Route 83 Travel Feed

National Geographic Journeys with G Adventures

Sat, 15 Oct 16 00:02:54 +0000

This is your planet. Get to know it.

Vast, wide, bottomless, and limitless: Welcome to Earth, the universe’s #1 travel destination. There’s more to see, do, touch, smell, and taste on this wondrous little rock than we could possibly cover here, but one thing’s for sure: Wherever you’re headed, we’re already there. Join us.

Where to next?

Africa

Your source for untamed wilderness, captivating human history, urban sophistication, and I-can't-believe-we-just-did-that moments. Whether you like it wild or a little more mild, Africa always delivers, and then some.

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Asia

The diversity of landscapes, food, languages, art, people and religion is simply overwhelming, and too varied to cover in a single paragraph. Come find your very own private blend of big-city bustle and pastoral calm.

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Australia & New Zealand

Sprawling deserts, pristine beaches, enormous forests, snow-capped mountains, and coral reefs teeming with aquatic life show off nature at its very best. Prepare to have your preconceptions dashed and your horizons broadened tenfold.

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Central America & the Caribbean

Enveloping rainforests, cloud-shrouded volcanoes, mysterious Mayan ruins, and mile upon glorious mile of white-sand beaches await. (And as much fun as they are to explore by day, these lands truly come alive at night.)

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Europe

Europe ticks all the boxes on the ultimate travel destination checklist, no matter what you’re into, and you simply can’t see everything in a single go. Go for the classics. Go for the unknown. Just go.

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North Africa & the Middle East

Holy relics, ancient ruins, and other reminders of yesterday are why travellers come to this part of the world. The uncommonly welcoming people are why they keep coming back. The past is never far away out here, and there’s more of it to discover every day.

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North America

Whether North America is your home and native land or if you’re just one of the masses yearning to breathe free, your adventure options on this continent are utterly staggering. Trust us: You’ve never experienced (North) America the Beautiful like this.

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South America

A land awash in ancient history, mind-boggling landscapes, entrancing culture, and non-stop fun, there’s a side of South America that’s perfect for every traveller – including you. The time of your life awaits down here. All you have to do is find it.

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Polar Regions

The Arctic and Antarctica call out to a select breed of traveller. Are you one of them? Set sail aboard the G Expedition and explore these harsh and unbelievably rewarding frozen frontiers.

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Contact your travel professional to learn more about these unique tours

Disney Cruise Line "Are you curious?"

Sat, 15 Oct 16 00:02:16 +0000

Your travel professional can look after everything so you can focus on fun!

Luxury Family Adventure Travel

Sat, 15 Oct 16 00:01:52 +0000

Family Travel Made Fun and Inspiring

A Young Explorers Guide Leads the Way

Enjoy the company of an A&K Young Explorers Guide on select days of your Luxury Small Group Journey. A master of fun and inspiring, kid-friendly adventures, every Young Explorers Guide brings a unique program of activities specially designed for young guests to further reveal a destination, such as painting a Chinese opera mask or identifying wildlife in the bush.

Days of Discovery and Fun

Every day includes at least one Family Discovery: a chance for kids to connect to their destination by interacting with nature, culture and local kids. On a Luxury Family Journey, zipline through the rainforest canopy in Costa Rica. On a Connections Family Journey, go on a backstage tour of the Moscow Circus before watching the show from a VIP seat. A&K Family Journeys include opportunities for kids to acquaint themselves with local delicacies.

Hotels That Keep Kids in Mind

The hotels on your Family Journey have been especially selected for their family-friendly amenities. Wherever possible, your accommodations offer swimming pools and free Internet access, and many feature in-room game systems or game rooms, where kids can hang out after the day's activities.

Small Groups Make for Big Family Fun

Where groups at other travel companies might include 40 or more travellers, A&K Family Journeys feature a maximum of 18 (for Luxury Small Group Journeys) or 24 guests (for Connections Journeys). In practice, that usually means you travel with two to five other families - enough to mean kids can make new friends while still offering you plenty of one-on-one time with your Resident Tour Director® and guides.

