on the
POE GO t h e o f f i c i a l m a g a z i n e o f p o e t r av e l
IN THIS ISSUE:
Get the PEARLS o f Royal t h e Adriatic Treatment ULTIMATE OH, TUSCAN RETREAT CANADA! Culinary Croatia, A positively
Polish pilgrimage, & MUCH MORe!
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wint
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i n t h i s i ssu e : 5 PEARLS o f the Adriatic
q&a A&k
6 G et the Royal Treatment
poe with a purpose
7 c u l in a r y croatia 10 “I want to ride my bicycle...” the jewish heritage of poland 11 OH, CANADA! 15 THE ULTIMATE TUSCAN RETREAT 21 A positively Polish pilgrimage 22 everything’s coming up rosewood
Dear Travelers:
& more agent reports
2014 and travel? If I sometimes am reluctant to hide my age, I do admit that this is my 53rd year in travel, and my memories harken back to Montana where I did my apprenticeship in Billings, Butte, and Missoula . . . happy days! More people took steamships to Europe than planes. Jets were the big topics, and none flew to Montana in those days. (Are any of our clients alive who remember the Lockheed Electra or the DC6 or 7?) My first jet ride was on a BOAC Comet going from Heathrow to Nairobi with a stop at Benghazi. It made the most frightful noises and was taken out of service shortly after my flight—a decidedly un-airworthy craft. At Benghazi Airport I ordered a Coke and found a dead wasp in my bottle. Memories, memories!
In those days people hardly went to out-ofthe-way places. I treasured a couple of brothers, the Doyles of Little Rock, who kept me on my toes with trips to such airports as Antanarivo, Juba, Labuan, or Rarotonga. Nowadays no place seems beyond the pale of the exotic. Penang is as common as Phoenix, Vilnius as Charleston, Ushuaia as Charlotte. The mere ease of getting to impossible-sounding places takes a bit of the mystique and brio out of the whole experience: Paro, Bhutan requires the same number of plane changes (two) from Little Rock as Eugene, Oregon does (also two). People used to brag about such hotel stays as the Paris Ritz, Vienna Sacher’s, or Hong Kong Peninsula. Now the kudos go to such worthy hostelries as the Lighthouse in Galle, Sri Lanka, the Labadie in Accra, or even the 21C Museum Hotel in Bentonville. It is all to the good! When I opened Poe Travel my admonition to a couple as a budget for a deluxe trip in Europe was that they should figure on $100 per day. Now that is the cost of a decent breakfast for two at the Hassler. Good cruises cost around $500 a day easily, and the more dubious steamship companies do not even include gratuities or shore excursions. Remember “Europe on $5 a day”? (I managed to stay within this budget on my very first trip after junior year at Vanderbilt). But speaking of college, tuition is one of the few things—movie popcorn being the most extreme example—that has risen in price more than travel. It looks like American Airlines and US Air will merge; look for even higher prices—and a service standard approaching that of the old Aeroflot.
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LET ’ S GO !
also
NOT to be too cynical; so much is possible now that wasn’t only a few years before. Gorilla trekking is a superb example—in recent times we could only enjoy this in National Geographic—and last year we must have booked 50 such trips at Poe Travel. Travelers regularly go up the Sepak River in New Guinea to see tribal fertility rites, and in the recent past one might have been eaten by the celebrants. While the so-called “big four” cites of Europe, London, Paris, Rome, and Vienna are almost travel clichés today, a visit to any of them is probably more rewarding than ever as people tend to stay longer and dig deeper. My zest for travel is keener than it has ever been. No matter how many places I visit—I added Ghana, Sao Tome, and Angola this year—more remain. My travel witticism has never been more valid: it is like eating an artichoke . . . when we are finished, there is more than when we started! I still have Ethiopia, Turkmenestan, and far North Norway on my list. Consider the Aranui, that glorified freighter going to the Marquesas Islands from Tahiti (the most beautiful islands I have ever seen); try including the Faroe Islands (an independent country with astounding sub-arctic scenery) or far Eastern Turkey with its ruined cities and haunting Mt. Ararat. The big, big world may be getting smaller, but there is still a lot out there you have probably not seen, and Poe Travel is the ultimate enabler. So dear client, please go away. Your Friendly Travel agent,
FRED 3
CRUISE NEWS
PEARLS of the Adriatic
Cunard Queen Elizabeth October 3–10, 2014 Rome, Corfu, Kotor, Dubrovnik & Venice
This seven-night cruise takes you between two enchanting Italian cities, with three equally memorable visits along the way. From Italy’s capital, you’ll round the country’s southern tip and head along the Adriatic. To demonstrate why it’s often known as the ‘Emerald Isle,’ your call in Corfu may take in the breathtaking vistas on show around the village of Lakones. Take in the wonderful scenery the next day, as red-roofed Kotor offers a gateway into Durmitor National Park, etched with gorges and cloaked in dense pine forests. Dubrovnik’s setting is no less picturesque, as its curved city walls crowned by orange rooftops rise out of the blue Adriatic waters. Of course, few cities rival Venice when it comes to scenery, and its canals, bridges, and palaces are yours to explore during a full day and overnight stay before you disembark.
Take a Holiday to Honor D-Day October 14, 2014
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Many are flocking to Normandy this summer to honor the 70th anniversary of D-Day, but we’re suggesting an alternate date to avoid the crowds and chaos. Join veteran river cruiser Beth Walter on an AMA Waterways River Cruise, Explore Historic Normandy, in the mild month of October. Begin your journey in magical Paris, where you will embark upon your luxurious river cruise ship. This 7-night Paris & Normandy itinerary offers a poignant and up-close view of this picturesque and historic corner of the world, with a choice of two special “D-Day Remembered” full-day excursions. As the Seine makes its leisurely way from Paris to the western coast, you will also take an excursion to Monet’s magnificent gardens in
Giverny and to the timeless city of Rouen, as famous for its Gothic cathedral as for its tragic connection to Joan of Arc. Cruising through Normandy’s lush countryside, you will see glimpses of monasteries and châteaux, sample the region’s celebrated wines and spirits, and explore the pastel-colored port of Honfleur. Truly one of the most memorable routes in all of France! Conclude your journey with a panoramic tour of Paris’ top sights and a visit to the Musée d’Orsay.
Active and retired military personnel receive an additional $200 per person discount (up to $400 per stateroom)!
If you pay with American Express Platinum or Centurion, you receive an extra $150 shipboard credit, priority embarkation, and a bottle of wine— so call us to book now!
