Our tour specialists are always available to help you understand what is included on a tour vacation, so that you can plan how much money to budget on your European vacation.

Browse Ireland tours for 2012 and 2011

Further Brochure Discounts Apply! - Hurry!
This offer expires 15 July 2011

Insight Vacations has a few seats available on selected DEFINITE DEPARTURES and is offering them at reduced prices! Combine these land prices with Insight’s air deals for a great value-for-money holiday package!

Red Hot Specials!
HURRY!  Insight Vacations has a few seats available on select
 last minute departures and is offering them at reduced prices!

Prices are in US$ per person, twin share, land only. Single supplements apply. Deposit required within 7 days of booking or if made within 45 days, full payment is required. Offer applies to new bookings made from 7/1 - 7/15/11 only, is subject to availability and can be withdrawn or amendedatany time without notice.

In 1862, the Flying Scotsman was actually named the Special Scotch Express, and it would depart at GNR’s London Kings Cross at 10 am, with a simultaneous departure from North British’s Edinburgh Waverley. The journey originally took a long 10 ½ hours, which included a half-hour stop in York as a lunch break. However, the time was reduced to 8 ½ hours in 1888 due to increasing competition with other railways for the Race to the North. The Race to the North was where trains would actually race to see who could get to the appointed destination first.

From 1900 on, the train took on dramatic modernizations, including heating and dining cars. Now, passengers could take their lunch on the train, so the York stop was reduced to only 15 minutes. However, the travel time of 8 ½ hours stayed the same. In 1924, it was the London and North Eastern Railway that officially renamed the Special Scotch Express the Flying Scotsman, which had already been its unofficial name since the 1870’s.

Private operators of Anglo-Scottish trains that run on the East Coast Main Line have maintained the name of the Flying Scotsman, and the former Great North Eastern Railway even called itself The Route of the Flying Scotsman. When British Rail was privatized, GNER operated the Flying Scotsman from 1996 to November of 2007, and then National Express East Coast took over until November of 2009. It is now operated by East Coast, which is a publicly operated railway company that had been created after National Express East Coast had collapsed. The northbound service once again leaves London King’s Cross at the traditional time of 10 am, and the southbound service departs from Edinburgh at 1 pm.

An InterCity 225 Mallard set mostly operates the now-modern Flying Scotsman, and the travel time only takes 4 hours and 25 minutes going down, and only 4 hours and 41 minutes coming back up. It now makes stops at Peterborough, York, Darlington, and Newcastle.

On May 22nd, 2011, East Coast will begin a new, early morning Flying Scotsman service at 5:40 am, and it will only stop at Newcastle. The train will arrive in Edinburgh at 9:40 am, making the trip a short 4 hours long. The express train is being introduced as part of the largest timetable overhaul within 20 years on the East Coast Main Line, and they are hoping it will lure in business passengers that are traveling for morning meetings away from air travel. East Coast expects the new timetable to bring in more than three million additional seats to the route when it begins this May, with nearly 20 new weekday services.

This UNESCO World Heritage site began to take shape some 60 million years ago, with series of massive volcanic eruptions. The cooling lava formed into distinctive polygonal (mostly hexagonal) columns, which were eventually eroded by retreating sea ice during the Ice Age. Irish legend tells of the giant Finn MacCool using these steps to cross the sea toward his sweetheart’s home on the Hebrides island of Staffa.

A circular walk leads past amphitheaters of stone columns and formations with names like the Honeycomb the Wishing Well, the Giant’s Granny and the King and his Nobles, past Port na Spaniagh, where the Spanish Armada ship Girona foundered, past a wooden staircase to Benbane Head and back along the cliff top. In addition to the geologic intrigue of the site, fauna and flora among the rock formations include seabirds, such as fulmar, petrel, cormorant, shag, redshank guillemot and razorbill, and plant species such as sea spleenwort, hare’s foot trefoil, vernal squill, sea fescue and frog orchid.

The Giant’s Causeway truly is one of the world’s great natural wonders.

Insight Vacations has a few seats available on selected DEFINITE DEPARTURES and is offering them at reduced prices!

Combine these land prices with Insight’s air deals for a great value-for-money holiday package!

Tour Name	Red Hot Code	Tour Duration	Departure Date	Brochure Price Twin Share PP	Red Hot Price Twin Share PP	SAVE per person	SAVE per couple
Best of Britain	PPHOT359	13 days	15-May-2011	$2475	$2225	$250	$500
Easy Pace France	PPHOT360	11 days	13-May-2011	$2875	$2525	$350	$700
Romantic European	PPHOT361	23 days	16-Jun-2011	$5625	$5060	$565	$1130
Grand Tour of Italy & Sicily	PPHOT362	16 days	10-Jun-2011	$4075	$3665	$410	$820
Road to Rome	PPHOT363	15 days	04-Jun-2011	$3899	$3499	$400	$800
Italian Elegance	PPHOT364	13 days	02-Jun-2011	$3275	$2945	$330	$660
Best of Spain & Portugal	PPHOT365	17 days	03-Jun-2011	$3175	$2850	$325	$650
Spectacular Scandinavia & its Fjords	PPHOT366	16 days	28-May-2011	$4399	$3950	$449	$898
Grand Tour of Scandinavia	PPHOT367	21 days	21-May-2011	$5250	$4625	$625	$1250
Highlights of Eastern Europe	PPHOT368	15 days	08-May-2011	$3175	$2799	$376	$752
Italian Intermezzo	PPHOT369	9 days	20-May-2011	$2350	$2115	$235	$470
European Treasures	PPHOT370	22 days	01-Jun-2011	$5175	$4650	$525	$1050
Select - Budapest, Vienna & Prague	PPHOT371	11 days	26May-2011	$1625	$1460	$165	$330
Select - Rome, Florence & Venice	PPHOT372	11 days	14-May-2011	$2175	$1950	$225	$450
GOLD - Britain & Ireland	PPHOT373	15 days	04-Jun-2011	$5550	$4889	$651	$1302

Conditions: Prices are per person, twin share, land only. Single supplements apply. Deposit required within 7 days of booking or if made within 45 days, full payment is required. Offer applies to new bookings made from 1 April - 15 April only, is subject to availability and can be withdrawn or amendedatany time without notice.

Trafalgar's "Last Minute Deals" give you the opportunity to experience incredible savings on a select few European and North American award-winning vacations.

These selected departures are only available until April 13, 2011. All are Definite Departures. Space is limited, so come and experience Europe and North America with Trafalgar’s unbeatable services, tremendous value and great savings.

Please note: To get these special rates, please reference the tour’s ‘PROMO CODE’ at the time of booking. If booking online enter the 'PROMO CODE' in the "Apply Promotions" section during the booking process.


