Costa Rica Eco Adventure

Each day of this travel experience brings you up close to the lush rainforests and exotic wildlife of beautiful, tranquil Costa Rica. Explore popular Tortuguero National Park and the peaceful Monteverde Cloud Forest.

Sightseeing Highlights

Tortuguero National Park: Spend two days in one of Costa Rica's most popular eco-tourism destinations.
Sarapiqui: Explore this beautiful valley surrounded by rainforest.
Arenal: See the active Arenal Volcano. Visit Tabacon Hot Springs for a relaxing bath.
Monteverde Cloud Forest: Enjoy two days in this spectacular area. Take a guided walk with a park naturalist, and explore SkyWalk, a chain of suspension bridges high above the Cloud Forest.

First Class Travel Highlights

Round-trip transfers between the airport and hotel, including porterage at the airport.
Accommodations in hotels listed in twin-bedded rooms with private bath or shower.
Services of an English-speaking Tour Director throughout; local host on beach extension.
Sightseeing as detailed in the itinerary including admission charges, where applicable.
Boat transfer to Tortuguero.
Hotel taxes, service charges and porterage.
Portfolio of travel documents.

Dining Highlights

17 included meals in total (see day by day itinerary)
7 Breakfasts
4 Lunches
5 dinners
Breakfast daily on beach extension
Farewell Dinner in Monteverde

Itinerary:

Day 1 - Arrive San Jose
Daytime flight to San Jose. Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The balance of the day is free to begin exploring on your own. Your Tour Director will be on hand to answer any questions.Hotel: Doubletree Cariari

Day 2 - San Jose – Tortuguero National Park (2 nights)
This morning head east through mountains and rainforests, toward the Caribbean Sea. Your boat is waiting to start your expedition along the river to Tortuguero National Park. (Breafkfast / Lunch / Dinner) Hotel: Pachira Lodge (2 nights) NOTE: You will need to carry a small overnight bag (max. 25 lbs) to the Park. Your main luggage will be transferred to Sarapiqui.

Day 3 - Tortuguero National Park
Today, explore this beautiful Park from the water on a boat cruise through the small canals. Watch for sloths, iguanas, crocodiles, monkeys, toucans, egrets and hundreds of species of colorful birds. (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

Day 4 - Tortuguero – Sarapiqui
Head out via waterways and land to tiny Sarapiqui. This beautiful community is situated in a valley and surrounded by rainforests. The area is relatively unknown, and home to some of Costa Rica's most diverse and dense vegetation and wildlife. Your afternoon is at leisure with plenty of time to explore the surrounding environs. (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner) Hotel: Sueno Azul, La Quinta Sarapiqui or Centro Neotropico SarapiquiS Ecolodge

Day 5 - Sarapiqui – Arenal
This morning, the Alma Ata Archaeological Park reveals the country’s pre-Columbian heritage. After your visit here, head to Arenal. Thrill to spectacular views of one of the world’s most active volcanoes. Arenal has emitted regular eruptions of ash and rocks since 1968. It is truly an awesome sight to behold. Relax in the thermal mineral pools, waterfalls and hot springs of varying temperatures at Tabacon Hot Springs. Tonight, watch the mini-eruptions of Arenal while leisurely dining at the Hot Springs. (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner) Hotel: Arenal Paraiso Resort and Spa

Day 6 - Arenal – Monteverde Cloud Forest (2 nights)
Take your last photos of Arenal this morning, as you head out toward Monteverde Cloud Forest. Upon arrival in this peaceful region, the balance of your day is at leisure to relax or begin exploring on your own. Your mountain lodge overlooks much of the Cloud Forest and the setting is spectacular. (Breakfast / Dinner) Hotel: El Establo Mountain Hotel

Day 7 - Monteverde Cloud Forest
Take a guided walk with a park naturalist through the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve this morning. Hundreds of species of animals, birds, insects and plants make their homes here. Watch for quetzals, hummingbirds, monkeys and more, and enjoy the unique flora of the forest. Also included at your leisure is the SkyWalk, a chain of six suspension bridges above the Cloud Forest. The forest canopy is home to many unique flora and fauna species, which you would not see from ground level. Definitely a memorable experience! Enjoy a Farewell Dinner in a local Italian restaurant (Breakfast / Farewell Dinner)

Day 8 - Monteverde – Depart
Transfer to the Liberia Airport for your onward flight. (Breakfast)Please do not schedule homebound flights before 1:30pm.

Trafalgar Tours

For the past couple of days we have been exploring the thrills there to find in scorted tours. We have been looking at the tour Trafalgar has to offer:

Discover Trafalgar's unbeatable choice of tours and river cruises across Europe (First Class & CostSaver), North America, South America, Asia & the South Pacific with the finest Tour Directors in the industry. There's no waiting in line at major sites and our perfectly balanced itineraries offer various touring styles at a pace to suit you.

