The Globus family of brands has expertly designed and unveiled more than 30 “low season” vacations, including two NEW itineraries with Globus and Monograms, offering Americans a plethora of opportunities to travel abroad at unbeatable prices this fall, winter and next spring.

In addition to its already robust selection of holiday tours and cruises and winter vacation packages across Europe, Globus is introducing a NEW, nine-day Christmas in Paris & New Year’s Eve in London itinerary, priced from $1,599. And, capitalizing on America’s interest in Ireland, Monograms is providing travelers a NEW four-day Dublin Getaway, priced from $517.

“Winter is a great time for Americans to make European travel dreams come true,” said Steve Born, vice president of marketing for the Globus family of brands. “They can take a vacation at a reduced price, while avoiding the crowds that converge during the summer travel months.”

From holiday cruises on the Main and Danube rivers to tours across Europe ranging from seven to 29 days as well as 10 independent vacation packages, the Globus family of brands’ “European Winter Vacations” offer unparalleled savings to fit any travel style.

“Not only are we giving travelers a large selection of tours, cruises and independent vacations from which to choose a phenomenal European vacation,” said Born. “We are offering them savings of up to 40 percent on air and 15 percent on land, compared to peak season pricing.”

Even more chances to save are available for those who plan ahead and book early: Travelers can save $200 per couple on Globus family of brands’ 2010/11 European Winter vacations when booking air-inclusive with Alitalia by July 27, 2010.* Sample fares start as low as $415/person.

The ship will offer 64 newly designed Panorama suites offering a full 200 square feet of living space. The cabins will include wall to wall panoramic windows. When open, the 10-foot wide by 7 foot tall window transforms the entire suite into the category's first open-air balcony.

Other cabin amenities include flat screen TV's, large closet, a fully stocked min-bar and in room safe. As with other Avalon ships, there will be a club, main lounge, dining room, pool deck, open-air bistro, fitness room and hair salon on board.

The Panorama will be christened in May 2011, and will then sail a 14 night itineraries between Amsterdam and Budapest. Late November and December, the ship will offer Christmas market itineraries.

Whether you wish to tread the same footsteps of past emperors on the man-made wonder, the Great Wall, explore the incredible excavations of the 7,500 strong Terra Cotta Warriors, discover the ancient Ming Tombs and tour Beijing’s Forbidden City, or admire the stunning views of Guilin’s landscapes, we will ensure you experience the perfect dream vacation. 

Discover the Yangtze River, running through the heart of China.  Cruise on the most luxurious ships and be awe-inspired by the dramatic and beautiful panoramas of this alluring region.  Get up close and personal with some of the world’s rarest wildlife, like the giant panda.  Allow your expertly planned itinerary to take you on a trip through Wu Gorge, which is flanked by the world famous, dramatic Twelve Peaks. 

Whatever you choose to do, we promise you the vacation of a lifetime, far better than anything you could have ever imagined.

Uniworld’s company-owned boutique hotel-style ships
Boutique hotel designers often invest a lot of thought, time and resources into an interior decor reflective of a destination, as well as the amenities that assure an elegant, relaxed and intimate experience. This is apparent on each of Uniworld’s ten company-owned ships! Over the course of the last couple of years, Uniworld’s ships have been completely refurbished to the highest standard of comfort, so guests travel from one exciting destination to the next with access to stylish lounges, cozy libraries, panoramic restaurants offering sumptuous cuisine and inviting riverview staterooms.

Expect more personalized attention with Uniworld
Uniworld employs an all English, professionally trained staff, so there are no language barriers and no problems with understanding what is being said or going on. All announcements are made only in English. Unlike many companies offering river cruise programs in Europe and elsewhere, Uniworld is an American company focused on North American travelers, or at least English-speaking clientele (the trips are popular with Canadians and folks from Down Under as well).

Early Booking Discount - SAVE up to $600 per couple (Europe)

BOOK AND DEPOSIT on or before February 28, 2010 to SAVE up to $600 per couple ($300 per person) off select 2010 Europe river cruises.

SAVE $600 per couple onselect 2010 Cruises

BOOK AND DEPOSIT on or before February 28, 2010 to SAVE $600 per couple ($300 per person) off select cruise itineraries.

This offer is available on the following itineraries:

• Be mindful of who is around when you are discussing your trip - there is no need to let too many people know or draw attention to the fact your house might be empty for a period.
• The best deterrent is to have someone housesit. If that is not possible, ask a trusted neighbor or friend to take in the newspaper, mail, and any other deliveries and keep an eye on the house. Give them your trip plans and an emergency phone number so they can reach you in case of an emergency. You can also arrange with the post office and newspaper to suspend delivery for the time you are away.
• Lock doors, windows and secure sliding doors (a metal rod or a broomstick in the sliding door track is an inexpensive lock), as well as the garage, the basement, and the attic. Some people even disconnect the power to motorized garage door openers.
• Move any valuables from plain sight.
• Check on your appliances, unplug anything that doesn't need to be on while you're away. Lower air conditioning/heating units to energy-saving levels.
• Set timers to turn on lights if you do not have someone staying at the house.

The views on a Globus European river cruise can transform the way you travel forever. Unwind in contemporary spaces on the youngest European river cruising fleet. Encounter ever-changing landscapes and spectacular panoramic views out floor-to-ceiling windows found throughout the ship. Let the transformation begin.  

This is a special limited time river cruise offer! Take advantage of this extraordinary river cruise deal before it sails away!

A Taste of the Danube: 
4 days from Vienna to Budapest        April 24 and July 3, 2010

A Taste of the Danube: 
5 days from Budapest to Vienna       April 20th and June 29, 2010

Romantic Rhine: 
8 days from Zurich to Amsterdam               April 10th and August 14, 2010

Tulip Time: 
8 days round trip Amsterdam                        March 27, March 31st and April 3, 2010

Paris to Normandy's Landing Beaches: 
8 days round trip Paris     July 5, August 2, 9th and 16, 2010

The Legendary Danube: 
11 days Prauge to Budapest                 April 10th and 24th, 2010

Burgundy & Provence: 
11 days Cote d'Azur to Paris                 April 11, 2010

Burgundy & Provence: 
11 days Paris to Nice                               April 2, 2010

Central European Experience: 
12 days Paris to Prague           April 22, 2010

Blue Danube Discovery: 
13 days Budapest to Prague               April 4 and 15, July 4, 2010

European Splendor: 
13 days Vienna to Amsterdam                May 3 and July 19th, 2010

Windmills, Vineyards & Paris: 
13 days Paris to Amserdam   April 10, June 5th and July 31, 2010

Magnificent Europe: 
15 days Budapest to Amsterdam           March 27, June 12, July 10th and August 7, 2010
         Reverse itinerary August 14, 2010

Jewels of Central Europe: 
17 days Paris to Budapest                         April 22, 2010

Click for more on Globus tours | For more Globus tour deals

General Travel Tips

• Make sure your passport does not expire within six months of your date of travel. Some countries insist that your passport be valid for at least a six-month time period.
• Place an envelope in one of your checked bags containing copies of your passport, birth certificate and a back up form of photo I.D. in case your passport is lost or stolen.
• Place a copy of the detailed itinerary of your trip inside each piece of luggage. If your luggage is lost, this will help the airline locate you while you're traveling.
• If you are on Medicare and traveling outside the United States, be aware that Medicare does not cover any of your medical bills abroad. It's a good idea to get a travel protection policy that will cover these costs.
• Plan at least a day or two after your return home before scheduling any commitments; you may be tired after your journey.

Don't Forget

• Stow away some antibacterial wipes-they're a convenient way to clean up on the go.
• Bring a voltage converter with you, along with an adapter (to fit electrical plugs into foreign outlets). Note that some adapter kits don't include converters.
• Pack an extra pair of prescription glasses or contacts in case they are lost or broken.
• Comfortable, broken-in walking shoes are a must. Never pack new shoes.
• Wrap a long strip of duct tape around a pencil and bring it along for the ride. Duct tape is the magic fix for everything from torn suitcases to a broken sandal strap.

Click here for over 50 posts with helpful travel tips and advice.

About Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection
Los Angeles-based Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection, the premier river cruise company, was named to Travel+Leisure's World's Best Top 10 Small Cruise Lines; Condé Nast Traveler's 2009 Gold List, their Readers' Poll for Top 50 Small Ships, and their Readers' Choice Awards for World's Top 10 Small Ship Cruise Lines; and Cruise Critics Editor's Pick 2009 for Best River Cruise Line, and Best New River Cruise Ship, River Beatrice. Uniworld features intimate, elegant boutique, hotel-style cruise ships with an average capacity of 134 guests, an award-winning staff with a ratio of one staff member for every three guests, world-class cuisine, and expertly planned itineraries with custom-blended shore excursions. The company offers over 500 departures on more than 30 itineraries sailing on 11 rivers in over 20 countries throughout Europe, Egypt and China.