Britain and Europe Tours

Tour Name	Departing	Was	Now	Savings	Promo Code
Britain and Ireland Explorer	21-Apr	$3,075	$2,765	$310	LMD654
European Splendour	27-Apr	$3,099	$2,779	$320	LMD655
European Adventures	29-Apr	$2,399	$2,159	$240	LMD656
Best of Scotland	30-Apr	$1,499	$1,349	$150	LMD657
Switzerland and Austria	30-Apr	$3,050	$2,750	$300	LMD658
Contrasts of Switzerland	07-May	$2,550	$2,290	$260	LMD660
European Whirl	07-May	$3,325	$2,995	$330	LMD661
European Whirl with Eurostar	07-May	$3,710	$3,340	$370	LMD661E
Best of Ireland	12-May	$2,050	$1,800	$250	LMD662
Italian Holiday	13-May	$1,925	$1,725	$200	LMD663
Italy Bellissimo	15-May	$2,899	$2,499	$400	LMD664
Imperial Europe	19-May	$2,185	$1,965	$220	LMD665

USA and Canada Tours

 

Tour Name	Departing	Was	Now	Savings	Promo Code
Wild West, Cowboys and Buffalos	12-May	$1,599	$1,439	$160	LMD666
Best of Eastern Canada	13-May	$1,999	$1,799	$200	LMD667
Canadas Rockies	16-May	$1,550	$1,395	$155	LMD668
Rockies Panorama RedLeaf	18-May	$3,350	$3,015	$335	LMD669R
Rockies Panorama GoldLeaf	18-May	$4,228	$3,805	$423	LMD669G
San Francisco and Wine Country Delights	20-May	$1,750	$1,575	$175	LMD670
Canadas Rockies	23-May	$1,550	$1,395	$155	LMD671
Adventures in the Wild Northwest	29-May	$1,925	$1,735	$190	LMD672
Trails of Liberty	04-Jun	$1,650	$1,480	$170	LMD673
The Trailblazer	26-Jun	$1,399	$1,259	$140	LMD674

Conditions: Price is in American dollars and is per person - land only, based on double occupancy. For new bookings only on departures listed above for 2011. Book between March 31 and April 13, 2011. Subject to availability. Full payment due at time of booking (within 45 days of departure).

Trafalgar's "Last Minute Deals" give you the opportunity to experience incredible savings on a select few European and North American award-winning vacations.

These selected departures are only available until March 30, 2011. All are Definite Departures. Space is limited, so come and experience Europe and North America with Trafalgar’s unbeatable services, tremendous value and great savings.

Please note: To get these special rates, please reference the tour’s ‘PROMO CODE’ at the time of booking. If booking online enter the 'PROMO CODE' in the "Apply Promotions" section during the booking process.

Tour Name	Departing	Was	Now	Savings	Promo Code
Italy Bellissimo	08-Apr	$2,875	$2,585	$290	LMD633
Irish Wonder	16-Apr	$1,299	$1,169	$130	LMD635
Best of Italy and Sicily	22-Apr	$3,625	$3,260	$365	LMD636
Britain and Ireland Explorer	21-Apr	$3,075	$2,765	$310	LMD638
Italian Discovery	28-Apr	$2,450	$2,200	$250	LMD640

Click here for more Italy Tours

Leeds Castle was first used as a royal palace in 1278 by King Edward I. Edward II captured Leeds Castle on Halloween of 132 from Baroness Badlesmere when she refused admittance to his consort, Isabella of France. Isabella had tried to force entry, and Lady Badlesmere ordered her archers to fire upon her. Lady Badlesmere was held prisoner for these actions in the Tower of London until 1322.

The castle avoided destruction in the 1640’s during the English Civil War, only because the owners had taken sides with the Parliamentarians. Lady Olive Baillie was the last person to privately own the castle. She bought the castle in 1926, and after her death in 1974, the Leeds Castle Foundation preserved the castle and its grounds. It was opened to the public in 1976.

People continuously flock to Leeds Castle because of the beautiful scenery and the aviaries. The gardens are filled will gorgeous, vibrantly colored flowers including azaleas, roses, poppies, and daffodils. Close to the gardens, there is a pay-and-play golf course open to the visitors. There is a PGA professional available to give lessons, too. There are two different kinds of mazes: a tall, winding yew maze for adults to get lost in, and a turf maze intended for young children to try out. The aviaries hold all sorts of different rare and endangered birds, including Red-billed Blue Magpies and Toco Toucans. Here, all the species of birds are encouraged to breed. There are cameras inside the nests of some, and you can view what goes on inside from monitors. There is even a ‘duckery’, where very rare black swans are housed.

If a simple tour won’t do for you, you can take a ride on a Segway, choosing from three different kinds of tours. If you like to climb, you can ‘Go Ape’… The Go Ape experience is obstacle course built in the trees with bridges, ladders, tunnels, and zip lines. For lovers of all things strange, there is even a dog collar museum—the only one in the world, as a matter of fact. The collection contains over 100 collars spanning a time period of five centuries, the most recent being from the 21st century.

You can visit Leeds Castle year-round, with exception of holidays. It opens at 10 am daily, the last ticket is sold at 3 pm, and gates close at 5 pm. Ticket cost are £10 for children 4 years to 15 years, £15 for senior citizens over 60 years of age, and £17.50 for adults.  Keep in mind many escorted tours include the admission and a tour of the castle.

Trafalgar's "Last Minute Deals" give you the opportunity to experience incredible savings on a select few European and North American award-winning vacations.

These selected departures are only available until March 16, 2011. All are Definite Departures. Space is limited, so come and experience Europe and North America with Trafalgar’s unbeatable services, tremendous value and great savings.

Please note: To get these special rates, please reference the tour’s ‘PROMO CODE’ at the time of booking. If booking online enter the 'PROMO CODE' in the "Apply Promotions" section during the booking process.

Britain and Europe Tours 

Tour Name	Departing	Was	Now	Savings	Promo Code
Spanish Wonder	08-Apr	$1,775	$1,595	$180	LMD612
Italy Bellissimo	08-Apr	$2,875	$2,585	$290	LMD613
Spain Morocco & Portugal	10-Apr	$2,499	$2,249	$250	LMD614
Grand European	14-Apr	$5,125	$4,610	$515	LMD615
Best of Germany	17-Apr	$2,450	$2,200	$250	LMD616
Best of Italy and Sicily	22-Apr	$3,625	$3,260	$365	LMD617
Cossack Explorer	22-Apr	$2,999	$2,699	$300	LMD618
Britain and Ireland Explorer	21-Apr	$3,075	$2,765	$310	LMD619
European Accent	21-Apr	$2,775	$2,495	$280	LMD620
Irish Experience	30-Apr	$2,175	$1,955	$220	LMD621
Wonders of St Petersburg, Novgorod and Moscow	30-Apr	$2,125	$1,910	$215	LMD622
Best of France	02-May	$3,099	$2,789	$310	LMD623
Highlights of Bohemia	06-May	$2,199	$1,979	$220	LMD624

USA and Canada Tours

Tour Name	Departing	Was	Now	Savings	Promo Code
Best of Canadas West	03-May	$2,599	$2,339	$260	LMD625
Rockies Panorama RedLeaf	08-May	$3,350	$3,015	$335	LMD626R
Rockies Panorama GoldLeaf	08-May	$4,228	$3,805	$423	LMD626G
Pioneer Adventures of the Old West	08-May	$1,599	$1,439	$160	LMD627
Wild West, Cowboys and Buffalos	12-May	$1,599	$1,439	$160	LMD628
Best of Eastern Canada	13-May	$1,999	$1,799	$200	LMD629
Canadas Rockies	16-May	$1,550	$1,395	$155	LMD630
Rockies Panorama RedLeaf	18-May	$3,350	$3,015	$335	LMD631R
Rockies Panorama GoldLeaf	18-May	$4,228	$3,805	$423	LMD631G
San Francisco and Wine Country Delights	20-May	$1,750	$1,575	$175	LMD632

An entire travel package for less then you’d pay for just a hotel on your own? It seems you really can put a price on a wonderful experience. Imagine that. It’s not too late to book your European vacation. Vacations start as low as $112 a day – it’s true, we help you stretch your travel dollar all the way to Europe!