Travel That Puts Your Family First

A Family-Friendly Price – Save up to $800 Per Child

To help you share the gift of travel with the entire family, we've added a savings - $800 per child on Luxury Small Group Journeys and $400 per child on Connections Journeys - on all international Family Journeys.

Leave the Planning to Us

Our Family Journeys are planned from the ground up with one thing in mind: anticipating your family's needs. Departures also coincide with school breaks to make sure homework stays at home. We even build in free time to allow you to explore as a family –or relax by the hotel pool. With A&K, planning your family vacation is as easy as saying, "Let's go here."

Count on Our Local Expertise

Abercrombie &Kent operates 52 independent offices around the globe -no other travel company comes close. It's our way of providing your family with a truly local experience wherever you go. Also accompanying you is a Resident Tour Director®, bringing your itinerary to life through countless firsthand experiences and insight only a native could possess.

Contact your travel professional to book a family - trip of a lifetime with A & K

Click here to Download Abercrombie & Kent 2016 Family Journeys

Journeys that Embody the Spirit of Adventure

Sat, 15 Oct 16 00:01:24 +0000

Marco Polo Journeys

Journeys that Embody the Spirit of Adventure

Created decades ago to appeal to our most dedicated travellers, Marco Polo Journeys SM continue to evoke the spirit of adventure with extraordinary itineraries rich in exotic destinations and unique insider-access moments. Offered in a select few departures, centered around unique destinations and festivals, and led by A&K's most revered Resident Tour Directors ®, these journeys deliver truly unforgettable adventures throughout the world.

Every Marco Polo Journey also includes:

Complimentary Internet access during hotel stays, allowing you to keep in touch with friends and loved ones back home
Award-winning luxury hotels and intimate boutique camps & lodges in one-of-a-kind locations
Ride Like a Local, a chance to experience local life with an excursion by local transport
Private airport transfers, regardless of when you choose to arrive and depart
All gratuities except for your A&K Resident Tour Director, which is left to your sole discretion
Irresistible dining and Chef's Table, a chance to experience a special menu or culinary demonstration by a local chef
Travelling Bell Boy ®, our complimentary luggage handling service*
Traveller's Valet ®, our complimentary laundry service at the midpoint of your journey

A Journey for Every Traveller

Marco Polo Journeys reveal the world in unique and surprising ways, and to help you choose the adventure that most suits you, we have organized each journey by theme.

Festivals & Events

Experience your destination through local events and celebrations

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Wilderness Adventures

Venture into the untamed wild in premier A&K style

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River & Rail

Travel in luxury onboard a stylish river ship or train

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Incredible Cultures

Experience an exotic destination and its people at their most authentic

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About Marco Polo Journeys

An Expert at Your Side: The A&K Resident Tour Director

Leading your Marco Polo Journey are A&K’s most popular and in-demand Resident Tour Directors - the best of the best. He or she brings your itinerary to life through decades, if not an entire lifetime, of firsthand experience in your destination. The result is a journey that transforms your understanding of a place, connecting you to the people and places you encounter in a way you’ll never forget.

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Unique Events & Exotic Destinations

Marco Polo Journeys give you VIP access to the events and celebrations that lend each destination its unmistakable character, from the Chelsea Flower Show to Mongolia's festive Naadam games. These journeys can also feature exotic destinations just finding their way onto other travellers' radar, and Marco Polo travellers are often among the first A&K guests to visit emerging and off-the-beaten-path locales, such as Jordan, Uganda and Sri Lanka.

Unrivaled Insider Access

Thanks to our extensive and long-established local ties, A&K can offer access to people and sites far beyond the reach of the average traveller. Imagine watching a private kung fu demonstration in the place it originated, the Shaolin Temple, or attending a member’s only day at the Chelsea Flower Show. Wherever you travel, A&K takes you past the crowds of waiting tourists and into places no other travel company can go.

