Bran Castle – Dracula’s Castle, Romania

The Great Canadian Travel Company is one of North America’s premier providers of consumer travel. The travel company specializes in designing amazing trips that explore some of the world’s most exotic destinations.

The Great Canadian Travel Company is offering a fantastic tour. Now you can explore and experience a memorable experience. Travel the Danube River region on a journey by train, to the land of Dracula’s famous castle – Bran Castle!

The tour includes a 4-day, 3-night train package, and named “Transylvanian Journey”. For 2011, there are five departures between May 4 and September 21.

You begin the tour from Budapest, Hungary on a journey that follows the course of the blue Danube to Istanbul and provides sightseeing on the Bosphorus.

Along the shores of the fabled river, you’ll find stunning scenery and ancient architecture as you pass through rural Hungary, Rumania and Bulgaria.

Before you board your train, enjoy a morning champagne reception at the Royal Waiting Room of Budapest Station. There is free time after lunch – but be sure not to miss the Putzsa horse show in Lajosmizse, on the Great Hungarian Plain.

The next day, you travel through rural Rumania.  Excursions include a Sighisoara walking tour and a visit to 14th-century Bran Castle (AKA “Dracula’s Castle”), high atop a rocky peak in the heart of Transylvania.

As the Danube Express heads through the twisting, turning, dramatic landscape of the Carpathian Mountains, you’ll be preparing yourself for your visit to Veliko Turnovo, Bulgaria’s ancient capital.  A tour includes medieval Tsarevets Castle – with free time to wander through the ancient city. Lunch is served during the climb over the Shipka mountain pass before arrival in Kazaniak, capital of the Valley of the Roses.

Your trip ends on an interesting note as you visit the world’s only metropolis spanning two continents. Istanbul is steeped in history — an exciting, vibrant city where East meets West. In Istanbul, you can travel on a short ferry ride that takes you across the river to Asia. There, you’ll want to soak up the atmosphere of the city on Taksim Square.

Included in the Transylvania package are three nights’ accommodation on the Danube Express, all meals (with drinks) on the train, drinks in the train’s lounge car, and all tours, excursions and entries during the journey.  The price is 2790 Euros (approximately $3800).  There will be five different departures between May 4 and September 21, 2011.

To make reservations or get additional information about The Great Canadian Travel Company, please call 800-661-3830, or visit www.greatcanadiantravel.com.

For tour information about the Transylvania Train Journey, please visit: http://www.greatcanadiantravel.com/europe-hungary-transylvania-train-tour.

The luxury May Fair Hotel is a legendary five star hotel with a glamorous past.

The celebrated hotel’s 406 guest rooms bring an eclectic luxury style to the historic West End hotel that first opened in 1927 with King George V and Queen Mary in attendance.

May Fair Hotel also offers guests twelve of London’s most memorable hotel suites, a discreet spa, a fine-dining restaurant and the quintessential London Casino.

Set in the heart of London, The May Fair hotel is within close proximity to the city’s best shopping districts on Piccadilly and Bond Street; Knightsbridge, Green Park and Buckingham Palace.

From Fendi furnishings; Baccarat chandeliers, including the largest Baccarat chandelier in Europe; the largest private theater in London; to 12 new spacious signature suites, and the Asian-inspired May Fair Spa, The May Fair is leading a renaissance of luxury hotels in London.

For more information, visit: http://www.themayfairhotel.co.uk/

The Hotel Banke is the ideal location to enjoy Paris – the City of Lights – in France.

The Hotel Banke is located in the 9th arrondissement, in Paris’ Opera area on Rue La Fayette. The hotel is in the heart of the Grands Boulevards quarter, close to the Place Vendôme and just ten minutes from the Louvre.

The Hotel Banke has been billed as “an exciting blend of the historic and the avant-garde of fabulous Paris, and just a short walk from the magnificent Place Vendôme and Rue Faubourg Saint-Honoré.

The hotel is housed in the former headquarters of CCF Bank (a classic Belle Époque building).

The Hotel Banke is part of the Derby Hotels Collection, and has been beautifully restored for its new life as an urban resort.

