Sample Itineraries Interior fares from* Balcony fares from* 10-day Tahiti November – December 2013 Roundtrip Tahiti Fares based on Ocean Princess® 12/9/13 sailing. Government fees and taxes of $80 are included. $1,879 $2,469 Plus up to $350 air savings* 10-day Asia October – November 2013 Roundtrip Singapore Fares based on Diamond Princess® 11/4/13 sailing. Government fees and taxes of $70 are included. $1,269 $1,999 Plus up to $250 air savings* 12-day Greek Isles September – November 2013 Between Rome and Venice Fares based on Ruby Princess® 11/5/13 sailing. Government fees and taxes of $80 are included. $1,079 $1,579 Plus up to $200 air savings* 12-day Mediterranean September – November 2013 Between Athens and Rome Fares based on Pacific Princess® 11/23/13 sailing. Government fees and taxes of $130 are included. $1,229 $1,629 Plus up to $200 air savings* 15-day Hawaiian Islands October – December 2013 Roundtrip Los Angeles and San Francisco Fares based on Star Princess® 12/5/13 sailing. Government fees and taxes of $100 are included. $1,599 $2,299 Plus up to $100 air savings*

*Restrictions:
Up to $700 ($350 per person) off Air applies to a per person discount off of flights booked through Princess between May 23, 2013 and May 28, 2013, for selected voyages listed in communication only. Air discounts are only applicable to Memorial Day Sale fares and are not combinable with any other promotions past or future. Additional airline baggage, change and cancelation fees may apply.

Still trying to decide where to go on your summer/fall vacation? Explore Spain or Italy with Globus Journey, a premier escorted tour company.  Let them do the driving so you can relax and immerse yourself in the journey.  Book by May 22nd and receive up to $400 off per couple on select itineraries.

Book with agent that is experienced in the type of travel you’re interested in! I’ve taken several escorted bus tours throughout Europe and would be happy to answer any questions you have. Contact me for more information and reservations.

Featured Departures:
Spectacular Spain
Departures May 4 – December 14, 2013
8 nights
Priced from $1,669 per person land only (November 9th departure)

Spanish Fiesta
Departures May 6 – December 9, 2013
13 nights
Priced from $2,399 per person land only (December 9th departure)

Italy’s Great Cities
Departures May 1 – December 1, 2013
7 nights
Priced from $2,149 per person land only (November 3rd departure)

Italian Mosaic
Departures May 2 – December 17, 2013
12 nights
Priced from $2,849 per person land only (October 22nd departure)

Northern Italy’s Highlights & Cinque Terre
Departures May 3 – October 4, 2013
9 nights
Priced from $2,199 per person (October 4th departure)

Terms & Conditions: Book a 2013 Globus Italy & Spain vacation and receive $200 per person discount.  Includes extensions. Booking must be made, under deposit and discount applied between April 24, 2013 and May 22, 2013 for travel between April 24, 2013 through December 31, 2013. Not applicable with any other discounts except Journeys Club Repeat Traveler benefit and $200 per couple air credit on all 2013 Globus air-inclusive Europe vacations. Applies to new 2013 bookings only. Offer reliant on space availability. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply.

With nearly as many river cruising options as there are rivers, it’s smart to enlist the help of an expert travel agent to match you with the experience that’s right for you. To get you started, here are a few things to keep in mind when planning your river cruise.

Know the Benefits of River Cruising

River cruising invites you to slow down and enjoy the journey along with each destination. In addition, river cruising offers travel benefits like:

• Ease. As with conventional ocean cruising, you’ll unpack only once, and yet you’ll get to enjoy an in-depth look at a variety of destinations. Some river cruises also include shore excursions that introduce you to places and people well beyond the riverfront cities, towns, and villages, giving you a well-rounded feel for the area;
• Proximity. Wherever you dock, you’ll typically find yourself mere steps from all the action and—because river cruise ships typically carry less than 200 passengers—you won’t feel like you’re traveling with the masses every time your ship disembarks;
• History. Once upon a time, rivers were the “roads” and some of the oldest cities, towns, and villages grew up along the rivers—today, river cruising is a convenient and rather romantic way to access this history; and
• Cost-Savings. The cost for a typical river cruise includes all shore excursions and meals, and some also include limited alcoholic beverages, so you don’t encounter unexpected expenses during your trip.