• British Panorama
• Greek Odyssey
• Tunisian Adventure
• Jewels of France
• Jewels of Morocco
• Prague, Vienna and Budapest
• Magic of the Italian Lakes
• Grand Tour of Turkey
• Cairo, Alexandria & the Mediterranean
• Jewels of Spain and Portugal
• Six Countries Venice & Paris
• A Taste of Europe
• Jewels of Poland
• Wales & Ireland
• Irish Explorer
• Jewels of Slovania & Croatia

To begin, the Ring of Kerry is a 110 mile loop on the Ivenagh Peninsula in south-western Ireland.  Here you will encounter the raw beauty that is real Ireland.  Rolling hills and forested valleys, colorful villages and towns; traces of ancient monasteries and stone circles, such as the Seven Sisters, erected by pagans during the Bronze Age.  Starting in Killorglin, and proceeding on a counter-clockwise route, you will enjoy the Ireland of your dreams; verdant, charming and sparsely settled (except you will see lots of other tourists!). Note that I said counter-clockwise…the road is narrow and tour buses are many, so you can avoid traffic problems by starting early and stopping at any and all sights that may intrigue you.  Yes, you can do this by tour bus, but you’ll miss the leisure of stopping at an out of the way town, having a pint at a small pub, or just dreamily looking out over the ocean and mulling over the year of history, the Troubles and the Great Famine.

Take your time…yes, you can drive the entire Ring in a day, but so much nicer to stop for the night at a charming B & B,  relax over a fine dinner, perhaps enjoy an Irish Night with set-dancing, or just chat with the locals. After a hearty breakfast you can be on your way. You’ll have a chance to drive Coomanaspig Pass, the highest point accessible by car; from which you can see the Skellings and other small islands.  There’s a sixth century hermitage once inhabited by monks. Or you may wish to pay homage to Daniel O’Connell, the Emancipator, at Derrynane House, his home, now restored.

And oh, the names!  MacGillycuddy Reeks, Staigrefort, Rossbeigh, Bog Village and Black Valley, Killarney.  Rossmaine and Cahersiveen and Cahsrdaniel…what names, how lilting!! 

How about a stop in Kenmare to see and perhaps buy, some Kenmare Lace, started as a cottage industry during the "Little Famine Years" by the Poor Clare nuns, and still being hand-made by the local women.  Take a jaunting car ride, and think back to the great classic movie with John Wayne and Barry Fitzgerald, "The Quiet Man" .  Look closely at the road side, especially if there’s a rainbow:  that brief movement in the bush?  Leprechauns!!

I must admit, my favorite tour was a drive on the Dingle Peninsula…further north and the westernmost area on the European continent. Only ten miles wide and forty miles long, from Tralee to Slea Head The locals will tell you that they’re so far west that the next parish is Boston!!!  But you may have a bit of trouble understanding the people in the villages; they often speak An Gaeltacht, a Gaelic-English mixture. But they are friendly and they’ll be glad to regale you with stories of their family, their history and a lot of lore…you’ve heard of  a load Malarkey, haven’t you?

Drive through the Connor Pass to Dingle, the most westerly town in Europe, and then Tralee.  You will be rewarded with beautiful drive, green and rugged and not too touristy.  The fishermen still sail out, not for your camera, but for their family’s living.  Only about 1500 people live in Dingle Town…but it is calculated that there are 500,000 sheep in the hills.

Along the way to your delightful hotel at the world’s edge, you will find Bronze Age settlements, monasteries from the Middle Ages, scenes straight out of the movie "Ryan’s Daughter" and even some of the "beehive huts" where hermit monks once lived.  The scent of peat, as you linger with your coffee after a wonderful dinner, and you’ll know you’re near the ocean, as the sea breeze wafts into your bed room and you snuggle into your feather duvet…dream, relax, know that you are truly in Ireland.   

Galway, Mayo & Roscommon

Abbeyglen Castle Hotel

Clifden, Galway. Located on the Sky Road and set in pleasant gardens. Built in 1832, the hotel is renowned for quality cuisine. Abbeyglen has 18 superior rooms, many with four poster beds and open fires.

Ballynahinch Castle

Ballynahinch, Galway. This manor, set in a 455-acre estate, dates from the 18^th century. Tastefully-furnished guest rooms have special features and excellent views. Relax in the superb restaurant or old-world bar.

Ashford Castle Hotel

Cong, Mayo. This famous castle, on the shores of Lough Corrib, is one of Ireland’s most luxurious retreats. Guests relax in spacious rooms, dine in the elegant restaurant and enjoy golfing, horse riding and more.

Kilronan Castle

Ballyfarnan, Roscommon. This luxurious property is set in 40 acres with lovely scenery all around. Enjoy a wonderful mix of old-world elegance and state-of-the-art facilities and standards to make your stay memorable.

South Western Region

Cork, Kerry, Limerick & Clare

Cahernane House Hotel

Killarney, Kerry. Set in its own parklands on the edge of Killarney’s National Park and dating from 1877, the hotel features elegant bedrooms, comfortable reception areas and the award-winning Herbert Restaurant.

Dunloe Castler Hotel

Killarney. Overlooks the Gap of the Dunloe, a few miles outside the town. Deluxe bedrooms, restaurants and bars create a relaxing haven. Enjoy the gardens and health club plus golf is available nearby.

Ballyseede Castle Hotel

Tralee, Kerry. Step back in time while enjoying modern comforts. Elegant bedrooms are decorated with taste and imagination. The gracious dining room serves Continental and Irish cuisine with a fine wine cellar.

Bunrathy Castle Hotel

Bunratty, Clare. Close to Durty Nelly’s Pub, Bunrathy Castle and Folk Park. All traditional-style rooms offer air conditioning and every modern comfort. Relax in Kathleen’s Irish Pub with great food.

Dromoland Castle

Newmarket-on-Fergus, Clare. One of Europe’s top luxury hotels with stately halls, elegant facilities and luxurious guest rooms designed for relaxation. Sample award-winning cuisine, enjoy golf or leisure center.

North Western Region

Donegal, Leitrim, Monagham, Cavan & Northern Ireland

Solis Lough Eske Castle

Donegal. The current castle was built in the 1860s and is newly renovated. Beautifully appointed rooms feature bespoke furnishings in calm neutral tones. The new Cedaes Grill combines easygoing elegance with a very contemporary sense of style.