Intimate Groups of Just 18 Guests

Our journeys are created to connect you to your destination. That's why Marco Polo Journeys are limited to just 18 guests. This allows A&K to introduce you to the kind of people and places inaccessible to other travel companies. It also enables us to choose smaller, boutique properties that don't accommodate large groups and ensures more one-on-one interaction with your A&K Resident Tour Director.

*Not available on days with cruises, train rides or internal flights due to security requirements.

Click here to view Abercrombie & Kent 2016 Marco Polo Journeys

Contact your travel professional to book a Marco Polo Journey!

Rocky Mountaineer 2017 Luxury Training Guide

Sat, 15 Oct 16 00:00:26 +0000

Click on the image to view the full brochure.

Contract your travel professional to help you plan your life changing experience.

Family - Adventure knows no age limit

Sat, 15 Oct 16 00:00:04 +0000

Family with G Adventures - Your travel professional can help you design a perfect family experience. Ask about Teenager departures too!

Learn now, appreciate forever

Travelling is the perfect way to open up a child’s world to possibility and wonder. Powerful experiences lead to new interests, and exposure to different cultures, languages, and environments helps the kids of today become the responsible, well-rounded adults of tomorrow. Our Family trips deliver a seamless mix of adventure and education that’s so much fun they won’t even realize they’re learning something the whole time.

Built for families

Travelling with the family is an adventure unlike any other, in all sorts of ways. Kids often have wildly different needs than adults, which is why we don’t just adapt our grown-up itineraries for smaller travellers. Little things like age-appropriate activities, hotels with amenities designed for families on the go, and CEOs that think like kids and adults alike are just a few of the things that set our Family trips apart. We believe that everyone deserves to have the time of their lives, no matter how old they are.

Trips built for adventurers of all ages

Just because you've settled down and had kids doesn't mean your adventuring days are through. Family tours explore exciting locales – Morocco, Thailand, the Galápagos, Vietnam, and more – with age-appropriate activities and hotels that know how to cater to families on the move.

Americas

Asia

Africa & Middle East

Solo Travel with Abercrombie & Kent

Fri, 14 Oct 16 23:59:38 +0000

A World of Destinations

A&K Travels to the Places You Want to Visit

With a strong presence on all seven continents, Abercrombie & Kent offers journeys from African safaris to cultural discovery programs to exciting adventure cruises to the Galápagos and Antarctica. A&K welcomes solo guests on all our small group journeys.

Travel on Your Own - but Never Alone

Unlike other tour operators, A&K ensures that solo guests enjoy private accommodations on every stop on the itinerary. Best of all, you share the experience of exploring your destination with like-minded travellers eager to meet a fellow adventurer.

Safety and Security Are Our First Concern - and Your Last

As a solo guest, you don't have to spare a thought about your safety and security with A&K's 52 global offices providing round-the-clock support, making your journey as seamless as possible no matter where you go. From the moment you step off the plane to the moment you fly back home, you are in capable, expert hands.

Travel on your Own - but leave the planning to a travel professional. Contact us today!

Inside The World’s Most Luxurious Ship

Fri, 14 Oct 16 23:59:13 +0000

Palm Springs: The Sky’s the Limit

Fri, 14 Oct 16 23:58:15 +0000

By Anita Draycott

Some say “love is in the air,” but in Greater Palm Springs, they mean it—literally. Your heart is sure to skip a beat (or two) as you launch into the heavens on a hot air balloon with Balloons Above. Pick a sunrise flight and you’ll be greeted by sherbet hues in the sky and mountains reminiscent of great works of art. Cozy up to your sweetheart as your basket drifts over lush date palm groves and sprawling polo fields, and enjoy the endless vistas that extend from one end of the valley to the other. When it comes to romantic adventures, the sky’s the limit.

Embrace the Journey - The Trip of a Lifetime Awaits/Collette Tours

Fri, 14 Oct 16 23:57:55 +0000

Embrace the Journey - The Trip of a Lifetime Awaits | Collette Tours

At Collette, we understand travelers, their priorities, and exactly what motivates them: "Those beautiful moments of anticipation, right before the world reveals itself."