Cruising Close to Home
We’re wildly excited by these new New England and Canada itineraries from Crystal Cruises. They’re the perfect getaway for a closer-to-home vacation, but you’ll still feel like you’re worlds away. Book now because they fill up as fast as a fisherman’s net off the coast of Halifax. Whether you’re taking in Manhattan’s skyline and Newport’s cottages or tripping down the cobblestone streets of Québec’s Old Town, you’ll gain a new perspective . . . one that’s what we like to call Crystal clear. Choose from: New England & Canada: Crystal Getaways New York to Halifax June 1-6, 2014 (5 days) New England & Canada: Autumn’s Palette Boston to Québec City September 19-29, 2014 (10 days) New England & Canada: Maritime Explorer Round-trip Québec City September 29-October 6, 2014 (7 days) New England & Canada: Fall Celebration Québec City to New York Oct. 6-16, 2014 (10 Days) New England & Canada: Crimson Capitals New York to Québec City Oct. 16-26, 2014 (10 Days) New England & Canada: Historic Harbors Québec City to New York Oct. 26-Nov. 5, 2014 (10 Days)
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HAPPILY and luxuriously
ADRIFT in Indonesia
“Be enthralled as the myths, legends, and facts of 17th-century life in Edinburgh come alive...”
Culinary Croatia Travel Dynamics Culinary Cruise to Croatia & Montenegro With Giuliano Hazan | June 26-July 4, 2014
Get the Royal Treatment From/to London | July 1-13, 12 days
The remote Raja Ampat archipelago is at the heart of the ‘Coral Triangle,’ an area of rich marine biodiversity, roughly between Papua New Guinea and Indonesia. It’s largely unexplored and has all the makings of a tropical idyll: pristine coral reefs packed with around 1,400 (and counting) species of reef fish, uninhabited islands, and sleepy villages where visitors are a rare sight. Now, a new ship (as of 2012) is making this unique part of the world even more special for visitors. Alila Purnama, translated as The Full Moon, is a 12-passenger yacht that sails from Sorong, in Bali, on six-day expeditions around islands including Gam, Miskon, and Yangello, stopping off at coral gardens, pearl farms, and wild beaches along the way. The hand-built boat is in the style of a traditional Indonesian phinisi (a sail boat with two masts) and has all the mod cons of a hotel. The five en-suite cabins are bigger than some hotel rooms, and the master has a private balcony. In keeping with Alila’s emphasis on style and sustainability, the furniture throughout the ship is custom-made from teak, rattan, and other locally sourced materials from Indonesia. There’s also a small restaurant (expect supremely fresh seafood), library, dive centre, and spa therapist.
Cruise, Sally, Cruise! Join Sally and Tim Blewett aboard Oceania’s Nautica as they circumnavigate the British Isles on this “Moors & Monarchies” voyage. Trace the storied history of these lovely isles on an exploration of the seat of the once great empire upon which the sun never set. Be enthralled as the myths, legends, and facts of 17th-century life in Edinburgh come alive on an underground tour of Mary King’s Close, a network of winding and narrow streets hidden under the Royal Exchange. Enjoy beautiful views of the Scottish Highlands on a golf outing from Ullapool to the Golspie Golf Club, founded in 1889. Visit a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the Isle of Anglesey near Holyhead, Beaumaris Castle, which is considered by many to be the most technically perfect castle in Britain. Don’t feel like doing much of anything? Kick back with a cocktail or cup of tea while receiving the royal treatment aboard the elegant Nautica!
Of the many idylls possible in the Mediterranean, this has to be one of the loveliest. Your adventure begins in Venice, “La Serenissima,” once mistress of the Adriatic, whose influence can still be seen. Tour the ancient city of Split built within the Palace of Diocletian. You’ll stroll through the lavender-scented lanes of Hvar, which is quietly becoming the Mediterranean’s newest Riviera. From Ploce you’ll enjoy an excursion to multi-cultural Mostar. Next it’s Korcula Island, caressed by gentle breezes and graced with Venetian spires. Kotor, in Montenegro, reached through southern Europe’s only fjord, will be your last port of call before arriving in beautiful Dubrovnik where you’ll explore the medieval splendors of this great city. (That’s a total of 5 UNESCO World Heritage sites!) This region is best explored by sea, and the all-suite, 100-guest Corinthian is the ideal vessel for this splendid itinerary. There will also be swimming/snorkeling, kayaking, and biking opportunities for the spry sort. Overall, this program promises a nice balance of touring and free time for independent exploration. All this and the culinary program provided by Master Chef, Giuliano Hazan (son of the late Marcella Hazan)! Haza!
We Dream of SeaDream
June 14-21, 2014 | SeaDream II | Escorted by Nancy Dickins ALMOST SOLD OUT!
SeaDream Yacht Club has achieved the industry’s highest accolades for its two twin, casually elegant mega-yachts, SeaDream I and SeaDream II. With a maximum of only 112 guests and a 95-person award-winning crew, “It’s yachting, not cruising,” defines not only the size of the vessels, but the onboard lifestyle and service. SeaDream Yacht Club provides a yachting experience visiting small harbors and ports, many inaccessible by larger ships. An incredible array of services, activities, water toys, dining, wine, premium drinks, and gratuities are included in SeaDream’s inclusive fare (which Poe people love). Nancy Dickins’ trip is almost sold out, but here are two other itineraries we think you might like in case you miss the boat:
Dubrovnik–Venice, August 9-16, 2014 and Venice-Athens (Piraeus), August 16-23, 2014. Call us for details! 6
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Loving Lindblad
France by barge? Oui! Allez-y! “One Poe client recently chartered a whole barge for a festive 50th birthday celebration with friends!”
Canal and river cruising with Abercromie & Kent is an authentic, singular experience, a virtual trip back in time during which you witness Europe’s hidden treasures at a comfortable pace, taking in the beauty of historic hilltop vineyards, lovely châteaux, quaint hamlets, and country roads en route. One Poe client recently chartered a whole barge for a festive 50th birthday celebration with friends (a reasonably priced one at that!). We particularly love the itineraries in Burgundy and the Upper Loire and Provence and the South of France.
Embark on an in-depth exploration of some of the most beautiful and fascinating places on Earth. They’re places Lindblad’s been going to for decades, and their experienced staff ensures the adventure of a lifetime. These are active adventures—perfect for the Poe traveler—engaging the mind and body. Explore by Zodiac, kayak, or on foot, venture to remote beaches and
Heads Up!
HOLLAND AND BELGIUM
hidden coves, go farther and get closer to nature, wildlife, and intriguing cultures. From Holland to the Falklands, the Lindblad experience is unparalleled. When you think of Lindblad you often think of the Galapagos or Arctic, which are both superlative, but we’d like to suggest these itineraries that might just wow you.
