Have You? - Carlson Wagonlit Travel
Transcription
Have You? - Carlson Wagonlit Travel
Macy’s Travel What’s Inside! Macy’s Own Tours........................... 2 Exclusively for Women.................. 2 River Cruising - Europe the Easy Way...................................... 3 Honeymoon Top Picks ................. 3 Our Favorite Adventures.............. 4 The Road Less Traveled................. 4 A Mediterranean Adventure Continued........................................... 5 We’ve Been There Have You? .......................................... 5 traveler London: More Pounds for Your Buck............................................ 6 SPRING 2010 Beautiful British Columbia.......... 6 Great Cities to Visit with Children.................................... 7 Bermuda: Old World Charm with an Island Beat......................... 8 A Mediterranean Adventure I was standing with a tour group in the necropolis at Sakkara, Egypt, in front of the famous step pyramid of King Djoser. “Robert!—You are the god Osiris. Janet, you are his lovely wife Isis. And Mark, you are the evil god Set. Set, you hate Osiris, so get rid of him!” So began yet another of the historical re-enactments that our Egyptian guide Hani would stage using members of our tour group. While some were more willing to participate in these plays than others, it proved a great way for Hani to get us all to interact with each other and to make Egyptian history come alive. During our two-day tour, Hani was our teacher, our entertainment and our babysitter and he proved to be the best tour guide I’ve ever experienced. I was sailing the Eastern Mediterranean on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship and the highlight of the 12-day cruise for me was Egypt. The overnight stop in Alexandria gave me the opportunity to take a shore excursion that would carry me to the Great Pyramids at Giza, the Great Sphinx and the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities in Cairo. All these icons I’ve read about since I was a child and now I had the opportunity to see them for real! My Mediterranean cruise started in Barcelona, Spain. I flew in a day before the cruise. (When you’re traveling that far, there’s no sense taking any chances.) This gave me the luxury of getting a good night’s sleep before boarding the ship and I spent the extra time taking a tour of this vibrant city. Barcelona is visually stunning and chock full of artistic and gastronomic delights. The half-day tour whetted my appetite and left me wishing I had more time there. My first port was Kusadasi, Turkey, which is quite a distance from Barcelona. We had two full days at sea,. . – continued on page 5 PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE MACY’S TRAVEL 700 On The Mall, Mail Stop 1150 Minneapolis, MN 55402 PAID MINNEAPOLIS MN PERMIT #3844 Welcome to the Macy’s Travel 2010 Spring Newsletter Once again it is time to start thinking about your summer vacation! Prices this year still reflect the “bargain” environment that was apparent in 2009, however, demand for travel is on an upswing and although we can still uncover some really great travel deals, they are harder to find than last year. Call our professional and expert team to discover where the deals are; we have the experience and insider knowledge that gives us access to a wide range of special pricing that may not be available elsewhere. Also, our relationship with Virtuoso provides us with exclusive access to offers that are unique to our company. This has been a turbulent year in the travel industry. We appreciate your support and welcome your business and the personal referrals. We are very excited to see that travel continues to be an important and sought-after leisure activity for those who appreciate the benefits and value that only the experience of travel can bring to your life! Please call us for your next trip. Only a knowledgeable travel agent can provide the unique insights that will help create the travel experience with memories that will last a lifetime! The next time you are ready to explore the multitude of wonderful experiences that our world offers you, be sure to contact Macy’s Travel! Sincerely, Sue Kerby President, Macy’s Travel Macy’s Own Tours Our 14th Year – JOIN US! 2010 Christmas Markets along the Mosel River and Alsace Wine Road November 30 to December 8, 2010 Experience the true spirit of the holiday season with our tour to the German and French Christmas Markets. Our expert guides share their insider secrets and take you back to a time when life was simpler. Our tour will begin in the Mosel Valley of Germany, with visits to Cochem’s Old Town. A city highlight is the magnificent, 1,000-year-old, fairy tale-like Castle Reichsburg, nestled amongst vineyards more than 100 meters above the River Mosel. Traveling down the Mosel, we’ll visit Trier, Germany’s oldest city. In this 2,000-year-old city, you’ll find magnificent art treasures and unique architectural monuments. Walk along Roman streets and bridges that date back to Emperor Augustus. Leaving Germany, you’ll visit