The Banke has 93 rooms, some with panoramic views of amazing Sacré Cœur. For a small boutique hotel, the facilities seem quite expansive, including: two restaurants (one of which is gastronomic), a night club, a spa zone and gym, and art collection displayed on every floor of the building, showcasing art from all cultures and historic periods.

Fully soundproofed, hotel guest rooms are outfitted with all the latest technology: LCD television with 250 satellite channels, wi-fi, and individual air-conditioning and temp controls.

Hotel Banke guests can also take advantage of 24-hour room service, late breakfast served until 1 p.m. in the bar, and limo service around town.

Badrutt’s Palace Hotel

Badrutt’s Palace Hotel is a celebration of style, sports, cuisine and fashion, with discreet service and traditional elegance evoking an atmosphere of pampered luxury for all.

An ideal destination in both winter and summer, Badrutt’s Palace Hotel is located in one of the most challenging ski areas in all the world and offers a host of summer alpine activities.

Badrutt’s Palace Hotel boasts a total of 159 guestrooms and 38 suites, offering stunning views of the Swiss Alps. The hotel is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World, Swiss Deluxe Hotels and Swiss Historic Hotels.

Badrutt’s Palace Hotel opens its doors to guests this summer from June 25th 2010, through September 11th 2010.

The valley in which St. Moritz lies is the Engadin. The word ‘Engiadina’ is its original form in the locally spoken Rheto-Romansh language, and means ‘Garden of the Inn’, referring to the River Inn whose source is close by.

Now you can enjoy a special package at Badrutt’s Palace Hotel in St. Moritz. Take a horse-drawn carriage ride for two, luxuriate in the private Veronica Spa Suite (your personal spa), swoon over a candlelit dinner at Badrutt’s Palace Hotel’s gourmet Le Restaurant serenaded with live piano music, create romantic memories that defy time.

With Badrutt’s Palace Hotel’s 115 years ‘ experience in devising romantic getaways and celebrations, the Cupid’s Delight Package has the ingredients to fire up untold passion.

The Cupid’s Delight Package features three nights at the five -star Badrutt’s Palace Hotel, a couples’ massage and together time in private Spa Suite Veronica, with its Jacuzzi for two, steam room and lounge; moments for sweet nothings over a candlelit dinner in chic Le Restaurant, where Badrutt’s chefs create mouth-watering dishes; and a horse-drawn carriage ride snuggled up in blankets through the captivating Fex Valley.

Reserve the package bow from 2,660 CHF (US$ 2,300) in a superior double room.

Wedding and Celebrations:

Lofty amid the romantic Engadin peaks, Badrutt’s Palace Hotel offers the perfect setting for weddings, honeymoons and romantic trysts. Magnificent rooms, excellent service and a professional team ensure every celebration is an event to remember.

for more information or reservation, please call +41 (0) 81 837 1100 or visit http://www.badruttspalace.com to reserve Cupid’s Delight, or to inquire about weddings and celebrations.

Arc de Triomphe

After you’ve done your last bit of shopping and reached the end of the Champs Elysees, the grand l’Arc de Triomphe (The Arch of Triumph) will greet you in a triumphant glow of yellow light . The first sight of this giant monument will be startling. Understandably so , since it is the largest arch in the world!

Of course, don’t be daft and try to brave the mad traffic surrounding the arch . Like spokes on a gigantic bicycle wheel, twelve streets feed into the motorway that circles the celebrated Arc de Triomphe. The most famous of these streets is the Champs Elysees, which extends all the way southeast to the Jardin des Tuileries on the north bank of the Seine.

If crossing the motorway around the Arc looks daunting, don’t worry, because there is actually a tunnel going under the street from the northeast corner of the Champs Elysees.

The arch and the place Charles-de-Gaulle which surrounds it, together form one of Paris’ most famous landmarks. Twelve avenues radiate from the arch which explains why it is also called place de l’Etoile (etoile=star).

Arc de Triomphe History: A bit of History

The Arc de Triomphe was the brainchild of Napoleon Bonaparte. In 1806, as Parisians were examining ways to improve the five-way intersection at the start of the Champs Elysees, he decided to build a monument to his army and his own military genius. Today, it is a symbol of all things victorious in Paris.

