.com/tours/FNI/India/Festivals%20of%20North%20India

Nagaland Hornbill Festival, India (13 days) £2,645 departure dates TBC
Drive through the plains of Assam on the lookout for unicorn rhino in Kaziranga National Park. Cross the Brahmaputra river to Majuli, the world’s largest river island with its own unique culture before entering Nagaland, India’s true frontier state (bordering onto Myanmar), steeped in history and tribal tradition. Soak up the atmosphere at the Hornbill Festival, a once-in-a-lifetime experience, where Naga culture is brought to life in colourful song and dance. Learn about Naga customs and their reputation as one of the last head-hunting tribes of Asia.
http://www.traveltheunknown.com/tours/NHF/India/Nagaland%20&%20Hornbill%20Festival

Visit www.traveltheunknown.com/festivals  for more information about our festival tours.

River cruising offers the perfect way to enjoy some of the world’s most iconic sights and events, without having to check into and out of hotels; guests only unpack once and the luxurious accommodation moves through Europe’s waterways from city to town, half-timbered village through gorges, valleys and vineyards, whilst dining to gourmet standards.

Award-winning cruise operator, AwaWaterways’ selects their top ten river cruises for 2012, chosen for their cultural enrichment, specialist interest and access to spectacular sightseeing.

1. In celebration of wine river cruises, 29th March 2012 :

AmaWaterways’ 2012 season of wine themed cruises gets off to an auspicious start with a President’s Wine Cruise from 29th March 2012, featuring the Company’s Provence andSpain itinerary and the debut of the luxury river cruiser MS AmaDagio on the Rhone. The itinerary takes guests through some of France’s most renowned wine regions and includes complimentary wine-themed shore excursions and winery visits; onboard lectures, wine tastings and wine pairings at meals. Highlights are the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Arles and Avignon; the beautiful villages of Viviers, Tournon, Vienne and Trévoux and excursions to the Beaujolais wine region. The cruise is hosted by AmaWaterways’President Rudi Schreiner and Executive Vice President Kristin Karst accompanied by Carissa Chappellet of Chappellet Winery in Napa Valley and Archie McLaren, founder of the Central Coast Wine Classic.

The President’s Wine Cruise takes place from 29th March 5th April, 2012 on the Rhone River from Arles to Lyon, France and costs from £1645pp based on two sharing a cabin, including port taxes and all meals, excluding flights. (0808 223 5009, www.amawaterways.co.uk)

2. Last chance to book a blooming good river cruise April 2012:
See the Dutch bulb fields in bloom in spring time and include a trip to the KeukenhofGardens where there are millions of tulips creating a dazzling carpet of colour.

AmaWaterways’ seven-night Vineyards of the Rhine and Moselle cruise from Amsterdam to Remich (Luxembourg) costs from £1595pp per person for a French balcony cabin, departing on 1st April 2012, based on two sharing a cabin, including port taxes and all meals, excluding flights. ContactAmaWaterways freephone 0808 223 5009, www.amawaterways.co.uk

3. Garden lovers cruise, April – October:
Keen gardeners should seize the opportunity to visit the Floriade World Horticultural Expo in the Netherlands between 5th April and 7th October 2012 on a choice of fourAmaWaterways’ luxury river cruise itineraries. The show, which only takes place every ten years, covers 66 hectares of parkland and comprises of five horticultural worlds and themed zones, connected by wooded areas, with 100 exhibitors from around the world. Each day also features a cultural programme of music, dance, literature, theatre and visual art from all over the world. AmaWaterways’ seven-night Enchanting Rhine cruise from Amsterdam to Basel departs on 19th April and costs from £1,459 per personincluding all meals, free-flowing wine with dinner, free Wi-Fi and free use of on-board bicycles, excluding flights. Contact AmaWaterways freephone 0808 223 5009, www.amawaterways.co.uk

4. Romantic city break cruise, 31st May : River cruising means seeing more in less time, never having to unpack or re-pack. Three of Europe’s most spectacular and historic cities are included on AmaWaterways’ Legendary Danube cruise. Visit Austria’’s capital, Vienna, during 2012 when the city is celebrating the 150th anniversary of the birth of Gustav Klimt, the Slovak capital ofBratislava, with its historic castle and medieval streets, and the Hungarian capital, Budapest, divided into the old and the new by the mighty Danube.

AmaWaterways’ seven-night Romantic Danube cruises from Vilshofen to Budapest, cruise throughGermany and Austria and visit Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest. The cruise departs on 31st May and costs from £1895 (was £2323) per person including return flights, transfers, all meals, free-flowing wine with dinner, free Wi-Fi and free use of on-board bicycles. Contact AmaWaterways free phone 0808 223 5009, www.amawaterways.co.uk

5. Jewish Heritage themed cruise : Trace the Jewish heritage of the Danube from the comfort of a luxury river cruiser, with a selected daily touring programme of Jewish Heritage excursions that include synagogue visits, Jewish districts, museums, monuments and other landmarks of significance to Jewish history, led by knowledgeable guides. The cruises pass through Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary and highlights include a special visit to the tomb of Chatam Sofer, the famous rabbi, a visit to Oscar Schindler‘s house in Regensberg, and Room 600 at the Nuremberg Palace of Justice. Passengers will also visit the Jewish Museum, Judenplatz and Old Synagogue, Sigmund Freud House (outside), Jewish Cemetery and Jewish Quarter in Vienna.