the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and finally cross into France where you will visit medieval cities and travel down the Alsace wine road. The holidays come alive as you stroll through open-air markets with smells of gingerbread, mulled wines (Gluhwein), roasted chestnuts and grilled sausages. Artisans in wooden stalls display and sell their crafts as shoppers and spectators wander in and out of markets surrounded by Gothic churches and half-timbered houses with street musicians playing holiday classics. Whether you prefer to be a spectator, merrymaker or shopper, you’ll experience the sites, sounds and spirit of old-time Christmas. Organize Your Own Group Traveling in a group with likeminded friends or family or an organization allows you to save money and to share in creating a lifetime memory. Macy’s Group Travel knows where to go and what to do, and we have the professional insight on how to book groups. Macy’s Own Tours Exclusively for Women An Invitation to the Open Roads of Ireland for Fun & Friendship September 4-12, 2010 Ten to 15 years ago, travel exclusively for women existed only for the affluent woman traveler. Today, thousands of women join journeys around the globe and experience the amazing benefits of women-only group travel. This fall, Macy’s Own Tours will visit. the Emerald Isle in the great company of women travelers. The scenery is beautiful and varied, with the sea never far from sight. Experience Irish music, song and dance. Go back in time at a medieval banquet served 15th-century style. Explore modern Dublin and all that it has to offer. It’s a land of stunning shores, quaint villages and lively pubs. overflowing with laughter and fun! . For more information, go to. www.macystravel.com/groups The goal of Macy’s Exclusively for Women travel is to recapture the fun and seek culturally-rich experiences combined with terrific accommodations, delicious food and personal growth opportunities. The road is not a lonely place, espe-. cially if you have joined a Macy’s. Exclusively for Women travel program. Voted World’s Best Cruise Line 16 consecutive years Is this your year to savor exceptional quality? Enjoy 2 for 1 pricing, Free Air, and AS YOU WISH shipboard credits on all European sailings! Choose a Northern Europe sailing or a Mediterranean sailing. Learn a new language with Berlitz classes, spoil yourself in the Feng Shui-inspired Crystal Spa all while visiting enchanting ports throughout Europe with the World’s Best! Receive pre-paid gratuities, private shore excursions or additional shipboard credit from Macy’s Travel at 800-316-6166. Book by 5/1/10 for additional amenities. We’re members of Virtuoso, Specialists in the Art of Travel, offering you: • Exceptional values • Exclusive extras • Worldwide expertise pg 2 | Call the experts – Macy’s Travel MN 866-337-9183 MI 800-203-0359 Nationwide 800-316-6166 www.macystravel.com - River Cruising - Europe the Easy Way! There are many ways to see Europe: rent a car, travel by train, take a motor coach tour, or sail on a large cruise ship. But river cruises are arguably the most convenient and immersive way to visit Europe. So it’s no surprise that river cruising is one of the fastest growing travel styles. With river cruising,. birthplace of Impressionism along the Seine. Experience the winding Danube in Germany, Austria and Hungary or the. Po River in the countryside of northern Italy and many other appealing itineraries, including Russian river voyages. Whichever trip you choose, a European river cruise will show you some of the. All with the convenience of being on a ‘floating hotel’ so you don’t need to worry about packing and unpacking to travel to your next city. you simply relax on the ship, let the crew pamper you, and float to your destination. Because your vessel docks in the heart of Europe’s quaintest towns and famous cities, you can step off the ship and immediately be in the heart of activity – visit historic cathedrals, shop at local markets, or just enjoy a cup of coffee at a nearby café. European river cruises can take you into the landscape that inspired Van Gogh along the Rhone or through the world’s most interesting and important. sites. All with the convenience of being on a ‘floating hotel’ so you don’t need to worry about packing and unpacking to travel to your next city. River cruising offers a very intimate travel experience. Most riverboats hold. no more than 200 passengers, are cozy, offer exceptional cuisine and are beautifully appointed. Many staterooms have panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows so you can enjoy the beautiful save $1,000 Per sTaTerooM ON SELECT 2010 AVALON RIVER CRUISES.