So set your course! Make travel a part of your story, and embrace the journey. That's what the Trip of a Lifetime is all about. The time has come, what are you waiting for?

Don't miss out on The Trip of A Lifetime! Create lifelong memories in places like Australia, Asia, South America, and Africa when booking your Collette tours.

Contact your travel professional to book your trip of a Lifetime

Avalon River Cruising & Small Ship Cruising

Fri, 14 Oct 16 23:57:35 +0000

It all starts here! Luxury River Cruising

Contact your travel professional to book your River Cruise and see the very best of Europe, Asia and South American - your way!

Save Euros: Stand don’t Sit

Fri, 14 Oct 16 23:53:58 +0000

By Anita Draycott

When in Italy drink your espresso or cappuccino the way the locals do— standing at the bar. At most places, the price of a coffee doubles if you sit at a table. My favourite coffee bar, Caffé del Doge, is on a small street (Calle dei Cinque) near the Rialto Market.

Calling All Harry Potter Fans to Edinburgh

Fri, 14 Oct 16 23:53:27 +0000

By Anita Draycott

One of the world’s most famous authors, JK Rowling wrote all of her internationally acclaimed Harry Potter series, whilst living in Edinburgh with her young family. Looking around at the city’s gothic architecture, starkly apparent in the school building of George Heriots and Fettes, to name but two, it easy to see where she found her inspiration.

Fans of the author can even visit the café where she wrote many of the novels - the Elephant House - located on South Bridge and a stone’s throw from Edinburgh Castle – or you can go online for a Google map of some of the key locations linked to the Harry Potter novels.

The best Game of Thrones locations

Fri, 14 Oct 16 23:53:08 +0000

SPECTACULAR FILM LOCATIONS IN NORTHERN IRELAND

Captivating coastline

Portraying Theon Greyjoy, actor Alfie Allen endures great agony. Yet he can never get enough of the filming. “I love this spectacular coastline. If Northern Ireland had a slightly better climate, it would be like New Zealand.” Allen spent most of his time donning a harness and roaming Ballintoy Harbour, the stunning setting for the Iron Islands. In between takes, the actors often visited the Giant's Causeway, the famous nearby basalt columns.

The Iron Islands

Theon Greyjoy was born on the Iron Islands. Here, in the sea along the coast of Pyke (Ballintoy), he is baptised in the name of the Drowned God to prove his loyalty to Ironborn.

Cushendun

Ancient delivery room

The role of merciless priestess Melisandre in Game of Thrones has brought Dutch actress Carice van Houten great fame. And the most talked about scene is undoubtedly the one in season two, when her character gives birth to a baby of black smoke. This pivotal scene was filmed in the Caves of Cushendun, which were formed by more than 400 million years of the sea pounding on the crumbling coastline.

Dragonstone

After the infamous scene in the caves of Cushendun, the Red Woman leaves Dragonstone in search of Robert Baratheon’s lost illegitimate son. She finds him and brings him back to the castle along the rugged coast for a very special reunion.

Castle Ward

Archery in Winterfell

In a series where each episode sees dozens of characters dying a bloody death, it is nice to have a less vengeful family. That is the role of House Stark: the friendliest of the warring parties in Westeros. Home base Winterfell is mostly filmed on Castle Ward: an 18th century country estate where part of the set still stands and visitors can try their hand at archery.

Winterfell

A castle with character

The towers of Castle Ward are easily identifiable among the CGI walls and towers of Winterfell. But there is more to Winterfell than CGI: prior to filming the Winterfell scenes, over 100 crew members worked for eight weeks to transform the castle into the Stark family fort.

Dark Hedges

Eerie tree tunnel

Game of Thrones is often described as the feuds of The Sopranos set in the Middle-Earth of The Lord of the Rings. Such a magical setting wouldn’t be complete without a place like the Dark Hedges: a bizarre lane of trees just outside the village of Armoy and one of the most photographed views in Northern Ireland. In the series, the lane portrays the most dangerous road in Westeros. An excellent choice: it’s easy to imagine a three-eyed raven among the sinister twisted branches.

