Avalon WATERWAYS

EUROPEAN SLENDOR VIENNA TO AMSTERDAM

Cruise Overview

This magnificent vacation includes a deluxe cruise that reveals the best of Europe along the Danube, Main, and Rhine Rivers. See the sights with Local Guides in Vienna, Grein, Passau, Bamberg, and Cologne; attend a baking demonstration in Bavaria’s picturesque Miltenberg; visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum in charming Rüdesheim; and cruise through the dramatic Rhine Gorge past the legendary Lorelei rock. Your vacation concludes with a canal cruise past 16th-century merchant houses in delightful Amsterdam.

Highlights & Sightseeing CRUISE:Deluxe 12-night cruise from Vienna to Amsterdam in an outside stateroom with hotel-style beds VIENNA:Welcome reception; guided sightseeing MELK:Guided visit of the Benedictine Abbey GREIN:Guided sightseeing PASSAU:Guided sightseeing REGENSBURG:Guided sightseeing MAIN DANUBE CANAL:Cruise in the canal NUREMBERG:Guided sightseeing; beer tasting BAMBERG:Guided sightseeing, see the Old Town Hall WÜRZBURG:Guided sightseeing, visit the Bishop’s Residenz MILTENBERG:Guided sightseeing; baking demonstration RÜDESHEIM:Visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum RHINE GORGE:Cruise through the gorge COLOGNE:Guided sightseeing AMSTERDAM:Canal cruise Meals Superb dining with all meals on board daily featuring full breakfast, lunch, and dinner, including a welcome reception, Captain’s reception, and farewell dinner; quality wines from Europe’s most famous wine regions with every dinner; one sitting with open seating arrangements Notes: In the event of water level problems on stretches of any river, or any problems of a technical nature, it may be necessary to operate part of the itinerary by motorcoach or to alter the program. Included visits and special features are subject to change. If a change is necessary, a substitute will be offered. Always Included  It's about you. You are the reason we've used our 80-plus years of travel expertise to design the very best river cruise experience. Inspired by you, we've taken everything special about river cruising and made it even better. Here are some of the features and amenities you'll experience on board our Avalon ships. Panoramic windows throughout every ship. Spacious designs provide personal space. Included shore excursions with Local Guide. Headsets for shore excursions. Complimentary Wi-Fi access. Personalized room options & excursions. Highest-quality craftsmanship. Premium coffees, cappuccinos and lattes. Coffee self-serve beverage station. A lounge serving premium spirit cocktails. Maintain your routine in the fitness center. The Comfort Collection by AvalonSM. Premium L'Occitane bath amenities. Daily early- and late-riser breakfast. Full buffet breakfast with sparkling wine. Complimentary juices with breakfast. Made-to-order egg station at breakfast. Complimentary soft drinks with lunch. Chef-inspired regional recipes. Four-course dinners with open seating. Choice of appetizers, soups & salads. Nightly option of entree, dessert or cheese. Complimentary regional wines at dinner. Free soft drinks or beer with dinner. Night Fare served at 10:30 p.m. Remarkable service through the cruise. English-speaking crew. Non-smoking interior. Large bathrooms - showers w/ glass doors. Flatscreen satellite TV with movie channels. Spacious 3-door closets for ample storage. And, much more.

Faith Based Religious Travel

Madrid, SPAIN

Wartburg Castle Germany

The Vatican, Vatican City, Italy

Caesarea, Israel
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Take in the View of Beautiful Killarney National Park- IRELAND
 
                                                                             Breath Taking Kylemore Abbey-An Irish Heirloom
Enjoy the Ring of Kerry--Ahh so Beautiful
 