* A river cruise journey with Avalon Waterways through the heart of Europe is unlike any other. With the newest ships, modern amenities and contemporary designs, Avalon will transport you to Europe’s greatest places in an entirely modern way. The Blue DanuBe Discovery 13 days from $3,529 land/cruise Budapest, deluxe 7-night cruise, Prague Departing July 4, 2010 WinDMills, vineyarDs & Paris 13 days from $3,739 land/cruise Paris, deluxe 10-night cruise from Remich to Amsterdam Departing August 9, 2010 scenery as you glide by sites such as Germany’s castles, France’s vineyards, and Holland’s windmills. Plus, river cruises offer exceptional value since most excursions at the ports of call are included in the cruise fare. The most popular rivers for cruising in Europe are the Rhine and the Danube but they’re not the only options. The Rhone and the Seine in France, and the lesser known but very scenic Main. River through southern Germany, the Elbe River through northeast Germany. and the Po River in Italy offer gorgeous landscapes, charming towns and plenty of opportunities to explore the rest of Europe. Call the experts at Macy’s Travel to arrange a river cruise experience to the destination of your choice! E-Travel Specials: Visit www.macystravel.com for weekly travel specials and to sign up for e-specials. The best travel values — all at the click of a mouse. Honeymoon Top Picks! Just as important as your wedding day is your honeymoon. Take it from actual newlyweds–you’re really going to need some rest and relaxation after the big day. Looking for someplace trendy for your honeymoon? Or a. destination that caters to your recreational interests? This list, as reported in Modern Bride Magazine, gives the latest, most popular honeymoon picks: Romance – Tahiti Seclusion – Seychelles Beaches – Turks & Caicos Adventure – Costa Rica Culture – Italy Nightlife – Las Vegas Mountains – Switzerland Food & Wine – Italy Affordability – Mexico Snorkeling & Diving – Belize Up-and-Coming Locale – Dubai For more information and reservations, call the travel experts at Macy’s Travel, 800.316.6166 *Book a select 2010 Europe Avalon Waterways/Globus River Cruise vacation to receive $500 off per person. Offer available on select dates of select cruises listed above. Booking must be made, under deposit, and discount applied anytime after February 3, 2010 for travel at select times in 2010. Applies to new 2010 bookings only, and offer will not be applied to pre-existing bookings. Offer reliant on space availability and may be withdrawn at any time. Not combinable with any other offer other than Journeys Club member benefit. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply. Macy’s Travel has been assisting couples with their honeymoon and destination weddings for more than 45 years, so you can trust us with your honeymoon. And don’t forget to ask about special honeymoon discounts! with this coupon SAVE up to 300 $ * on your honeymoon! our gift to newlyweds exclusively from 800-316-6166 www.macystravel.com *restrictions apply Call the experts – Macy’s Travel MN 866-337-9183 MI 800-203-0359 Nationwide 800-316-6166 www.macystravel.com | pg 3 Our Favorite Adventures: GREECE – I will never forget the unexpected adventure we had in Santorini, Greece. My family arrived to Santorini by cruise ship. The land of this volcanic island slopes sharply down to the sea and to gain access to the island you must either take a funicular up the mountainside or, for those more adventurous, ride a donkey. We chose the donkey route, which proved quite the comical challenge! Staying together as a family group was never an option as each donkey had her own agenda. If she felt like a snack along the side of the road, you had to wait for her to finish. When she decided it was time to join up with the group again, you had to hold on as she broke into a donkey gallop. There was no way to make them go any faster or slower than they wanted to go. And trying to have a conversation with your neighbor was hit-or-miss. The donkeys gave no warning when they were ready to break ranks let alone wait for you to finish a sentence. We just had to hang on tight and hope for the best. Of course, we all arrived to the top safely with lots of stories to share about our own donkeys. Looking back on that trip, this is one of our favorite memories. (Cindy – Minneapolis) DOMINICAN REPUBLIC – My husband and I were vacationing in Dominican Republic and took an excursion to the Animal Adventure Park. There were two entrance options—a basic, selfguided entry and a “VIP” entry that included a personal guide and behindthe-scenes perks. We’re both animal lovers, so we paid the extra cost for the upgraded option. We were rewarded with one of the most exciting and fun experiences we have ever had. We started off swimming with a sea lion named Gerry. We happened to have the pool to ourselves, so we got all of her attention. Gerry jumped through hoops for us (literally) and dove to the bottom of the pool to retrieve toys and we rewarded her with sardines. She showed us her appreciation with plenty of sea lion kisses! Then we took a tour. of the park and the aquarium, where we were allowed to hold sea creatures such as sponges, sea urchins, starfish, turtles and crabs. The behind-the-scenes tour showcased the trainers and how they prepare for their shows. We actually got to pet a squirrel monkey, toucans, macaws, snakes and even a full grown Bengal tiger (very