Doors with stories

The Dark Hedges is one of the most iconic film locations of Game of Thrones. Unfortunately, some of the over 200-year-old trees from the set were destroyed by a storm in 2016, but have been turned into doors with the help of some artistic carpenters.

Each wooden door represents one episode from season six of Game of Thrones and they can be admired in several pubs, bars and inns across Northern Ireland. At the end of each episode, the location of the next door is revealed. The Slieve Donard Hotel in Newcastle is one of the proud owners of such a door. See what’s behind it as you wander into Tollymore Forest, the place where men from the Night’s Watch stumble upon a White Walker in the first season’s pilot episode.

Quitin Bay

Star beach

Quintin Castle is an impressive example of medieval architecture on the east coast of Northern Ireland. However, the 12th-century castle was skilfully edited out of Game of Thrones to make room for the fictional Castle Stokeworth of mercenary Bronn. Producers felt that Quintin Bay – with its ominous rocks and barren beaches – was the real star of the local landscape. Of course that doesn’t include the character of Jaime Lannister who can be seen here trudging through the sand.

Empty promises

Bronn finally gets what he thinks he is entitled to. But when he is promised Castle Stokeworth, this comes at a price. His prospect of riches and a beautiful wife are short-lived when life turns out different than expected and he is persuaded to go on a new quest.

Amazing things to visit in Ecuador

Fri, 14 Oct 16 23:51:39 +0000

1. Cotopaxi

Ecuador is famous for its volcanoes. Cotopaxi is the second-highest mountain peak in the country, and one of Its unique features is its one of the few glaciers located along the equator. Cotopaxi is near Quito, which makes for a great day trip for visitors who are staying in Quito but looking to get out of the city for the day.

2. Quilotoa

800 years ago this beautiful lake was formed high in the Andes when a volcano blew up. The lake is more than 250 meters deep and holds stunningly beautiful water in its basin. Try and explore it on a sunny day to witness the waters shift from eye-catching blue to an earthy green.

3. The Basilica of the National Vow
The Basilica is the largest neo-Gothic cathedral in the Western Hemisphere never completed. Local legend suggests the completion of the cathedral will bring about the end of the world.

4. El Panecillo
El Panecillo stands watch over the city of Quito. This 45-metre tall representation of the Virgin Mary is made up of 7,000 separate pieces of aluminum and is one of the only structures of the Virgin Mary to feature angel wings.

5. Malecon 2000

Guayaquil is a city with a unique youthful vibe, and Malecon 2000 is the center of its activity. This vibrant Riverwalk offers the fine art, museums, food and a place where community convenes. Malecon 2000is a great place to have a meal, a drink or partake in world-class shopping while in Ecuador.

Thinking of a dream trip to Ecuador?
Contact us today and let one of our travel specialists send you packing!!!