                                                                                Dublin, the Capital of Ireland
Malahide Castle, near Dublin
 
                                                                            Blarney Castle & the Stone of Eloquence
Enjoy the “Emerald Isle’s” scenic vistas and fascinating history. Begin in Dublin with a welcome dinner and orientation tour featuring visits to St. Patrick's Cathedral and Oscar Wilde's Trinity College. Travel through dairy-farm country in the heartland to Knock, where the Virgin Mary appeared to the townsfolk in 1879 and where pilgrims today come from around the world. Visit Knock Shrine, the Church of the Apparition, the basilica, and the Folk Museum—and maybe join the evening rosary processions. Stop to visit the Croagh Patrick Visitor Centre in Murrisk and the massive Benedictine Kylemore Abbey, then spend two overnights in Galway. From here, enjoy an excursion to Inishmore, the largest of the Aran Islands, including a tour of the island and a visit to clifftop Dun Aengus, one of Europe’s most dramatic prehistoric stone forts. Travel across the limestone plateau known as The Burren and visit The Burren Centre at Kilfenora on your way to Killarney for your 2-night stay. Join the famed “Ring of Kerry” for a panoramic drive around the island’s southwestern tip and take a horse-drawn jaunting car ride through the national park. Pass into County Cork and stop in Blarney, renowned for its castle and magical Kissing Stone, before arriving in Waterford for a guided tour of the newly opened Waterford Crystal Experience. Next, stop at Avoca, Ireland’s oldest handweaving mill, and then at Glendalough, the early Christian monastic site founded by St. Kevin in the 6th century. Return to Dublin for an overnight and the end of your wonderful Irish vacation.

Globus Family Vacations-Europe Christian Faith Based

GLOBUS FAMILY VACATIONS!!!!

THE EUROPEAN REFORMATION - FAITH-BASED TRAVEL (TL) - 2012

 

 

A very special trip concentrated on Martin Luther. Start in Berlin, where you will visit Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church and take pictures of Brandenburg Gate and the Holocaust Memorial. In Wittenberg, visit the Reformation Museum, Luther House, Martin Luther’s Tomb, and more. Continue to Leipzig and visit the Thomaskirche, where J.S. Bach worked. Also included are visits to the Augustinian Monastery in Erfurt, Coburg Fortress, and the Gutenberg Museum in Mainz. Enjoy a Rhine River cruise along the prettiest part of the Rhine Valley, and arrive in Worms, where the Imperial Council passed judgment on Luther in 1521. Visit the cathedral where Luther presented his case, Trinity Church, and the famed Reformation Monument. Also stop in the medieval walled town of Rothenburg, famous for its Christmas ornaments. Follow Luther’s footsteps to Nuremberg and visit the Lutheran Lorenz Church, then to Augsburg, where Luther and his followers proclaimed their beliefs. End in Munich and visit Marienplatz with its Old and New Town Halls. An optional excursion is available to King Ludwig’s Linderhof Castle and the Passion Play town of Oberammergau. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at your hotel.

April 2 Departure - Good Friday in Erfurt and Easter Sunday in Mainz 

Africa Vacations

Anyone can take you to Africa. But when you take a Cosmos Africa vacation, you get insights and cultural interactions to turn your once-in-a-lifetime Africa tour into a truly one-of-a-kind experience. Enjoy learning about the Great Pyramids from Egyptologists, getting up close and personal with Africa's most exotic creatures or Tunisia’s enchanting blend of European sophistication and Arabian exoticism while on an Africa vacation with Cosmos.


Exotic and fascinating, the Kingdom of Morocco is rich in history and culture, offering travelers intriguing historical sites, authentic cuisine, and changing scenery that is perfect for travelers wanting to explore and learn about a new destination. In Marrakesh, step back in time as you wander through the Jemaa-el-Fna, a square and exotic bizarre offering some of the greatest open-air entertainment. Listen to the storytellers—an integral part of the culture—and browse for handicrafts. It’s not hard to imagine what it was like in the past, a time when caravans loaded their camels with food and goods to sell at the markets. 

In Fez, take an optional tour to see the ancient medina. Founded in the 9th century, it is one of the largest medieval cities in the world and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stroll through its souks (markets) and alleys, which are virtually unchanged since the Middle Ages. Taste authentic Moroccan cuisine and take in the sites and sounds of this fascinating city. 