carefully)! The tour concluded with a swim in a man-made The Road Less Traveled If you’re looking for something a bit more unusual or adventurous for your next getaway, here are some suggestions to whet your travel appetite: purchasing smaller vessels that will meet the new guidelines. So if you can’t make it to Antarctica in 2010, don’t worry—there will still be opportunities to explore this last, great wilderness! Patagonia Wine Country – Ten years ago, a group of winemakers set their sights on this area of South America. Today Patagonia is really coming into its own as a top wine producing area, racking up medals for its merlot, cabernet and malbec blends. Plus, it boasts dramatically beautiful landscapes, gorgeous lakes, and excellent fly-fishing. Marrakesh – The ancient walls of Marrakesh must have protected the city from the global recession. A few years ago, luxury boutique hotels began opening and are now popping up everywhere in this historic and atmospheric North African city. There is much to see and do in Marrakesh. An entire day can be dedicated to wandering the souks, seeking out the best bargains on rugs and handicrafts. The city also offers many historical and architectural sites as well as museums and palaces. Antarctica – This will likely be the last year that Antarctica is open to mass tourism as new restrictions will limit the size of ships that can navigate Antarctic waters. Thus, cruise lines and tour operators are promoting 2010 as the Gargano – Far from the crowds of the last year to visit this remote continent. Amalfi Coast and Cinque Terre, the Italian However, most are in the process of. peninsula of Gargano sits on the Adriatic. lagoon that was home to sting rays and nurse sharks. Swimming with a tenfoot nurse shark is still one of the most memorable moments in all my travels. (Kelly – Southland) AFRICA – One of my favorite excursions was in the Masai Mara in Kenya where I had the opportunity to experience game viewing from high above the savannah in a hot air balloon. In the wee hours of the morning, the gas burner was ignited, slowly filling the balloon with hot air and raising the basket. I am not really fond of heights and almost did not go but I was surprised at how quickly I forgot my fear. We were airborne before sunrise with the wind our navigator across the Masai. Apart from the sound of the burners, the flight above the Masai. Mara was extraordinarily quiet. Even the people sharing the ride with me were silent. It was so breathtaking to be suspended above the earth. Everything below looks so insignificant—you just want to absorb that moment of serenity. The pilot controlled the altitude of the balloon by regulating the flow of hot air into the “envelope”. When animals were in sight, the pilot descended for a close-up view—an incredibly unique experience. When we finally landed, we were treated to a champagne breakfast complete with china, crystal, and flowers. The contrast between the rugged, uninhabited landscape and the elegant breakfast was surreal and made it seem even more luxurious! The experience, to this day, is one of my favorite recollections. Not only did I come back with an incredible memory, but I learned that by reaching outside our comfort levels on a trip, whether by trying new foods, participating in local customs, or talking to strangers about the wonders of the place in which they live, we enrich ourselves in ways never imagined. Now that’s an adventure! (Mary – Somerset Collection) Sea and offers wonderful Italian holiday options. From Romanesque churches and seaside fisherman’s restaurants to the protected Gargano National Park and turquoise-blue clear waters, it’s a destination sure to please. Kuala Lumpur – This Malaysian capital has quietly evolved into Southeast Asia’s. newest hot spot. Generally referred to as “KL”, it has grown from a small, sleepy, Chinese tin-mining village to a bustling metropolis in just 150 years. It’s a culturally diverse city where modern technology is juxtaposed with traditional Asian customs. With some of the world’s cheapest 5-star hotels, great shopping and even better food, increasing numbers of travelers are discovering this little gem of a city. pg 4 | Call the experts – Macy’s Travel MN 866-337-9183 MI 800-203-0359 Nationwide 800-316-6166 www.macystravel.com A Mediterranean Adventure continued... which gave me plenty of time to orient myself to the ship and find my favorite spots. I’m not one to gravitate towards the party atmosphere common at the outdoor swimming pool but the pool at the spa was a tranquil and relaxing alternative. I discovered that the disco makes an excellent retreat for reading during the day. And it didn’t take me long to determine which of the many lounges best suited my tastes for evening entertainment. By the time we reached Kusadasi, I was in total control of my life onboard ship (except for those times when I found myself in front of the ice cream station with no recollection of how I got there). daily routines of its inhabitants in the 1st century and on important Christian events, all