Lough Rynn Castle

Mohill, Leitrim. This is the original 19^th century home of the Clements family. The gracious manor house offers 42 luxurious bedrooms, intimate public rooms, elegant dinning, a world-class spa and a championship golf course on a 300-acre estate.

Castle Leslie

Glaslough, Monaghan. Nestled on 1,000 acres of undulating country-side, the Leslie family has lived here since the 1660s. The Castle offers authentic interiors and warm hospitality. Located only 80 minutes from Dublin and 60 minutes from Belfast.

Ballygally Castle

Ballygally, Antrim. The Castle dates to 1625 and is located on the scenic Antrim coast. 44 bedrooms offer old beamed ceilings and modern décor. All the top facilities add to the welcoming atmosphere and the Garden Restaurant offers excellent food.

Cabra Castle Hotel

Kingscourt, Cavan. Dating from 1760, the hotel is set in 88 acres of parkland with a 9-hole golf course. Well-appointed guest rooms, gourmet dining and gracious public rooms combine for a great stay.

Eastern Region

Meath, Westmeath, Wicklow, Laois, Kilkenny, Tipperary & Waterford

Dunboyne Castle

Dunboyne, Meath. This hotel offers comfortable guest rooms, magnificent gardens, a fully-equipped spa and great facilities for dining and relaxing. Close to Dublin Airport and tomb of Newgrange and Knowth.

Trafalgar's "last minute deals" give you the opportunity to experience incredible savings on a select few European and North American award-winning vacations.

These selected departures are only available until April 30, 2010. All are Definite Departures. Space is limited, so come and experience Europe and North America with Trafalgar’s unbeatable services, tremendous value and great savings.
 
Please note: To get these special rates, please reference the tour’s ‘PROMO CODE’ at the time of booking. If booking online enter the 'PROMO CODE' in the "Apply Promotions" section during the booking process

Europe & Britain Tours

Trafalgar's "last minute deals" give you the opportunity to experience incredible savings on a select few European and North American award-winning vacations.

These selected departures are only available until April 15, 2010. All are Definite Departures. Space is limited, so come and experience Europe and North America with Trafalgar’s unbeatable services, tremendous value and great savings.
 
Please note: To get these special rates, please reference the tour’s ‘PROMO CODE’ at the time of booking. If booking online enter the 'PROMO CODE' in the "Apply Promotions" section during the booking process

Europe & Britain Tours

Europe, Britain, & Eastern Mediterranean Tours

Tour Name	Promotion Code	Departure Date	Brochure Price WAS Twin Share PP	Price NOW Twin Share PP	Savings per person
Best of Ireland & Scotland	HOT137	22 May 2010	$2695	$2665	$300
Select Spain & Portugal	HOT138	19 May 2010	$2090	$1875	$215
Select Imperial Capitals	HOT139	21 May 2010	$1625	$1460	$165
Grand Tour of Scandinavia	HOT140	22 May 2010	$5015	$4499	$516
Best of Spain & Portugal	HOT141	28 May 2010	$3199	$2875	$324
Grand Tour of Italy & Sicily	HOT142	21 May 2010	$4175	$3750	$425
Italian Escapade	HOT143	17 May 2010	$3650	$3285	$365
Best of Germany	HOT144	28 May 2010	$1935	$1740	$195
Highlights of Europe	HOT145	14 May 2010	$4225	$3799	$426
Oberammergau Passion Play Option - Over 10% OFF! Country Roads of Bavaria, Switzerland & Austria	HOT146	15 May 2010	$3899	$3799	$100

We welcome you to research European Travel Package by destination, or by clicking on our preferred travel partners. You’ll find a selection of tours, cruises, vacations and rail packages.

Here is our network of Europe travel destination sites:

Atlas Cruises & Tours| Christmas Market Tours | England Tours | Escorted Family Vacations | France Tours | Greece Tours| Ireland Tours | Italy Tours | Luxury Tour |Oberammergau | River Cruise | Russia Tours | Scandinavia Tours | Spain Tours

Europe, Britain, & Eastern Mediterranean Tours

Conditions:

• *Prices are per person, twin share, land only. Single supplements apply. Deposit required within 7 days of booking or if made within 45 days, full payment is required.
• Offer applies to new bookings made from 15 February – 28 February 2010 only, is subject to availability and can be withdrawn or amended at any time without notice. 
• ^Please quote promotional code when booking with your favorite Travel Agent.
  

Trafalgar's "last minute deals" give you the opportunity to experience incredible savings on a select few European and North American award-winning vacations.

These selected departures are only available until February 28, 2010. All are Definite Departures. Space is limited, so come and experience Europe and North America with Trafalgar’s unbeatable services, tremendous value and great savings.
 
Please note: To get these special rates, please reference the tour’s ‘PROMO CODE’ at the time of booking. If booking online enter the 'PROMO CODE' in the "Apply Promotions" section during the booking process

Europe & Britain Tours

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

General Travel Tips

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

Don't Forget

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

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

Europe is a place of wonders, an intriguing past and timeless elegance.  Here, watch history come live as you explore the destinations of your choice.  Saver new foods and discover new passions.  Shop for exquisite fashion and wander bustling markets for the best bargains.  Let some of the most renowned theatres in the world excite and entertain you.  Discover lands where fairytale castles exist and real kings, queens and princess rule.  Europe is charming and positively magical, alluring, enchanting, enthralling and it's where Harry Potter, Shakespeare , Sherlock Holmes and "Angles & Demons" come to life.

Europe is defined in its thriving cities, breathtaking countryside, quaint pubs and the world's finest museums.  A day in Europe could be a day of sightseeing, romance or just a long afternoon sitting at a sidewalk cafe.

We welcome you to research your next European tour by destination, or by clicking on our preferred travel partners.

Here is our network of Europe travel destination sites:
Atlas Cruises & Tours| Christmas Market Tours | England Tours | Escorted Family Vacations | France Tours | Greece Tours| Ireland Tours | Italy Tours | Luxury Tour |Oberammergau | River Cruise | Russia Tours | Scandinavia Tours | Spain Tours

We also have specialty European Tour Operators sites:
Contiki Tours | Cosmos Tours | General Tours | Globus Tours | Insight Tours | Tauck Tours | Trafalgar Tours

Plus, Trafalgar is excited to announce two new First Class tours and one new CostSaver tour.

Ultimate France (First Class): 11 days from $2875*
Lyon, Avignon, Aix-en-Provence, Nice, Monaco, Marseille, Arles, Paris
Wonders of the Ancient World (First Class): 18 days from $3385*
Athens, Istanbul, Mykonos, Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Cairo, Crete, Luxor, Giza
England & Scotland Heritage (CostSaver): 12 days from $1435*
London, Stonehenge, Lake District, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Stratford-upon-Avon

Trafalgar tours...Dream, pack and leave the rest to them!

Enjoy a hassle-free tour with enough time for you to relax, shop and explore on your own. Trafalgar’s experienced Tour Directors have the local knowledge, will be there to answer your questions, show you the main and less-visited attractions and help you organize your vacation – travelling in the UK and Ireland has never been easier.