The 7-night `Jewish Heritage’ Blue Danube cruise between Budapest and Nuremberg, departing 17th October 2012,, costs from £1775 per person including all meals, free-flowing wine with dinner, free Wi-Fi and free use of on-board bicycles, excluding flights.

6. Into Africa for a new, safari-cruise in June 2012:
AmaWaterways marks its tenth anniversary in 2012 with the addition of an exclusive new ‘Africa Safaris and Wildlife Cruise’ programme, which includes a four-night cruise aboard the beautiful MS Zambezi Queen, specially-designed for wildlife viewing on the Chobe River.

The ship travels along the banks of Chobe National Park, home to one of the densest populations of wildlife in Africa. Here guests will encounter elephants, leopards, lions, and buffalo on excursions by boat or open-air vehicles, a visit to a local village, an authentic ‘boma’ dining experience and delicious cuisine on board. The cruise is preceded by a choice of three extensive land tours take into the heart of Africa, from the expanses of the Serengeti to the awe-inspiring Chobe National Park and the towering landscape of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Each tour concludes with two nights in Victoria Falls, one of the world’s most magnificent sights.

AmaWaterways’ three new Africa itineraries, ‘Stars of Africa’, `African Sunsets’ and `Golden Trails of Africa’, range from 16 to 19 days, commence in June 2012 with prices from £5622pp, excluding flights and transfers. Contact AmaWaterways on (freephone) 0808 223 5009, www.amawaterways.co.uk 

7. Cultural cruise Francophiles and wine lovers will enjoy a leisurely cruise along the Rhone from Lyon to Arles, visiting wine growing regions such as Beaujolais, Côte du Rhône and Chateauneuf-du-Pape, the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Arles and Avignon and the beautiful villages ofViviers, Tournon, Vienne and Trévoux. Take a stroll to the Place du Palais, in the shadow of the awe-inspiring Palais des Papes, in the early evening, before cruising on to Mediterranean Arles, the city which Vincent Van Gogh captures in many of his works.

AmaWaterways’ seven-night Rhone cruise from Arles to Lyon on the luxury river cruiser AmaDagiodeparts on 24th May 2012 and costs from £2099pp based on two sharing a cabin, including flights, port taxes and all meals. Contact AmaWaterways free phone 0808 223 5009, www.amawaterways.co.uk

8. `Land-cruise’ to experience the riches of the Mekong
AmaWaterways’ Vietnam, Cambodia and the Riches of the Mekong 15 night land-cruise includes two nights in vibrant Hanoi followed by an overnight aboard a luxury junk in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ha Long Bay. A short flight then transports guests to Siem Reap, Cambodia, the gateway to the magnificent Angkor Archeological Park to experience tours of world-renowned sites such as Angkor Wat, Ta Prohm, Terrace of the Elephants, Terrace of the Leper King, the Bayonand the newly-reopened Baphuon Temple.

The journey continues with a 7 night voyage along the Mekong River from Cambodia to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam, calling into the bustling capital of Phnom Penh and numerous points of historical and scenic interest, including KampongChhnang, Oudong, Tan Chau, Sa Dec, Xeo Quyt and Cai Be. Along the way, guests visit floating markets, rainforests and Buddhist monasteries; ride an oxcart and a trishaw and participate in the delicate craft of rice-paper making.

AmaWaterways’ 15 night land-cruise costs from £2422 per person and includes hotel accommodation, excursions and all meals, wine, beer, local sprits and soft drinks with meals on board, and the seven night cruise-only option costs from £1060 per person, including excursions and drinks. Contact AmaWaterways on freephone 0808 223 5009, www.amawaterways.co.uk

9. Discover Russia from the river : Cruise Russia’s waterways and discover this vast and fascinating country on a spectacular 11 night voyage from Moscow, Uglich, Yaroslav, Goritsy,Kizhi and Svirstroy to St. Petersburg (and vice versa) along the Volga-Baltic waterways and through Europe’s two largest lakes, Onega and Ladoga. The cruise is on board the newest river cruiser on Russia’’s waterways, the AmaKatarina, and the price of £2395 per person includes all meals, champagne breakfasts and free-flowing wine with dinner, daily excursions and transfers.Contact AmaWaterways free phone 0808 223 5009, www.amawaterways.co.uk

10. Christmas market cruise : Lap up the Christmas atmosphere ashore and on board anAmaWaterways luxury river cruiser. The festively decorated ships cruise through the heart of Europe, allowing guests time to visit Christmas markets where stall after stall is piled high with gifts and decorations, enjoying the festive scent of gingerbread, sizzling sausages and spicy mulled wine, then return laden with goodies to a luxury river cruiser teeming with atmosphere and festively adorned with Christmas trees, garlands, colourful lights and swags.

AmaWaterways’ 7 night Christmas Time cruise costs from £1335pp, including all meals, free-flowing wine with dinner, free Wi-Fi and free use of on-board bicycles, (excluding flights), based on travel on 13th December 2012, sailing between Nuremberg and Budapest with time to explore the markets at Nuremberg, Regensberg, the numerous different Christmas markets in Vienna and in Budapest where the ship cruises past the city’s dazzling Christmas illuminations.