Better deals on a better way to travel! Monograms Wanderlist

Tue, 06 Sep 16 18:49:49 +0000












Contact your travel professional to book "a better way!"
Featured prices are per person, in Canadian dollars, land only, based on double occupancy, departure dates as indicated and reflect the discount offers. Flights and travel insurance are additional. Participation in some of the featured vacations (South African Sojourn(IQS); Naturally New Zealand (IPN); Peru Highlights (ISM) & IN the Footsteps of Darwin on Santa Cruz & Isabela Islands (IST)) requires the purchase of intra-vacation air segments, which are not included in the pricing listed above. † Book a 2016 or 2017 Monograms "Wanderlist" Rome, Florence & Venice (DIR) vacation to receive a 20% discount on the land-only portion of the core package, including extensions. Not including extra night accommodations, hotel upgrades, intra-vacation air, transfers, taxes/fees, tips or supplements. Booking must be made, under deposit and discount applied between September 1-30, 2016 for travel in 2016 or 2017. Not applicable to custom tours. Discount will apply to individual members of groups adding a name and non-refundable per person deposit WITHIN the promo window. Not applicable on TBA space. Offer not valid with any other offer except Journeys Club Repeat TravelLer benefit and current applicable air promos. Applies to new 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; see Travel Terms & Conditions for details. May be withdrawn at any time. *Book a 2016 or 2017 Monograms A Week in Rome (DI), A Week in Paris (DP), London, Paris & Nice (DRN), Florence Getaway (MQ), Madrid Getaway (MC), Peru Highlights (ISM), In the Footsteps of Darwin (IST), South African Sojourn (IQS), or Naturally New Zealand (IPN) vacation to receive a 10% discount on the land-only portion of the core package, including extensions. Not including extra night accommodations, hotel upgrades, intra-vacation air, transfers, taxes/fees, tips or supplements. Booking must be made, under deposit and discount applied between September 1-30, 2016 for travel in 2016 or 2017. Not applicable to custom tours. Discount will apply to individual members of groups adding a name and non-refundable per person deposit WITHIN the promo window. Not applicable on TBA space. Offer not valid with any other offer except Journeys Club Repeat Traveller benefit and current applicable air promos. Applies to new 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; see Travel Terms & Conditions for details. May be withdrawn at any time. Centre Tower, 3280 Bloor St. W., Suite 400, Toronto, ON M8X 2X3. TICO#1893755/50015835

Welcome to Modern Luxury

Thu, 18 Aug 16 21:10:47 +0000

Click on the image to launch the brochure.

Contact your travel professional today to book your Celebrity experience!

Shopping in the Souks of Marrakech

Thu, 18 Aug 16 20:55:12 +0000

By: Anita Draycott

In seems that everyone in Marrakech has something to sell and shopping in the souks of North Africa’s largest marketplace is another experience you’ll never forget. Beyond Jemaa el Fna square is the famed Medina, where the newcomer can be enticed, enthralled and exasperated all at the same time. “Lady I have best price for you,” the youthful huckster lures me into his stall of painted pottery. I carry on through the souks of the tanners, past the sparks of the iron workers, past the looms of the carpet weavers, past the souk of used televisions. At every turn in this maze I am being hustled, jostled, hassled.

I pass on the miniature leather camel, the cheap metal bangles and a teapot decorated with camel bone. I am intrigued, however, by some small tribal carpets, wooden boxes carved of lemon-scented thuya wood and some chunky silver and amber necklaces, but decide to return after I have done some comparative shopping. I follow my nose to the Herboriste du Paradis where I am lured by the mingling scents of jasmine and lavender. I enter a room crammed floor to ceiling with jars filled with herbs, spices, teas, cosmetic concoctions, rare perfumed oils, henna, kohl eyeliner, saffron. Can I resist the green tube of mint and jasmine lipstick that, when applied. turns pretty pink and stays on for hours? Or the muslin bundle of a black potion that the herbalist guarantees when snorted will cure migraines, colds, snoring husbands?

A word to the wise about shopping in the souks. Bargaining is a way of life here, so even if you’re feeling hassled try to be polite. As a rule of thumb, expect to pay about thirty per cent less than the first price. Examine the goods thoroughly. As the guide I hired from the hotel warned, “We have good stuff and tourist stuff. You decide. All that glitters is not gold.” Not only will a guide prevent you from becoming lost, but having him around will dissuade all the young men and their relentless offers to be your guide. Mind you, anything you buy with your guide will include his “commission” from the store. All this is not to discourage you from shopping in the Medina. It’s a Marrakech must.

Get Thee to a Convent in Old San Juan

Thu, 18 Aug 16 20:54:46 +0000

By Anita Draycott

El Convento, originally a 17th century Carmelite convent, has been listed as one of the world’s best places to stay by both Condé Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure magazines. It’s difficult to believe that this Old San Juan landmark, kitty-corner to the town’s Cathedral, served as a dance hall and flophouse before becoming member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World.

