HURTIGRUTEN
Eleven ships sail the spectacular fjord-filled west coast of Norway from Bergen to Kirkenes and back with 34 ports of call, in addition to the MS Fram- the newest and most deluxe expedition ship in the world, sailing to the Arctic island of Spitsbergen. For nearly 120 years, the popular journey along Norway’s coast has been offering travelers a unique combination of history, culture and incredible vistas. Its newer series of Expedition Cruises caters to the soft-adventure travelers: Antarctica and the Chilean Fjords, Falkland Islands and South Georgia -- these incredible areas of the world offer the most magnificent mountains, fjords, and an abundance of wildlife to the few people who are fortunate to visit; the unspoiled nature and wildlife of the Arctic’s Spitsbergen; and Greenland during the polar summer -- a fascinating time to view spectacular scenery and wildlife in the remote wilderness above the Arctic Circle. Several itineraries take in many of Europe’s most popular and unusual port cities - from Russia’s St. Petersburg to Poland’s Gdynia to Spain and France. The company also offers land/cruise vacations combining the voyage with extensive land programs. www.hurtigruten.us
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FRENCH COUNTRY WATERWAYS
The return of the Nenuphar after a near complete renovation and rebuild brings the number of French Country Waterways’ luxury barges to five. Carrying 8-18 passengers, the barges ply scenic routes in Burgundy, Alsace-Lorraine, Champagne and the Upper Loire Valley on six-night cruises. The cruises depart weekly from April - October and feature inclusive prices, a relaxed atmosphere, daily sightseeing excursions and free time for sundeck relaxation, walking or bicycling along towpaths, village exploration or optional hot-air ballooning. Highlights are attentive service from a crew fluent in English and French, open bar, wine tastings at every meal, and sumptuous meals both on-board and ashore by top chefs. More than half of our wines will bear well-known labels from Grand Cru and Premier Cru vineyards, such as Gevrey-Chambertin, Meursault, and Puligny-Montrachet. Dinners ashore are at Michelin-starred restaurants. Staterooms and suites have full- or king-size beds, generous storage space, individual AC and heating controls, and private bath; thoughtful touches like fresh flowers, extra pillows and hair dryers are always included. www.fcwl.com
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TUSCAN WAY
A company that specializes in Italian cooking vacations in authentic settings as well as villa rentals. With four locations -- Casa Innocenti in Arcidosso; 18th-century Villa Poggiarello, set in the 1,000-year-old village of Roccastrada; Villa Gaia, a charming country estate outside the town of Seggiano; and "Villa Castelletti", a noble estate near Florence -- Tuscan Way offers a member-of-the-family atmosphere not found in more formal schools. Participants learn in a relaxed, informal setting: small groups, sitting around the kitchen table, a glass of local wine within arm’s reach, and personal attention from the host. Guests learn how to plan the meal, choose the best ingredients from the right shops, prepare those ingredients, choose which plates and wine glasses help accentuate the meal, decide on the proper wines, and cook the meal. Daily excursions offer a variety of possibilities: visits to medieval villages, local markets and occasional food festivals, and tours of vineyards with wine tastings. www.tuscanway.com
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GRANDTRAVEL
The company that created this market 25 years ago continues to set the standard, offering deluxe vacations for grandparents and grandchildren, worldwide. Designed by educators and travel professionals, the itineraries are focused on stimulating curiosity, encouraging exploration and discovery and are fun-filled, making sure there is quality time between the generations. 2010 offerings include Washington, DC & Williamsburg; London & Paris; Italy; and Alaska. www.grandtrvl.com
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CONNOISSEURS SCOTLAND
Born to advance the public’s focus on their member resorts as well as Scotland as a unique place to visit, Connoisseurs Scotland offers a possibility for almost every preference -- their 24 members include four of the world’s finest golf resorts such as Gleneagles, Old Course and the site of the 2009 British Open, Turnberry; Inverlochy Castle - recently voted the best hotel in Europe; six outstanding city centre properties; Edinburgh’s only 5 Red Star hotel; a 19th-century castle health spa; a collection of intimate country house hotels; the Royal Scotsman luxury train; two exclusive use properties; and six properties set in scenic coastal locations. Four properties boast Michelin-starred restaurants.
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