Commissioned in 1806 by Napoleon I, shortly after his victory at Austerlitz, l’Arc de Triomphe was not finished until 1836. There are four huge relief sculptures at the bases of the four pillars. These commemorate The Triumph of 1810 (by Cortot), Resistance, Peace (both by Etex) and The Departure of the Volunteers, more commonly known as La Marseillaise (by Francois Rude). Engraved around the top of the Arch are the names of major victories won during the Revolutionary and Napoleonic periods. The names of less important victories, as well as those of 558 generals, are to found on the inside walls. Generals whose names are underlined died in action. Inside the Arch there is a small museum documenting its history and construction .

If it’s your first time in Paris, you gotta go to the top of Arc de Triomphe to enjoy the nice view of the streets spreading out in the shape of a star! Even though you might have been up high elsewhere in Paris, this is something different. It’s quite fun just to look down and follow the crazy traffic around the arc. By the way, you have to walk under the streets to get to the arc. It’s 8 euros to get upstairs but only 6.2 if you are a student or under 12 years old. Be ready to walk quite some stairs and before you reach the top, there is a historic museum and a souvenier-shop.

The Arc de Triomphe is one of France’s most recognizable symbols. Although you might sweat to get to the top, there is a small museum and gift shop. The best reason is for the amazing panoramic view of the city from, frankly, a better vantage point than the Eiffel Tower.

Le Tombeau du Soldat Inconnu (Tomb of the Unknown Soldier) lies beneath the Arc de Triomphe and contains the remains of an unknown French soldier. It is a monument dedicated to all the French soldiers who died during WWI. A permanent flame (Flamme du Souvenir) burns near the tomb.

The collection of works in the Uffizi Gallery cannot be compared to any other world collection and is probably the only one to have just masterpieces of exceptional value.

The Uffizi Gallery, (1560-1580) designed by Vasari in 1560 and built by Cosimo I of Medici. The Uffizi was meant to be an officio (office) for magistrates as well as judges, technicians and merchants of Florence, were turned on the top floor into a private gallery for the pleasure of the ruling family of Florence, the Medicis, and their guests.

Vasari, who sadly died that same year, could hardly have imagined that inside that building, born to house the Magistracy, almost all the major painters (not just Florentine) whose biographies he had written in one of the most interesting documents on the history of art, Lives, would have been on show.

In addition to paintings, statues, jewelry, scientific instruments, even weapons, were displayed there. This unique situation made the Uffizi one of the most interesting and precious collections in the whole world.

It was based on an idea of Vasari, who had put the portrait of each artist with his biography, that Leopoldo de’Medici started the rich collection of artists’ self-portraits.

Since 1865 it became a museum, nowadays with 50 rooms housing paintings ranging from 13th century to the 18th century. Highlights are the famous “Madonna enthroned” by Giotto, the “Battle of San Romano” by Paolo Uccello, the double portrait by Piero della Francesca, “Federico da Montefeltro”, the “Birth of Venus” by Botticelli , in addition to 3 works by Leonardo, 1 by Michelangelo, a few by Raffaello and many by Tiziano.

All of the gallery’s paintings have been displayed chronologically, so it is possible to fully appreciated all the innovations in art throughout the centuries.

Photo: Abama Hotel Tenerife

The Abama Hotel Tenerife is a vast, family-friendly resort on the south west coast of Tenerife, Spain. In scale, Abama Hotel Tenerife is more like a village than a resort. The 160 hectare ‘finca’ or private estate is tucked away in the tranquil and little known area of Guía de Isora.

On the smooth slopes of the Teide, the highest peak on the island, the resort is set in an attractive hillside landscape that runs all the way down to the ocean and an exclusive beach. This volcanic terrain is covered by exuberant vegetation, with over 300 varieties of plants, trees and palm trees, in a situation with stunning panoramic views over the Atlantic Ocean and the neighboring island of La Gomera.

The architectural design of the Abama is ethnically inspired, using earth-colored walls, terracotta-tiled floors and irregular architecture. Nature is incorporated into the design, cleverly using trees and vegetation to build an unusual and relaxing look.