Know What to Expect When River Cruising

To maneuver comfortably along winding, sometimes-narrow rivers, river cruise ships tend to have tight quarters. But, even on the smallest river cruise ships, there are usually cabin categories with ample breathing room. If you’re budget-minded and opt for a standard cabin, it’s important to note that common areas are often roomy, especially the rooftop deck—a spacious spot to relax, socialize, and take in the impressive and ever-changing views.

Know Where to Enjoy River Cruising

Europe, with its many scenic and diverse rivers, has set the standard for river cruising—but Europe is by no means the only place to enjoy river cruising. The Yangtze in China, the Nile in Egypt, and the Amazon which flows through several countries in South America are also exceptional areas to explore and enjoy with a river cruise.

Know Your River Cruising Options

A few of our favorite river cruise lines include:

• Avalon Waterways—this line has a fleet of new and very contemporary ships sailing the rivers of Europe;
• Viking River Cruises—with its new Viking Long Ships, this is now the largest river cruise line, and offers cruises in Europe, China, and Egypt;
• Uniworld Boutique River Cruises—this upscale line, with its luxurious interiors, consistently wins “world’s best” accolades for gourmet food and wine; and
• AmaWaterways—this upscale line has unique land and cruise combinations, and offers cruises in Europe, Africa, and Vietnam/Cambodia.

Know When (and How!) to Book Your River Cruise

The key is early booking. Unlike conventional ocean cruising, where you’ll sometimes find a great last-minute deal, river cruises sell out months before departure. To get the best discounts, and to benefit from the greatest variety and choices, book up to a year in advance. With literally dozens of ships and itineraries —let us sort out the options, and then match you with your best river cruise company and itinerary.  And, because we’re current on all promotions, we can make sure you get the best value. Bon voyage!

Spring Into Paradise!

Work overload? Let Tahiti put the “spring” back into your step! Take advantage of the lowest fare sale of the year to get away with the whole family. Surprise them with an escape to Tahiti from only $898 per person – that’s a 42% savings on travel! Or, take that well deserved break with your loved one for a few days rest and relaxation in a truly exotic destination, nonstop from Los Angeles (and same time zone as Hawaii).

Airfare Rules:
Roundtrip economy airfare from Los Angeles to Tahiti
All tickets must be purchased by 04/30/2013
Travel Dates: Between 05/05/2013 and 06/24/2013
All fares include taxes, fees and fuel surcharges

Quick Tour of Tahiti
Tahiti… Just the word… The world’s definition of paradise.
Tahiti, the largest island throughout the country, towering over the ocean like a proud and royal Queen is crowned by a circle of majestic peaks. The mountainous interior is adorned with deep valleys, clear streams, and high waterfalls, all bathed in green iridescence of Mother Nature’s light. The coastal lands, edged with a rugged coastline, are home to fields of tropical flowers and most of the island’s population. Tahiti offers a world of adventure for families and for children of all ages!

Valid dates: From: 19 Jul 2013 – To: 23 Jul 2013

Package Includes:

• 4 nights Bed & Breakfast at Mespil Hotel, Dublin (Or similar)
• Return coach transfer from Airport to Dublin Hotel.
• Entrance to Guinness Storehouse
• Tickets to
  Riverdance – The Gathering at the Park event
  Riverdance – The Gathering Longest Line World Record event
  Riverdance – The Gathering at the Gaiety event

From $787USD per person, double occupancy (land only)

Itinerary:

Day 1 Pick up your transfer from the airport to your hotel accommodation. After checking in, there will be time to enjoy the hotel facilities and to explore the local area.

Day 2 Today enjoy The Riverdance Gathering at the Park which will bring Riverdance outdoors for an exciting family friendly day out in the afternoon and a unique evening performance spotlighting on screen groundbreaking performances from the history of Riverdance.

Experience traditional and Riverdance Music Workshops, Riverdance Show and Documentary Screenings with introductions and Q & A with participants, facepainting and family friendly Food Concessions.