9 days
Medieval and modern cites, plus seldom-seen islands
Look for our travel trade show in 2015!
Discover an ideal mix of cultural highlights including the perfectly preserved medievalism of Brugge and Gent, Amsterdam art, and the nature that formed the culture of the low countries, while exploring Holland and Belgium by sea. Visit islands renowned for their rustic beauty and birdlife; transit city canals by Zodiac; and experience all the charm for which these sites are renowned.
Details to follow NEW
exploring the british & irish isles
15 days
Experience a magical blend of deep history and vital present
NEW
See the Isles as few, including its inhabitants, have ever seen them—largely because an expedition ship is required. Tropical gardens on the Isles of Scilly. Beehive huts of 6th-century Celtic monks. Cliffs thronged with puffins at St Kilda. Macbeth’s (presumed) grave at Iona. Despite centuries of civilization, there is a pervasive wildness still, and a visible pre-history.
south georgia & the falklands
19 days
Go where few have gone Steeped in Shackleton and whaling lore, covered mostly in glaciers, South Georgia explodes with life: gentoo, rockhopper and macaroni penguins, enormous elephant seals, and a thriving fur seal population. On South Georgia you can observe one of the world’s great wildlife spectacles: literally 200,000 stately king penguins on a single beach. See the human face of the region in the Falklands, reminiscent of Great Britain, with grazing sheep, tea, and crumpets. And in this privileged place, the albatross reveal the beauty of their mysterious lives.
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escorted groups “I want to ride my bicycle . . .” “Island-hop along the sun-drenched Adriatic and swim in hidden coves.”
Dalmatian Coast Biking | From Split to Dubrovnik Via Croatia’s Island Paradise | Escorted by Murry Newbern | May 4-9, 2014
Backroads believes that active travel is the difference between looking at life and living it. So does longtime Poe pal Murry Newbern, which is why she’s leading this fabulous trip! Dalmatian Coast Biking is a new itinerary for Backroads and a timely one considering the current Croatia-craze. Explore the reborn Dalmatian Coast by bike while taking in breathtaking sapphire sea views. Island-hop along the sun-drenched Adriatic and swim in hidden coves. Gain insight into Croatia’s fascinating history and culture. Sample the freshest seafood and local cuisine. Experience Dubrovnik, an architectural masterpiece with turrets, spires, and tiled roofs. Backroads invites you to experience the world with all of your senses.
The Heritage of Jewish Poland: Past, Present, and Future Poe Travel is pleased to be teaming up with the Jewish Federation of Arkansas to organize a Jewish Heritage tour of Poland and Prague. Aside from visiting the top spots in Warsaw, Lublin, Krakow, and Prague, travelers will:
Interested? Mark your calendar for Spring of 2014 — be sure to contact Julie Champlin.
•Meet with Jewish community members and history experts all across Poland and Prague. •Learn from top guides. •Partake in a unique service opportunity that will allow travelers to give back to the community. •Relax at 4- and 5-star hotels. •Enjoy a special Shabbat dinner in Krakow. •Discuss experiences with a Shoah expert. •Delight in the sight of Prague aboard a riverboat dinner cruise.
Nova Scotia & Prince Edward Island with Tauck Escorted by Beth Walter August 30, 2014
“Choose a walking tour of historic Lunenburg or a visit to a fisheries museum.”
the P.E.I. farmhouse where the popular novel Anne of Green Gables was set. Beth says (excitedly and with great enthusiasm), “We’ll be staying in hotels mostly along the coast . . . it will be a great chance to escape the heat of summer and a fun alternative to Quebec, Toronto, and Vancouver. If you want something different—a chance to sample the world’s most succulent scallops, commune with nature, and visit picturesque fishing villages— this trip is for you!”
Imperial Impressions Poe goes to China
POE FACT: Poe Travel was proud to be the first group allowed into China in 1975. Just call us Poe pioneers . . .
ONWARD!
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Scenic landscapes, savory lobster, and whale watching highlight this eight-day P.E.I. and Nova Scotia travel adventure. Whale-watch at Digby Neck on the Bay of Fundy. Attend a Tauck Exclusive private dinner and tour at the Halifax Citadel and a private reception and dinner at Pier 21 National Historic Site. Choose a walking tour of historic Lunenburg or a visit to a fisheries museum. Learn all about the Digby Scallop and its harvesting during a special presentation in Digby, watch history come alive at the Habitation at Port-Royal, and tour
The great heritage of China—from history to cuisine to art—is more accessible than ever. Travelers to the People’s Republic will find a nation and a people with a past so ancient it makes Europe look like a kindergarten and a future so bright and exciting the optimism is almost palpable. Dated comfort concerns have all but been washed down the Yangtze. Today China boasts top hotels, attracts world-renowned chefs, and plays host to outstanding fashions shows, sporting events, and art exhibitions. Air travel makes traversing the vast country (all 3,747,879 square miles of it) an efficient and pleasant journey, while high-speed rail service is a great alternative affording unparalleled views of the diverse countryside.
Poe Travel is excited to make 2014 the year of the People’s Republic of China. Keep your eyes peeled and your calendar open for Margaret Kemp’s first-ever group trip to this ancient, beautiful, and vivacious land.
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dispatches from the front Client (and niece of Margaret Kemp) Kathleen Ackerman reports from Turks & Caicos. Provinciales is one of only a handful of inhabited islands that make up the Turks and Caicos, a British gem nestled quietly in the waters between Haiti and Cuba. The island boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean and has been a longtime destination for diving and water-sport enthusiasts who come from all over to experience world-class scuba diving, deep-sea fishing, and snorkeling. Along the beaches of Grace Bay, a variety of hotels have popped up to take advantage of the Bight Reef, a part of the Princess Alexandra National Park that is located just a few feet from the shoreline. Many smaller species—including lobsters, crabs, and a rainbow assortment of fish and wildlife—make their home along the colorful reefs of this popular snorkeling destination. On a recent scuba diving excursion, we were startled by a large whale breaching a mere 10 feet from our boat. Not content to be alone, he had recruited two friends to accompany him on what we would learn was a regular migratory path for the North Atlantic Humpback Whale. Indeed! Diving with whales, although not on the list of available experiences at Dive Provo, is a real possibility. For best chances? January through early March: migration time for the whales. Powder soft sand, whisper still water, and a less than 3-hour flight from Atlanta make for an impossibly easy, no-excuse escape from the hustle of city life.