2009 European River Cruises

Trafalgar, in partnership with Uniworld presents an unrivalled River Cruise program with unique itineraries and superb five-star inclusions. You’ll travel in comfort and style onboard our luxurious ships and uncover treasures you find straight out of history books and fairytales: magnificent cathedrals, bustling marketplaces and historic castles – all from the comfort of your stateroom.

2009 European River Cruise program has now been released and includes the following exciting new cruises:

Paris & European River Romance: 11 days. Paris - Nuremberg

Paris & The heart of Europe: 18 daysParis - Vienna

Paris & Grand European Waterways: 32 daysParis - Bucharest

Rhine & Main Holiday Markets: 9 daysNuremberg - Cologne

Parisian Winter Holiday: 9 days Paris - Paris

Egyptian Voyager: 10 daysCairo - Cario

Why a River Cruise?

There is no finer way to explore the beauty of Europe than by going on Europe River cruises. European River cruises are a perfect way to discover the unmatched splendor of Europe. Europe's majestic streams will take you to the many glorious cities in the heart of the land. Not just this, you will have a tête-à-tête with the wonderful cultures that are flourishing beside these inland waterways. The views are lovely and will be etched in your mind. Why restrict yourself just to the coastal areas? Why limit your travel just to the big cruise ships?

Instead sail in the small rivers and explore the inner edges of the land also. European river cruises will take you to some of the most appealing and enticing sites of the world. River cruises to Europe will take you to the lavish landscape, vibrant vistas, furious forests and what not. You can explore the unmatched beauty of the place by going on a European river cruise.

River cruises to Europe will take the travelers to the land that enthused Van Gogh along the Rhone. Europe is also the place where the philosophical thought of Impressionism developed. This happened in the land where the serene Seine flows.

Experience the magic of the meandering Danube, which is flowing through Germany, Hungary and Austria. Indulge in the charismatic aura of the Po River in Italy. No matter which trip you choose for yourself, a European river cruise will no doubt take you to some of the most fantastic places in Europe.

One question that might be haunting you is that - why should one see the sights of Europe on a river cruise? The answer to this question is simple.

In a river cruise:

• You will get your own cabin, which is the hotel for you.
• You will get to travel from one place to another in style.
• You don't have to drive yourself.
• No hassles of early morning train departures or overcrowded motor coaches.
• You have to pack and unpack your belongings only once.
• Marvelous meals, great company and comfy accommodation.
• Not very high prices.

River cruises are very popular in many countries, especially in Europe. One chief advantage of river cruising in Europe is that you can enjoy an exciting evening out on the river cruise and can come home the very same day. Not just this, there are many other benefits that you can enjoy like casinos, spas, pools, fitness centers, recreation centers, gym, dining places, bars, lounges, salons, restaurants, games and night clubs. These facilities are available on the ship itself that makes the trip all the more exhilarating.

Click here to see the original article on Travel Maps of the World.

River Cruise - Burgundy & Provence

Sail past quaint hilltop cities and lively towns, lush vineyards, fields of flowers, and sun-drenched vistas made famous by the likes of Van Gogh and Cezanne. Add in full-bodied wines, gourmet dishes, art and history for the journey of a lifetime.

Rates from R 22 650.00 per person

that is R 2835.00 per day - including meals, transport, sightseeing and 5* Cruise Treatment!

Day 1 - Transfer to Arles (embark)
Day 2 - Arles, Avignon
Day 3 - Avignon
Day 4 - Viviers, Tournon
Day 5 - Tournon, Tain l’Hermitage, Lyon
Day 6 - Lyon
Day 7 - Châlon-sur-Saône (Beaune)
Day 8 - Chalon-sur-Saône (disembark), transfer to Lyon airport

Cruise Ships operating this itinerary: River Royale

Sightseeing Highlights

Arles:Visit this friendly Mediterranean town, see the Roman Amphitheater and museum Espace Van Gogh.

Avignon:A walking tour including the Clocktower Square, Pope’s Palace Square with a visit into the Papal Palace.

Viviers:Visit Old Town, viewing medieval streets of this charming town.
Tournon/Tain L’Hermitage:See the twin cities nestled among the famous vineyards. Visit Tournons famous castle

Lyon:Founded by Julius Caesar about 2000 years ago, see the Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière church and view the Beaujolais mountains.