in the distant past. After that low-key tour, the hustle and bustle of the port city of Kusadasi seemed down right chaotic. The merchants with their fine Turkish carpets, softas-silk leather and turquoise jewelry aggressively try to lure you in to their shops, yet are unexpectedly polite once. they’ve snagged a potential customer. The shopping experience can be an exhilarating game. the Ancient World, once stood. (Where the Colossus actually stood is open for debate!) The Minoans came to the island in the 16th century BC and the capital city of Rhodes was built in the 5th century BC. We visited Cyprus, said to be the birthplace of the goddess Aphrodite. Intricate mosaic floors at the ruins of Paphos date from the 12th century BC and are still in an impressive state considering many have no protection from the weather. And, of course, the Great Pyramid of Giza is the oldest. was the trip I’ve always dreamed of and. traveling by cruise ship was the perfect way to do it. I had the convenience of a hotel room and dining room that traveled with me while I visited so many wonders of our world. The information available to me on the ship about these. sites made me appreciate what I saw even more. It turns out the god Set must have hated Osiris quite a bit. He chopped Osiris up into 14 pieces and hid them around the countryside of Egypt. Hani choreographed a little battle between Mark and Robert and directed Janet to run around our group to represent Isis searching for the pieces of her husband. Hani went on to explain, with a few more commandeered cast members, how Kusadasi is one of the more exotic Osiris became Lord of the Underworld. ports of call and is a study in contrasts. Then we moved on to enter the tomb of Bordering both Europe and the Imhotep, architect and physician to King Middle East, Turkey is one of the oldest continuously inhabited regions in the Almost every port on a Mediterranean of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient. Djoser. Oh my gosh – we were going into world and its history is closely linked to cruise reminds you of how young our World. Every stop on this Mediterranean a tomb! This was going to be so much the cultures and religions of both East United States actually is. We stopped in cruise was like a live-action National better than National Geographic! and West. My tour of the ruins of the Rhodes, Greece, where the Colossus of Geographic magazine. ancient city of Ephesus focused on the Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of. Visiting these almost mystical places We’ve Been There Have You? • Work on this building began in 447 BC and continued until 438 BC •This structure is considered to be the finest example of Doric-style construction • In the 6th century AD, this building was converted into a Christian church For the answer, visit: www.macystravel.com/wevebeenthere 2 For 1 Cruise Fares $199 roundtrip airfare • Pre-paid Gratuities and Shipboard Credits on Select 2010 Europe, in Addition to 2010/2011 Caribbean, Asia and South America • The World’s Most Alluring Ports of Call • Elegant Mid-Sized Ships with 684 Guests and 400 Staff • Finest Cuisine at Sea • Spa Services by Canyon Ranch • Country Club Casual and Open Seating Dining Now is the time to take that dream cruise on Oceania Cruises. 800-316-6166 Contact Macy’s Travel for Great Savings on Oceania Cruises Call the experts – Macy’s Travel MN 866-337-9183 MI 800-203-0359 Nationwide 800-316-6166 www.macystravel.com | pg 5 London: More Pounds for Your Buck London is making a big travel comeback spurred by a favorable exchange rate that is helping to make a British holiday a real bargain. You can visit some old and new favorites and spend fewer vacation dollars than in the past few years. Old favorites, of course, are tried and true: Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, Covent Garden. The London Eye is not so new now, but this giant Ferris wheel offers a 30-minute, very unique perspective of London. Originally built for the Millennium celebrations, this attraction proved so popular it is celebrating its tenth anniversary this year. From the Eye, you can walk to the Tate Modern Gallery for a taste of contemporary art. Cross the Thames via the Millennium Bridge (locally known as the “wobbly bridge”) and it’s just a short walk to St. Paul’s Cathedral. One of the best attractions in London is the Cabinet War Rooms and the Winston Churchill Museum near the southeast corner of St. James Park.. Get there early for stirring insights into London as it was during World War II. One of the newest venues in London is The British Music Experience (BME), a high-tech, interactive music exhibition at The O2 (formerly the Millennium Dome) devoted to the past 60 years of popular British music. Visit now, before the 2012 Summer Olympics awakens everyone’s interest in revisiting this always fabulous city. Let the specialists at Macy’s Travel help you plan the perfect visit to London – call today! MEXICO SAVE UP TO 45% FROM $399 INCLUDES 3 nights, Dreams Cancun Resort & Spa, Unlimited-Luxury® & hotel