The eclectic mix of history, tradition, culture and sightseeing attractions make a vacation to the UK and Ireland truly exceptional. With Trafalgar, all you need to do is decide on where, when and for how long.

Europe & Britain Tours

You can find great shopping in Ireland for hand-cut crystal, Irish Whiskey, jewelry, handmade sweaters and more.

The shorter tours typically allow you to spend at least two nights in each of the major cities, so that you have some free time to venture out on your own. You can always add a few nights before or after your tour begins as well. Tour accommodations range from budget hotels and inns, to five star hotels and overnight castle stays. Of course the better the accomodations, the higher the price. Another thing to consider when selecting a tour is how much sightseeing is included, versus what is going to be offered as optional and cost additional while you are on your trip. Also, how many meals are included, as this can be a considerable savings to you in Europe. Are there any special trips or highlights included? All of these factors can affect the price of a tour, but you may find that spending a little more up front, is a better value in the end to ensure you are getting the most from your visit.

In 8 to 10 days, you can take a Southern Ireland tours and spend time in Dublin, Shannon, Killarney and Waterford, which will include highlights and visits to such places as the Old Jameson Distillery, Bunratty, Ring of Kerry, Kenmare, the Blarney kissing stone and Waterford Crystal Factory.

On an 8 to 10 day trip to Northern Ireland, you would stay in places such as Galway, Derry, Shannon and Dublin.  The drive from the west cost over to the east coast incorporates natural beauty as well as historical sites. Visit the Cliffs of Moher, The Burren and the Connemara region. Some of the trip highlights may include Kylemore Abbey, Glenveagh National Park, Giant's Causeway, Trinity College and St. Stephen's Green. 

Dublin, which is the capital of Ireland, is a favorite of travelers. Visit pubs, museums, restaurants and shops. Popular sites include St. Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin Castle, Malahide Castle, Guinness Storehouse and the Garden of Remembrance. Take time to stroll through Dublin's beautiful Georgian squares. Enjoy entertainment at a theatre, club or pub with traditional Irish music.

Killarney is considered the tourist capital of Ireland due to its natural beauty and the world-renowned Ring of Kerry. Other popular sites are Ross Castle, Dingle and Tralee, Ladies View and the McGillicuddy Reeks. Golfers can enjoy some of the world's best championship golf courses nearby.

Belfast is a thriving city in Northern Ireland, rich in history and culture. It is said to have some of the best nightlife in Ireland. Wonderful restaurants, shops, pubs and old markets offer plenty to do.

The city of Limerick, off of the River Shannon, is ideally located for a visit to the Cliffs of Moher, Bunratty Village and King John's Castle. Durty Nelly's is one of the most famous pubs in the area.   Located in South West Ireland, Cork boasts beautiful scenery of river valleys as well as the sandstone hills of the west. From here you can visit the Blarney Stone, Blarney Castle, Woollen Mills and the affluent town of Kinsale. Walking through Cork, you can see the Opera House, St. Ann Shandon Church, St. Finbarr's Cathedral.

Galway is full of narrow streets and medieval buildings which make you feel like you have gone back in time.  See the Spanish Arch, the Church of St. Nicholas and Lynch's castle. 

BURBANK, Calif., Aug. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- Whether floating down the Colorado River or climbing the Great Wall of China, families participating in Adventures by Disney vacations will connect with the world - and with each other - during a variety of guided group travel experiences spanning six continents in 2010. Created specifically for families, Adventures by Disney itineraries lead guests through the history and culture of each destination while providing unique experiences and exclusive access along the way.

Entering its fifth year, Adventures by Disney designs tours with the family in mind and provides educationally-enriched experiences so even younger travelers understand, appreciate and have fun in their new surroundings. These hassle-free vacations, rooted in the service and quality of family travel leader Disney, provide distinctive opportunities and special touches to make memories that last a lifetime.

"We are able to offer vacation experiences to some of the most fascinating places on earth, literally bringing history to life for our guests," said Don Gross, Vice President, Adventures by Disney. "Each itinerary is carefully planned, creating a vacation that includes the most iconic and must-see sites as well as off-the-beaten path excursions. In fact, guests often tell us the hardest part about the trip is choosing the adventure."

The Disney Difference

From snorkeling with sea turtles in the Galapagos to discovering Europe's classic history, each itinerary is as matchless as its surroundings. Yet one aspect holds true for every trip: the special touches that are collectively called "the Disney difference" . . .

Adventure Guide: Part storyteller, ambassador, concierge and role model, Adventures by Disney's highly-trained Adventure Guides are the friendly hosts and travel specialists who lead guests on every trip. With two guides assigned for every group (of up to 40 people), travelers receive individual attention to ensure a fun and enriching vacation.

Junior Adventurers: Young travelers are transformed into Junior Adventurers - seeing, hearing and tasting things that they might otherwise not have experienced. The immersive activities created just for kids allow young travelers to learn and have fun in places like museums that aren't always as entertaining for the younger set. For example, at the Louvre in Paris, the Junior Adventurers play an Art Detective game throughout the museum with their Adventure Guides, while adults take a privately guided tour with an art historian. In addition, the Adventure Guides are expert storytellers and are trained to create fun and unique, locally-based experiences for the kids. On almost every departure, there is also a Junior Adventurers night, in which the kids have a special evening experience with their Guides, while the adults get a quiet evening on their own at the resort.

Local Experts: An authentic Tuscan chef, a naturalist from Costa Rica, a Chinese tai chi master - these local experts share a passion; they live and breathe the local history and culture of their destination. They are an integral part of every Adventures by Disney vacation. They join guests to share their stories and provide an "insider's" perspective to each destination.

VIP Access: Travelers vacationing with Adventures by Disney receive VIP experiences that are practically impossible to schedule on their own. Special entry to otherwise crowded sites, unique accommodations (like castles in Ireland and Germany, a dude Ranch in Yellowstone and at the base of a live, active volcano in Costa Rica. Guests also get backstage access of celebrated performances like "The Lion King" in London. These are just a few of the exceptional moments woven through each itinerary, promising expedited service and a broader knowledge of each destination.

Adventures by Disney's 2010 destinations include 19 global itineraries:

Asia & Pacific

• Enchanted China - China: Beijing, Chengdu, Guilin, Shanghai and Hong Kong
• Safari to South Africa - South Africa: Cape Town, The Garden Route and Kapama Game Reserve
• Discovery Down Under - Australia: North Queensland, Ayers Rock and Sydney
  

British Isles & Europe

• Cities of Knights and Lights - England and France: London and Paris
• The Emerald Isle - Ireland: Dublin, Killarney and Shannon
• Once Upon a Fairytale - Germany: Heidelberg, Trendelburg, Rothenburg and Munich
• Alpine Magic - Italy and Switzerland: Stresa, Zermatt and Lake Lucerne
• Viva Italia - Italy: Rome, Tuscany and Venice
• Bella Italia - Central Italy: Sorrento and Florence
  

Latin America

• Path to Pura Vida - Costa Rica: San Jose, Arenal and Manuel Antonio National Park
• Treasures of the Galapagos - Ecuador and Galapagos Islands
• Sacred Valleys and Incan Cities - Peru: Lima, Sacred Valley and Cusco
  

North America

• Spirit of America -Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, Pa., and Williamsburg, Va.
• Quest for the West - Wyoming: Jackson Hole, Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks
• Southwest Splendors - Arizona and Utah: Sedona, Grand Canyon and Moab
• Backstage Magic - Southern California: Hollywood and Disneyland Resort
• Golden Path to Yosemite - Northern California: Lake Tahoe, Yosemite National Park and San Francisco
• Taming the Last Frontier - Alaska: Fairbanks, Denali National Park and Kenai Peninsula
• Rocky Trails and Mountie Tales - Montana and Canada: Glacier National Park and Banff National Park

For more on Adventure by Disney, visit www.luxurytour.com

The larger cities of Galway, Limerick, Killarney, Cork, Belfast and Dublin offer their own unique style with central locations that are perfect for exploring the countryside.