Poe’s Stacy Bright and husband Daris just returned from Viking’s Danube Waltz cruise full of holiday cheer. Herewith the highlights (and Christmas lights) of their journey aboard the brand new Viking Magni from Budapest to Passau. The Brights’ cruise took them through four of Europe’s most enchanting countries—Austria, Germany, Hungary, and Slovakia—along the storied Danube River. They explored Budapest’s imperial and Art Nouveau delights, took a comprehensive tour of beautiful Bratislava’s baroque and Gothic buildings and fountains, discovered why Vienna is “the waltz capital,” sailed through the spectacular Wachau Valley, and explored the cobblestone streets and charming town squares of Dürnstein. And in Germany, they admired Passau’s ancient 12
Katherine Wyrick and son Harrison cheer “Go Galapagos!” “It’s like a land out of time,” marveled my 14-year-old son as he gazed out on the volcanic moonscape called Bartolome, an islet just off the east coast of Santiago. We were on a Lindblad trip aboard the National Geographic Endeavor in the Galapagos, a place I’d dreamed of visiting since reading Darwin and the Beagle over 25 years ago. And now here I was with my son seeing this strange, magical place through his eyes. As we raised anchor at the start of our journey and began to head out into the blue, frigate birds, stark as shadows, soared in the current above the ship . . . ushering us into parts unknown. Over the next week, we meandered among the islands, each of which has a distinct character, all the while never setting sight on another ship. We could have been on the Beagle itself (with better amenities, of course). Along the way, we witnessed magnificent giant albatross perform their mating dance, beaks clacking like swords. We walked among blue-footed boobies and their fluffy young. We stood stock-still as a juvenile hawk with speckled plumage, head tilted, approached us with curiosity and without fear. In addition to getting up close and personal with all manner of birdlife, we also snorkeled with white-tipped sharks, pufferfish, schools of glinting tuna, and blue parrotfish. Some even caught a glimpse of hammerhead sharks and the elusive Galapagos penguin (and some said they did but didn’t). We spied black marine iguanas lazing on rocks, blowing seawater from their nostrils in a series of puffs. We sighed a collective “Awww!” as sea lions, ubiquitous in the Galapagos, nursed their squeaking pups, dozed on the sand, barked orders at one another, and torpedoed past swimmers in the chilly water. We watched Sally Lightfoot crabs, fiery red and freckled with yellow spots, skitter along black rock. We hiked into the brush (at one point having to change course due to an imposing sea lion bull in our path), kayaked along craggy cliffs with sea turtles gliding beneath us,
fortress and Italianate architecture. They also toured the 900-year-old baroque Benedictine abbey at Melk and enjoyed an excursion to the scenic city of Salzburg. The Brights’ favorite stop along the way was beautiful, bustling Vienna where they took in the Christmas markets and enjoyed some glühwein and a Sacher torte at the famous Café Sacher. Other highlights included: traveling through the picturesque Wachau Valley and visiting Salzburg, famous as the location for
and took many a Zodiac ride to explore various inlets and islands each with its own hidden wonders. Lindblad, which has operated in the Galapagos for over 40 years, knows the area better than anyone and is committed to conservation and education. Their phenomenal naturalists are unparalleled in their knowledge as well as their passion for and devotion to this place. The Endeavor’s crew was attentive, friendly, and helpful. The coffee and passion fruit at breakfast were divine. Our experience was transformative, edifying, and inspiring. I strongly urge anyone with kids to put this on your travel wish list. It’s perfect for families, but really for anyone who has a yen for venturing to a place like no other.
The Sound of Music. (Upon arrival, much to Daris’ chagrin, Stacy flung her arms wide and broke into song, “The hills are alive . . .!!!”—not really, we just like imagining that scenario.) They also enjoyed a stop at Café Tomaselli, Mozart’s old haunt. The Brights ended their journey on a high note in Munich, where Stacy says the spirit of the season really came to life: “The Christmas markets are the absolute best there, made all the more idyllic by the snow lightly falling.” If only she could have come back with that weihnachtspyramide! 13
lodging we love
Intrepid traveler Paula Lee, whom we now refer to as the “flying MawMaw” (see photo), just returned from a an adventure-filled romp in New Zealand and offers this report. New Zealand is an amazing destination with friendly locals and diverse, exotic features, including fjords, glaciers, mountain ranges, vineyards, islands, ancient forests, quaint towns, major cities, port harbors, grand lodges, sheep farms, and cattle ranges. Fine wine is produced all over the country, from small boutique vineyards to large operations that export wine all over the world; and the food we enjoyed (lots of farm-to-table fare) is right up there with the top cuisines of the world. In addition to fine dining, there is a wide range of activities to suit everyone’s tastes, like skydiving, canyon swinging, jet boating, white water rafting, zip-lining, paragliding, hang-gliding, and, my personal favorite, bungy jumping! Our first stop was Eichardt’s Lodge in Queenstown, situated in a valley surrounded by magnificent views of snow-capped mountains, trout rivers, and forests. There we were warmly welcomed and dined on a variety of tapas, including calamari in squid ink tempura batter. We headed next to Blanket Bay Lodge, which has a luxury hunting lodge feel, where our suites afforded us great views of the lake, mountains, and lovely grounds. Our next day was full of adventure with a flight to see the Holyford Pass, a river Jet Boat ride, and a heli-lunch in a valley looking up at a beautiful blue glacier. We also trekked through an ancient forest—a transformative experience! We were then transferred to Matakauri Lodge, a gorgeous resort on the banks of Lake Wakatipu just minutes from Que14
enstown. The lodge and villas are light and airy and have a more contemporary style yet still feel homey. In Queenstown, “The Adventure Capital of The World,” we headed to the Kawarau Bridge Bungy, the place where bungee jumping originated. This is where a few of us took the plunge! We also visited Amisfield Winery, Castle Hill Ranch (a working sheep farm), Grasmere Lodge (a high country retreat where I ate BEST steak I have ever eaten), Christchurch, and Otahuna Lodge, a beautifully renovated 19th-century property with glorious gardens. We then traveled via plane and helicopter to sleek and modern Eagles Nest in the Bay of Islands in Northland, 150 miles north of Auckland. On our cruise around the Bay of Islands, a dozen dolphins swam along beside us and put on quite a show. We later traveled to Kauri Cliffs, a 6,500-acre estate with its own world-class golf course rated as one of the top 25 courses in the world. We visited the pink beach, cascading waterfall, and the famous Kauri Tree (estimated to be between 700–900 years old). This was such an amazing opportunity to visit premier lodges, meet great new friends, and experience the good life in New Zealand. Thank you Air New Zealand, Tourism New Zealand, Southern World, Seasonz, and Southern Crossings, with whom we collaborate to plan for extraordinary venues and experiences for our clients!