Written by C Kennedy
kennedy@atlastravelweb.com

Travelers are realizing that river cruises offer comfort, convenience and variety. The ship is both a hotel and a means of transportation. You don't have to get up early like you do when on a traditional tour or cruise to see the sites. Your ship will be in a new and exciting place every day.  Ranging from picturesque villages, breathtaking riverbanks with castles, colorful fields with windmills or vibrant capitals, every day will be a unique experience on your European waterways cruise.

Over the years, we have found that consumers desire more choices when traveling. Cruise lines responded with open dining, tour operators with more leisurely trips, but until recently, the river cruise industry did not offer the choices that seem to attract new clientele. Now the newer river cruise ships with modern decor, larger cabin options and added amenities have helped the river cruise industry experience considerable growth in a short amount of time. In the age of technology, we also find more clients asking for WiFi, which is not available on many of the older ships.   You now travel in more style and comfort than with the older riverboats. Staterooms are spacious and most include floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors with French balconies. You can enjoy fine linen on your hotel-style beds, flat screen satellite TV and radio, safes, hairdryers and many other amenities that make you feel at home. On many ships you even have the convenience of elevators. 

From the time you arrive to your first destination you are escorted, guided and waited on by English speaking staff. Once you unpack you are ready to enjoy your wonderful adventure. From medieval castles, to Monet's Giverny gardens or perhaps Egypt's Mysterious Nile, you will not only be awed by the sights but you will also have qualified tour directors and specialist to guide you during your excursions. Many ships also offer theme departures that provide you with a unique opportunity to experience a destination focusing on its music, food and wine, to enrich your subject knowledge by including expert presentations, special concerts and top chefs. 

All meals on board are carefully chosen to give you the variety of the region you are visiting along with many of your favorites. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included daily. The meal presentation is outstanding as is the service.  You can also enjoy the complimentary wine with dinner along with coffee or tea. After dinner you will be pleasantly surprised by the on board entertainment provided by both local entertainers and the crew. 

It is small ship cruising at its best. It provides you with the opportunity to experience history, art and culture unhurried and at a relaxed pace. Rather than having to take a bus to see the sites, in most cases you walk right off of the river cruise and you are already in the center of it all.

In response to increased demand, several companies have plans to introduce new ships in the coming year, while others are renovating.

Avalon Waterways will launch two new 138 passenger ships in 2010, the Felicity and the Luminary. These ships have the unique feature of sky grills and an alternative lunch dining option on the outdoor roof area that can accommodate 40 passengers. The will also both feature elevators, which not all river cruise ships have. On deck: one additional ship in 2011 and two more in 2012. This expansion is after Avalon launched the Affinity and Creativity ships just this year.

AMA Waterways will launch the Annabella and possibly another new build in 2011. AMA is also looking to expand it's Southeast Asia Mekong River program with a second ship in 2011.

Uniworld launched the River Beatrice this year and introduced the River Tosca in Egypt. They'll also be "touching up" other vessels in 2010. The River Countess and River Dutchess will have French balconies added and the River Empress will have refurbishing done on her staterooms. The River Baroness will have a refurbish of her public areas and the River Queen will have a total refurbish.

Viking River Cruises will be renovating their Russian Vessels. The Viking Pakhomov will undergo a total renovation similar to the overhaul of the Viking Surkov and Viking Kirov, which will result in larger staterooms with hotel-style beds, among other updates. The Viking Lomonosov will undergo an interior refurbishment slated for completion in 2011.

Tauck launched its third vessel in three years, the Swiss Jewel in April. There are no plans for new ships in 2010, but two new European itineraries will be added; the 12 day Strasbourg to Prague Serenade and the 19 day Romance of the Rhine and Danube.

Written by: C Kennedy
kennedy@atlastravelweb.com

Europe, Britain, & Eastern Mediterranean Tours

Tour Name	Promotion Code	Departure Date	Brochure Price WAS Twin Share PP	Price NOW Twin Share PP	Savings per couple
Mediterranean Fables A Grade	HOT57	20 Oct	$2450	$2199	$502
Mediterranean Fables B Grade	HOT58	20 Oct	$2150	$1935	$430
Mediterranean Fables C Grade	HOT59	20 Oct	$1899	$1699	$400
Winter Explorer	HOT60	29 Oct	$2699	$2425	$548
Amazing Morocco	HOT61	31 Oct	$1250	$1125	$250
Easy Pace France	HOT62	02 Oct	$3199	$2875	$648
Italian Escapade	HOT63	06 Oct	$3799	$3415	$768
Wonders of Turkey	HOT64	29 Oct	$1350	$1215	$270
Elegance of the Nile	HOT65	08 Oct	$4350	$3915	$870
Italian Intermezzo	HOT66	02 Oct	$2335	$2099	$472

CHRISTMAS TIME CRUISE WITH BURT WOLF
December 10 to 19, 2009 |  Austria, Germany, Czech Republic
Tour/Cruise priced from $2,934 to $3,490 (plus airfare).
Space is limited. Call for details.

Petra has one remarkable site after another, and fresh discoveries continue to be made.  It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was aptly voated one of the "New Seven Wonders of the World."

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.

Written by: C. Kennedy
kennedy@atlastravelweb.com

The Czech Republic has a moderate climate with great local diversity throughout the year. Generally winters and cold and summers are mild. The hottest months have the highest level of rainfall. A raincoat or umbrella is recommended.

Food & Drink:  

River cruises that included the Danube normally ranged from 8 days to 25 days if combined with the Rhine or Black Sea. New for 2010, you can take a cruise as short as 5 days along the Danube. To maximize the amount of sightseeing included, we suggest an 10 to 12 day cruise. However we also realize that some people don't have that much time to vacation, or they do not want to spend their entire time aboard a ship. For those customers, there is a new cruise for 2010 called a Taste of the Danube. The cruise begins in Vienna and visits Melk, Durnstein, Bratislava, Slovakia and ends in Budapest, Hungary.

It is an ideal package for those that want to add a couple of nights in Vienna and a couple of nights in Budapest, and be able to explore the region by land and by sea in 9 or 10 days, including the overnight flight from the U.S. There are only 5 departures in 2010, so this is expected to sell out early.

Vienna is the capital of Austria, and lies along both sides of the Danube at the foot of the Alps.  No sightseeing is included on this short cruise, which is why we recommend you spend one or two nights in the city before embarking on your cruise. You can purchase the land package with the cruise, or make your own arrangements. If time permits, we suggest that you see the Vienna Opera House, the Spanish Riding School, the Vienna Boys Choir and Schonbrunn Palace.

Melk is perched on a bluff over the Danube. While in Melk, the excursions from your cruise includes the Benedictine Abbey which has a beautiful Baroque library and 365 windows, one for every day of the year. In Durnstein, see the magnificent baroque STIFTSKIRCHE, lying in the heart of the Wachau wine region.

Budapest is the point where you disembark the ship, but again no accommodations or sightseeing is included. Some of the highlights in Budapest include the National Opera House and historic Heroes' Square. Walk along Fishermen's Hill to Fishermen's Bastion and Matthias Church.

Services offered include services of 24/7 agent for any last minutes changes, pre-trip travel advice such as what vaccines are required, embassy contacts, weather and currency information.  They also offer assistance for last minute changes, such as cancelled or delayed flights, making hotel reservations or ground transportation reservations. Benefits include coverage in the event of cruise line, airline or tour operator default (financial default non applicable to all suppliers) Coverage for sickness, injury or death of immediate family member. Terrorist incident that results in loss of life or major damage to property, by any person

With a good policy, you receive 24 hours assistance replacing lost or stolen documents such as visas, passports or tickets. Cash advance for travel or medical emergencies. They can also help you locate English speaking medical specialists, facilities and assistance with medical evacuations anywhere in the world.

They will provide you with baggage and personal effects loss coverage, baggage delay coverage and luggage tracing services. They have a bilingual staff for telephone interpretation for medical or legal emergencies.

If you purchase your travel insurance within 15 days of making your initial deposit your coverage will include pre-existing conditions which applies to the first $25,000 of trip cost.

Whether a child gets the flu, or a close family member has a medical emergency, travel protection has a plan that will protect you before or during your vacation. The right kind of insurance is essential. It will provide you with peace of mind, medical evacuation in case of an emergency, baggage coverage, flight delay and flight cancellation coverage.

In addition to these services some insurance policies also provide a concierge service which is available to assist you with restaurant reservations, event tickets, tee time reservations and floral services.

This is only a brief description of some of the benefits and travel services provided. All policies and coverage may vary, and may not be available in all states. There are also expanded coverage plans that offer business related covered reasons for trip cancellation and interruption, and other that let you cancel for any reason.

At times it is best to purchase the insurance with the tour operator or cruise line as part of your package, where on other occasions you can save money and get better coverage medical and evacuation coverage. An experience agent can explain your options to that you can purchase the best policy for your individual needs.

Good travel insurance isn't always expensive. We have negotiated excellent policies exclusive to Atlas, where rather than paying by age, which can add up for seniors, everyone is charged a flat amount base on the cost of the trip.

There is never a bad time to visit the Galapagos. The peak season lasts from mid-June through early September, and from mid-December through mid-January. The national park limits the number of visitors to each island, so the Galapagos will never feel crowded.