Take breakfast al fresco under the shade of an ancient loquat tree in the central patio and try the banana nut pancakes with maple syrup.

El Convento guests can enjoy the vibe of Spanish colonial San Juan, plus Puerto Rico’s surf scene because they have Beach Club privileges at El Convento’s sister properties on the sands of Condado Beach.

Become Lords and Ladies of the Manor at Mar Hall

Thu, 18 Aug 16 20:54:23 +0000

Just ten minutes from Glasgow airport, Mar Hall Golf and Spa Resort is the ideal spot to start and/or end your Scottish romp. The baronial mansion overlooking the River Clyde, originally completed in 1845, has received a £15 million restoration to bring it back to its former Gothic grandeur.

Mar Hall boasts the Decléor Spa offering a huge list of therapies and afternoon tea. Gosia, my Polish masseuse began my treatment with a warm sudsy footbath. I’d like to describe the massage in more detail but I conked out after about ten minutes on the table. I wanted relaxation, so thanks, Gosia, mission accomplished.

In case you need to squeeze in a last round of Scottish golf, book a tee time at the resort’s Earl of Mar championship course designed by Dave Thomas Jr.

At the Cristal dining room, Mar Hall prides itself on its impressive selection of Champagne. Chef Sam Carswell puts imaginative and delicious twists on Scottish classics. Loch Fyne smoked salmon, for example, comes with an avocado emulsion, apple caviar. Beef, aged for 28 days, gets kicked up a notch with braised cheek, escargots and an onion/parsley risotto. Fancy some frog leg bonbons?

Mar, I discovered, was one of the seven Kingdoms in ancient Scotland and the “Earl of Mar” is the oldest title in Britain. The place has quite a pedigree. In fact, a couple of past visitors have included Mary Queen of Scots and Robert the Bruce.

By Anita Draycott

A Wee Dram in Aberdeen: Consider a Visit to these Distilleries

Thu, 18 Aug 16 20:54:03 +0000

Strathisla Distillery

Seafield Avenue, Keith, Banffshire
With its distinctive pagodas, cobbled courtyard and picturesque buildings, Strathisla Distillery is arguably the most beautiful distillery in Scotland. Founded in 1786, it is also the oldest operating distillery in the Scottish Highlands.

The Glenfiddich Distillery

Dufftown, Moray
World famous working distillery. On Christmas Day in 1887, William Grant watched proudly as the first spirit ran from the stills at Glenfiddich Distillery. Five generations later the distillery is still owned and managed by the Grant family. Glenfiddich is unique in the fact that it is the only Highland Single Malt that is distilled, matured and bottled at its own distillery.

Balvenie Distillery

Dufftown
The Balvenie is unlike all other single malt Scotch whiskies, thanks to a unique combination of human craft and natural alchemy. Neither the craft nor nature’s mysteries have changed in over a century. A visit to the distillery in Speyside, Scotland, brings this all to life.

Speyside Cooperage Visitor Centre

Craigellachie, Aberlour, Banffshire
No visit to Speyside would be complete without a visit to the Speyside Cooperage, the only cooperage in Britain with a Visitor Centre. Here you can watch the coopers make and repair the barrels for the whisky industry.

Royal Lochnagar Distillery

Crathie, Ballater, Aberdeenshire
Royal Lochnagar distillery is situated on the south side of the River Dee close to Balmoral Castle. Age old traditions and craftsmanship produce one of Scotland's most exclusive whiskies. A visit to Royal Lochnagar is a timeless experience. Visitors can see distillers tending to the traditional mash-tun and gleaming copper stills. At the tour end, a complimentary dram will confirm that Royal Lochnagar is a malt whisky worthy of the "Royal" prefix to its name.