transfers. BONUS save 45% & $250 resort credit. Cancun - 3.5-star * FROM $445 INCLUDES 3 nights, Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa, Unlimited-Luxury® & hotel transfers. BONUS save 30% & $200 resort credit. Riviera Maya - 4-star * FROM $759 INCLUDES 4 nights, Dreams Los Cabos Suites Golf Resort & Spa, Unlimited-Luxury® & hotel transfers. BONUS save 25% & $200 resort credit. Los Cabos - 4-star * Prices do not include airfare. Ask about special air-inclusive rates from your city. MACY’S TRAVEL 800.316.6166 *Conditions Apply: Prices do not include airfare. Special promotions valid on new bookings only. Prices are per person, based on double occupancy accommodations. Packages do not include meals unless otherwise indicated. Savings reflect land prices only and vary by resort and travel dates. Availability is limited. Rates are subject to holiday blackouts, peak period surcharges, and cancellation charges may be applicable of up to the full price paid depending on the package and when it is cancelled. Other restrictions may apply and vary by resort. Mexico valid for travel thru 8/27/10. Photo Credit: Dreams Los Cabos Suites Golf Resort & Spa. CST#2007207-30 ADV#305 SS 2/10 Beautiful British Columbia! Now that the dazzle of the 2010 Winter Olympics is behind us, it seems everyone wants to visit British Columbia, Canada. And why not? This breathtaking destination has just about everything you could want in a vacation – in any season. Victoria, the capital of the province of British Columbia, is a charming city nestled on the southernmost tip of Vancouver Island (off the coast of B.C. and about as long as England at 290 miles). Long famous for the extravagant Empress Hotel and “the” place outside of England to experience “high tea”, the city of Victoria and Vancouver Island offer so much more. With whale watching, water sports, beaches, the world-famous Butchart Gardens, and an up-and-coming wine industry, this destination is a must-see for those who love to explore charming countryside, endless coastlines and vineyards by day, and arts, culture and fine dining by night. Easily accessible via air from the west coast of Canada and the United States, stunning scenery is an added highlight during the flight through the Gulf Islands. To the east of Victoria, across the Strait of Georgia, lies the city of Vancouver, considered one of the “most livable” cities in the world. A sophisticated and cosmopolitan area . with an eye-popping skyline surrounded by ocean and snowcovered mountains, Vancouver deserves several days just to explore its vibrant neighborhoods (Gastown, Yaletown, Kitsilano, Granville Island, to name a few). Don’t forget to take your walking shoes for a five mile hike along the seawall around Stanley Park for incredible views and fantastic sunsets. A short, 90-minute drive north from Vancouver on the newly completed “Sea-to-Sky Highway” brings you to the resort town of Whistler. As you ascend literally from the sea to the mountain heights, you’re rewarded with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the Coast Mountains. Whistler Village is a treat no matter the time of year – a thoroughly modern, yet quaint, alpine destination with every adventure and sport activity you would expect at a world-class resort area. If time permits, don’t miss the Okanagan Valley. Many now regard this area as one of the most promising wine growing regions in North America. Grab a bike and explore the vineyards, local artisan shops and fine restaurants in this area. Call the experts at Macy’s Travel – we know British Columbia and can share some tips to make your trip a truly memorable adventure! pg 6 | Call the experts – Macy’s Travel MN 866-337-9183 MI 800-203-0359 Nationwide 800-316-6166 www.macystravel.com London, England – You could stay in Lisbon, Portugal – With trams London for a whole year and find inter- trundling up to a castle, a state-of-theesting things to do with children every art aquarium and a fascinating museum day. In summer, don’t miss out on playexplores Portugal’s seafaring There are certain journeys you that should take at leastgreat once past, this city captivates kids. The ingin in your the fountains at Somerset House. lifetime – adventures that are both legendary andfairytale town of Sintra, too, is a just a short iconic of their time, yet timeless. Vancouver, B.C. – Vancouver is fre- train ride away. quently named the most livable city in the world. There’s lots of water as well Sydney, Australia – If beaches, as beaches, a huge urban park (Stanley swimming pools and numerous ferries Park) and numerous hiking and biking aren’t enough, there’s Sydney Aquarium, trails. Taronga Zoo and the Koala Park Sanctuary, which are all huge hits with Copenhagen, Denmark – Oozing the young ones. old-world charm, Copenhagen has a compact city center, a lively waterfront Rome, Italy – With some of Italy’s best and pedestrian-only zones. A royal gelato, the impressive Colosseum, Castel palace, museums designed especially Sant-Angelo, spooky catacombs under for children, and