On this tour you’ll also visit Casablanca, Meknes, Ouarzazate, Ifrane, Erfoud, and Rabat, Morocco’s vibrant capital. Admire changing scenery as the Middle Atlas mountain range transforms to desert as you approach the Erfoud oasis. This affordable vacation to Morocco is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Jewels of Morocco (6780) - 2012

10 days from Casablanca to Casablanca, or 11 days incl. travel

Save up to $250 per person on 2012 air-inclusive Europe vacations*

Discover the best of Europe - for less!

Here's how you can save – either receive $250 per person* on 2012 air-inclusive British Airways or American Airlines vacations or$125 per person** on any other 2012 air-inclusive Europe vacation.

For 50 years Cosmos has offered savvy, value-minded travelers the most affordable travel packages to the world's most fascinating places—places like the snowcapped peaks of Switzerland, sunny Spain, the ancient splendor of Greece and Egypt, festive France, the snowcapped peaks of the Canadian Rockies, North America’s breathtaking national parks, the volcanic wonders of Hawaii, and America’s historical East Coast. Because Cosmos specializes in packaged travel arrangements, you can visit exciting cities at a remarkable price. Our clout with suppliers is concentrated and we pass the savings on to you. It's the very best way to travel more…for less!

Save $200 per person on the price of any 'Totem Circle' Canada vacation*

Enjoy the leisurely pace of train travel, while taking in the majestic Rockies.

Established by the Canadian government in 1977, VIA Rail Canada breathed new life into the country's railways by becoming its first national passenger rail company. Throughout its history, VIA has succeeded in building an outstanding company known around the world for its remarkable efficiency and management. Travel where cars cannot, and marvel at scenic vistas that would otherwise be inaccessible.

Totem Circle 
13 days from Vancouver to Vancouver 

Experience British Columbia and Alberta on this fun-filled Canadian vacation. Start your trip in Vancouver with a city sightseeing tour before taking a ferry to Vancouver Island, where you'll make stops in Victoria, Chemainus, and Port Hardy. Your tour in Victoria includes world-famous Butchart Gardens, a floral extravagance with 55 acres. Cruise one of the world's most beautiful ocean voyages on the Inside Passage to Prince Rupert. In Prince Rupert, board Canada's VIA Rail®'s Jasper to Prince Rupert train to Prince George. On this train journey, watch for soaring bald eagles, black bears, moose, and majestic mountains. 
Totem Circle Vacation Details

North America Rail Vacations

From overnight train journeys to delightful day trips, nothing beats traveling on a train. Glide through breathtaking scenery inaccessible via car; marvel at the rugged mountains and thundering waterfalls; and watch for majestic wildlife. Whether it’s traveling across Canada on its transcontinental train or simply spending a few hours on one of Colorado’s or California’s historic trains, Cosmos escorted tours offer you the fun of train travel combined with hotels and sightseeing at an affordable price.

Western Canada Affordable Tours

Stunning and rugged mountains, mighty rivers, thundering waterfalls, majestic wildlife, and sparkling lakes—all of this and more await you on Cosmos escorted tours through Western Canada. Discover the mountain towns in the Canadian Rockies—Banff, Jasper, Whistler, and Sun Peaks—and enjoy the spectacular scenery and fresh mountain air. Explore the cities—Vancouver, Calgary, and Victoria—and take a ride on an all-terrain vehicle on ice that is 1,200-feet thick. Cosmos offers all these wonderful opportunities at a price you can afford. Be sure to pack your camera to capture lasting memories.

Alaska Budget Tours

Imagine the thrill of hearing the thunderous roar as glaciers plunge into the sea, seeing a bald eagle soar overhead, and spotting captivating wildlife in their natural environment. On a value-packed, Cosmos escorted tour through Alaska and the Yukon, sit back and enjoy the spectacular scenery while Cosmos handles the details—all at an affordable price. Ride the legendary Alaska Railroad, enjoy an exhilarating glacier cruise, explore the largest cities, and learn about the history and native cultures of the region—there is no other place like Alaska and the Yukon!