Where to Eat in Aberdeen

Thu, 18 Aug 16 20:53:36 +0000

By Anita Draycott

Silver Darling

The Silver Darling Seafood Restaurant is renowned for its fine food, fine wines and a fine view of Aberdeen harbour and bay, offering fabulous local seafood exquisitely prepared by our French Chef. Highly recommended in the Good Food Guide, the dishes are excellent value and cover a wide range of prices. The rooftop conservatory restaurant in Aberdeen's former customs house offers terrific views of Aberdeen's beach, coastline and harbour.

Cafe 52

Buried in a cave-like arch below Union Street, Café 52 feels more like Amsterdam than the Granite City with an authentic air of easy cool that style bars would die for. The atmosphere is laid back but the menu is ambitious. This includes chilli tzatziki sandwiches for lunch and satisfying Cullen skink, venison, and duck dishes for dinner. A golden cavern of cuisine, Café 52 is hip but probably beyond the purse of most hippies

The Albyn

A Scottish bar and restaurant with a twist. The Albyn not only serves delicious food but also hosts a great night out. The Albyn is stylish and contemporary, with a modern dining menu. Relax in the bar area, dine with friends or dance the night away to the live bands and resident DJs.

La Cafe Boheme

Tucked away down a lane in Aberdeen city centre, Le Café Boheme is a small intimate restaurant, with an authentic French décor: buzzing at lunch, candlelit and warm at night, with jazz in the background. A small and selective menu, serving the very best of modern and traditional French cuisine with a twist of individuality and passion.

Books and Beans

Situated in the heart of Aberdeen, Scotland on Belmont Street just off the main thoroughfare of Union Street, Books and Beans has been going since 2003. They sell fantastic homemade soups, sandwiches, salads and panini as well as a range of excellent Fair Trade Coffee, Teas and Hot Chocolate. The atmosphere’s friendly and relaxed and you can choose to either stay in the main coffee area downstairs for your lunch or head upstairs to the main Bookstore, where you can browse 15000 titles, or indeed munch your soup and sandwich!

Visit Kirriemuir - birthplace of JM Barrie, creator of Peter Pan

Thu, 18 Aug 16 20:53:17 +0000

Kirriemuir, known as the “Gateway to the Glens” makes a captivating base for exploring the beautiful braes of Angus. The town’s most famous son was the author JM Barrie, the creator of Peter Pan. His birthplace, now owned by the National Trust for Scotland, contains an imaginative exhibition featuring life-size figures, theatre posters and stage costumes. There is also a statue of Peter Pan in the middle of the town. 2010 sees the 150th anniversary of JM Barrie’s birth and a series of celebrations will take place throughout Scotland, from new stage adaptions of the famous Peter Pan stories to smaller events focusing on the author’s life in Scotland.

By Anita Draycott

Marrakech: Feast for the senses

Thu, 18 Aug 16 20:52:54 +0000

By Anita Draycott

I felt like I had just stepped into a movie. Snake charmers, teeth yankers, fortune tellers, acrobats, water carriers—good guys, bad guys all putting on their nightly performance in Jemaa el Fna square, in the marvelous mayhem that is Marrakech.

Each evening as the sun starts to set the cast assembles, setting up stalls of street-food delicacies ranging from massive cauldrons of snails brewing in a mirky broth to lamb kabobs hissing on charcoal fires. Circling the square is a non-stop throng of rusty bicycles and mopeds, mangy donkeys pulling wagons, rattling petite taxis honking their horns. Marrakech is an ancient caravan town, a gathering place where Arabs and Berbers mingle with Sahara nomads and mountain people. Morocco is a feast for the senses and twilight at Jemaa el Fna assaults all of them.

Rum Running in Old San Juan

Thu, 18 Aug 16 20:52:35 +0000

By Anita Draycott

Enjoy the small museum and free samples at Casa Don Q, locally produced rum from the Serralles family who take pride in their eco-friendly distillery. A bottle of Don Q Cristal makes a spirited souvenir. Don Q is across the street from the Pier 1 cruise ship dock and next door to the PR Tourism Centre.

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Visit Kirriemuir - birthplace of JM Barrie, creator of Peter Pan

Marrakech: Feast for the senses

Rum Running in Old San Juan