Villa rooms and suites come complete with their own gardens, terraces and shared pools, providing a wide choice of relaxing accommodation for families and couples alike. The three-hundred rooms in the main building continue the ethnic look with floors strewn with rugs, exotic plants and dark wood furnishings. Water is an essential element that runs through the entire resort with its numerous lakes and waterfalls.

Tenerife is the largest of the seven islands that make up the Canary Island Archipelago, found just north of the Tropic of Cancer. In this location, the Abama enjoys more hours of sunshine than any other part of Spain, with an average annual temperature of 23°.

At the heart of the Abama complex, is ‘the citadel’ where bars and restaurants, the library and screening room, decadently indulgent spa, secret gardens, ornamental lakes and swimming pools can be found. In ‘the citadel’ there is a choice of a deluxe room or two categories of suite accommodation.

The rooms’ interior decor makes use of local materials such as Canary Island pine, and each has a king-size or twin beds, fitted oak furniture and state of the art entertainment equipment. Marble bathrooms have large tubs, a separate shower stall, and complimentary brand-name bath products. Each row of villas has access to an exclusive pool, ocean views from their top floor rooms and spacious terraces.

Unsurprisingly, given the resort’s size, the facilities available to guests are extensive. With ten restaurants, eight swimming pools, seven tennis courts and a golf course and spa center, residents may spend a week at Abama and never step outside.

The fabulous golf course, designed by Dave Thomas, and boasting twenty two lakes and 25,000 palm trees, waterfalls, and Atlantic views, can be enjoyed all year round and is a major draw for many guests. There is a golf academy for guests to enjoy one-to-one golf lessons, and a pro shop stocked with leading brands of specialist golf equipment.

For a more sedate form of relaxation, an extensive spa and wellness center allows guests full immersion in an oasis of calm with a complete range of massages and other therapies on offer. Skincare, anti-stress and beauty treatments make use of natural and local materials such as volcanic stones, mineralizing marine algae, aromatic herbs and healing fruits. In addition, the spa has a hydrotherapy pool, thermal water circuit and a complete fitness center.

The Abama Golf and Spa Resort has a huge choice of ways to spend a holiday in a constant state of luxury relaxation. Combining a stunning location, fantastic facilities and excellent service, the resort has all the ingredients for an indulgent and memorable visit to the island of Tenerife.

Mandarin Oriental Hotel du Rhone Geneva, Switzerland

The Mandarin Oriental Hotel du Rhone Geneva is ideally located in the heart of Geneva – a stone’s throw away from the main shopping, cultural  and business district.

The Mandarin Oriental Hotel Du Rhone Geneva is located on the right bank of the River Rhone. The hotel is recently refurbished with historic art deco masterpiece is a luxurious symphony of silk, Italian marble, parquet and leather. As guests enter this luxury hotel, there is a spacious lobby to greet them along with a welcoming bar.

This amazing hotel offers 192 guest rooms and suites. The rooms and suites are spacious, elegantly furnished and fully prepared for the business traveler.

Many rooms have soothing views of the River Rhone and all are designed for relaxation in the warmest shades of cognac, plum and chocolate. The luxurious suites are features with private lifts, dining rooms and even a white grand piano.

This traditional, but luxury hotel boasts many art deco features, and provides guests with comfortable, spacious rooms, as well as a Michelin-starred restaurant and extensive meeting facilities.

Mandarin Oriental Hotel du Rhone
Quai Turrettini 1
1201 Geneva,
Switzerland
+41 (22) 909 00 00

Spitsbergen Winter Safari

If you are looking for the ultimate arctic wilderness experience, then consider Spitsbergen, Norway.

Spitsbergen is definitely remote, a 90-minute flight north from the northern coast of Norway.

After all these years, the scenic area of Spitsbergen is still relatively untouched by the outside world.

Spitsbergen, meaning “sharp mountains”, is the largest island of the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard, which means “old Norse” for cold coast.

Spitsbergen has an abundance of wildlife, including polar bears, reindeer and arctic foxes, in addition to seals, whales, walruses and myriad seabirds.

If you’ve ever dreamed of visiting the polar north, Spitsbergen features rugged alpine-like mountains, icebergs and sparkling glaciers.

See remote Spitsbergen first-hand with a six-day expedition that combines the thrill of traveling by snowmobile with the excitement of being in the deep polar wilderness.