North America Budget Travel

From the breathtaking national parks in the Western U.S. to the charming Southern towns and historic cities in the East, Cosmos offers escorted tours throughout Canada and the United States. Travel throughout just one region or take a tour that journeys across the country—whatever you decide, Cosmos has a large collection of affordable options for you. See the major sights—such as Niagara Falls, Yellowstone National Park, Graceland, the Golden Gate Bridge, the Empire State Building, and more—and enjoy time on your own to explore. With Cosmos, you don’t have to compromise your budget or time!

North America Vacations

• Western U.S. & National Park Vacations
• New England, Washington DC & New York Vacations
• Southern U.S. Vacations
• Hawaii Vacations
• Alaska Vacations
• Go Parks! Tours
• Western Canada Vacations
• Eastern Canada Vacations
• Rail Vacations

National Parks Tours & Go Parks! Budget Vacations

Cosmos is partnering with the National Park Foundation to provide unique tour experiences in America’s national parks. Choose from our great collection of nine vacations that either feature an overnight or spend significant time in a U.S. national park. We can’t wait to introduce you to these incredible sights and experiences! 

Choose from our great collection of nine vacations that either feature an overnight or significant time in a U.S. national park—just look for the "GoParks! Tours" logo throughout the vacations on the Web site. We can't wait to introduce you to these incredible sights and experiences! 

Here's a sampling of the national parks in our Cosmos portfolio: 

- Grand Canyon National Park 
- Zion National Park 
- Yellowstone National Park 
- Yosemite National Park 
- Bryce Canyon National Park 
- Denali National Park 
- Rocky Mountain National Park

Swiss UNESCO World Heritage

12 days from Zurich to Zurich, or 13 days incl. travel

In celebration of Cosmos’ 50th anniversary, this brilliant adventure includes most of Switzerland’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, combining well-known sites with spectacular places of great natural and cultural interest that are slightly off the beaten path. Highlights include the Convent of Saint Gall with Switzerland’s oldest library, scenic “Heidiland,” the Tectonic Arena Sardona, a boat trip on the scenic Walensee, and an excursion into Engadine National Park. You’ll also experience a ride on the Bernina Express from St. Moritz to Tirano, the incredible castle ruins of Bellinzona, pretty subtropical Lugano with its picturesque lake, Berne’s Old City, the vineyard terraces at Lavaux with included wine tasting, the beautiful Entlebuch Biosphere Reserve, and so much more. At every site you will have an expert Local Guide explaining the destination’s unique qualities. It’s a true experience that will stay in your memories forever.

LEGACY OF ST. PATRICK - DUBLIN, IRELAND

Enjoy the “Emerald Isle’s” scenic vistas and fascinating history. Begin in Dublin with a welcome dinner and orientation tour featuring visits to St. Patrick's Cathedral and Oscar Wilde's Trinity College. Travel through dairy-farm country in the heartland to Knock, where the Virgin Mary appeared to the townsfolk in 1879 and where pilgrims today come from around the world. Visit Knock Shrine, the Church of the Apparition, the basilica, and the Folk Museum—and maybe join the evening rosary processions. Stop to visit the Croagh Patrick Visitor Centre in Murrisk and the massive Benedictine Kylemore Abbey, then spend two overnights in Galway. From here, enjoy an excursion to Inishmore, the largest of the Aran Islands, including a tour of the island and a visit to clifftop Dun Aengus, one of Europe’s most dramatic prehistoric stone forts. Travel across the limestone plateau known as The Burren and visit The Burren Centre at Kilfenora on your way to Killarney for your 2-night stay. Join the famed “Ring of Kerry” for a panoramic drive around the island’s southwestern tip and take a horse-drawn jaunting car ride through the national park. Pass into County Cork and stop in Blarney, renowned for its castle and magical Kissing Stone, before arriving in Waterford for a guided tour of the newly opened Waterford Crystal Experience. Next, stop at Avoca, Ireland’s oldest handweaving mill, and then at Glendalough, the early Christian monastic site founded by St. Kevin in the 6th century. Return to Dublin for an overnight and the end of your wonderful Irish vacation.