Scenic Cruises Follows in the Wake of Ancient Trade Routes

Scenic Cruises’ all-inclusive, 12-day “Black Sea Explorer River Cruise” introduces guests to a dozen culturally-rich ports by combining six days exploring by land with six days following the river routes once frequented by ancient traders.

Three days each in the Hungarian capital of Budapest and Bucharest, an eclectic mix of Romanian and French influence, sandwich six days aboard the deluxe Scenic “Space-Ship,” visiting fascinating ports in Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia and Hungary.

An impressive selection of optional excursions – included standard on all of the company’s cruises – offer a deeper look into the cultures and sites: a show at a Hungarian Puszta horse farm; a home-cooked Croatian lunch in a local home; a tour of both cities, Buda and Pest; or a visit to Bran Castle, known as the home of Bram Stoker’s Count Dracula. The truly all-inclusive “no hidden costs” policy means guests are able to leave their money in their pocket when it comes to all aspects of the cruise except personal expenditures.

Prices for the April 14 and May 26 departure dates – and the reverse itinerary on May 19 – range from $5,395 to $7,380 per person, double. The 18-day “Black Sea & Turkey” river cruise, which combines this itinerary with an additional four ports, is available for prices ranging from $7,465 to $9,450.

A two-night stay in the “Paris of the East,” Romania’s French-inspired Romanian Bucharest, immerses guests in the beauty of the countryside and the history of the city. Highlights include a visit to Europe’s largest building, Ceaucescu’s Palace of Parliament; a trip through the Transylvanian Plateau to the Carpathian Mountains; and a “Scenic Free Choice” between Bram Castle, a former Teutonic Knights stronghold and the famed home of Count Dracula, or Snagov Lake, where guests can visit the supposed burial place of the legendary Dracula, Vlad Tepes. In the port of Cernavoda, guests can travel to the nearby seaside town of Constanța and Mamaia, Romania’s most popular resort. In Bulgaria, the ship visits Ruse, often called “Little Vienna” for its Neo-Baroque and Neo-Rococo architecture; Arbanasi, a center for historical monuments; Veliko Tarnovo, famous for both its unique architecture and as the historical capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire; and Svishtov, once a Roman stronghold.

The ship’s course also takes it through the Iron Gate, a breathtaking gorge nestled between the Carpathian and Balkan Mountains, and visits the Serbian city of Belgrade – one of Europe’s oldest capital cities – for a sightseeing tour that explores Tito’s memorial, Fortress Kalemegdan and The Church of Saint Sava. At the confluence of the Vuka and Danube Rivers, the ship ports in Vukovar for a taste of true Croatian culture – afforded by a home-cooked lunch in a local home – and an exclusive wine and cheese tasting in the cellars of Ilok. One day is spent in the Baroque town of Kalocsa, renowned for its production of “red gold” (paprika), a Hungarian cooking staple, and three in Budapest, whose abundant natural and historical attractions –including 80 geothermal springs and the second oldest underground railway – are rivaled only by its modern nightlife, which occupies the 1st and 3rd places on Lonely Planet’s “100 Greatest Bars of the World” 2012 list.

Scenic Cruises operates the newest and most luxurious fleet of river cruise ships in Europe. Its five ‘Space-Ships’, increasing to seven this spring, sail river voyages throughout Europe, Russia and Egypt, ranging from seven to 21 nights. Guests enjoy larger staterooms and suites, more than 80% with full-size balconies, private butler service in Junior and Royal Suites, private concerts, exclusive performances, onboard entertainment, tour leaders, meals in a choice of three dining venues – served with complimentary premium wines, beers and soft drinks, escorted airport transfers – even gratuities and baggage handling – all included in the fare.

Scenic Cruises parent company, Scenic Tours, offers award-winning all-inclusive escorted tours in Europe, Australia, New Zealand and elsewhere. Additional information on these and other cruises, brochures and reservations, can be obtained from travel agents, Global Voyages Group, LLC – US Representative for Scenic Tours and Scenic Cruises, or the company’s visitor-friendly web site, www.scenictoursus.com ; by phone: (866) 689-8611; or by email: info@scenictoursus.com . Brochures can be downloaded directly from the web site.

Scenic Cruises is offering a 12-day “Black Sea Explorer” package that includes a six-day land tour with a six-day river routes cruise. The land portion includes three days each in the Hungarian capital of Budapest and Bucharest, Romania. The cruise visits ports in Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia and Hungary.

The trip includes excursions such as a show at a Hungarian Puszta horse farm, a home-cooked Croatian lunch in a house, a tour of Buda and Pest, and a visit to Bran Castle, known as the home of Count Dracula.

Prices for the April 14, May 19 and May 26 departure dates range from $5,395 to $7,380 per person, double. The 18-day “Black Sea & Turkey” river cruise, which combines this itinerary with an additional four ports, is available for prices ranging from $7,465 to $9,450.