Named the Spitsbergen Winter Safari, it’s a 6-day/5-night package offering the ultimate hands-on, arctic adventure.

Included in Spitsbergen Winter Safari package, are two nights’ hotel accommodation at the Spitsbergen Hotel in Longyearbyen, two nights at the Spitsbergen Expedition Lodge, one night’s accommodation in the Russian settlement of Barentsburg, and most meals.

Other features include a snowmobile plus necessary clothing and equipment. Experienced expedition leaders will take the group across glaciers, mountains and ice-covered fjords; a landscape of snow and ice, untouched and incredibly beautiful.

Pricing for the Spitsbergen Winter Safari is $3,995 per person – based on double occupancy. For single occupancy, pricing is $4,995

Departure dates are April 11, 18 and 25, 2011. Tour members should be in generally good physical condition and prepared for low temperatures and rapid weather changes.

For additional information or reservations, contact the The Great Canadian Travel Company at http://www.greatcanadiantravel.com/tours/north-atlantic-islands/spitsbergen-winter-safari or call 800-661-3830

One of the main goals for visiting another country is to experience the best of what it offers. No one likes small, humble accommodations when you get down to the root of the matter.

We all like lavishness – to be comfortable and even impressed with our surroundings. For European vacationers, many find that casino resorts offer the type of luxury they demand at a price almost anyone can afford.

There are fifty independent countries in Europe, each delivering its own unique traditions and culture. There’s a lot to see in any one of Europe’s many countries, like Royal Albert Hall or Big Ben in London, England; The Louvre in Paris, France; all of Rome in Italy; and so much more. And not to even mention the exquisite cuisine options available to you from border to border.

But sometimes people want a little more fun on their luxurious vacations than a simple tour of Euro wonders can provide. This is where Europe’s casino resorts take over, and they do billions of dollars worth of business annually.

There are nearly 20 casinos in Germany alone, some featuring world-class accommodations for the traveler wishing to be pampered. Greece, one of the world’s most historic countries and the founders of modern civilization, is home to 10 fantastic gaming venues. And other countries like the UK, Hungary, Italy, Bulgaria, Sweden, Estonia and Monaco are also offering wonderful gaming establishments.

Casino resorts directories will feature pertinent details about any country’s venues, including tips on planning your vacation, travel guides, hotel information, and more.

You could go and see the normal sights, packed with tourists and traffic, and play in best bonus casinos from your computer in your hotel room. But you would miss part of Europe’s nightlife and entertainment culture that you cannot recapture from brochures or articles. Europe’s casinos are must-see destinations.

Photo: Villa Laura / Doorways, LTD.

Under the Tuscan Sun was a 2003 movie starring the beautiful actress, Diane Lane.  Lane’s character buys a lovely villa while on vacation in Tuscany, hoping to change her life after a divorce.

The villa from Under the Tuscan Sun is named – Villa Laura and just completed a four-year long renovation.

The newly restored Villa Laura is actually located in Cortona, Italy and is now available to rent.

The amazing Italian villa was purchased by the owners of California winery – Cline Cellars.

“As I made my way through the brambles to explore the ancient, crumbling villa for the first time, I felt like I was stepping into a fairytale, says Kit Burns, President of Doorways Ltd. “The villa lay in ruins, but I could see that it had great potential.”

The kitchens and bathrooms were custom crafted by a Tuscan artist, using marble surfaces and restored original stone walls. The wooden beds were replaced by wrought ironed hand-crafted frames from a local artisan. The bedding was made from the finest English linens.

The landscaping at Villa Laura is beautifully done, including an extensive rose garden surrounding a new in-ground pool, jacuzzi, and spectacular Roman fountain.

Photo: Villa Laura / Doorways, LTD.

The goal of the restoration was to maintain the villa’s original charm and magic. The interior is decorated with a combination of contemporary and antique furniture, found across Europe, by designer Jane Thompson.

Adjacent to Villa Laura is a rustic farmhouse that accommodates a total of 18 guests. The size makes it perfect destination weddings, families or large groups. “This is the perfect opportunity for guests to step into a movie set and live out their own adventure,” says Burns.

To rent Villa Laura and other luxurious European villas, please visit www.villavacations.com