December through May - During this time of year, the water and the air are warmer, but this is also the rainy season. It drizzles almost daily for a short period of time. Ironically, this is also the sunniest time of year. The end of December and the beginning of January is still the high season, so expect more visitors than during the rest of the year.

Because the water is warm, the idea of swimming and snorkelling is enticing. On the flip side, there aren't as many fish to see as later in the year. This is also the breeding season for land birds, so it's a good opportunity to watch some unusual mating rituals. If you're into turtles, this is best time of year to come; you can watch sea turtles nesting on the beach, and from March through May, you can often see the land tortoises wandering around the lowland areas of the islands as they make their way down from the highlands in search of a mate. Sea lions also mate in the rainy season -- it's entertaining to watch as the males fight it out for the females. Around March and April, you'll see the adorable newborn pups crawling around the islands.

June through November - From June through November, the Humboldt Current makes it way up to the Galapagos from the southern end of South America. The current brings cold water and cold weather, but it also brings water rich in nutrients and plankton, which attracts fish and birds. During this season there always seem to be clouds in the air, but it rarely rains. Conditions are windier during this period.

Experienced divers claim that this is the best time of year to visit the Galapagos. Because there are more fish in the sea at this time of year, there are also more seabirds searching for these fish. Albatrosses arrive on Espanola in June and stay until December. Penguins also like the cold water and abundance of fish, so you're more likely to see them here during this season. On Genovesa, the elusive owls mate in June and July, and you have the best chance of spotting one during this time. Blue-footed boobies also mate during this time of year, so it won't be difficult to witness their beautiful mating ritual known as the "sky point."

With Viking River Cruises, you see Russia's great landmarks—and her heartland too. See opulent palaces, discover fortified monasteries and visit beautiful cathedrals. It is an unforgettable way to experience the history and culture of this unique and mysterious country. Or in Ukraine, see Kiev's historic cathedrals, Odessa's Potemkin Steps and displays of traditional Cossack horsemanship, music and dance.

For a limited time, you can cruise Russia for 16 days, including all meals and 13 guided tours, for $1,999 per person, any available category. Call today—offer expires July 15, 2009.

Russian Rhapsody
16 days: St. Petersburg to Moscow
$1,999 per person, any category!
Ask for offer "85Echo"

Footsteps of the Cossacks
11 or 12 days: Odessa to Kiev
2-for-1 fares plus to 2-for-1 air!
Ask for offer "82Echo"

Waterways of the Czars
13 days: St. Petersburg to Moscow
$2,999 per person, any category!
Ask for offer "84Echo"

Now is the time to take that trip to Russia or Ukraine you have always wanted to take! Book today—your savings expire July 15, 2009.

For the remainder of the year, the cruise line will operate as normal, so passenger monies are safe. The company stated that lower bookings from the US and UK, the unfavorable exchange rate and problems securing credit led to this decision.

By handling all of the details, from airport transfers to insider tips and recommendations, on a Monograms vacation you are free to enjoy the world’s most intriguing locales hassle-free. And since we combine the costs of transportation, accommodations, sightseeing and some meals into one affordable package, your travel dollar can take your farther than ever. Discover just how far you can go when you make Monograms your friend in travel.

Taking a Burgundy & Provence river cruise? You can add a pre-cruise extension of A Week in London & Paris, a one week Paris & Nice package or a 10 day London, Paris & Nice vacation.

In conjunction with the Romantic Rhine, European Splendor, Magnificent Europe or Black Sea Cruise, you can add a pre-cruise 10 day London, Paris & Amsterdam, or a post cruise 7 day Amsterdam, Paris & London. 

With A Taste of the Danube you can add post-cruise, a 7 day Vienna & Prague, 7 day Vienna & Munich, 10 day Vienna, Munich & Zurich or 10 day Vienna, Prague & Berlin.

We feel the Danube will be the most popular with our clients, as the cruise is just 5 days in duration, so you can add a week package and then in, and vacation in Europe both by land & sea, in under 2 weeks.

For more information, call a river cruise specialist at 800-942-3301.

Before You Go

• Secure Your Home: Cancel all newspapers, pay bills and consider what to do about the mail. You can ask your Post Office to hold it while you’re away, or get someone to look after your house.  Put some lights and a radio or TV on a timer. If applicable, park a car in your driveway.
• Be prepared:  Bring an emergency contact list, including the telephone numbers of your insurance people, credit card issuers, and home numbers of close relatives or friends, in case of an emergency.
• Back up important information: Copy or scan your travel documents – passport, travelers, identity and vaccination card and credit cards – front and back. Make two sets of copies, leave one at home or with a trusted person, and store the second in a secret place in your suitcase. If your wallet is lost or stolen, you will have all the information and phone numbers you need. If you choose to scan your documents, send them to your email address. In case of a problem, you can access them from any business center or cybercafe in the world.
• If you have a black or blue suitcase, you may want to wrap brightly colored electrical tape or ribbons around the handles of check luggage to make it easy to identify, OR use colored luggage tags.
• Just in case your luggage is lost, make sure you have your name, address and phone number on each piece, so that the airline can contact you. We suggest using a work address rathern than home whenever possible.
• Medications: Remember, all medications and vitamins must be in their original containers when traveling. You can ask your pharmacist to label small bottles with just enough medication in for your trip. Always carry these in your carry-on. Also, take a few days extra supply, in case you are delayed coming back.

Useful Items When Traveling

• Sun glasses
• Pen & small notepad
• Small retractable umbrella
• Sun block
• Chapstick
• Package of wipes or bottle of hand sanitzer
• Plastic bags. Take various size zip-lock bags – the heavier duty the better. They are great for packing things that might leak, like shampoo and lotions, and come in handy again for dirty clothes, the beach, etc.
• Camera with extra film or memory cards
• Chargers for any electronics you may be bringing (such as Ipod, camera, cell phone, labtops, etc.)
• Small bag packed into your suitcase. This can be used to carry souvenirs.
• Book or magazine
  

Trafalgar Uniworld presents an unrivalled river cruise program with unique itineraries across Europe including:

Rhone River Cruises
Rhine River Cruises
Danube River Cruises
Seine River Cruises
Nile River Cruises

Take a river cruise through France, Portugal, Spain, Russia, Egypt, Germany, Austria, Hungary & more in 5-star luxury, comfort and convenience onboard your floating hotel while exploring the culture, sights and heritage from a unique perspective.

You will travel on our intimate, luxurious river cruise ships which have fewer passenger numbers (maximum 132) and have recently been renovated to create the most unique, luxurious river cruise ships in the world

Unpack your bags just once, enjoy the panoramic views at every turn and treat yourself with superb river cruise accommodation and delicious onboard cuisine with complimentary wine at dinner.

River cruise ships include:

River Royale
River Countess
River Duchess
River Princess
River Empress
River Queen
River Ambassador
River Baroness
Douro Queen
MS Litvinov
MS Tara Shevchenko
MS Giselle
MS Medea

See the Video below to learn more about Trafalgar, then contact a river cruise specialist for early booking and discounted fares.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site is a site that holds a list of outstanding cultural or natural universal value such as, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. It could be a monument, building, mountain, forest, lake, desert, complex or city.

So how is a site selected?

Only countries that have signed the World Heritage Convention, pledging to protect their natural & cultural heritage can submit nominations for properties on their territory to be considered for inclusion in UNESCO’s World Heritage list.

A nominated property is independently evaluated by several Advisory Boards. Once a site has been nominated & evaluated, the intergovernmental World Heritage Committee makes the final decision. One per year, the Committee meets to decide which sites will be inscribed on the World Heritage list.

The program aims to catalogue & preserve sites of outstanding importance, either cultural or natural, to the common heritage of humankind.

There are currently 878 World Heritage Sites in 145 countries. These include 679 cultural, 174 natural and 25 mixed properties.

You may have visited a place in the U.S. already, not realizing it was a UNESCO site such as the Statue of Liberty, Grand Canyon, Yosemite Yellowstone or Olympic National Park.

Click here for a full list of site.

I have seen 20 sites in 9 countries, so only 858 to go, but I have to say that certain countries do not interest me AT ALL, so my goal would be to see at least half of the UNESCO sites while traveling the world.

How many UNESCO sites have you visited?

Atlas Cruises & Tours has been honored with the "Top 25" award from Ensemble Travel Group, one of the travel industry’s oldest and most respected affiliated travel agency organizations. The honor was presented to less than five percent of Ensemble Travel Group’s 450+ member agencies in the United States. Selection criteria was based on members’ 2008 sales performance with Ensemble Travel Group’s preferred suppliers.

To commemorate the award, Terry Lobo, president of Atlas Cruises & Tours, and other Ensemble Travel Group top producers were special guests of the Globus family of brands on an 8-night European river cruise along the Rhine on the Avalon Tapestry. While touring the cities of Strasbourg, Heidelberg, Mainz, Rüdesheim, Koblenz, Cologne, and Amsterdam, Ensemble Travel Group’s top producers enjoyed the insights and special connections of celebrated author and TV food and travel journalist Burt Wolf. Earlier this year Ensemble Travel Group was selected by Wolf as the exclusive agency distribution channel for his 2009 cruises aboard Avalon Waterways.