THE ULTIMATE TUSCAN RETREAT “La dulce vita indeed!”
At the centre of Montalcino’s biggest wine estate stands a handsome castle of medieval origins. Just outside its walls, a pretty hamlet (or borgo) of former estate workers’ houses has been transformed into the enchanting Castello Banfi, a luxurious 14-room hotel. The restored village houses, facing each other across a steep lane, contain a couple of suites each, and there’s another one (great for honeymooners) in the former primary school—all possess a rustic charm that lends to the fairytale like surroundings. Local interior designer Federico Forquet has gone for a warm version of classic, antique, Tuscan-country-house style, using earthy hues and floral textile patterns. The bathrooms are spacious, and are stocked with
products made from the estate’s Sangiovese grapes. The outdoor pool offers spectacular views of the rolling Tuscan countryside. The castle itself is part of the hotel, with a guests-only reading room, a cocktail lounge and a very Tuscan formal cloister garden, with seats under a pretty pergola. Accommodations rank among the most up-to-date in the region, offering a wonderful mix of classic country-chic furnishings and high-tech amenities. (The rooms’ ancient walls and hand-hewn beams make a charming backdrop for the 21st-century flat-screen TVs. ) Also on offer: cooking classes, bicycling, and even hot air ballooning! La dulce vita indeed!
Closed November-March.
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Aman Takes Luxury to the Next Level again... & again!
“...the air is fresh, gorgeous views abound, and the feeling of being far, far away is ever present.”
“Aman junkies” (yes, that’s a thing) now have good reason to trek to Vietnam. Their preferred luxury hotel chain opened its 26th property this September in Vinh Hy Bay: Amanoi. Like most Aman properties, Amanoi is removed from high-traffic tourist hubs for a unique and exotic experience. While most visitors who arrive at Cam Ranh Airport head south to the popular Nah Trang beach town, Aman guests drive 90 minutes in the opposite direction to Nui Chua National Park. Amanoi sprawls 100 acres within the lush and vibrant forest, with dramatic hilltops and pristine beaches along the coast. It’s a self-contained oasis where the air is fresh, gorgeous views abound, and the feeling of being far, far away is ever present. Overall, the most notable feature at Amanoi is the vistas. From the outdoor pools to even your own private deck, views are unforgettable here. And don’t get us started on the stargazing. Earlier this summer, Italy said “Benvenuto” to a gorgeous new Aman property, Aman Canal Grande, located in the San Polo district of Venice. Snug on the Canal Grande—with a landscape of gondolas, vaporettis (water buses), and historic buildings— the 24-room resort is tucked into a former private residence dating back to the 16th Century. Guests are whisked to the property by boat. In what was once Palazzo Papadopoli is today a collection of buildings with two private gardens that, in typical Aman fashion, feel more like a vacation home than a hotel.
The Sweet Life “... treat yourself to a sun-soother wrap in the resort’s Rainforest Spa...”
A Château for Those on the Go
Bienvenue to Paradise
The world-class, privately owned Hotel Saint-Barth Isle de France is worthy of every superlative, and yet the ambience here is virtually impossible to describe. Savvy guests return time and again for the intimacy of this Flamands Bay hideaway; choose a new Beach Suite or Villa with plunge pool or a private cottage amidst the hotel’s vibrant tropical gardens. The spa offers numerous heavenly treatments featuring two new luxury brands: Natura Bisse from Barcelona and Intraceuticals. Dine on fusion cuisine and fresh grilled fish at La Case de L’Isle restaurant, where a small fashion show is held each Tuesday evening. Perfect for weddings and honeymoons!
Join Nancy Dickins in beautiful Botswana in September/October 2014! Details to follow
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Hot out of L.A., the design-forward Viceroy Group put the old Jalousie Plantation through a three-year, $100-million rethink and rebranding. The new resort, Sugar Beach in St. Lucia, still enjoys the greatest selling point of the old: one of the island’s most prized locations on a stretch of sandy beach overlooked by the Pitons, spectacular twin volcanoes. Sugar Beach features whitewashed guest rooms situated inside plantation-style buildings (it sits beside an 18th-century sugar plantation, after all). After being outdoors all day, treat yourself to a sun-soother wrap (think lavender, aloe, and oatmeal) in the resort’s Rainforest Spa, a nod to the 100 acres of spectacular rainforest that surround the property.
Enjoying a privileged location a short distance from the Normandy coast, Château de la Chenevière is a boutique hotel set in extensive wooded parkland. This traditional Normandy château incorporates both the elegance of a bygone era and the warmth of an English manor. Originally dating from the 18th century, the château has been extended and renovated on several occasions since then, and now offers luxurious accommodation in a tranquil rural setting. Ideally located for exploring this part of Normandy, Château de la Chenevière is just a short distance from Omaha beach, while Bayeux, Mont Saint-Michel, and the other landing beaches are all within easy reach. The perfect spot for outdoor activities, the hotel offers a myriad of possibilities from golf on the Omaha beach course (five minutes from the hotel), horse riding, mountain biking, and sand yachting. The hotel’s exclusive restaurant, set in the sumptuous antique dining room, offers exquisite Norman cuisine based on the best of local produce, while the château also provides excellent facilities for weddings. 17
Calling All Explorers!
“two of the three impressive torres, or towers,... give the park its name.”
Torres del Paine National Park in Chile, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve known for its lakes, glaciers, waterfalls, and granite towers, was recently named the 8th Wonder of the World. Should you venture to this remote, remarkable land, we suggest staying in the only luxury lodge set within the park itself, on the banks of the Salto Chico waterfall. Hotel Salto Chico
affords an excellent view of the unique Paine Massif and two of the three impressive torres, or towers, which give the park its name. Drink “mate” tea with gauchos and watch them shear sheep and drive livestock, ride horses bred especially for guests of the hotel, and sink your teeth into traditional spit-roast lamb. The hiking’s pretty nice too, of course.
Puttin’ on the Ritz . . . Viennese style Stand Agape at L’Agapa’s Views
news fl ash L’Agapa is developing a small island off the coast with 10 villas opening in the spring!
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Art deco meets Zen at L’Agapa Hotel Spa on Brittany’s northern Côte du Granit Rose. Located high up, overlooking rose-colored granite rocks and an expanse of sea towards the Seven Islands, this contemporary hotel has an ultra-chic spa, a pool, a pretty garden, an excellent restaurant and fabulous sea views. Harmony and well-being are the emphasis here. Slick modern architecture highlights large windows that frame sea views, while touches of art deco and minimalism create the Zenlike atmosphere with glass, black and white furniture, and the black motif of the Breton flag, a recurring theme throughout the hotel. Explore the stunning coastline with its craggy bays and weathered pink granite rocks or find the sandy beach at nearby Trestraou. Indulge in a marine body wrap at the spa followed by dinner at Le Belouga restaurant to savor some of Brittany’s best seafood.