In the afternoon, led by the cream of Riverdance musicians and dancers, this will be a once off special outdoor event on Merrion Square West. Riverdance will teach the audience how to dance at this family focused event and then everyone will be invited to show off their Irish dancing skills, whether experts or beginners.
In the evening Members of Riverdance bands past and present will come together to perform highlights of the Riverdance soundtrack from various performances through the years. The event will feature a special guest performance from Ryan Sheridan to open the event. Ryan was a dancer with Riverdance and spent four years in the US touring with the show. Return to your hotel for the evening.

Day 3 Today experience a moment in history as you witness The Riverdance Gathering World Record attempt on the banks of the River Liffey. The world record for the longest Riverdance line currently stands at 652 dancers and is held by Nashville, Tennessee, USA. The riverside area will feature attractions on land and on the water such as Tugs, Tall Ships, Sea Safari Water tours, a Parade of Sail, Kayaks and Water cannon. You will also get the chance to enjoy two special performances to celebrate The Gathering Ireland 2013 and the 10th season of Riverdance at the Gaiety Theatre. Each of the performances will be introduced by Riverdance founder Moya Doherty and Riverdance First Lady, Jean Butler as well as other special guests. Return to your hotel for the evening

Day 4 Today enjoy city sightseeing as you sample the sights, sounds and tastes of Dublin. Steeped in history and youthful energy, experience fine museums and art galleries which chronicle Dublin’s long and colourful past, while the pubs and cafes buzz with traditional and contemporary entertainment. No visit to Ireland is complete without a fascinating visit to the Guinness Storehouse®. Indulge in a dramatic story that begins over 250 years ago and ends in Gravity Bar, where visitors receive a complimentary pint of Guinness® while relaxing and enjoying spectacular views over Dublin. Return to your hotel for your final overnight stay.

Day 5 Check out of your hotel and pick up your coach transfer to the airport and return home.

Space is VERY limited. Contact me today for complete assistance with planning your trip to Ireland!

Package Includes:

• 2 nights in Athens
• 3 nights in Mykonos
• 3 nights in Santorini
• Breakfast daily
• Ferry tickets, Piraeus/Mykonos/Santorini
• Air ticket, Santorini/Athens, including applicable taxes, fees, and fuel surcharges
• All transfers

Saturday arrivals are used as a guideline for this package, however, daily arrivals are available.  

DAY 01: SAT - Upon arrival at Athens Airport, you will be met and assisted then transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Athens.

DAY 02: SUN - The day is at leisure. We suggest a visit to the Acropolis and Plaka on your own or join an optional tour. Overnight in Athens. (B)

DAY 03: MON - This morning you will have an early transfer to Piraeus Port for your ferry to Mykonos. Upon arrival in Mykonos, you will be met and assisted then transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Mykonos. (B)

DAY 04/05: TUE/WED - The days are at leisure to enjoy the sandy beaches, the sea, and the sun of this wonderful island. Be sure to check out the incredible nightlife in the evening. Overnight in Mykonos. (B)

DAY 06: THU - This morning you will be transferred to the pier for your ferry to Santorini. Upon arrival in Santorini, you will be met and assisted then transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Santorini. (B)

DAY 07/08: FRI/SAT - The days are at leisure to enjoy this breathtaking island. Admire the town of Fira’s whitewashed houses, narrow streets, and open-air cafes that cling to a steep cliff accessible by cable car or donkey. Overnight in Santorini. (B)

DAY 09: SUN - You will be transferred to Santorini Airport for your flight to Athens in time to connect with your return flight. (B)

*All prices are per person, based on double occupancy, and subject to availability at the time of booking. The from price reflects the lowest available price at time of publication, which is valid for a specific start date or dates and also based on availability at the time of booking. Airfare is not included, but is available for purchase separately.

For over 15 years Bay Area residents have escaped completely on relaxing Princess Cruises® vacations sailing out of San Francisco. Starting this weekend Grand Princess® is finally making her year-round home in San Francisco.  Here are some great new voyages!

Many departures available! Contact me for more information!