Specialist off-the-beaten track tour operator Travel The Unknown (www.traveltheunknown.com, tel: 020 7183 6371) is offering a summer special discount of £150 per person on its Festivals of Serbia tour – their 8-day tour takes in Serbia’s premier festivals – Trumpet Festival of Guca (the world’s largest) and Belgrade Beerfest, as well as visits to some of Central Serbia’s key sites.

The tour usually costs £1,345, but is reduced to £1,195 per person for bookings made by 10 June 2012, for departure on 11 August 2012.

Key Highlights:
Visit the Guca Trumpet Festival
Overnight in Studenica monastery
Marvel at the bizarre terrain of Devil’s Town
Discover the ghoulish Niš Skull Tower
Live it up at Belgrade`s Beer Fest
Explore Kopaonik National Park
Price includes airport transfers, ground transport, accommodation, entrance fees to festivals and sites, activities, some meals, drivers and guides.

For more details, visit: www.traveltheunknown.com/serbia

- The Trumpet Festival of Guca is the world’s largest such festival
- Additional tours within Serbia can be added on before or after this tour.
- Small group tours and private tours are available.
- Travel The Unknown are recommended by Bradt Guide to Serbia
- All Travel the Unknown tour prices include a contribution to Climate Care to offset carbon emissions

The countries G Adventures will visit for the first time in 2013 are: Albania, Australia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Croatia, Iceland, Montenegro, New Zealand, Scotland, Serbia, Sierra Leone, Sri Lanka and Sweden.

Michael Edwards, managing director, G Adventures, says the extended programme is a perfect mix of new far-flung destinations as well as some that are less-travelled and closer to home.

“G Adventures is known for uncovering new destinations and offering life-changing experiences by giving travellers real insight into people and cultures.

This continues as we venture into West Africa with a brand new Sierra Leone adventure, and expand our land-based trips in Eastern Europe.”

New trip itineraries for 2013 include:

- Departing from and returning to Freetown, the 10-day Sierra Leone Uncovered trip gives travellers the opportunity to experience life in a village, taste local cuisine, trek through the rainforest looking for monkeys and to explore historic Freetown. Priced from GBP1,499pp* for departures in November and December 2013.

- A 14-day Cultural Sri Lanka trip travelling from Negombo to Colombo sees travellers visit an elephant sanctuary, watch stilt fishermen in Galle, gain insight into the national heritage at a tea plantation and relax on pristine beaches.

Priced from GBP1,279pp for departures in March and April, and from September to December 2013. This trip was also designed by one of G Adventures’ CEOs.

- The 15-day Croatia and the Balkans itinerary travels through Serbia on its route from Budapest to Split where it visits the capital of Belgrade, also known as the ‘White City’.

This trip also visits the new G Adventures’ destinations of Bosnia & Herzegovina, Montenegro and Croatia. Priced from GBP1,399pp for departures from June to July and September to October 2013.

As previously announced every trip departing in the 2013 Earth brochure is 100% guaranteed to depart from January 1, a first for any adventure travel operator.

The brochure also includes G Adventures’ launch in Australia and New Zealand as the seventh and final continent it runs trips on, as well as its expanded programme of active (cycling, hiking and multi-activity) trips with 25 new itineraries in Europe.

*Prices do not include flights. Trips inclusions are listed at the links above.

About G Adventures

G Adventures is an adventure travel pioneer offering the widest selection of affordable small group tours, safaris and expeditions to more than 100 countries on all continents. It is the only adventure travel company to offer 100% guaranteed departures in 2013.

Powered by an international team of passionate travellers, the award-winning trips embrace authentic accommodation, exotic cuisine and local transport to put travellers on a first-name basis with the planet’s people, cultures, landscapes and wildlife.

The intimate, authentic and sustainable approach to small-group travel introduces travellers to the highlights of a destination while offering the freedom to explore it on their own. Whatever age, interest, ability or budget, G Adventures has a genuine life-changing experience. For more information please visit www.gadventures.co.uk

SpiceRoads Cycle Tours, a leading bicycle tour operator in Asia for more than a decade, is pioneering bike tours in the Balkan nations of Albania, Macedonia and Montenegro. The move comes as Balkan destinations, emerging from a volatile past into a more peaceful present, are beginning to attract a diversity of tourism interests.

SpiceRoads has a history of being the first to offer bike tours in countries that are just opening up to tourists, such as Cambodia and Sri Lanka following their internal wars, and is doing so again in three small but rebuilding Balkan nations. The mountainous countries of Albania, Macedonia and Montenegro not only offer perfect terrain for biking, they also provide the other key ingredients needed for a successful SpiceRoads bike tour – stunning scenery, historic sites, friendly locals, comfortable accommodation and excellent food.

Off-road mountain biking tours are being offered in landlocked Macedonia and along the Balkan Riviera in Montenegro. Riding on paved roads in Albania allows for the exploration of three UNESCO World Heritage sites as cyclists ride a loop from the capital Tirana inland and then along the coast.

The 10-day Albania Heritage by Bicycle tour is for moderate riders who are interested in history. The tour cost is $1,995. Catering to mountain bikers looking for a challenge, the 10-day Macedonia Mountain Bike Odyssey is priced at $1,695. The eight-day Mountain Biking Montenegro is a moderate mountain bike tour on jeep-width dirt roads that is priced from $1,395 and there is a departure each in May, June. September and October. To introduce these tours SpiceRoads is offering a $150 discount off any of the inaugural tours: Albania (May 19), Macedonia (June 2), Montenegro (May 26). Use code BALKANS to receive the discount when booking.