In our ongoing love fest with the Austrian capital of Vienna—its buzzy contemporary arts scene, revitalized Biedermeier districts, proximity to an increasingly wonderful wine country, perennially spirited cultural calendar—we’ve discovered one more thing to love: the opening of a new Ritz-Carlton, located on Schubertring, a part of the city’s most elegant boulevard. In grand Viennese style, the hotel is housed in not one but four 19th-century palaces along the elegant and centrally located Vienna Ringstrasse. The hotel’s exterior is classically opulent, but it’s the interiors that make it so special. Its public spaces and 202 rooms reflect the city’s penchant for creatively blending old and new. The result is exciting—and very Vienna, in the most modern sense. Guests will find frescoed ceilings, intricate molding, and sumptuous fabrics alongside works by living artists, one-of-a-kind lighting pieces, and woodwork so mod it almost feels Scandinavian. Beyond the uniquely designed décor, there are other reasons to check into the hotel—the DSTRIKT restaurant, where Chef Wini Brugger does up classic Austrian dishes using regional and seasonal ingredients; the Lobby Lounge where divine chocolate-Kaiserschmarrn is served; and the rooftop bar, where you can enjoy Vienna’s picturesque skyline while sipping a Grüner Veltliner. Also of note: the hotel’s sleek steel pool that plays underwater music! (Mozart we assume?) 19
Wile away the hours on a magical isle “With almost 300 acres of land, Eriska is a celebration of nature”
An imposing, baronial-style granite facade welcomes visitors to the magical Isle of Eriska hotel, set on its own island 10 miles north of Oban and accessible by a bridge from the mainland. Located on the West Coast of Scotland, Eriska has gorgeous views overlooking Loch Linnhe and the Morvern Mountains. The island is solely dedicated to the guests of the hotel, offering a truly unique experience. With almost 300 acres of land, Eriska is a celebration of nature; you’ll want be sure to take a stroll to see the Highland cattle graze, watch seals and otters at play offshore and herons
and badgers on the grounds. Distant islands form a stunning backdrop to Eriska’s golf course, and guests can enjoy a spot of sailing, shooting, and many other activities during their stay. After an active day, visit the outstanding ESPA spa to be pampered, followed by an exceptional meal at the hotel’s renowned restaurant, which serves innovative Scottish cuisine made with local ingredients. (We suggest trying the scallop and zucchini timbale with lobster, artichoke, and champagne-butter sauce.)
Feeling a Bit Sheepish “days start with a locally sourced country breakfast before heading out to see the farm in action...”
“Heaven on Earth” is how one American traveler described Wharekauhau, and we couldn’t agree more. Located on the most southern part of North Island, Wharekauhau (pronounced “Far-E-Koho”) is a breath-taking blend of wildly rugged coastline, dramatic sky, and 5,500 pastoral acres. Home
to one of New Zealand’s oldest (and still-working) sheep stations, days start with a locally sourced country breakfast before heading out to see the farm in action— Romney and Texel sheep roaming alongside Angus cattle. Relaxed Kiwi is the mantra; enjoy horse rides through ancient forests, wine-tastings in
the nearby Wairarapa region, and visits out to the largest fur seal colony. Of course, there’s ample downtime in the property’s 13 tranquil cream-hued cottages—complete with sea views and oversized fireplaces—before heading to the lodge for a gourmet dinner perfectly paired with New Zealand wines.
You can lead a horse to water... this place is über-swell! Cheval Blanc Randheli, which just opened in November, is already being hailed as one of the top resorts in the Indian Ocean. This exclusive new property from the luxury fashion group Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy is surrounded by the turquoise waters of the Noonu Atoll in the Maldives and, needless to say, it is stylish and swell beyond belief. Located north of Malé and made up of 45 villas—each with its own infinity pool beside a private beach or in tropical gardens—Cheval Blanc also offers plenty of aquatic experiences, including reef snorkelling, day
and night diving expeditions, fishing adventures, and sunset cruises on one of the resort’s local dhoni or its private yacht. The on-site spa has tailored treatments, such as the sun ritual— which prepares the skin for tanning—and the after-diving experience—a treatment that aims to restore muscles and improve circulation after a day underwater. Dining experiences include the chance to become a sous chef, a live cooking theatre, and dining under the stars on the beach!
A positively Polish pilgrimage After life-changing excursions in Israel and Spain, Monsignor Friend will follow in the footsteps of Pope John Paul II through the Pope’s beloved Poland. In the fall of 2014, travelers will journey to Poland’s most sacred sites, including St. Anna Church, Częstochowa, and Auschwitz. Poe Travel is joyous to be traveling with Monsignor Friend again.
Interested? Please contact Margaret Kemp for further details.
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POE with a PURPOSE It is a key element of our philosophy that we support the environment as well as good causes that make a difference in the everyday lives of local people.
We plant trees to offset the carbon footprint of air travel. For every client who comes with us anywhere in Africa, we plant 10 trees. Over the last five years we have planted an impressive 10,000 trees in The Great Rift Valley.
We’ve also adopted an orangutan named Lear in Borneo, drilled water wells in Thailand, and contributed to Heifer International. (Poe Travel recently sponsored Susan Sarandon’s travel on behalf of Heifer’s Beyond Hunger event, a benefit honoring Sarandon’s work with Heifer.)
Closer to home, we support Arkansas Food Bank, a cornerstone of hunger relief that acquires and distributes, through local and national partnerships, large quantities of food and other resources to hungry people.
The bottom line is that none of this would be possible without the
Everything’s Coming Up Rosewood Not that you need an excuse to head back to London, but here’s a good one: The Rosewood London opened in October 2013 as Europe’s first Rosewood Hotels & Resorts property.
“Because who doesn’t want to make a grand entrance?”
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Following an extensive renovation to the 1914 Edwardian Belle Epoque building, the original architectural features—including the dome and the grand Pavonazzo marble staircase that rises up through all seven stories of the hotel beneath the 166-foot cupola—have all been lovingly restored. Guests make a dramatic entrance through a grand carriageway that leads to a private courtyard. (Because who doesn’t want to make a grand entrance?) And while all of the rooms and suites sound enticing, we’re especially intrigued by the Grand Manor
House Wing—accessed via a private elevator and its own street entrance, this is the only hotel suite in the world to have its own postcode! The Garden House, meanwhile, has a garden terrace overlooking the London skyline while the Chancery House has plenty of old-fashioned grandeur. Good to know: All guests residing in suites receive access to the hotel’s Manor Club, which offers a personal butler and concierge service as well as a menu of cocktails and light snacks. Cool touch: The hotel’s bar has a roaring fire at one end and wooden bar running along the other. We hear the cocktail list is balanced by a menu of curries and casseroles with spicy Indian dishes and European-style stews.
interest and enthusiastic support of our clients. So thank you!