*Fares apply to minimum lead-in categories on a space-available basis at time of booking. Fares for other categories may vary. Oceanview stateroom may have an obstructed view. Fares are per person, non-air, cruise-only, based on double occupancy and apply to the first two passengers in a stateroom. These fares do not apply to singles or third/fourth-berth passengers. This offer is capacity controlled and may not be combinable with any other public, group or past passenger discount. Offer is available to residents of the 50 United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, Mexico and the District of Columbia who are 21 years of age or older and receive this offer. Fares quoted in U.S. dollars.

Package Includes:

• Meet and Greet at Cape Town airport
• 3 nights in a non-sea facing classic room at the 4-star Winchester Mansions on a B&B basis
• 2 nights in a standard room at the Augberge Bligny Homestead in Franschhoek on a B&B basis
• 2 nights 5-star Water Lodge at the Pumba Game Reserve on a fully inclusive basis (includes accommodation, all game drives, meals and all drinks)
• Bo Kaap Walking tour and Cape Malay Food tour (includes lunch)
• Car rental for 6 days.
• Transfers as needed.

Sunday arrivals are used as a guideline for this package, however, daily arrivals are available. 

DAY 01: SUN - You are met at Cape Town airport by our representative and handed your travel documents. You travel into Cape Town and check in at the 4-star Winchester Mansions, situated on the Atlantic seaboard with uninterrupted sea views. It is five minute drive from the trendy Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. This charming and gracious hotel offers its guests understated elegance and service. The luxurious rooms have sea or mountain views. Sip sundowners whilst viewing the spectacular ocean sunsets and relax around the decked pool. There is an in-house spa offering health and beauty treatments. The Winchester Mansions’ in-house restaurant, Harvey’s, is fast becoming a culinary hot spot in Cape Town. Hard to find among Cape Town restaurants today, Harvey’s offers discerning diners an appetising taste of traditional Cape cuisine. The Harvey’s Bar, adjoining the restaurant, allows you to enjoy arguably Cape Town’s best view – the sun slipping into the Atlantic – while sipping a long cocktail on the terrace. The rest of this afternoon is at leisure to relax or you can take an optional half-day city tour of one of the one of the world’s most beautiful cities. You will visit the historic Castle and the Bo-Kaap Malay Quarter with its narrow cobbled streets and colourful mosques. You view the Houses of Parliament and then, weather-permitting, you will ride the cable car up Table Mountain to enjoy the view over Cape Town and across Table Bay to Robben Island (cable car fare is not included in tour price). If the weather is inclement, you will be taken on a scenic drive up Signal Hill. You will be dropped off at the hotel after the tour. Overnight at the Winchester Mansions. (B)

DAY 02: MON - Today is at leisure in Cape Town. We suggest you either take a tour or self-drive along the coast around the Cape Peninsula to Cape Point. You travel along the Atlantic seaboard via glamorous Clifton to the quaint seaside village of Hout Bay. Here you can take a boat ride from the fishing harbour out to the seal colony on Seal Island. Continue via the scenic Chapman’s Peak Drive to Cape Point. Looking at this dramatic promontory jutting into the sea gives one an idea why early sailors nicknamed it the Cape of Storms. You then follow the coastline northwards via Simonstown, where you can visit the penguin colony of Boulders Beach. A leisurely drive through the leafy southern suburbs will bring you back to the hotel in the late afternoon. Overnight at the Winchester Mansions. (B)

DAY 03: TUE - We suggest you spend this day at leisure exploring the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, which is a five minute drive from the hotel. If you do not have a hire car, your hotel concierge will call a taxi for you. The Waterfront is Southern Africa’s trendiest shopping precinct and is a great place to look for gifts. You can take a ferry from the Waterfront across Table Bay to Robben Island. An ex-prisoner takes you on an extensive tour of the prison, which includes a visit to Nelson Mandela’s cell, the limestone quarry and the old leper colony. Today you will take a half-day Cape Malay Tour, which includes a hand-on cooking demonstration in a Cape Malay home followed by lunch. This afternoon you could visit the Waterfront’s Two Oceans Aquarium, which is highly recommended for the insight it gives into life in the two oceans off the southern tip of Africa – the cold Atlantic Ocean and the warm Indian Ocean. Alternatively, you may like to relax on one of the trendy beaches of Camps Bay or Clifton. Museum lovers can wander through the South African Museum and the National Art Gallery. This evening would be a good time to go up Table Mountain if the weather was inclement on Day One. Tonight you may like to try one of the fine quayside restaurants at the Waterfront. Overnight at the Winchester Mansions. (B)