CBT Holidays is venturing into new territory and has released Croatia & Slovenia and the Adriatic Coast for the industry with an 18 day tour to Slovenia, Croatia, Montenegro, Bosnia & Herzegovina and Serbia

This tour will focus on the Balkan countries with picturesque coastal seaside, pulsating waterfalls, bountiful green valleys, amazing old towns, colourful customs, beautiful landscape and more.

Prices start from $6,950 including international airfares, 4-5 star hotels, fully inclusive tour with all entrance fees, most meals & an English speaking tour guide.

For more details please click http://www.cbtholidays.com.au/pdf/BB2014.pdf

Air Serbia, owned 49 percent by Etihad Airways, will add new aircraft and new routes. Serbian Deputy Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic unveiled the new red, white and blue livery on the carrier’s first Airbus A319 at a ceremony in Belgrade.

On Saturday, Oct. 26, Air Serbia launched its new route from its hub at Belgrade’s Nikola Tesla International Airport to Abu Dhabi with routes to Banja Luka (Bosnia), Bucharest, Ljubljana and Prague to be launched by the end of 2013. The new flights add on to the 29 destinations previously served by the airline. Seven more routes will be launched between January and April. By June it will have doubled frequencies and capacity, to serve 43 destinations in 30 countries, with 73,000 seats on more than 670 flights a week.

To achieve this eight Airbus A319 and two A320 aircraft have been leased, the first part of a modernization strategy. The first of the A319s has a two-class configuration, with eight seats in business and 120 in economy. Five more Airbus A319s will be in service within the next two months, with another four in 2014.

As a member of Etihad Airways’ “equity alliance,” which today includes another five airlines (airberlin, Air Seychelles, Aer Lingus, Virgin Australia and Jet Airways, subject to regulatory approval), Air Serbia also will be able to leverage revenue and cost benefits including new code-sharing opportunities, joint procurement, and shared training and staff development.

“Having a strong and successful airline is vital for Serbia’s future economic development and growth,” said Vucic. “Air Serbia will deliver hundreds of millions of dollars a year into our economy.”

Etihad will make available a $40 million loan facility, which will be converted into a 49 percent equity stake in January 2014, subject to regulatory approval. This will be matched by equal funding from the government of Serbia. Etihad and the Serbian government will also each provide a shareholder loan of up to $60 million to meet working capital requirements and support network development for Air Serbia.

A rail link will be built by China between Serbia and European Union member Hungary. This was announced by the Premier Li Keqiang after he met the Hungarian and Serbian prime ministers in the Romanian capital Bucharest.

He said that they had reached at an important agreement wherein there will be a cooperation linking Hungary and Siberia.

The project will take off shortly as the three parties have agreed to set up a joint working group to launch the project as early as they can. The value of the investment has not yet been disclosed by both parties.

2014 is the year to experience a river cruise with more than twenty new ships launching and the introduction of dozens of new itineraries to a host of exciting destinations. From cruises along the Irrawaddy River in South East Asia and European battlefield cruises to coincide with the anniversaries of the World Wars, as well as the increase of no single supplement cruises, there is a river journey to suit all tastes and budgets.

A river cruise holiday offers a unique perspective on a country, travelling through its heart surrounded by ever-changing landscape and rich cultural heritage in an intimate setting, making it the perfect alternative to a coach tour or city break.

A selection of these new 2014 river cruise ships and itineraries can be seen below:

AmaWaterways introduces two new ships for Europe’s rivers from £1,849 per person
AmaWaterways will launch two new ships in 2014, AmaSonata and AmaReina, sisters to the popular, 164-passenger AmaPrima and AmaCerto. Both vessels will feature twin balcony staterooms and suites, Chaîne des Rôtisseurs culinary creations, complimentary wine and beer at lunch and dinner, a heated pool with swim-up bar, massage and beauty salon, fitness centre, free Internet and Infotainment in every stateroom and a fleet of bicycles for guests to borrow and enjoy. AmaSonata will sail the Danube and Rhine on seven itineraries, while AmaReina will be dedicated to the Enchanting Rhine. www.amawaterways.co.uk

Avalon Waterways introduces three new ships and new themed-cruises for 2014 from £2,169 per person
Avalon Waterways will launch three suite ships into service in 2014 – The Avalon Poetry II, Avalon Illumination and Avalon Impression. These new ships will sail on a range of Avalon’s most popular river cruise itineraries on the Seine, Rhine, Moselle, Danube, Main, Rhone, Saone and Dutch Waterways. For 2014, to meet demand for those wanting to combine their interests with a holiday, a new choice of themed cruises are available from beer tasting or golfing on the ‘Austrian Highlights & Bavaria’ cruise (7th July and 13th October 2014), Wellness Cruise for yoga and healthy dining options on ‘Blue Danube Discovery’ (14 July 2014) and the history of World War I to coincide with the centenary of its start in 2014 on the ‘Paris to Normandy Landing Beaches’ (1 April 2014). www.avaloncruises.co.uk