And speaking of philanthropy We’d also like to say congrats to two of our travel partners who recently won World Savers Awards in Conde Nast Traveler. Who Lindblad where In 40 countries. why It funds conservation research and educates passengers. With ten ships visiting some of the world’s most environmentally sensitive destinations, the company supports crucial research on sharks in the Galapagos and project tagging killer whales in Antarctic, among other conservation efforts. In one of the largest rodent-eradication projects in the world, on South Georgia Island in the Atlantic Ocean, it is helping native seabirds to flourish. And you get to learn about it all on your cruise. Who Abercrombie & Kent where In more than 100 countries why It provides water, tackles HIV/AIDS, and supports children’s health. While funding health care and education from Ecuador to India, A&K supports a hospital in Uganda for more than 100,000 people. A&K’s philanthropic division has donated more than $1.24 million for a neonatal unit, an HIV/ AIDS clinic, and a maternity ward.
Take more than a bite out of the Big Apple in one action-packed weekend
Just how much can Kitt Garrett of Discover New York pack into one fun-filled weekend? Here’s but a sampling of what’s included in this Insider Access Weekends package: •Shop in showrooms that are not open to the public with your Expert Licensed DNY guide while saving up to 70% off. •Visit galleries in Chelsea and meet an artist in his/her studio (or channel your inner artist by taking a hands-on print or papermaking class). •Meet local New Yorkers for a hands-on cooking class taught by a James Beard nominated chef and author. •Enjoy a private Broadway rehearsal and learn the choreography, staging, and music with a cast member and a pianist from the show that you will see that night.
•Taste your way through the streets of NoLita or the Lower East Side, sampling cheese, bialys, bagels, Knish, pastries and more. •Explore the High Line, New York’s “Elevated Park in the Sky” and take a culinary tour of the Chelsea Market’s exotic food emporium. •Go on a private scavenger hunt at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, using clues to find famous works of art. With Kitt and Poe, all things are possible in NYC!
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It’s a dog’s life Recognizing that many guests take Fido along on vacation, the Kristiania Lech in the Austrian Alps aims to keep four-legged guests as pampered as their human companions. Under their “puppy-love” policy, tired terriers and rundown retrievers alike are first welcomed with a personal note by KL’s own Golden Retrievers, Bruno and Arthur. The pet program also includes a comfortable doggie bed, designer food and water bowls (with placemat), an exclusive pet amenity kit, and freshly baked KL Dog Treats. Directors of Doggy Relations, Bruno and Arthur, offer special maps of local trails and other dog-friendly habitats around the area, information on dog sitting and walking services, veterinarian offices, and pet boutiques. In other coddled canine news, Twin Farms, a charming five-star hideaway in Vermont, announced that they now welcome dogs in a few cottages, complete with a dog bed, dishes, and treats. Pets will enjoy the fact that the secluded inn is situated amid 300 acres of meadows and woodlands in an unspoiled valley, providing ample grounds for hours of sniffing and roaming.
A&K Q&A | South American escapades with A&K
Our long-standing relationship with Abercrombie & Kent gives our clients an added edge when traveling to any part of the globe. Our A&K colleagues routinely bend over backwards to provide Poe Travel with some of the most imaginative and innovative itineraries in the world, and Javier Echecopar, our go-to guy for South America, is no exception. Here Javier offers insight into what makes this such a desirable destination—and one dear to his heart. What would you say to someone who’s well-traveled but never visited South America?
Sadly, beloved Poe mascot, Atlas, made his final voyage into the great beyond last spring. Allow us to introduce new Poe pup Maya, a frisky terrier with a yen (and a yap!) for globetrotting. Where will her travels take her?
What makes it especially alluring to me is how unexplored many areas still are. I have kayaked through untouched fjords and spent time What’s your favorite destination?
Talk about Gemütlichkeit! Recently voted Best Airport in Central Europe and 6th Best Airport in the World, the Munich Airport is a destination in itself. It boasts the following: over 45 dining establishments, offering cuisine as international as its passengers plus traditional Bavarian specialties at the airport’s own brewery and beer garden; more than 150 shops; spectacular architecture at the MAC (Munich Airport Center) designed by architect Helmut Jahn who also designed the five-star Hotel Kempinski; and entertainment like polo matches, surfing competitions, volleyball tournaments, winter markets as well as Audi and BMW showcases. Take that Sbarro’s and Starbucks! 24
“...the Munich Airport is a destination in itself.”
If someone has never travelled to South America, they’re missing out! There’s so much to see. The diversity of landscapes is unrivaled. It has the driest deserts, deepest rainforest, highest mountains in the world outside the Himalayas, endless glaciers, and earth’s grandest river. Even more amazing, you can see many of these in just one trip. But the diversity goes beyond landscapes. Each country has its own unique local culture. Life is completely different in the Sacred Valley of Peru than the cafés of Buenos Aires, and understanding what makes each destination different is fascinating.
What’s an item you can’t travel without?
What’s your favorite dish
in jungle villages where people still live a hunter-gatherer lifestyle. I can tell you, my hunting skills have long since been diluted by generations of enjoying pre-packaged beef, but it’s amazing to see how communities still live like our ancestors tens of thousands of years ago. Finally, the level of accommodation has simply leaped in the last four years. We seem to have a new luxury property opening on a monthly basis. So right now, we’re at a sweet spot. There are amazing properties in still almost pristine areas. Over the course of the years, development will no doubt come, but right now it’s possible to explore in an extraordinary fashion.
I’m torn between several! But if I had to choose a destination for culture and people, Peru would be first. There’s a natural dignity in the people. Remember Peru was capital of the Inca Empire and then capital of the Spanish colonies. They reigned over South America for hundreds of years and still retain a glimmer of royalty, even when interacting with locals in far and away places. For landscapes, Chile is hard to beat world-over. It’s just majestic. From the Atacama Desert to the peaks of
Patagonia, everything looks like it just popped out of a calendar. But there’s a destination that’s special for me and my family: Galapagos. I can’t imagine a better place to spend a week with family and kids. I would do my 7-night cruise of Galapagos over and over. That said, if kids aren’t involved, Buenos Aires it is. It has much of the romanticism of Paris but with a generous splash of Latin passion. A few tango lessons, a bottle of malbec, and one of the suites at the Faena make for a perfect evening.