Wolf delighted guests with exclusive touches throughout the cruise, such as a private lunch in a 200-year-old restaurant in Heidelberg, several wine tastings from Wolf’s favorite labels, "La Strada" classical musical concert by top performing string trio, and an array of special regional gifts.

The Globus family of brands was the primary host of the 8-night river cruise. Globus executives Paula Hayes, vice president of sales, and Larry McCarthy, director of national accounts, represented this long-term partner of Ensemble Travel Group.

• Click here for Swine Flu talking points
• Click here for U.S. Travel's statement.
• Click here for the CDC website with more information on Swine Flu.

For all travelers, CDC recommends the following steps to help you stay healthy:

• Be sure you are up-to-date with all your routine vaccinations, including a seasonal influenza vaccine. The seasonal vaccine is not expected to offer protection against swine flu viruses, but it can protect against seasonal influenza viruses which may still be circulating in Mexico and the Southern Hemisphere.
• Pack a travel health kit that contains basic first aid and medical supplies. See Pack Smart in Your Survival Guide to Safe and Healthy Travel for a list of what to include in your travel health kit.
• Identify the health-care resources in the area(s) you will be visiting.
• Check if your health insurance plan will cover you abroad.  Consider purchasing additional insurance that covers medical evacuation in case you become sick.  For more information, see Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad from the U.S. Department of State.
• Remember that U.S. embassies, consulates and military facilities do not have the legal authority, capability, and resources to evacuate or to give medications, vaccines or medical care to private U.S. citizens overseas.

Practice healthy habits to help stop the spread of swine flu

• Wash your hands often with soap and water.  This removes germs from your skin and helps prevent diseases from spreading.
  • Use waterless alcohol-based hand gels (containing at least 60% alcohol) when soap is not available and hands are not visibly dirty.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and put your used tissue in a wastebasket.
• If you don't have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve, not your hands.
• Wash your hands after coughing or sneezing, using soap and water or an alcohol-based hand cleaner (with at least 60% alcohol) when soap and water are not available.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs spread that way.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people. (Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.)
• It is important to follow the advice of local health and government authorities.  You may be asked to restrict your movement and stay in your home to contain the spread of swine flu.

If you have specific questions about the swine influenza cases see http://www.cdc.gov/contact/  or call 1-800-232-4636, which is 1-800-CDC-INFO.

To learn more about travel health, visit www.cdc.gov/travel.

More information will be provided as the situation develops. Please continue to check our website on a regular basis for updates.

The Museum of Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses is praised as "the eighth major miracle of the world", Mausoleum of Emperor Qin Shi Huang is listed on the World Heritage List. The statues remain where they were uncovered, protected by a large hangar-like hall. Individual soldiers can be studied more closely in a museum exhibit in an adjacent building.

The City Wall of the Ming Dynasty is the largest and most intact Ming Dynasty castle in the world. In the city, there is the 3000 year old Banpo Village Remains from the Neolithic Age, and the Forest of Stone Steles that holds 3,000 stone steles of different periods from the Han Dynasty to the Qing Dynasty.

Around Xi'an, the Famen Temple enjoys the reputation of being the "forefather of pagodas and temples in Central Shaanxi," because it holds the finger bones of Sakyamuni--the founder of Buddhism. The natural landscape around Xian is also marvelous. Mt. Huashan, as one of the five best-known mountains in China, is famous for its breath-taking cliffs and its unique characteristics.

Travel fact: China has 35 listed world heritage sites made up of both cultural and natural sites.

For over 30 years, Uniworld has taken guests to the world's great rivers in Europe, Russia, China, and Egypt. Uniworld offers over 500 departures on more than 30 itineraries sailing on 12 rivers in 20 countries across 4 continents. 

Since 2006, when Uniworld was purchased by Travel Corporation (parent company of Red Carnation Hotels - the award-winning five-star luxury hotel collection), Uniworld has made major investments in its ships and its people. The ultimate goal of these investments is a first-class European river cruise boutique, hotel-style experience. The winning combination of Uniworld's new sister company's expertise in first-class hotel management coupled with Uniworld's decades of superior nautical experience has created a new dimension in river cruising.

Boutique Hotel-Style Ships

Boutique hotel designers often invest a lot of thought, time, and resources into an interior decor reflective of a destination, as well as the amenities that ensure an elegant, relaxed, and intimate experience.

This is apparent on each of Uniworld's eight company-owned ships. Over the course of the last two years, Uniworld's ships have been completely refurbished to the highest standard of comfort, so guests travel from one exciting destination to the next with access to stylish lounges, cozy libraries, panoramic restaurants offering sumptuous cuisine, and inviting riverview staterooms. 

Uniworld's Partners

Additionally, the company jointly operates one river cruise ship, Douro Queen, in Portugal, and river cruise ships, Litvinov and Taras Shevchenko, in Russia. Ships used in the Egypt program are under charter agreements, and in China, space is booked through an affiliation with the river cruise ships of Victoria Cruises, which offer five-star ships.

More Personalized Attention

Exceptional service guaranteed doesn't just happen; it's planned. Uniworld has invested in a team of dedicated professionals who work together to ensure guests have a truly memorable experience. With no more than 134 guests per ship and a ratio of one highly-trained crew member for every three guests, Uniworld's staff is able to anticipate the needs and desires of each guest and offer more personalized attention.

Uniworld employs an all English, professionally trained staff, so there are no language barriers and no problems understanding what is being said or going on. All announcements are made only in English. Unlike many companies offering river cruise programs in Europe and elsewhere, Uniworld is an American company focused on North American travelers, or at least English-speaking clientele (the trips are popular with Canadians and Australians as well).

New 2009 Itineraries

Uniworld has expanded its Europe product offering in 2009 with five itineraries, a new ship, and exciting new enhancements. New voyages range from 9 to 32 days and showcase Europe's most fascinating and historically rich destinations. Following is a list of new 2009 itineraries:

• Paris and European River Romance - 11 days - Paris to Nuremberg

• Paris and the Heart of Europe - 18 days - Paris to Vienna

• Paris and Grand European Waterways - 32 days - Paris to Bucharest

• Parisian Winter Holiday - 9 days - Paris to Paris

• Rhine and Main Holiday Markets - 11 days - Nuremberg to Cologne

In addition to the new itineraries, Uniworld  introduced a new boutique hotel-style cruise ship, the River Beatrice, in March of 2009.

This year, Uniworld has incorporated some new enhancements, especially for food and wind connoisseurs. A new "Epicurean Adventurer" program is available on select itineraries and offers wine tastings, special wine and food pairing dinners, and culinary demonstrations designed to reflect the flavors of the regions visited. Uniworld also offers an "Al Fresco" evening dining program on the sun deck.

Award

The readers of Condé Nast Traveler have named Uniworld Boutique River Cruises Collection in the coveted top ten ranking in the magazine's 21st Annual Readers' Choice Awards. The awards are based on the Condé Nast Traveler Readers' choice survey, the largest independent poll of consumers' preferences. 

Planning to travel in a group?

•  Four color tri-fold brochures or Four color flyers which can be used as 
   hand-outs or mail-outs to prospective participants
•  Power Point Presentations for group level meetings to explain the
   program to possible participants
•  Presentation by a member of our group department to local South
    Florida organizations

Should you bring a laptop while traveling?

This is a personal question that really depends on many things. What you’ll be doing, where you are going and how long will you be traveling?

I would like to share some guidelines that may help with your decision.

Reasons you should bring a laptop:

You can email your family and friends. Having your laptop, you can email your loved ones back home. This is something you could do at most internet cafes, which is a much nicer atmosphere than your hotel room. Most cafes around the world do offer free Wifi when you order something. Not all cafes have free Wifi; some do have a small charge. Newer cruise ships also offer Wifi, but make sure and purchase a package, as usage rates can be high.

You can download all your photos. You can download your digital photo right to your laptop. This will keep your camera’s memory stick free everyday. This will allow you to capture that favorite photo. If your memory stick is full, you would lose that favorite photo moment.

Keeping a journal of the cities you visited. Sometimes we see so much on our vacation that we tend to forget something. Keeping a journal along the way will allow you to never forget. It also allows you to post your travel blogs in writing.

Calling home for free (or very cheap) with Skype. For mere cents per minute you can make calls to landlines and cell phones from all over the world with Skype. It allows you to call from any web-enabled laptop. It’s a great way to keep in touch over the phone.

You can get lots of local information. Many laptops today have maps, directions, schedules and must-see sites for key cities. Maybe you would like get tickets to a play or need to get those directions to a restaurant. You can get all the information you need right from your laptop. Usually it’s much better than carrying around big guidebooks.

You can work. Even though we are on vacation, sometimes we still have our work on our minds. Maybe you have an on-line business and need to be kept informed. Having your laptop with you allows you to still work.  