Lüftner Cruises introduces Golden Mandalay cruise for 2014 from €3,005 per person
Lüftner is introducing a nine night Golden Mandalay cruise on board Irrawaddy Explorer in 2014. This Asian cruise is new for 2014 and features exciting excursions to the town of Thayet Myo, local markets to watch craftsmen at work as well as cultural and historical site visits across the region. www.lueftner-cruises.com

Riviera Travel introduces MS William Shakespeare from £1,249 per person
Due to launch in April 2014, the 140 passenger ship has been designed with a number of ground-breaking innovations, including fully sliding floor-to-ceiling glass doors in cabins and wooden furnishings made from sustainably-sourced tropical hardwoods. Decks and public areas of the ship have been named after some of Shakespeare’s most famous plays and characters such as the upper Hamlet Deck, the Middle Othello Deck and the Midsummer Bar. Guests can enjoy panoramic views from spacious public areas such as The Globe lounge and bar. The MS William Shakespeare is set to operate three, seven-night itineraries on the Rhine in 2014, namely the Rhine and Strasbourg; Rhine, Strasbourg and Heidelberg and Rhine Cruise to Switzerland. www.rivieratravel.co.uk

New tours aboard the MPS Amsterdam from £329 per person
For 2014 guests travelling aboard the MPS Amsterdam will visit the Dutch waterways, beginning in Bruges where guests have a chance to join an optional tour to the Half Moon Brewery, one of the oldest in Western Europe, before setting off to Ghent and Antwerp. As the ship travels from Ghent to Antwerp, passengers join a full day excursion to the Battlefields including Tyne Cot Cemetery, the largest British war cemetery in the world; Sanctuary Wood, where the trench system is preserved for visitors to explore alongside a museum; and Ypres, to visit the Menin Gate and In Flanders Fields Museum. www.rivercruiseline.co.uk

No single supplement on Rhine Cruise on board MPS Lady Anne from £419 per person
Solo travellers will be able to enjoy the solo delights of a cabin at no extra cost on the five days Rhine Explorer – Especially For You cruise departing 18th and 22nd March 2014. The cruise will begin in Andernach and meander along the Rhine, enjoying delights including the pretty town of Rudesheim, the walled city of Koblenz, West Germany’s former capital, Bonn and the beautiful city of Cologne. Prices start from £419 per person for singles or couples. www.rivercruiseline.co.uk

Shearings introduces new Battlefield cruises for 2014 from £699 per person
2014 marks the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of World War I, and the 70th anniversary of key events of World War II. In remembrance of these historic occasions, Shearings have created new itineraries taking in famous battlefields among other historic sights. www.shearings.com

Tauck River Cruising introduces two new ships and four new itineraries in 2014 from £2,599 per person
Tauck will be launching two new riverboats, the MS Savor and MS Inspire which collectively comprise Tauck’s new Inspiration Class of ships. With the addition of new vessels, Tauck is able to expand its cruise portfolio with the addition of four new river cruise itineraries, including its first-ever cruises on the Seine. Fully inclusive river cruises for 2014 include “Cruising the Seine, plus Versailles, Paris & London” (14 days), “Rendezvous on the Seine” (10 days), “Danube Reflections” (10 days) and “The Romantic Rhine: Amsterdam to Basel” (8 days).
www.tauck.co.uk

Uniworld introduces a new ship and special offers for Uniworld cruises in 2014 – from £3449 per person, with early booking savings of up to £800 per person
In 2014 the new luxury river vessel the ‘SS Catherine’ will be sailing through the southwest of France with three new Itineraries – ‘Bordeaux, Vineyards and Chateaux’, ‘A Portrait of Majestic France’ and also ‘Treasures of China and the Yangtze’. All European 2014 sailings are all-inclusive with unlimited fine wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks on board. All gratuities on board and ashore are now included. Free Wi-Fi on board. Early booking savings valid on bookings made before 31 December 2013. www.uniworldrivercruises.co.uk

For more information visit The Discover Cruises website http://www.discovercruises.co.uk/guide-to-cruising/how-to-choose-a-cruise/river-cruises.aspx the home for everything cruise, whether it’s for a family travelling for the first time, a couple looking for adventure, or a solo traveller in need of a relaxing spa break – all of which can be classed as a great journey. Offering luxury, deluxe, river and specialist collections, Discover Cruises gives visitors access to the latest information on destinations, what’s new on-board and a range of exciting and innovative excursions and activities.

Rail Europe is forecasting that one million passengers will travel across the French/Spanish border on new superfast trains in 2014.

Business has boomed on the direct high-speed service between Barcelona and Paris since its launch in December.

The twice-daily (6h25m) service is enjoying close to 100% capacity across all of its three classes, a major improvement on the service it replaced, the overnight Elipsos Trenhotel.

Other high-speed services running between France and Spain include Barcelona-Montpellier (2h50), Barcelona-Toulouse (3h02), Barcelona-Lyon (4h40) and Madrid/Barcelona-Marseille (7h03).

Manager Australasia of Rail Europe, Richard Leonard, said leisure and corporate travellers are now enjoying even more seamless and faster services between the two countries without the previously required train changes at Figueres.