Complimentary Transfers:

Important Note:Complimentary transfers will vary on certain tours especially if a Land portion is included on the tour. Please contact Trafalgar or your Travel Agent at time of booking to confirm the Complimentary transfer status on your selected tour.
Arrival Transfers:Flights must arrive between 0700 and 1400 on the day the cruise departs, or on the day any included land program begins in order to receive airport to ship transfers. These transfers are group transfers and passengers may experience a waiting period of up to 2 hours or more between transfers.
Passengers will need to make their way to the meet and greet area where they will be met by a representative holding a TRAFALGAR UNIWORLD sign. Passengers arriving outside the official dates of arrival shown in the brochure will need to make their own arrangements or purchase a private transfer.
Departure Transfers:Flights must depart between 0700 and 1700 on the day that the cruise or the included land package ends in order to receive the ship to airport transfer. Passengers departing later than this must make their own arrangements or purchase private transfers.

New for 2009! Epicurean Adventurer Program:

Private wine tastings, culinary demonstrations, and a special wine and food pairing dinner make your trip extra special.
Route to Beaune or Arles with shopping at an open-air food market.
Tournon/Tain l’Hermitage wine tasting and onboard chocolate sampling.
Chocolate crêpe-making demonstration and tasting.
Wine and food pairing dinner.

First Class Travel Highlights:

7-night cruise in a riverview stateroom on the breathtaking River Royale
6 shore excursions with all-English speaking guides
An experienced Cruise Manager and an attentive all English-speaking crew
All transfers on arrival and departure days
Complimentary use of bicycles
State-of-the-art Quietvox portable audio headset system on all shore excursions

Dining Highlights:

Captain’s Welcome & Farewell Dinners
All meals on board ship: breakfast, lunch and dinner
Complimentary fine wine during dinner, bottled water in your stateroom, and 24-hour specialty coffee
Classical European cuisine with a twist of contemporary elegance

Find Your Perfect Holiday With Trafalgar's Unique Touring Styles

Choose from:

City BreaksPerfect for independent travellers who want to feel the pulse of the world's greatest cities, while enjoying the advantage of Trafalgar's low group rates.

Free & EasyPerfectly balanced touring to suit your lifestyle with a mix of organised sightseeing and plenty of time to explore on your own.

Discovery ToursThese exciting tours include luxury coach travel, perfectly-located hotels with many two-night stays, expert Tour Directors and delicious cuisine.

Regional ToursFully escorted itineraries that allow you to discover one or two countries in-depth. Also includes two-night stopovers in most cities.

Regional PlusRegional tours specially designed for budding chefs and those fascinated by culinary arts.

Train ToursItineraries utilising famous trains such as the TGV in France, Glacier Express in Switzerland & Rocky Mountaineer in Canada.

River CruisesExperience magical destinations from the comfort of one of our luxurious ships. Enjoy on-shore excursions, gourmet cuisine and onboard entertainment.

Eastern Mediterranean ToursJourney to ancient lands and civilisations for the most incredible and awe-inspiring sights and experiences on earth.

Family Experience ToursItineraries designed especially for families. Guaranteed to be stress-free and fun for kids, parents and grandparents alike!

London Paris & Rome

England, Paris, and Italy's popular and beloved capitals await you! See Big Ben, ascend the Eiffel Tower, visit a French perfumery, and explore St. Peter's Basilica. There's lots of free time to do as you please in each thrilling destination.

Rates start from R 15 875.00 pp.

This means you are paying R 1600.00 per day.

Days 1 to 3 - London (3 nights)

Start your visit to London with an introductory morning sightseeing tour. See Big Ben, Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace. Then time at leisure to explore London’s parks and museums, and maybe enjoy a West End showHotel: The Grosvenor

Days 4 to 6 - Paris (3 nights)

We take the Channel ferry from Dover to Calais and drive across the First World War Battlefields, pausing to stop and view the recently restored Vimy Ridge Memorial, which commemorates the many thousands of Canadian soldiers who were killled, before continuing on to Paris. The next day we enjoy a sightseeing tour which includes the ascent of the Eiffel Tower to the second level, a drive up the Champs Élysées to the Arc de Triomphe, views of Notre Dame Cathedral plus a visit to the Fragonard Perfumery and Museum. Then the time is yours to maybe shop or visit the splendid Palace of Versailles or the Louvre. Why not dine out in Bohemian Montmartre or enjoy some Parisian cabaretHotel: Kyriad Bercy Villagel

Day 7 - Overnight train from Paris to Rome

All aboard our train in Paris for an overnight journey through the French vineyards en route to Italy. Then we head across the Apennine Mountains to Rome.

Days 8 to 9 - Rome (2 nights)

Enjoy two full days in this exciting city. Our sightseeing tour on the first morning with a local guide includes views of the Forum, Colosseum and the Circus Maximus, renowned for Ben Hur style chariot races, plus an interior visit to St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican. Then Rome is yours to explore to maybe admire Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel or shop along the elegant Via Condotti. In the evenings, perhaps discover Italy's mouth-watering cuisine in one of Rome's many restaurants.Hotel: Pinewood Hotel

Day 10 - Depart Rome

‘Arrivederci Roma’ to our new-found friends as our visit to these three fascinating cities comes to an end.