Reasons you should keep your laptop home:

It could get lost, stolen or damaged. Where you are traveling really depends on the risks, which could range from mild to extreme. Getting your laptop insured by home or travel insurance is really not likely. Most insurance companies won’t cover you unless you pay a very high premium.

It’s extra weight to carry. If weight is an issue then you may want to keep it home. Depending on where you are traveling, you would need to bring your power adapter and any plug in devices to operate your laptop.

Surfing the internet. As we all know, the internet can be addicting. You could spend hours surfing the web, when we should be enjoying the experience of the city that you paid to see.

Checking in at the airport.  Our new airport regulations require us to open our carry bags to get through security. When you are traveling with your laptop, you will have to remove your laptop from the carry case for security inspection, so allow extra time for check-in.

You need to base your decision on where you are going. The more remote destinations you are traveling to, the less likely you will find a Wifi connection. Some remote islands will probably only have a dial up connection, which would probably be very slow.

The biggest consideration is whether you feel you actually need a laptop. Some people absolutely need to stay connected. If you decide to bring it, I would recommend a soft case to protect it. I would use a water-resistant case. Remember to never stow your computer in your luggage.

Contributed by: A Sternberg
angie@atlastravelweb.com

Paris to Normandy's Landing Beaches
Combine time in France's splendid capital with discoveries of quaint villages along the Seine and in the picturesque Normandy region, and the poignant WWII landing beaches. Experience Van Gogh's Auvers-sur-Oise, Claude Monet's stunning gardens at Giverny and Joan or Arc's historic Rouen.

Grand France
Cruisers will experience France at its scenic best with guided sightseeing in Paris, Rouen, Lyon, Avignon & more....see charming and historic cities along the Saône and Rhône Rivers through the heart of this beautiful country.

Castles on the Rhine to the City of Music
Four countries, three rivers and the masterful Main Danube Canal...start in Zurich, then enjoy guided sightseeing in the cities of Strasbourg, Wurzburg, Nuremberg and Vienna.

Taste of the Danube
Choose from a 5 day Vienna to Budapest cruise or a 6 day Budapest to Vienna cruise.  Great options for those with limited time to travel or who are interested in combining a river cruise with a land vacation.

Christmastime in Germany & Austria
See beautiful decorations, the festive lights and the special atmosphere that only a visit to a Christmas market on a cold, crisp winter's day can bring. See the highlights of the towns along the Main and Danube with a local expert, visit the Benedictine Abbey of Melk and more.

To celebrate their new itineraries, and to encourage travelers to book their 2010 river cruise vacation, Globus is offering early booking incentives. Guests receive $150 off per person on any Egypt, China, Galapagos or Taste of the Danube cruise and land only vacation and $300 off per person when booking any of these itineraries including airfare.

For European itineraries guests receive $250 off per person select Europe river cruises and land only vacations, or $500 off per person on air inclusive vacations. Bookings must be made, under deposit and discount applied between March 25th and June 30th for travel through Dec. 31, 2010. The offer applies to new 2010 bookings only and will not be applied to existing bookings.

About Avlon River Cruises: Chosen by Travel + Leisure magazine as a Top 10 Small Ship Cruise Line in 2007, Avalon Waterways is the world’s fastest-growing small ship cruise company. Making waves in river and small ship cruising by offering travelers the newest, most luxurious ships in Europe, China, Egypt and the Galápagos, Avalon Waterways’ ships feature state-of-the-art design and technology and house the largest staterooms, boasting floor-to-ceiling windows and panoramic sliding glass doors. Avalon Waterways is part of the Globus family of brands, an award-wining travel industry leader with 80 years of international travel expertise.

The story had a nice ending, as Mr. Elliott was able to get the client a full refund, but not all stories end this way, and clients lose thousands of dollars for not asking the right questions prior to making a reservation.

Be aware of penalties! At Atlas, when we book reservations for our clients, not only do we provide them with a confirmation, but also the Terms and Conditions for each supplier, as cancellation penalties vary for each company. At times, there are 3 to 5 pages of "conditions" for the client to read over, but all of this is done prior to booking the reservation, so you have no surprises down the road.

Furthermore as the article mentions, if there is any chance you may have to cancel your trip, a consolidator is not the way to go when booking airline tickets, as their penalties are usually higher than booking with the airline or suppliers directly.

Final thoughts...no one can anticipate or predict the future. Be prepared and have piece of mind, by purchasing travel insurance for every trip! Suppliers such as Travel Guard & Access America offer add-ons to several of their plans that allow you to cancel for work reasons or even cancel for any reason, and receive up to 75% of your penalties back. Many cruise lines and tour operators offer their own version of cancel for any reason policies, but in some cases rather than money, you receive vouchers for future travel.

It can all be a bit confusing, so make sure to consult a travel professional to help you select the best coverage to protect your investment.

Click here to read the article published on CNN.

For more information on the pros & cons of booking airfare separately from a vacation, click here.

Breakfast and lunch were served buffet style, with dinner offering open seating with a choice of two or three entrees each evening. The food was very good. The cuisine was based on local fare of the cities we were visiting...such as chicken paprika, Hungarian Goulash or Viennese Wiener Schnitzel. Being raise in a German family where my mother's cooking was the best, the chef onboard was able to bring back fond memories. Even something as simple as soup was turned into a satisfying meal that tempted the palettes.

From the outstanding Sound of the Vienna Concert we attended, to the beautiful foothills of Wachau Valley, a lovely landscape of vineyards, ruined castles and quaint villages, and the Baroque Abbey in Melk, the trip was truly sensational.

I would highly recommend this cruise cruise to anyone considering visiting the area.

Contributed by:  G Thomas
gabriela@atlastravelweb.com

BURT WOLF CRUISES FOR 2009
For full trip details on all of the Burt Wolf 2009 cruises, please call us at 1-800-942-3301.

TULIP TIME CRUISE
March 28 to April 5, 2009
Holland & Belgium
Cruise priced from $2,859 to $3,378 pp (plus airfare).

RHINE RIVER CRUISE
April 18 to 26, 2009
France, Germany, Holland
Cruise priced from $3,131 to $3,650 pp (plus airfare).

CRUISING THROUGH FRANCE
May 24 to June 4, 2009
Nice to Paris, France
Tour/Cruise priced from $3,959 to $4,608 (plus airfare).

CRUISING THE DANUBE
June 18 to July 1, 2009
Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany, Czech Republic
Tour/Cruise priced from $4,179 to $4,828 (plus airfare).

CRUISING THROUGH FRANCE
July 11 to 22, 2009
Paris to Nice, France
Tour/Cruise priced from $3,909 to $4,558 (plus airfare).

CRUISING THE DANUBE
July 29 to August 9, 2009
Czech Republic, Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary
Tour/Cruise priced from $3,799 to $4,448 (plus airfare).

CRUISING THE DANUBE
August 12 to 23, 2009
Czech Republic, Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary
Tour/Cruise priced from $3,799 to $4,448 (plus airfare).

RHINE RIVER CRUISE
August 22 to 30, 2009
Holland, Germany, France
Cruise priced from $3,339 to $3,988 (plus airfare).

CRUISING CENTRAL EUROPE
October 15 to 27, 2009
France, Germany, Czech Republic
Tour/Cruise priced from $3,909 to $4,558 (plus airfare).

CHRISTMAS TIME CRUISE
December 10 to 19, 2009
Austria, Germany, Czech Republic
Tour/Cruise priced from $2,934 to $3,490 (plus airfare).

The Avalon Affinity will sail itineraries on the Rhine and Moselle rivers, as well as Christmas cruises on the Danube.

Avalon Affinity has four decks, including a sky deck with lounge chairs. There are two bars, an open-seating dining room, hairdresser and fitness center, as well as an elevator. Smoking is not permitted inside.

Staterooms (65), all outside, measure 172 square ft.; junior suites are 258 square ft. Cabins on the Royal and Sapphire Decks have "French balconies," sliding glass doors with a protective railing; remaining cabins have picture windows. 

Stateroom amenities include flat-screen satellite TV, radio, mini-bar, safe and hair dryers. Beds can be configured into two twins or one queen and come with high-quality pillows and duvets and Egyptian cotton linens. 

Consider sailing aboard the Affinity in July, on the Windmills, Vineyards & Paris cruise. Book by March 15th, and receive $350 off per person for July 19th & 28th departures.

Experience France, Luxembourg, Germany, Belgium, and Holland on this fantastic cruise vacation. See the city’s major highlights on a guided tour of Paris and travel between Paris and Metz via TGV high-speed train. Also enjoy guided sightseeing in Trier and Cologne, a canal cruise in Amsterdam, and take pictures of the windmills at famous Kinderdijk. Visit Reichsburg Castle in Cochem and enjoy a wine cellar visit in Bernkastel. Guided sightseeing in Arnhem includes a visit to the Airborne Museum Hartenstein, and you can sample the area’s famous Riesling wines in the pretty wine village of Rüdesheim.

We were very pleased to see our web site, www.rivercruisetours.com featured as an option for booking river cruises. The good news is that the other suppliers mentioned including Tauck, Viking & Uniworld river cruises can also be booked through our agency, in many cases due to our membership in a consortia, at lower prices than booking direct.