“With less travel time involved, leisure travellers are also more encouraged to go beyond Paris, Barcelona and Madrid to explore other cities,” he said.

Direct France-Spain superfast trains run at speeds up to 320kmph. Facilities aboard include free wi-fi, restaurant and bar areas.

Save 15% on spring travel!

Thanks to the InterRail Off Peak Spring Promotion, European residents save up to 15% off the regular price of all InterRail Global Passes purchased between February 1 and March 31, 2014. Travelers can then activate their pass anytime before May 16, 2014.

One of the joys of taking the train in Europe is being able to hop on and off trains from one country to the next with a single rail pass. Here are some destinations where you could end up:

The Netherlands are known for their tulips, windmills, bicycles and canals. Simply put, walking down the streets of cities such as Rotterdam, The Hague and Amsterdam is a more pleasing experience during spring.

Portugal has a glorious seafaring history, with few equals in the art of fishing and coasts filled with stunning beaches. Visit destinations such as Braga, Porto, Faro and Lisbon for a taste of their sizzling seafood recipes and gorgeous riverside views.

Turkey is vibrant and colorful with destinations such as Istanbul, Antalya and Ankara showcasing the country’s long history and diverse culture. This spring, try haggling your souvenirs from bazaars and public markets, where bargaining is the norm.

All in all, the InterRail Global Pass is valid for train travel in a total of 30 countries: Austria, Belgium, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Montenegro, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and Turkey.

The InterRail Off Peak Spring Promotion is valid on the 15-day, 22-day and 1-month consecutive passes and the 5-day within 10 days and 10-day within 22 days flexible passes in First and Standard Class for adults, children, seniors and youth.

Get a Eurail Global Pass between February 1 and March 31, 2014 and receive free extra travel days on your pass. Eurail Global Passes can be activated within 6 months of their date of purchase. Which means that you can get your pass now and start traveling anytime before the end of September.

The number of free travel days will vary depending on the validity of the pass, so the more days you purchase, the more extra days you receive:

- A 15-day consecutive Eurail Global Pass includes 2 extra travel days; that’s a total 17 days for the price of 15 days!

- A 21-day consecutive Eurail Global Pass includes 3 extra travel days; that’s a total 24 days for the price of 21 days!

- A 1-month consecutive Eurail Global Pass includes 5 extra travel days; that’s a total 35 days for the price of 30 days!

Eurail Passes already offer great value and now thanks to these additional days you can calculate your cost per day to be even better! Use these extra days to visit more destinations or stay longer in your favorite cities. The Early Bird Promotion is available for Eurail Global Passes in First for Adult and Child passes and in Standard Class Youth passes.

You can also combine the Eurail Early Bird Promotion with the Saver discount. Eurail Saver Passes allow groups of 2 to 5 people to realize greater savings when they travel together.

Using a Eurail Global Pass, you can choose to travel by rail in any of these 24 countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and Turkey.

UK travellers should follow Team Sky (2012 Tour de France winner Bradley Wiggins and 2013 Tour de France winner Chris Froome) and head for the hills around Calvia, Majorca, for the perfect cycling holiday or training break.

2014 Calvia Cycling News Round-up

1) Ride with Cycling Legend Stephen Roche

Tour de France legend Stephen Roche, who runs cycling holidays and training camps in and around Calvia, has launched a new training camp for 2014 which includes the chance to ride with the cycling legend himself in preparation for the Mallorca 312 Challenge on 26 April 2014. Ideal for cycling enthusiasts, the special training camp includes entry to the 312 Challenge. Additions to the Stephen Roche fleet for 2014 include 50 new full carbon road bikes and 15 new electronic Carrera team bikes from Italy. New programmes include a feature ride day to tackle the two biggest climbs on the island, Sao Calobra and Puig Major, both near the Calvia region.

A seven night package with bike hire and accommodation starts from 880€ per person for an individual room or 705€ per person for a shared room at the Ponent Mar Hotel. Accommodation at the Son Caliu Spa Oasis is also available from 943€ per person on an individual basis and from 810€ for a shared room.

For more information on the Stephen Roche training programme and to book, visit www.stephenroche.com

2) Refurbished Rosa del Mar Aparthotel Offers New ‘State of the Art’ Rad International Bike Station

Rosa del Mar Aparthotel, located 100 metres from Palmanova beach in one of the quietest areas of Magaluf, has just completed a major refurbishment. The resort now includes 32 apartments, 16 junior suites and 136 studio rooms. The re-development extends the property’s operational season to nine months of the year and enhances of its sports offerings. The 4-star establishment boasts an impressive specialised bike station operated by Rad International, which offers bike rental, comprehensive information on independent or guided cycling routes, a shop selling cycling equipment, and a workshop to mend bikes. The property operates a fitness centre with a fully equipped gym, a new spa with a wide selection of treatments, Turkish Baths and a heated indoor pool. The hotel also features a buffet restaurant, à la carte restaurant and snack bar, relaxing ‘chill out zone’, and its own theatre which shows several professional productions each week.

Rad International offers a seven night, half board package from €399 per person, including accommodation at the Rosa del Mar Aparthotel, airport transfers, spa and fitness studio access, MTB full suspension or Carbon Road bike hire for 6 days.