Many, many years ago I was backpacking in Peru and realized I had no towel. Though those early journeys were far from comfortable, I never strayed from civilized. So I went into a shop that sold cloth and bought a piece of red cotton fabric, about 4 x 3 feet. I called it El Trapo, which means “The Rag.” Originally thought to be only a towel, over the last ten years it’s performed the following additional tasks: backpack, hat, tablecloth, umbrella,
blanket, book wrap, scarf, parasol, curtain, pillow, camera protector, and even chair with a technique I picked up from a Chilean architect who in turn had borrowed it from an indigenous tribe. El Trapo is still going strong after a decade and been so successful that now my wife and three brothers travel with their own Trapo. Best travel tool ever. Oh and a camera, always a camera.
My favorite dish anywhere is always ice cream.
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A&K Q&A | Ecstatic about the Adriatic
Croatia and Slovenia’s rare blend of glamour and old-fashioned authenticity make this region an ‘it’ destination, as does its increasing popularity with foodies, oenophiles, nature lovers, and history buffs. Thankfully, despite its reputation as Europe’s vacation hotspot, Croatia and Slovenia haven’t given in to mass tourism. So NOW is the time to go! Authentic and diverse, it’s where you’ll discover cultural treasures, ancient architecture, time-tested folk traditions, and breathtaking landscapes. You’ll also meet some of the most welcoming people around. Here’s one of them, Poe’s dear friend Vanja Jelic Stjepovic, of Adriatic Travel Collection, who offers us a glimpse into this enchanting destination. Croatia and Croatia/Slovenia is an emerging market; how that’s changing the face of travel in the area? What are some not-to-miss destinations?
Tell us about what sets Adriatic Travel Collection apart.
Tell us about something special you’ve arranged for a client.
What would you say to someone who has only experienced the south of France or Italy but never Eastern Europe?
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The changes are evident on a daily basis. The destinations are changing their infrastructure, the service is improving, and the experiences are surpassing travelers’ expectations as
everyone is trying to present their small region in the best possible way. There is a boom of small luxury hotels and yachts offering excellent services.
In the eyes of the traveler, Dubrovnik has always been the top destination for the Adriatic region. Today, plenty of clients are visiting Dubrovnik while on a cruise and deciding to come back to explore more. However, some lesser known areas are finally getting the attention they deserve, such as the island of
Korcula, hometown of Marco Polo, the Istria region, also known as Croatian Tuscany, Hvar, famous for secluded bays and its well-known wine-growing region, Bled lakes in Slovenia, and the capitals of Croatia and Slovenia, Zagreb, and Ljubljana.
We are small group of travel enthusiasts who work 24/7 to make our clients happy and exceed their expectations. We’re located in the center of Dubrovnik and have more than 15 years of experience creating personalized tours in which luxury is incorporated into every detail. With our extensive local destination knowledge, we help clients discover the Adr-
iatic’s extraordinary places, from the hilltop towns in Slovenia to the islands and secluded beaches in Croatia to fisherman villages around the Montenegrin coast. We work hand in hand with experienced local guides, professional drivers, and other travel enthusiasts to coordinate and execute seamless land operations tailor-made to each unique itinerary.
My personal highlight this year was a surprise sunset dinner in the secluded bay on the island of Lokrum, overlooking Dubrovnik’s city walls and the glorious Adriatic Sea. The clients were celebrating their 30th wedding anniversary
and were already on a sunset cruise. Right after the sunset, the captain took them to a completely dark bay, lit only by candlelight, where a fantastic five-course dinner of the best Croatian specialties and wines awaited them.
Certainly to try it, especially now, while it is still mainly undiscovered by many American travelers. I would urge them to come experience Mediterranean beauty as it once was. Whether it is a first-time Adriatic highlights tour for the family, a relaxing, romantic escape to a secluded beach resort, or a personal expedition off the beaten path, each journey is individually tailored to your needs. It is a region
whose rich cultural heritage is discovered not only in its numerous museums, galleries, and churches—many of which today are included on the UNESCO World Heritage List—but also along the magical Mediterranean, where even the shortest stroll becomes a journey down a staircase thousands of years old, which takes one through a history that is at the same time turbulent, exciting, and glorious.
“Suggy’s in the house!” Africa House, that is. Meet Poe’s on-the-ground East Africa specialist, David Sugden (a.k.a. Suggy) With his unparalleled experience in the field, Suggy has raised the safari to an art form. His knowledge of East Africa is intimate and forged from first-hand experience. Born and raised on a ranch in the shadows of Mount Kenya, Suggy speaks several tribal dialects, and his pedigree includes 17 years experience of working for legendary safari company Abercrombie & Kent. In short, no one understands the safari world better. (He also knows a thing or two about horses; he’s a racehorse trainer and the Senior Steward of the Jockey Club of Kenya.) Whether you’re searching for a special honeymoon safari in Kenya and Zanzibar, the ultimate family safari, or gorilla trekking in Uganda, he’s your man. And, thankfully, he’s ours too. With his expertise and passion, there’s no one we trust more; he’s our boots-on-the ground, ear-to-ground expert. The depth and breadth of his knowledge is unparalleled; plus, he’s been known to hop on a plane at a moment’s notice and fly half way around the world just to meet with Poe clients interested in a bespoke safari. Now that’s dedication!
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sketchbook
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Galen & Linda Poss on the Equator.
Julie Champlin jumps for joy at St. Peter’s Basilica. e
The Feltons & family enjoy yachting in Split.
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(from left to right) Cindy & Terry Boles, Patty Gruss & Jeff Carr, Lynn Collins & Chris Upchurch, Frances Manning & John Maness on the Amalfi Coast. g
Alex & Lesley atop camels in Marrakesh.
George & Joan Ballard re-board in Prince of Wales Island in Alaska. c d Dr. Gayla Paschall gets a bird’s eye view at Il Falconiere in Cortona.
WHERE WILL poe take you next?
The Ghans at the Great Wall of China. h
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i Phil & Jill McConnell in Maui, Old Lahaina Luau.
m Maggie Hogan & Stacy Meyer in Peru.
send us your poe travel photos!
j The Fialkoff family aboard the Kokomon, BVI. n Terry & Robin Harris and Danny & Debbie Meins atop the Eiffel Tower.
Glen Ellen Downie, Blake Budney & Megan Augustine enjoy a bite to The Glassfords in Rome.
eat in Mykonos.
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Nell & Bob Lyford at Machu Picchu, Peru. p
l David Sugden of Africa House & the Kaye boys in Kenya.
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The Esch clan at the Colosseum. Q
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