In 2008, Uniworld conducted an energy audit of its offices and has implemented a range of measures which seek to reduce its overall carbon footprint, usage, and also increase the recycling of consumable products. New initiatives have seen the additional installation of efficient lighting, introduction of an IT energy-saving policy, incentive staff car pooling schemes, at desk recycling, environmentally-friendly procurement, and a staff environmental education and involvement program.

Uniworld also strives to help its local communities and has introduced a staff volunteer program whereby each staff member volunteers for a local charity of their choice two days a year , as well as the company supporting a range of charities throughout the year. Uniworld reviews its environmental performance on an ongoing basis and is committed to continuous improvement across energy and waste management, as well as contributing positively to fostering sustainable tourism in communities around the world.

Uniworld has partnered with Sustainable Travel International™, allowing passengers the option to calculate the carbon footprint of your travel and contribute towards projects that will reduce the C02 emissions in the atmosphere on your behalf. This voluntary scheme invites you to pay a contribution based on the amount of carbon likely to be generated from your travel. You can choose to offset your air travel, coach travel or the energy consumed staying in your hotel accommodation.

Today we are going to highlight the July 11th - 22nd, 2209 trip:
River Cruising through France with Burt Wolf

Tour/Cruise priced from $3,909 to $4,558 (plus airfare).

Burt Wolf, the host of the public television series Travels & Traditions, invites you to join him on this Avalon Waterways’ Tour and River Cruise from Paris, France through Burgundy and Provence to Nice. Burt will be the onboard host throughout the trip. This is a unique opportunity to travel with Burt, see the sights, and experience the places where his television shows were filmed.

In addition to being your host throughout the entire cruise, Burt will conduct the following special events:

1. A Tasting of the Wines of the Region.
2. A Talk on Understanding and Buying the Wines of the Region.
3. A Talk on Understanding European Architecture.
4. A Talk on Pairing Food and Wine.
5. A Talk and Tasting of Pastis and Absinthe.
6. A Talk on How his Public Television Programs are Produced

• Prior to the cruise, Burt will mail each guest a packet of his research and background material about the tour locations, and a DVD of one of his programs that relates to the tour. These materials are his personal evaluation of the area – the history, art, architecture, what to eat, what to buy, and what to see. It will give you detailed background information on the places we are going to visit. It will also give you some ideas for things you might like to do in your free time.
• Onboard, Burt will present an overview of the area and give a number of talks about the importance of the locations we will be visiting.
• Cruising through France on the Sâone and Rhône Rivers is a perfect combination of cruising and touring with a pace you set yourself.
• Unlike ocean cruising, our river cruise docks right in the city centers and the old towns. You can tour close to the ship or venture further into town.
• The ship’s entire interior is non-smoking and all announcements are in English.  

With Burt as your host, the tour begins with two days of sightseeing in Paris, then a drive south into the Burgundy region for a tour and wine tasting in the city of Beaune. We continue on to the village of Chalon-sur-Sâone to board our boat. We cruise down the Sâone River with stops in the ancient towns of Tournus and Mâcon. Then two days in Lyon – France’s gastronomic center where we will enjoy the wines of the region. On the Rhône River, additional stops will include the twin cities of Tournon and Tain L’Hermitage (famous for their medieval architecture), Avignon (14th century residence of the Popes) where we will have a tasting of the wines and foods of the region, then on to Arles with its Roman Amphitheater and the sunlight that inspired Van Gogh. Our final stop will be in the Mediterranean city of Nice on the Côte d’Azur. Avalon Scenery’s English-speaking Captain, Cruise Director and crew are experienced professionals dedicated to your comfort.

One of the most popular aspects of a Burt Wolf River Cruise is the excellence of the food and free wine onboard. Each full day on board, there is a full breakfast, lunch and dinner. There is a cocktail reception, welcome dinner, and Captain’s dinner --- one sitting with open seating arrangements (non-assigned). At dinner, each evening, there is a selection of a red wine and a white wine from Europe’s most-famous wine regions, which are served throughout the meal without charge.

Breakfast: 7:00am – 8:30am
A buffet table includes a wide variety of breads, cereals, fruit and fruit salad, cold cuts, smoked salmon, cheeses, pastries, yogurts, and juices. Scrambled eggs, sausages, bacon, and other hot items can vary from day to day. The chef will prepare fresh omelets and other egg dishes to order.

Lunch: Usually served at 12:30pm depending on the cruise schedule
Buffet-style with appetizers, soups, sandwiches, cold cuts, breads, salad bar, two main courses (one of which may be a carving station), dessert table, cheese board, and fresh fruit.

Afternoon Tea:
Coffee, tea and cake will be served either in the lounge or on the Sun or Sky Deck.

Dinner: Usually served at 7:30pm depending on cruise schedule.
Dinner is traditionally four courses including a vegetarian selection. Choice of entrees with every dinner including complimentary red and white wines from the region.

On Days 3 and 4: Buffet breakfast will be offered at our Paris hotel.

On Day 12: Buffet breakfast will be offered at our Nice hotel.

The Land/Cruise cost (including hotels in Nice and Paris), per person (based on double occupancy):

Basic Cabin (category E)	$3,909
B-Level Cabin / Rear (category B)	$4,408
B-Level Cabin / Forward (category A)	$4,458
Top Deck Cabin (category P)	$4,558
Jr. Suite	$5,108

Cabins are booked on a first-come, first-served basis. Expenses not included in the Land/Cruise cost include: roundtrip airfare, travel insurance, port tax (approximately $98.00); 2 lunches and 2 dinners in Paris (Days 2 and 3); 1 lunch in Beaune (Day 4); 1 lunch and 1 dinner in Nice (Day 11); miscellaneous expenses onboard (laundry, internet, telephone, minibar, liquor/food not on the regular menu, porters at airports, excess baggage fees, gratuities to your Cruise Director, guides and ship’s crew), passport, airport transfers in Europe (approximately $70.00 per person. If you book your air in conjunction with the cruise, the airport transfer fee is waived), and all other items of a personal nature.

ABOUT BURT WOLF
Since 1982, Burt Wolf has written and produced over 4,000 segments for Cable News Network (CNN), 800 segments for ABC (the American Broadcasting Company), 125 half-hour programs for the travel division of The Discovery Channel, 26 half hours for the Family Channel and 250 half hours for Public Broadcasting. During his 30 years as a journalist, he has written or edited more than 60 books and for a number of years authored a weekly column for The Washington Post. He has been nominated for two Cable Ace Awards and a national Emmy in connection with cultural history. Burt's shows have been translated into Russian, Polish, Mandarin and Korean and reach a worldwide audience in Europe, Latin America and Asia. Burt's relaxed and personal style makes both his programs and his role as "host" informative and entertaining.

Beginning at 9 a.m. Thursday and while availability lasts, prices on the following journeys will drop every 30 minutes until they reach a final savings of 60% off the original price. This offer expires at 3 p.m. CST, and these select departures are offered on a strictly first-come, first-served basis, so book early on Thursday to reserve the vacation of your dreams… at a once-in-a-lifetime price.

Example of Savings:

Once in a Lifetime Botswana & Zambia    7 days
Witness the drama of predator and prey — along with one of nature’s most glorious spectacles, Victoria Falls — on an independent journey through Southern Africa. Original price $7,765 pp  / Starting price $7,377 pp

Once in a Lifetime Egypt   11 days
Explore the remnants of one of the world’s greatest civilizations on this independent journey in Egypt. View the Pyramids and the Sphinx, see the treasures of Tutankhamun and savor the unique atmosphere of the Nile on a luxurious four-night river cruise.  Original price $8,320 pp  / Starting price $7,904 pp

Once in a Lifetime Spain   10 days
From the days of Muslim influence to the golden age of empire, Spain’s past lives on in its incredible monuments and works of art. Experience centuries of history with private expert guides on this incredible independent journey through Spain.   Original price $10,260 pp  / Starting price $9,747 pp

Once in a Lifetime Kenya   9 days
Enjoy peerless hospitality and unrivaled wildlife viewing in the land of the Maasai on this independent journey.   Original price $5,295 pp  / Starting price $5,030 pp

Once in a Lifetime Voyage to Melanesia   18 days
This ‘Clipper Odyssey’ cruise explores the recent past while celebrating long-held native traditions still practiced today. Visit the sites of epic battles that helped secure victory for the Allies in World War II; delight in a traditional Fijian welcome on the island of Yasawa-i-Rara; and witness the Rom Dance, one of the South Pacific’s most famous celebrations. Offer valid for cabin category 5 reservations.    Original price $11,695 pp  / Starting price $11,110 pp

Terms & Conditions

This Once in a Lifetime Savings offer is valid only on February 19, 2009, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. CST. Actual discount is determined by the percentage listed on the web site at the time of reservation and is final upon booking. All prices are per person, based on double occupancy and are quoted in U.S. Dollars. Prices apply only to the departure dates listed. These offers are for new bookings only, are not combinable with any other offer, discount or promotion and are subject to availability.