Dublin, which is the capital of Ireland, is a favorite of travelers. Visit pubs, museums, restaurants and shops. Popular sites include St. Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin Castle, Malahide Castle, Guinness Storehouse and the Garden of Remembrance. Take time to stroll through Dublin's beautiful Georgian squares. Enjoy entertainment at a theatre, club or pub with traditional Irish music.

Killarney is considered the tourist capital of Ireland due to its natural beauty and the world-renowned Ring of Kerry. Other popular sites are Ross Castle, Dingle and Tralee, Ladies View and the McGillicuddy Reeks. Golfers can enjoy some of the world's best championship golf courses nearby.

Belfast is a thriving city in Northern Ireland, rich in history and culture. It is said to have some of the best nightlife in Ireland. Wonderful restaurants, shops, pubs and old markets offer plenty to do.

The city of Limerick, off of the River Shannon, is ideally located for a visit to the Cliffs of Moher, Bunratty Village and King John's Castle. Durty Nelly's is one of the most famous pubs in the area.   Located in South West Ireland, Cork boasts beautiful scenery of river valleys as well as the sandstone hills of the west. From here you can visit the Blarney Stone, Blarney Castle, Woollen Mills and the affluent town of Kinsale. Walking through Cork, you can see the Opera House, St. Ann Shandon Church, St. Finbarr's Cathedral.

Galway is full of narrow streets and medieval buildings which make you feel like you have gone back in time.  See the Spanish Arch, the Church of St. Nicholas and Lynch's castle. 

The shorter tours typically allow you to spend at least two nights in each of the major cities, so that you have some free time to venture out on your own. You can always add a few nights before or after your tour begins as well. Tour accommodations range from budget hotels and inns, to five star hotels and overnight castle stays. Of course the better the accomodations, the higher the price. Another thing to consider when selecting a tour is how much sightseeing is included, versus what is going to be offered as optional and cost additional while you are on your trip. Also, how many meals are included, as this can be a considerable savings to you in Europe. Are there any special trips or highlights included? All of these factors can affect the price of a tour, but you may find that spending a little more up front, is a better value in the end to ensure you are getting the most from your visit.

In 8 to 10 days, you can take a Southern Ireland tours and spend time in Dublin, Shannon, Killarney and Waterford, which will include highlights and visits to such places as the Old Jameson Distillery, Bunratty, Ring of Kerry, Kenmare, the Blarney kissing stone and Waterford Crystal Factory.

On an 8 to 10 day trip to Northern Ireland, you would stay in places such as Galway, Derry, Shannon and Dublin.  The drive from the west cost over to the east coast incorporates natural beauty as well as historical sites. Visit the Cliffs of Moher, The Burren and the Connemara region. Some of the trip highlights may include Kylemore Abbey, Glenveagh National Park, Giant's Causeway, Trinity College and St. Stephen's Green. 

You can take an Ireland tour year round, but the best weather is found May through October. Weather can always get chilly, so pack warm clothing for the evenings. If you don't mind the cold weather, then in the winter there are far less crowds and prices are about 40% lower than traveling during peak season. 

You can find great shopping in Ireland for hand-cut crystal, Irish Whiskey, jewely, handmade sweaters and more.

We invite you to experience the traditional magic of Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean in the months of November through April. This is the perfect time of year to vsit. The climate is surprisingly often mild and the cities are less crowded than in the summer months, and prices are 30 to 40% lower than traveling during peak season.

Shop in the glittering Christmas Markets and Bazaars. Explore and soak up the atmosphere of Old World Charm. Our tours are priced much lower than during the summer season and the airlines are advertising some of the lowest airfares of the year. Now is the time to make your reservations.

Italy is still the leader of destinations and Spain is not far behind, but don’t discount Egypt. Egypt is an awesome destination for the winter season. Temperatures are more bearable than the hot, hot summer season. For Christmas Markets, Vienna Prague and Budapest are still most popular. Wherever you choose, you will not be disappointed in our winter seasons magical tour destinations.

Written by: C. Kennedy
kennedy@atlastravelweb.com

The city is small enough to explore on foot but large enough to keep you captivated - situated on Cave Hill are the scenic gardens of Belfast Castle, in the city centre is the pomp of City Hall, around the corner is the Grand Opera house. A city improving day-by-day, gorgeous Belfast is any traveller’s must!

Popular Sites:

The currency used is the Euro.

Geogrpahy:  Mostly level to a rolling interior plain surrounded by rugged hills and low mountains; there are sea cliffs on the west coast. Over 40% of the population resides within 100 km of Dublin.

Climate & Clothing:  Ireland has a mild, temperate climate with cool summers and mild winters. Average summer temperatures range from 60ºF to 70ºF (15ºC to 21ºC), July being the warmest month. Average winter temperatures range from 40ºF to 46ºF (5ºC to 8ºC). The most useful clothes are casuals, lightweight wools, sweaters for cold spells, comfortable walking shoes and a light raincoat.

Food & Clothes: 

Q.  I'm confused about luggage, specifically carry on. Is my purse considered a carry on item? How about my husband's camera case? My husband wants to bring his computer, it is slightly over the 12x11x6 Is this a problem?

A.  #1.  A purse or camera case is not considered a carry on. You can still have a separate carry-on bag.

#2.  As far as your husband's computer, carry-on bags must be small enough to store in overhead bins or under the seat in front of you on motorcoaches and other transportation. If it is a very minimal difference, (1 inch,) then it should still fit in the overhead without a problem, but these measurements are given to ensure you will not have any issue while touring.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

These select departures are only available until 15 July, 2009. All are Definite Departures. Space is limited, so come and experience the history of Europe’s cites or North America's wide open spaces this summer, all with Trafalgar’s unbeatable services, tremendous value and now great savings.
 
Please note: To get these special rates, please reference the tour’s ‘PROMO CODE’ at the time of booking. If booking online enter the 'PROMO CODE' in the "Apply Promotions" section during the booking process.

Europe & Britain Tours
 

USA & Canada Tours

Contact 1-800-942-331

Conditions: For new bookings only. Book between July 1 and July 15, 2009. Subject to availability. Full payment due at time of booking (within 45 days of departure). This offer is combinable with all applicable Trafalgar discounts.