DAY 04: WED - This morning you travel to the Winelands, with its backdrop of majestic mountain ranges and lush valleys and vineyards. If you are self-driving, we suggest you stop for a wine tasting and cellar tour at Fairview and Boschendal Estates. A scenic drive over the Helshoogte Pass (Hell’s Heights) takes you from Stellenbosch to the Franschhoek Valley, where you check into Auberge Clermont. This magnificent Auberge has been created in an old wine cellar amid vines laden with Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and the classic Bordeaux Reds of France. There are just six deluxe en-suite rooms on a working wine and fruit farm with an ambiance, style and feel of a little corner of Provence in South Africa’s Winelands. Enjoy the luxury of splendid bedrooms individually decorated in the colours and moods of Provence. Loft rooms are light and stylish with great views. Pool rooms overlook the plum orchards and majestic mountains beyond. A tennis court and swimming pool are great for summer fun. Linger over a delightful breakfast served in your room or on the terrace under 140-year-old oak trees overlooking the plum orchards. Overnight at the Auberge Bligny. (B)

DAY 05: THU - We suggest you spend today following the Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschhoek Wine Routes. You can either self-drive or arrange a tour through your hotel concierge. You can stop for tastings at wine estates along the way and you will have the chance to purchase some of the wines you have tasted. Other sights worth seeing in the Winelands are Stellenbosch, the “town of oaks” and South Africa’s second oldest town. In Franschhoek itself you can visit the memorial to the French Huguenots, who sought refuge from religious persecution in Europe and settled here in the late seventeenth century. Paarl, with its three imposing granite domes and monument to the Afrikaans language, is also an interesting stop. Franschhoek is known as South Africa’s gourmet capital. For lunch visit La Petite Ferme – a feast of culinary delights. For dinner you might like to try Le Quartier Français Restaurant, which has been rated by Restaurant Magazine in London as one of the world’s 50 Best Restaurants. Another excellent Franschhoek Restaurant is Haute Cabrière. A combination of fine wine and food, the elegance of the cellar venue and the breath-taking views have put Haute Cabrière in all the top 10 listings in South Africa. Overnight at the Auberge Bligny. (B)

DAY 06: FRI - You depart Franschhoek and travel to Cape Town airport to catch a flight to Port Elizabeth. From Port Elizabeth you travel to the Big Five game reserve. Upon check-in at 1 pm, you are served lunch. Discover wildest Africa in true luxury at the Pumba Private Game Reserve in South Africa. This Eastern Cape safari lodge has achieved a 5-star rating for its unrivalled beauty, world-class service and the abundance of wild animals on its doorstep. In addition to the famous Big 5 (lions, leopards, buffalos, rhinos and elephants), guests of the game reserve have the rare opportunity of seeing the magnificent White Lion, stalking prey and lazing under the trees in its natural environment. This South African retreat is equipped with two intimate lodges (the Water Lodge and Msenge Bush Lodge), each boasting their own touch of opulence. In addition to this inviting accommodation, complete with outdoor showers and private pools, guests are invited to savour the flavours created by the qualified 5-star chefs. To complete the Pumba experience, the Msenge Bush Lodge’s Soul Spa is guaranteed to work off the last remnants of the stress of city living. Overnight at Pumba Private Game Reserve. (B/L/D)

DAY 07: SAT - This morning after a light breakfast you are taken on another game drive. Game drives at Pumba bring you face to face with a multitude of game species. After lunch relax on your deck or enjoy a swim in the pool. Afternoon game drive followed by dinner. Overnight at Pumba Private Game Reserve. (B/L/D)

DAY 08: SUN - This morning you are taken on your last game drive at Pumba. After brunch you bid farewell to this African wonderland and you travel back to Port Elizabeth airport and board your flight home. (B)

* All prices are per person, based on double occupancy, and subject to availability at the time of booking. The from price reflects the lowest available price at time of publication, which is valid for a specific start date or dates and also based on availability at the time of booking. Airfare is not included, but is available for purchase separately.