All bookings must be made through abercrombiekent.com. For departures outside of 90 days, a 25% non-refundable deposit is required at time of booking. For departures within 90 days, full non-refundable payment is required at booking. Any extra services, including international air and insurance, can be booked at a later date and standard terms and conditions apply.

Before You Go:

Research:  Do your homework and find out what each area is known for and decide what items you'll look for. Find out what similar items sell for. If you are considering pictures or other items to decorate your home with your travel finds, take measurements, then pop your tape measure into your travel bag. Bring a fabric swatch if needed as well. If you plan on having garments custom-made in the Orient for example, pack a favorite item to copy. Also research customs, GST and VAT tax refunds, shipping large items, and other important rules. Thailand and China, for example, are known for antiques, but you'll need appropriate paperwork to bring them home. In Europe when you make a purchase you must fill out the tax refund form supplied by the ship. You pay the full price, but when you leave Europe there is usually an area in all major airports called 'VAT Refund' after you have cleared security. You take the tax forms to be stamped and drop them in a box. In one to two billing cycles you should see the tax refunded back onto your credit card. If you are traveling on an escorted tour, your tour manager can give you tips on the best places to shop. On a cruise, they normally hold presentations and replay them on the ship channel in the cabin, with shopping tips on each port as well.

Shopping Strategies:

Local markets offer a rich travel experience, and a treasure trove of shopping options. Here are some bargaining tips to make that a more rewarding experience:

Get the Lay of the Land - Be Strategic:  Stroll around, take in the colors and the smells of the market while checking around prices on similar items. Watch how merchants interact with their customers. In Italian markets you'll encounter a hard sell; merchants in Arab markets often bargain after you've shared a cup of tea.

The Art of the Deal: Start by offering half the quoted price. Your merchant will tout the value of his handicrafts and bring the price back to almost the original. Split the difference. By the 3rd round your price will likely be about 75% of the original. Instead of haggling again, count out your cash until you reach slightly less than his price. You should have a deal. If the merchant is aggressive, step away. Likewise there is no need to be rude to the merchants, as they are only try to make a living.

Consider Shipping Your Items Back Home: The most difficult part is waiting a few weeks for your items to arrive if you are overseas, but with airlines charging for additional baggage weight, shipping can save you money. Just make sure to insure the package if it is breakable.

In the end, the important thing is that you enjoy the experience and keep in mind, more important than the exact cost will be priceless travel memories derived from your new-found treasures.

We'd love to hear about some of your shopping strategies?

Contributed by: S Brage

Take a virtual tour of the Avalon Tranquility, the Avalon Poetry and the newest ship, the Avalon Scenery.  You can view various areas of the ship including the lobby, staterooms, bar, dining room, sky deck and fitness room.

Avalon is currently offering $200 off pp for air inclusive bookings and $100 off pp for cruise only reservation. Click here more details to see all of the great itineraries offered in 2009 including Christmas markets river cruises.

Have more questions?  SkyMiles members can contact the Delta SkyMiles Center at 1-800-323-2323 or the number on the back of their membership cards. WorldPerks members should continue contacting the WorldPerks Service Center at 1-800-44-PERKS (or the number on the back of their membership cards).

For bookings made between January 15 & February 27, 2009, Uniworld is offering travel companions a FREE AIR TICKET on International Travel for all Europe, Russia and Egypt River Cruises departing in 2009.

To take advantage of this great offer, simply book and deposit on or before February 27, 2009. AND if you book before January 31, 2009 you can combine this with Uniworld’s early booking discount with another savings of up to $600 per couple.

Add in the all inclusive features of a river cruise, and there is every reason to enjoy a trip of a lifetime on one of Uniworld’s wonderful itineraries.

* 2 for 1 economy air promotion requires first traveler to pay Uniworld’s 2009 published brochure air rate on travel from select U.S. Gateway Cities. Companion traveler pays government taxes and fees up to $200 – $200 deposit must be made at time of booking on or before February 27, 2009. Full payment of air is due on or before February 27, 2009. Once air is paid-in-full, it is non refundable. 2 for 1 air promotion is for new bookings and is based on double occupancy only. Air promotion is not combinable with Pay-In-Full Savings. Subject to availability. Other restrictions may apply and Uniworld reserves the right to withdraw or change this offer at any time. Amenities and inclusions may vary on Uniworld’s non-company owned ships. For complete details, general information, and Terms and Conditions applicable to all Uniworld trips, please visit www.rivercruisetours.com or call 1-888-942-3301

If you are looking for a smart investment, Globus gives you a world of return. A river cruise with Globus is a fantastic value, since the price includes accommodations, local sightseeing, many meals, and complimentary wine with dinner, greatly minimizing both on-shore and onboard costs. It’s clear that a journey with Globus is an investment in yourself, one amazing experience at a time.

For a limited time, Globus is offering the following promotion:

Save $400 off per stateroom on the air-inclusive price of any 2009 Europe river cruise.*

Save $200 off per stateroom on the land/cruise only price of any 2009 Europe river cruise.*

Some restrictions apply, visit our Globus web site for more details.

River cruising is one of the fastest growing segments of the travel industry. For more information, visit our web site dedicated to river cruises.

Burt Wolf, the host of the public television series Travels & Traditions, invites you to join him on one of these Avalon Waterways’ river cruises.

A message from Burt Wolf:

Dear Members of Ensemble Travel Group,

I would like to personally invite your valued clients to join me as we navigate the rivers of Europe in a series of 10 cruises aboard Avalon Waterways. Together we will visit my favorite places, have a beer or a glass of wine with friends who own unusual pubs and famous vineyards, taste the regional delicacies, and generally "hangout" with my pals.

Ensemble Travel Group has been given an exclusive opportunity to sell these outstanding European programs. This is a unique chance for your clients to travel with me, see the sights, and experience the places where my television shows were filmed.

And the best part: A significant donation will be made to help support your client's local Public Broadcasting Station.

BURT WOLF CRUISES FOR 2009
For full trip details on all of the Burt Wolf 2009 cruises, please call us at 1-800-942-3301.

TULIP TIME CRUISE
March 28 to April 5, 2009
Holland & Belgium
Cruise priced from $2,859 to $3,378 pp (plus airfare).

RHINE RIVER CRUISE
April 18 to 26, 2009
France, Germany, Holland
Cruise priced from $3,131 to $3,650 pp (plus airfare).

CRUISING THROUGH FRANCE
May 24 to June 4, 2009
Nice to Paris, France
Tour/Cruise priced from $3,959 to $4,608 (plus airfare).

CRUISING THE DANUBE
June 18 to July 1, 2009
Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany, Czech Republic
Tour/Cruise priced from $4,179 to $4,828 (plus airfare).

CRUISING THROUGH FRANCE
July 11 to 22, 2009
Paris to Nice, France
Tour/Cruise priced from $3,909 to $4,558 (plus airfare).

CRUISING THE DANUBE
July 29 to August 9, 2009
Czech Republic, Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary
Tour/Cruise priced from $3,799 to $4,448 (plus airfare).

CRUISING THE DANUBE
August 12 to 23, 2009
Czech Republic, Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary
Tour/Cruise priced from $3,799 to $4,448 (plus airfare).

RHINE RIVER CRUISE
August 22 to 30, 2009
Holland, Germany, France
Cruise priced from $3,339 to $3,988 (plus airfare).

CRUISING CENTRAL EUROPE
October 15 to 27, 2009
France, Germany, Czech Republic
Tour/Cruise priced from $3,909 to $4,558 (plus airfare).

CHRISTMAS TIME CRUISE
December 10 to 19, 2009
Austria, Germany, Czech Republic
Tour/Cruise priced from $2,934 to $3,490 (plus airfare).

ABOUT BURT WOLF
Since 1982, Burt Wolf has written and produced over 4,000 segments for Cable News Network (CNN), 800 segments for ABC (the American Broadcasting Company), 125 half-hour programs for the travel division of The Discovery Channel, 26 half hours for the Family Channel and 250 half hours for Public Broadcasting. During his 30 years as a journalist, he has written or edited more than 60 books and for a number of years authored a weekly column for The Washington Post. He has been nominated for two Cable Ace Awards and a national Emmy in connection with cultural history.

Burt's shows have been translated into Russian, Polish, Mandarin and Korean and reach a worldwide audience in Europe, Latin America and Asia. Burt's relaxed and personal style make both his programs and his role as "host" informative and entertaining.

INQUIRIES
The Atlas Staff, as well as the team at Burt Wolf's office are there to answer any questions you may have prior to actually traveling on the cruise. They are equipped to answer all your questions, whether it concerns a passenger's mobility or food allergy or even bringing children along!