thrilling rides at Tivoli Via Appia Antica and the green spaces Gardens and Bakken amusement parks. of Villa Borghese, the challenge in Rome is finding enough time to see it all. will keep you busy. Cruising Into History Great Cities to Visit with Children! One of the greatest gifts we can give our children is travel. The opportunity to visit new places and experience different cultures is exciting for any age! Lonely Planet’s “Travel with Children” guide lists their choices for top cities around the world that are ideal to visit with children. Oaxaca, Mexico – This colorful Mexican city is pint-sized, charming and fun to explore on foot. A central plaza provides plenty of run-around space for kids and there’s a vibrant market. Istanbul, Turkey – With its mosques, palaces, museums, bazaars, multicolored carpets, food markets, Bosphorus cruises and sweet apple tea, children will be fascinated and enchanted at every turn. Singapore – Safe, clean and accessible, Singapore is a gentle introduction to the cities of Southeast Asia. Not to be missed is Sentosa Island with its beaches, butterfly park, dolphin lagoon and underwater world. The same great, local team of cruise and vacation experts that you have trusted for over 45 years! THE MOST EXTRAORDINARY JOURNEYS begin right here. Cruising at its finest is surprisingly affordable with Holland America Line’s special fares. Timeless ports, plus unspoiled, lesser-known locales come together in creative itineraries that offer true explorers uncompromised elegance. 12-Day Mediterranean Romance ms Nieuw Amsterdam • 8/31/10 Venice to Barcelona Interior from* $1,999 12-day Black Sea Medley ms Westerdam • 10/1/10 Roundtrip Athens Interior from* $1,999 12-day Mediterranean Empires ms Nieuw Amsterdam • 8/19/10 Roundtrip Venice Interior from* $2,049 Call the cruise experts at your local Macy’s Travel or 800-316-6166. *Fares are per person, cruise only, based on double occupancy in the minimum categories. Airfare is additional. Fares are in US dollars and include non-commissionable fares. Taxes are additional. Holland America Line reserves the right to re-instate the fuel supplement for all guests at up to $9 per person per day should the price of light sweet crude oil according to the NYMEX increase to over $70 per barrel. Additional sailings and rates available. Offers are subject to availability and may be altered or withdrawn at any time without prior notice. Ships’ Registry: The Netherlands. Call the experts – Macy’s Travel MN 866-337-9183 MI 800-203-0359 Nationwide 800-316-6166 www.macystravel.com | pg 7 Bermuda – Old World Charm with an Island Beat! So close and yet so unlike home, Bermuda floats in the mid-Atlantic less than two hours by air from most Eastern Seaboard cities. Bermuda is justifiably famous for pink-sand beaches, striking blue water, and immaculate golf courses, but that’s only the beginning. Thanks to its colorful past, this small sliver of land also has a surprising number of historic sites. In fact, it’s said to have the oldest continually inhabited town of English origin. Bermuda has a distinctive. culture, too – one that combines a reverence for British traditions dating back to colonial days with a more relaxed attitude befitting a subtropical island. And visitors will find no shortage of sites to explore on this island. The town of St. George’s, at the island’s East End, is the original 17thcentury settlement and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city of Hamilton is home to Bermuda’s principal harbor and most of its shops. It’s also the main departure point for sightseeing boats, ferries, and the pink-and-blue buses that ramble all over the island. The Royal Naval Dockyard, at the West End, is a former British shipyard that has been transformed into a stunning tourist area. Other attractions include the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo; Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute; the Botanical Gardens; Gibbs Hill Lighthouse; and the Crystal Caves with impressive stalactites and crystal clear underground pools. These sites can easily be explored on foot – the rest of the island, however, is best discovered by taxi, motor scooter, or even bicycle (one cannot rent a car in Bermuda). Many visit Bermuda by cruise ship. Though a small island, Bermuda has two cruise ship ports - one at Hamilton, the island’s capital, and the other at King’s Wharf at the Royal Naval Dockyard. Summer is prime time for Bermuda cruises and ships depart for the island from a number of eastern ports as well as from Florida. Only a day and a half by ship from most ports on the East Coast, most cruises to Bermuda are single-destination journeys, giving you. several days to enjoy the many delights it offers while using your ship as a. resort hotel. Whatever your preference – a land-. based or a cruise vacation – Bermuda. is sure to delight even the most. seasoned traveler. Creating exceptional travel experiences for over 45 years. Several convenient locations to serve you. 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