A GREAT VALUE FOR ALL SEASONS

• Fewer Crowds and Great Savings: Save up to 35% when compared to summer travel, plus Trafalgar always saves you up to 40% off the cost of traveling on your own.
• First Class Itineraries: Expertly designed, authentically local European vacations featuring exclusive Be My Guest dining highlights, special Family Experiences departures and the personal concierge services of Trafalgar's professional Tour Directors.

Book your Fall, Winter & Spring European vacation today!  Offer expires July 31, 2009!

We love small ship cruising, and the Tahitian Princess carries approximately 700 passengers. We chose this itinerary for the small ship and the ports. Russia has been on the top of my list for quite a while

24 May -arrived in Dublin - First thought- "even the airport is green!!!" - shuttle from airport to ship- so nice to have a smiling face to greet us at the airport. Boarded 4pm - the shower felt so good after an overnight flight - Did tour of ship and remembered our last cruise on the Azamara Quest, an identical ship

The dining room was open seating for the first night - discovered I can live on shrimp cocktail, caesar salad, and salmon, which is offered every evening along with many other choices - our welcome to Dublin was Irish Folklore entertainment

25 May - took advantage of the shuttle offered from the ship into the heart of the city - Sunny - No rain - Amazing for Ireland - Rode the Hop-on, Hop-Off bus around the city-wanted to visit the Guiness Brewery, but didn't have time. The ship was scheduled to depart at 230pm. We walked and found ourselves lost in Dublin, which I found out from others, is easy to do in Dublin. It was getting late, so we took a taxi back to the ship. Everyone is so friendly in Dublin. The taxi driver told us we walked right off the map, which was true. We didn't find any street signs matching the map. The sail away party had to move inside do to rain. Now…this is typical Irish weather!

The Tahitian Princess has quite a bit to offer for a small ship:

Complimentary wine tasting
Afternoon tea
Fitness center with aerobic classes
Internet Café

The comedian was really funny that evening and kept us laughing late enough to watch the ship go through the locks on the way to Barrow.

26 May - Barrow - Visited the Dock Museum and returned to ship. Much to my husband's joy, the market was closed on Tuesday. Weather turning cold and windy

We had dinner at one of the 2 alternative restaurants, The Grill, which is a wonderful steakhouse with fantastic service and only an additional $15 per person.

The ship rocked and rolled all night. I laid in bed listening to things crashing to the floor all around the ship while my husband snored like a baby. Our little ship took the rough seas amazingly well.

27 May - A Day at Sea - The seas calmed down and it was smooth sailing. There were so many activities offered that it was hard to decide which ones to partake in

28 May - Rosyth - Edinburgh, Scotland - We toured the Edinburgh Castle, housing Scotland's Crown Jewels and the Brittania (the Royal Families Yacht). Our wonderful tour guide greeted us in Kilts. Lunch was servedata Thistle Hotel. The Scotch serve boiled potatoes, just like the Irish!!

29 May - Another sea day - nice to relax after a full day of touring yesterday. I went to a "Fat Burning" seminar, not condusive to the wonderful meals I have been devoring on board. Lost of passengers were on deck. The day was cold but sunny and the hot tub was bubbling with bodies. This evening the dining room had an Italian Theme and then a 50's & 60's sock hop upstairs in the lounge.

30 May - Copenhagen - What a beautiful day! We left the ship and walked to the Canal Boat Cruise Dock for our narrated canal cruise. We took the shuttle back to the ship and after lunch took the shuttle back to the center of town to get our bearings. From there we walked to the Rosenborg Castle, more crown jewels,,WOW.

31 May - A Day at Sea - Took the galley tour and a culinary demonstration - our days at sea are never boring. The ship presented a 5K Walk to benefit breast cancer. We had 12 participants. What a good feeling upon completion!

01 June - Up at 5am for our Tallin, Estonia walking tour, a quaint litte town with many churches and cobblestone streets. The highlight of our tour was a concert at a monastery and walking through the market, with wonderful hand made goods

02 June - Finally ……Russia……The first day of our 2 day tour, we visited the Peterhof palace and had lunch serenaded by Russian singers and dancers. Pinch me, am I really here? The eveing's entertainment was a Russian folklore show with more singing and dancing. The Russians serve vodka and champagne with their meals. The vodka tasted like cough syrup, but the champagne was excellent.

03 June - The 2nd day of our St. Petersburg tour took us to the Hermitage. I wished we could have had more time there. I don't think you can get through this wonderful museum in one day's time…so much to see. It rained and turned much colder the 2nd day, but we were lucky to have many good days in this part of the world.

04 June- Helsinki, Finland - Did you know hello in Finnish is "hey" and goodbye is "hey hey"??? I love Helsinki. This fabulous city is so clean.

You can send your college bound students to University in Helsinki without tuition. You just pay for books and meals. They start with English speaking classes and once they master Finnish or Swedish, they can go on to classes I the local languages. We booked a walking tour and it poured. Our tour guide had written on the back of her raincoat "sorry it's raining", so I guess this is normal weather for Helsinki. We walked for 2 hours and stoppedata pastry shop to get wam and dry. The hot tea was a treat and the pastry so light and flaky. I wished I could have brought some home.

05 June - Stockholm - We didn't get to see much of Stockholm due to our flight leaving at 1pm, but what we did see was beautiful rolling hills and farmland with horses and cows. It was too bad we couldn't have stayed overnight,

Now we have fond memories of our trip and loads of pictures.

Until the next one………..

Written by:  C Kennedy
kennedy@atlastravelweb.com

Before You Go

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

Useful Items When Traveling

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

Many clients wonder what the differences are when traveling with a budget, first class or deluxe tour operator. As we have discussed in previous posts, a lot has to do with the type of accommodations used, the location of the hotels, the number of people on the tour and how much is included in the price (i.e. sightseeing, meals, etc.)

Today our focus is to explain the difference in meals.  In most cases, on a budget tour you will receive continental breakfast. This is a basic breakfast of usually consisting of cereals, pastries, juice and coffee. Once you take a first class tour and above, breakfast is normally buffet. This offers the widest choices, quickest service and as much or as little food as you desire.

Budget tours rarely include dinners, and when they do, it is normally in the hotel. First class tour operators offer a combination of both hotel dinners and some dining at local restaurants. However, there is usually a limited menu. It includes 3 to 5 courses with a more limited choice of appetizer, entrees and desserts. We are not suggesting the food is bad, on the contrary, frequently the limited menu includes the chef's freshest market specials of the day and takes less time to serve.

Dining is a delightful and integral part of the travel experience when traveling abroad. Deluxe and luxury operators select restaurants that offer a true taste of each region you visit, and offer full choice of menu to include a starter course (hot & cold appetizer, soup or salad,) main course, dessert and beverage. You’ll savor a delectable assortment of classic dishes and regional specialties. Many meals include wine with dinner and at times entertainment.

Regardless of which tour you book, gratuities to the wait staff are included. For lunches and evenings that meals are not included, the knowledgeable tour directors can assist you in finding dining options based on your the type of food you want to have and your budget.