To book visit, www.rad-international.com

3) Viva Palmanova to Open Cannodale Bike Station in 2014

The 4-star Viva Palmanova Spa Hotel has a reputation as a first class resort, and is nestled between two of the island’s most prestigious golf courses. The hotel has been designed to focus on everything sport lovers will need during their active break in Calvia and offers a range of facilities and services including special sports massages and carefully planned buffet menu options. In 2014, Viva Palmanova will open a Cannondale Bike Station which will include a bike rental shop, energy products, bike parts, cycling clothing and a mechanic service.

A seven night stay at the 4 star Viva Palmanova Hotel on a half board basis, starts from €393 per person, including Canndondale Supersix bike hire, based on a minimum of two people sharing an apartment.

For more information and to book, visit www.hotelsviva.com/en/viva-palmanova-spa

Flights:

Monarch, the scheduled leisure airline, operates year round flights to Majorca from London Gatwick and Manchester and flights during the summer season from Birmingham and London Luton, Leeds Bradford, East Midlands airports with fares, including taxes, starting from £32.99 one way (lead fares February – May 2014)

For further information or to book Monarch flights, Monarch Holidays or Monarch Hotels, please visit www.monarch.co.uk

Cycling in Calvia

Calvia, a municipality located on the south west corner of Majorca known for being home to popular party place Magaluf, is a cyclist’s mecca with a warm, reliable climate averaging 15°C in the winter months and beautiful natural training areas. Already a popular cycling destination with nearby European countries, Calvia offers world-class cycling opportunities, with Team GB athletes even choosing to train in Mallorca for a few months each year. Calvia is a short two hour flight from London Gatwick and regional airports, serviced by the likes of Easyjet, Ryanair and British Airways.

Dubbed the ‘seven wonders of the roads’, Calvia offers routes for cyclists of all levels, who can choose from seven different designated routes which vary in intensity. The Enjoy Peguera, or the coastal Palmanova-Magaluf routes offer idyllic views of secluded costal bays and lush pine forests, while routes such as Calvia’s Landscapes offer shorter distances, allowing cyclists to take in the picturesque residential and tourist areas of Calvia. The Capdella-Galatzo route will allow enthusiasts to take it up a gear, beginning at the region’s main mountain bike ride starting point, Es Capdella and travelling through mountains to the public estate of Galatzo. Alternatively, cyclists can ride along the beautiful river bed on the Torrent de Santa Ponca route, take the tempting Almond Blossoms and Wineries route to discover the delicious landscape of some of the regions best culinary offerings, or the Sunset Tramuntama, a favourite route of cycling legend Bradley Wiggins prior to the Beijing Olympics. With spectacular panoramic views, especially at sunset, this route runs right along one of the most impressive landscapes of the Serra de Tramuntama.

For more information on Calvia, visit www.visitcalvia.com

A couple of rail deals from abroad are catching the eyes of rail riders. Both Eurail and South Africa’s luxury Blue Train are adding value to the offering for those booking this spring. Eurail is adding value in the form of extra days in some of Europe’s most popular countries. The Mediterranean Deals from Eurail Pass add a free travel day to the Italian One Country Pass and one free travel day to the Regional Passes France-Italy, France-Spain and Italy-Spain. The offer is valid for any variations of these products purchased through April 30. Users will find extensive modern train networks in all three countries and flexible passes that allow for a selection of available travel days and dates, within a period of two months.

With France back in the Eurail Select Pass as of April 1, after a one year absence, the Eurail system now flows unbroken through most of Europe. The Eurail Select Pass re-launches as a Four-Country Pass only. Three, Four and Five Country Select Passes in its current format will still be available for sale until March 31, not including France. Starting on April 1, only Four Country Select Passes can be purchased, with France as one of the 26 Eurail countries to choose from.

There are four types of Eurail Pass exclusively for riders who live outside of Europe: 1) Eurail Global Pass valid in 24 member countries, 2) Eurail Select Pass, 3) Eurail Regional Pass and 4) Eurail One Country Pass. Travelers can also still benefit from the previously announced “Early Bird Promotion,” which offers non-European residents free travel days on Eurail Global Passes purchased by March 31.

For a listing of Authorized General Sales Agents visit www.eurailgroup.org/eurail-vendors.

Extra Nights in South Africa

Africa’s luxury Blue Train is offering passengers an extra two hotel nights for travel in June this year. Passengers may use the two hotel nights either pre or post rail journey. The hotel selections in Pretoria include the Sheraton or the Castello di Monte, while the choices in Cape Town include the Taj or Westin, both set in ideal locations in the heart of the city. A hotel breakfast and train station transfer are also included. The promotion is valid for departures from Pretoria to Cape Town on June 2, 9 and 16 or from Cape Town to Pretoria on June 4, 11, and 18. For the remainder of 2014, all guests on other departures are entitled to one complimentary hotel night at these pre-selected hotels.

The Blue Train is an all-inclusive luxury rail cruise through the South African bush. It features such amenities as personal butler service, suites with en-suite bathroom featuring option of bathtub or shower, two lounges with full bar service on board, a boutique, Wi-Fi, gourmet cuisine and a beautiful selection of unlimited South African wines and cocktails. The Blue Train has regularly been voted “The World’s Leading Luxury Train.”