PALACE RESORTS

With $1500 Resort Credit, Palace Resorts guests desires and all vacation fantasies are fulfilled. On top of the already unmatched all-inclusive luxury amenities and service, this resort credit can be used on room upgrades, spa and beauty salon treatments, golf outings, romantic dinners, upgraded wine list and our Select Colin Cowie Wedding Collections*.
Receive up to $1,500 resort credit per room, per stay with a 5-8 night stay. Receive up to $750 resort credit per room, per stay with a 4 night stay. Receive up to $500 resort credit per room, per stay with a 3 night stay. Receive up to $2000 resort credit per room, per stay with a 9-11 night stay. Receive up to $2,500 resort credit per room, per stay with a 12+ night stay. Resort Credit can be applied to any of the services and/or amenities included below. Amounts shown are the maximum credit that can be applied towards each product/service for a maximum cumulative amount of the applicable Resort Credit per reservation.

Valid for arrivals through December 23, 2012

OURS: Use up to $1,500 resort credit any of these select tours/ activities when you book a 5-8 night stay, $750 Resort Credit with a 4 night stay, $500 Resort Credit with a 3 night stay, $2,000 Resort Credit with a 9-11 night stay, and $2,500 Resort Credit with a 12 + night stay. Activities: Chichen Itza, Isla Mujeres, Coba, Wet’n Wild, and $200 for Swim with the Dolphins from 12/19/2011- 01/02/2012; 03/30/12- 04/08/12;  06/15/12-08/15/12, (at Wet’n Wild. Transportation for this activity is not included.) All participants in the Dolphin Swim Program must be at least 8 years old and no less than 48 inches tall. Tours and activities are provided by the Palace Vacation Planners.

GOLF:Use up to $1,500 resort credit towards green fees, and shared cart when you book a 5-8 night stay, $750 Resort Credit with a 4 night stay, $500 Resort Credit with a 3 night stay, $2,000 Resort Credit with a 9-11 night stay, and $2,500 Resort Credit with a 12 + night stay. Golf Courses: Moon Spa & Golf Club, Riviera Cancun Golf & Resorts, and Playacar Spa & Golf Club.
Transportation to the golf courses is included. The unlimited golf package and the golf with spa option package are not combinable with this promotion. Not valid for clubs or shoes rentals.

JACK NICLAUS ACADEMY: Resort Credit can also be used towards lessons at the Jack Nicklaus Academy of Golf.

SPA/ BEAUTY SALON SERVICES: Use up to 300.00 Resort Credit on spa and/or beauty salon services when you book a 5-8 night stay, $150 Resort Credit with a 4 night stay, $100 Resort Credit with a 3 night stay, $400 Resort Credit with a 9-11 night stay, and $500 Resort Credit with a 12 + night stay.

ROMANTIC DINNER: Use up to $1,500 resort credit on a Romantic Lobster Dinner (includes Moet & Chandon champagne, and Surf & Turf with lobster and high quality US Beef meat) when you book a 5-8 night stay, $750 Resort Credit with a 4 night stay, $500 Resort Credit with a 3 night stay, $2,000 Resort Credit with a 9-11 night stay, and $2,500 Resort Credit with a 12 + night stay. Adults only.

UPGRADED WINE LIST: Use up to $1,500 resort credit from selected award winning wines when you book a 5-8 night stay, $750 Resort Credit with a 4 night stay, $500 Resort Credit with a 3 night stay, $2,000 Resort Credit with a 9-11 night stay, and $2,500 Resort Credit with a 12 + night stay.

ROOM UPGRADE: Use up to $1,500 Resort Credit in room upgrade available upon arrival when you book a 5-8 night stay, $750 Resort Credit with a 4 night stay, $500 Resort Credit with a 3 night stay, $2,000 Resort Credit with a 9-11 night stay, and $2,500 Resort Credit with a 12 + night stay.