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

So how is a site selected?

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

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

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

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

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

Click here for a full list of site.

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

How many UNESCO sites have you visited?

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

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

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

Practice healthy habits to help stop the spread of swine flu

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

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

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

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

Planning to travel in a group?

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

Should you bring a laptop while traveling?

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

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

Reasons you should bring a laptop:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Reasons you should keep your laptop home:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Contributed by: A Sternberg
angie@atlastravelweb.com

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

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

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

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

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

Click here to read the article published on CNN.

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

Globus Tours

The time has never been better to book a Globus tour to Europe. Globus gives you 3 ways to save.  Take advantage of one of their special promotions.  

1.  Introducing Special Europe airfare: For a limited time, the Globus family of brands & British Airways are offering special roundtrip airfare to Europe.* This could mean savings of more than 50% off regular fares .** Availability is limited, so act now.

2.  Air-inclusive discounts for all European vacations: On other air carriers, Globus is also offering a $200 per person discount on any air-inclusive Europe vacation booked before March 3, 2009.***

3.  Guaranteed Air:  As always, an aid deposit guarantees the air price. So no matter what may happen to fares from that point, you are covered.

Some restrictions apply, visit www.escortedglobustours.com for full details, and to browse Gobus' amazing selection of Europe vacations.

Don't forget to check the list of Globus tours at 10% off the land rate to combine the savings with this air promotion.

We also realize that these are tough economic times,  so to show our appreciation for our success over the years, we are offering 10% off popular 2009 tour itineraries.

You still get all the benefits of booking with Atlas including working with 1 person throughout your entire reservation, access to discounted airfare, great rates and coverage on travel insurance (rates are non-age based), assistance with special needs, airline seating arrangements and more. 

You can book with confidence. Our knowledgeable agents are not “order takers.”  Our average employee has been with us for over 10 years, is certified and has been in the travel industry for over 17 years.

Atlas also offers destination specific web sites to make your vacation planning a more pleasant experience. Travel tips, reviews, photos and more are easily accessible.

We invite you to experience the Atlas Difference!

Before You Go:

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

Shopping Strategies:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Contributed by: S Brage

CELEBRATE SAINT PATRICK'S DAY IN IRELAND!

Departing March 15, 2009
9 Day Irish Pub & Folk All Inclusive Tour
$1420 Land & Air

This year celebrate St Patrick's Day in Ireland. With great airfares and savings of $150 per person on the land package, you can spend 9 days exploring Ireland from only $1420 land and air, per person. Stay in the heart of Dublin in the famous Temple Bar with a fun dinner and a show at the Brazen Head, the oldest pub in Dublin. After exploring Dublin, and sampling a pint at the Guinness Storehouse, head out to the countryside and experience Ireland at its best.

The grass is green, the daffodils will be blooming, and there's no time like the present.

Must book either flights or travel insurance to receive the discount of $150 per room on this departure only. This offer is valid for new bookings only and not valid for group travel or with any other CIE Tours promotion. This promotion may be revised at any time. Offer expires March 7.

Offer Code 030709PUB

Most people visit Europe to see the famous sights they’ve always heard about. But an equally important part of any travel experience is to savor the real flavor of a city or country. Stay where the Europeans stay, eat where the Europeans eat, and share the European view of Europe.

Book a 2009 Cosmos vacation between January 2, 2009 and March 3, 2009, and you will save $100 per person on the land only price.*

$100 per person discount applies to Cosmos Europe, United States & Canada trips.

*Book a 2009 Cosmos vacation and receive $100 off per person on the land only price. Booking must be made, under deposit and discount applied between January 2, 2009 and March 3, 2009 for travel through December 31, 2009. Offers not valid with one-another or with any other offer except Journeys Club. Applies to new 2009 bookings only, and offer will not be applied to pre-existing bookings. Offer reliant on space availability. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply.

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

Why Cosmos tours?

• Great value: complete travel packages including hotel, transportation, sightseeing, and a professional Tour Director for as low as $75 a day.
• Visits to major and must-see sights included in the vacation price.
• Expert Tour Directors share their unique stories and knowledge of destinations.
• Well chosen, pre-selected hotels so you can relax in a comfortable, clean, and attractive environment.
• Optional excursions at an unbeatable value—diverse enough for unique interests, and all reasonably priced.
• A dynamic blend of transportation including first-class motorcoach, rail, air, and cruise—we make getting there part of the fun.
• Many meals included in the package price for a great value, plus the freedom to experience the local fare as you wish.
• Plenty of leisure time to explore on your own or sit back and take it all in.
• More than 45 years experience showing people the world.
• Portage included—not handling your own bag really makes you feel like you are on vacation.
• Cosmos vacations are recommended by Budget Travel from renowned travel expert Arthur Frommer.
• Cosmos budget travel packages receive a 93 percent satisfaction rating on our customers’ post-vacation surveys.

Here is a wonderful blog and review from one of our clients who recently experienced a Cosmos tour.

Globus Tours

The time has never been better to book a Globus tour to Europe. Globus gives you 3 ways to save.  Take advantage of one of their special promotions.  

1.  Introducing Special Europe airfare: For a limited time, the Globus family of brands & British Airways are offering special roundtrip airfare to Europe.* This could mean savings of more than 50% off regular fares .** Availability is limited, so act now.

2.  Air-inclusive discounts for all European vacations: On other air carriers, Globus is also offering a $200 per person discount on any air-inclusive Europe vacation booked before March 3, 2009.***

3.  Guaranteed Air:  As always, an aid deposit guarantees the air price. So no matter what may happen to fares from that point, you are covered.

Some restrictions apply, visit www.escortedglobustours.com for full details, and to browse Gobus' amazing selection of Europe vacations.

Trafalgar tours has a promotion with British Airways where airfare is up to 56% off. Price from New York to Rome as low as $454 pp plus tax; LAX to Rome from $617 pp plus tax.

Insight Vacations also partnered with British Airways to offer buy one ticket and the 2nd person travels for just $199 plus tax.

Globus Journeys is offering $400 off per couple on air inclusive vacation packages. This applies to most major airlines.

There are some restrictions, so call for details. Offers can be combined with other discount available including early payment discounts as well as AARP.

Our agents are here to provide you the best rates, without compromising on your vacation experience. To make sure you are getting the most from your investment, speak to one or our travel professionals.

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http://www.youtube.com/atlastravelweb

Disney Cruise Line just opened for reservations this week for

The Disney Magic will offer 12 day cruises to Scandinavia, Germany & Russia, as well as Med cruises. Do you think Russia is a child friendly destination? The ship will stay overnight in St. Petersburg. Children will be able to dress up as princes & princesses and attend balls at a real castle. Would parents be willing to do separate excursions from that of their children, or miss out on all that St. Petersburg has to offer?

Common question asked by clients

Answer:

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

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

You can get a great packing list from Frommers.

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

There are exceptions, especially with adventure trips or luxury travel, where preliminary documents are sent, as well as personal registration forms to be filled out.

You will of course always receive written confirmations from us for your records.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This is 8 days prior to her departure.

She was satisfied with this and we ended the call.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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