Royal Caribbean  
Oasis of the Seas 
5,400 passengers       
Nov, 2009

Costa Cruise Line  
Costa Pacifica        
3,004  passengers              
June, 2009
                                  
Costa Luminosa         
2,260 passengers        
April, 2009

MSC Cruises            
Splendida
3,300 passengers
July, 2009
                                    
Magnifica                 
2,550 passengers       
Dec., 2009

Seabourn              
Odyssey                         
450 passengers      
June, 2009

Carnival                
Dream                      
3,652 passengers    
September, 2009

Celebrity                    
Equinox                      
2,850 passengers    
August, 2009

Silversea                
Spirit                                
540 passengers      
Nov., 2009

River Cruises:

Amadeus Waterways:      Amadolce & Amalyra (142 passengers each) March, 2009                                        
Uniworld: River Beatrice (160 passengers)
 River Tosca (84 passengers) April, 2009

The U.S. Tour Operators Association reported that for the 5th straight year, Italy placed first as the most popular international destination for vacation packages and tours. Modern Bride's annual "World Best Honeymoon" survey showed Italy has even beaten out Hawaii as the #1 honeymoon destination.  Recommend Magazine's Readers Choice awards also listed Italy as the #1 destination. Croatia and China were the hottest up-and-coming countries for tours and travel packages. We were surprised not to see Dubai on the list.

Lonely Planet's top 10 destinations: #1 U.S. with emphasis on National parks and Hawaii;  #2 Mexico, with an emphasis on Mexico City and the Pacific Coast; #3 Argentina; #4 Japan; #5 India & #6 Canada (tied);#7 Australia #8 China (tied);#9 Spain and #10 France.

Frommers recently released its top destinations for 2009, focusing on international destinations that are affordable and seeking the newest "hot spots".  Washington D.C.; Waiheke Island, New Zealand; Saqqara, Egypt; Lassen Volcanic National Park, California; Istanbul, Turkey; Civil Rights Trail, USA; Cartagena, Colombia; Cape Town, South Africa; Berlin, Germany;  Belfast, Northern Ireland; Angkor Wat, Cambodia; Waterton National Park, Alberta, Canada

According to TripAdvisor, the top three predicted hot spots for North America travel are Florida, North Carolina and Alaska.

At Atlas Cruises & Tours, we are seeing a number of trends. Italy continues to be very popular. Consumers are booking specialty travel packages including river cruises, cooking and wine vacations, as well as religious travel. Several dates for the 2010 Passion Play are already sold out. We have been doing several blogs about sustainable travel in the past 6 months, as we are finding consumers more concerned in traveling with suppliers that are environmentally conscious, as well as the desire to visit destinations threatened by climate change such as Antarctica, Alaska, Galapagos and Machu Picchu. Cruises to the Caribbean, Alaska and South America are up, and we except a surge in Europe cruises, as air prices should be coming down considerably, and cruise lines are offering aggressive fares. For those staying close to home, National Parks, Canada & Hawaii are up as well.

Where are you planning to travel in 2009? We'd love to hear your top 3 list!

The safety of tourists is a main concern of the Egyptian authorities. It is mandatory for each tour group to proceed throughout Egypt with an armed security guard along on the motor coaches and visiting the attractions. An Egyptologist is assigned to each group and travels with the group from attraction to attraction. They are so knowledgeable and many of them have participated in digs before becoming licensed Egyptologists.

The Nile Cruise was a highlight of our trip. The river boats are luxurious, with comfortable cabins and serving gourmet food. I was so pampered, I felt like Cleopatra floating down the Nile. Not only are the river boats luxurious, but most of the hotels are, as well.

Every attraction we went to was awesome. The Egyptian Museum is huge. There are 120,000 items on display and more in storage, not yet restored. It is so amazing when you realize you are looking at things thousands of years old. The temples are overwhelming and once again you wonder how they could possibly build these structures thousands of years ago with the primitive tools they had to work with. Abu Simbel is the southernmost spot on the tour. These cliff-built temples were moved stone by stone to higher ground as the project to erect the Aswan Dam would submerge them under Lake Nasser. Depending on which tour you decide on, if Abu Simbel is offered as an option, it is a must see.

You should choose one Light and Sound Show. The one offered at Luxor Temple, right in the heart of the city is the best with it’s great views.

Egypt is awesome! 2010 is a great year to go as there are great promotional offers. http://www.escortedafricatours.com

Feel free to email or call me with any questions about travel to Egypt.
 
Contributed by CKennedy
866-503-6423
kennedy@atlastravelweb.com

In order to be a good travel agent, you need education so that you can pass the information on to your clients. The Travel Institute has certifications that take about 6 years to complete, as you are not eligible to participate unless you have been in the business for a certain amount of time. Cruise Lines International has a 3 step certification process up to a ECC (Elite Cruise Counselor) You have to be in the business a minimum of 10 years to participate in the program as well as conducting various ship inspections. There are also various destination & product specialists programs, seminars, conventions & trade shows throughout the year.  Our office has speakers from various preferred partners come in at least twice a month, to ensure we are up to date with new products or changes.

So the next time you book your vacation, keep in mind that travel agents are trained professionals with your best interest in mind, and there is no additional cost to you to book through an agent. In fact, agents will always save you time (& time is money!) and also in many cases, get you a better price or added amenities.

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The third largest river in the world, the Yangtze River winds 3,900 miles through the country from west to east cutting through 10 provinces before disgorging its water into the Yellow Sea. The Upper Reaches are the most attractive part to cruise with wild mountain ranges, unbroken ravines, and charming landscapes. Along this 130 mile stretch, the river passes through the Three Gorges. There's plenty of time to unwind and plenty of opportunities to see the sights and the history of Magical China.

We suggest at least 12 days to enjoy a few nights before and after a Yangtze cruise in cities such as Shanghai, Xian & Beijing, although the cruises are normally only 3 or 4 nights.  Prices begin as low as $2,400 per person, not including airfare. There are trips as long as 23 days, but this is to spend more time in Asia, not a longer cruise experience. Visit www.escortedasiatours.com to see a great selection of packages.

This video highlights some of the things you would see on a Yangtze River cruise:

Great post...blogged exclusively via IPhone while on the river cruise! After reading, I am ready to book!

Common question asked by clients

Answer:

You would be surprised how many things can be packed and not exceed 50 lbs. There are some wonderful no wrinkle, light weight fabrics for traveling and you don't need a pair of shoes for each outfit. When staying in the same hotel for more than 1 night, you can take advantage of the laundry facilities they have to offer.

Make a list before packing and make sure to mix and match outfits. Always pack tightly. Scarf or jewelry can change the look or a blouse. Packing loosely will waste space and cause clothes to wrinkle from moving around. Use all the space you have available to you, such as putting socks & under garments inside of shoes.

You can get a great packing list from Frommers.

Keep in mind that the airlines are changing their restrictions and charges often these days. Make sure and go to their web site or call a couple of weeks before travel to get the latest information.

Day 1 with the budget and first class tours is "always" the overnight flight to Europe, arriving on Day 2 - this means Day 2 is your first hotel night.

Day 1 with the Deluxe & Luxury Tours is the day you arrive in Europe to start your tour.

With US and Canada tours, day 1 is the day your tour begins.

With other exotic destinations such as South America, Asia and Australia, please check with you agent, as there could be as many as 1 to 2 days for the flight over.

In most cases, booking your own airfare is fine, but I want to remind you to keep a few things in mind.

When you book airfare with the cruise or tour operator, transfers are included to & from the airport. When calculating how much money you are saving, make sure & factor in the additional cost for transfers.

Tours can cancel due to lack of participation. If you book your own air, we suggest booking a tour that is "guaranteed" to operate. Many suppliers have added hundreds of guaranteed departures on their popular tours.

If you experience a problem with your flight being cancelled due to weather or other circumstances, when you book your airfare along with your travel packages, you will have assistance in booking the next available flight to meet up with your trip. If you book your flights online, how difficult will it be to get someone on the phone to assist you in rebooking another flight?

Insurance is another consideration. If you book your own air, normally the cruise or tour operators insurance will not cover the value of your flights. Make sure to speak to an agent about outside insurance coverage so that your entire purchase is protected.

Book early & save. Many suppliers offer air promotions for bookings made well in advance.

On many occasions we do advise our clients to buy airfare separately, but make sure to take the time to discuss your options with an agent to ensure you are receiving the best value.

I told her they would be delivered by UPS to her home address on Monday.

This is 8 days prior to her departure.

She was satisfied with this and we ended the call.

She called back about 10 minutes later and asked where the documents were being mailed to. I told her they were on their way to her address in Chicago. She said, “But I’m in Rhode Island”.

I asked why she did not advise me of this and she said, “We always spend our summers in Rhode Island”

Okay, so now I need a crystal ball with all of the other hats I wear! I was supposed to know this??

I told her I would see what I could do and called the supplier to ask if another set of documents could be generated and mailed out.

This reservation was made with a Luxury Tour supplier and they agreed to send the documents directly to her Rhode Island address.

If this were a supplier other than a Luxury Tour operator, a duplicate set of documents would have a fee to generate and the overnight mail would have to be paid for by the client.

Please think of your travel agent as one of your circle of family and friends. Keep us in mind to notify us of any changes in your life. Give us your airline schedule if you make your own airline reservations; give us all contact numbers and dates when you’ll be at another location. Don’t think you’re bothering us with trivia. Our job is to give you the best customer service we can, but to do this we need your help.