WEDDINGS: Use up to $1,500 resort credit on select Colin Cowie Wedding Collections exclusively when you book a 5-8 night stay, $750 Resort Credit with a 4 night stay, $500 Resort Credit with a 3 night stay. Resort Credit is only applicable on Weddings Collections with a $3,000 value or higher (Exotic Peacock, Lavender Luxe, Pearl Shimmer, Sunset & Pure Collections)

ISLA MUJERES, MEXICO

$ 1,500 RESORT CREDIT CANCUN AND RIVIERA MAYA, MÉXICO.

Cabo Getaway

TIME2GETAWAY The popular, sun-soaked destination of Los Cabos offers an extensive array of fun-filled activities and amenities for each member of the family. From sand castle building contests and camp outs on the beach to cooking lessons and Spanish classes, Los Cabos tells parents it is “TIME2GETAWAY” to Land’s End with these compelling family-friendly travel packages.

Hilton Los Cabos Beach & Golf Resort

Promo code: P9 Package name: Cabo Getaway For reservations: 624-1456500 ext. 7809 Price: $188 USD per night Booking window: Valid through May 31, 2012 www.hiltonloscabos.com/mexico-vacation-packages

Recommendations ON Travel 2012

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U.S. Travel Association Submits Recommendations to Obama

By James Ruggia
February 29, 2012 7:56 PM

The U.S. Travel Association and its industry partners responded to President Obama's call for comments and recommendations on a national travel and tourism strategy. A 19-page document was composed with broad industry input and highlights key elements for a national strategy to promote and expand international and domestic travel within the United States.

The key recommendations include improving the visa process; expanding the Visa Waiver Program; supporting international travel promotion; improving the entry experience at our international airports; increasing student and youth travel to the U.S.; improving the air travel screening and security process; accelerating travel-related infrastructure projects; boosting visitation at national parks; and improving capabilities to assist economic recovery following disasters; and others.

"The travel industry appreciates the president's willingness to work together in developing a national strategy for travel and tourism," said Roger Dow, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association. "The economic benefits will be significant. By embracing policies to better promote travel to and within our country, we can attract a greater share of the business and leisure travel market, which will mean billions of dollars more for our economy and hundreds of thousands of U.S. jobs."

Other national trade associations joining the U.S. Travel Association in response to the Federal Register notice request for comment on the President's Executive Order 13597 are the American Bus Association, the American Hotel & Lodging Association, the American Motorcyclist Association, the American Recreation Coalition, the American Society of Travel Agents, BEWI Productions, Inc., Business Travel Coalition, CityPASS, Destination Marketing Association International, Interactive Travel Services Association, International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE), International Franchise Association, International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association, Meetings Professionals International, the National Association of Sports Commissions, the National Park Hospitality Association, the National Parks Promotion Council, the National Tour Association, the National Tourism and Heritage Association, the Professional Association of Innkeepers International, the Receptive Services Association of America, Site & Site International Foundation, the Society of Independent Show Organizers, the Student & Youth Travel Association, the TradeFair Group, the Travel Goods Association, the United Motorcoach Association, USTOA, and the Western States Tourism Policy Council (WSTPC).

The Westin Kaanapali Ocean Resort Villas

This picture perfect ocean front resort is set on pristine North Ka'anapali Beach, offering a unique blend of the comforts of home paired with the amenities of a world class resort. Experience luxuriously designed studio, one bedroom or two bedroom villas, featuring furnished kitchens, Heavenly Bed and Bath, washer/dryer and everything you need to cast your cares away. Treat yourself to one of three restaurants, take comfort in a soothing Spa Helani signature treatment or energize with a refreshing dip in one of our five pools. Relax, unwind & indulge.

• All Rooms: 1 king & queen sofabed
• Children's policy: Under 18 free in same room with parents using existing beds.
• Parking: $7/day (self) $10/day (valet)
• CHRISTMAS POLICIES 
  12/24/12-1/3/13
  No Minimum Stay
• Cancel date = 10/31/12
• Cancel penalty = Full Stay - max 4 nights