The Insider's Club: February 2020 Issue

INSIDERS CLUB YOUR GUIDE TO THE INSIDE

FEBRUARY 2020 ISSUE

TABLE OF CONTENTS p 3-6

DISCOVER: G ADVENTURES / NORWAY

p 7-10

STAY: HOTELS 7. WALDORF ASTORIA EDINBURGH, THE CALEDONIAN 8. CLARION HOTEL THE EDGE 10. THE BALMORAL, A ROCCO FORTE HOTEL 11. HOTEL CONTINENTAL OSLO

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EXCLUSIVE VIRTUOSO EXPERIENCES 12. AVALON WATERWAYS 14. MII AMO, A DESTINATION SPA 16. SINGITA - SINGITA GRUMETI SERENGETI, TANZANIA

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HELLO TRAVELERS G Adventures’ Explore the Norwegian Fjords adventure only takes place in May, so you’ll want to book fast, as the expedition ship used for the journey has a capacity for 134 passengers. To sweeten the deal, Largay clients who book and pay deposit by Feb. 29 will receive 20 percent off the cost of the sailing. G Adventures travelers are curious natural explorers, Northeast regional sales manager Dennis Dziedzic said. “They come in the door with attitude,” he said, and they have enough choices of excursions to make the journey their own. If that’s you, welcome aboard.

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DISCOVER G ADVENTURES / NORWAY

INSIDERS CLUB

Don’t let the name fool you, G Adventures’ Explore the Norwegian Fjords itinerary includes a healthy dose of Scotland. Not to worry, it packs in plenty of Norwegian fjords too over the course of 13 days, but beginning or ending in Edinburgh with stops in the Orkney and Shetland islands hearkens back to a time when these areas were part of a larger Viking realm.

You’ll have the chance to explore Norse settlements, along with much older ones, and visit the Viking Museum at Bostad, the Folk Museum in Trondheim and cathedrals built when Christianity took hold in the region. You’ll also cross the North Sea as the Vikings often did, though with much nicer accommodations onboard the 134-passenger G Expedition.

With the voyage taking place in May, you’ll also have the chance to appreciate the gorgeous scenery and wildlife. There are puffins and seabirds to photograph, glaciers to hike and scenic trains to ride.

That freedom and flexibility are the best part of the 13-day itinerary, G Adventures’ Northeast regional sales manager Dennis Dziedzic said.

“There are folks interested in the history of this region and hikers,” he said.

“It’s a bit of a ‘create your own adventure.’

If you’re more into hiking, more into cities 3

and museums or even foodies” you can tailor excursions to your interests. That flexibility extends to onboard cabins as well, with quads beginning at $4300 per person to double rooms on up to two-bedroom suites.

Depending on which direction you sail, your first or last stop in Norway will be Bergen, with its UNESCO World Heritage port and fish market that date to the days of the Hanseatic League. Flam’s railway takes passengers through mountains and valleys forged over millions of years, climbing nearly 3,000 feet. In Olden, you can hike to a glacier or take a trolley to a glacier lake. Geirangerfjord is among Norway’s best, and in addition to sailing it, there’s the option of a coach tour of the World Heritage Site or a 10-kilometer mountain hike for those of heartier Viking spirit. The views of the fjord from above are well worth the effort.

Trondheim offers the choice between a hike in Bymarka Nature Reserve before visiting Sverresborg Folk Museum, or visiting the museum and Nidaros Cathedral, where King Olaf II, patron saint of Norway, is buried and where kings are still crowned.

Watch for trolls in Torghatten and stroll the fishing villages of Vega island, another UNESCO site. As you head farther north, you can climb Norway’s second-largest glacier

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and stop at an island that lies directly on the Arctic Circle. More dramatic scenery awaits on a Zodiac tour of the Lofoten archipelago and a journey into Trollfjord. The “Gateway to the Arctic” awaits in Tromso, the jewel of northern Norway.

In the Orkneys, you’ll see the Ring of Brodgar, the Standing Stones of Stennes and the neolithic village of Skara Brae, where the monuments’ creators lived 4,500 years ago.

In the Shetlands, you’ll see more neolithic

sites and how Scottish and Scandinavian culture come together. If one night in Edinburgh isn’t enough for you, there’s always the option to extend your stay.

Whether you going Edinburgh to Tromso or the reverse, you’ll be treated to an incredible journey, one through beautiful places and through time.

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STAY

INSIDERS CLUB Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh, The Caledonian A year-round getaway, Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler offers renowned service and convenient access to the slopes of WhistlerBlackcomb. Guests can choose from activities on or off the mountain before enjoying one of the resort’s 273 inviting guestrooms, suites or townhouses, or 20 luxurious Private Residences. Treat your senses at the award-winning spa or at Sidecut Modern Steak. Sidecut features only the top two percent of Canadian Prime Beef and prepares it with custom rubs and sauces on an 1,800-degrees infrared grill. Visit Fifty Two 80 Eatery + Bar for live music, locally inspired food and handcrafted cocktails.

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Clarion Hotel the Edge Experience the personalized service that is the hallmark of Vancouver’s only AAA Five Diamond-rated property. With 119 guestrooms and suites, each stay is customized for the Virtuoso guest.

As the only hotel on Vancouver’s luxury retail row, Alberni Street, guests have access to shopping, edgy art installations and trendy restaurants.

Breakfast is served at Market by Jean-Georges,the first restaurant in Canada from three-Michelin-stars chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten.

CHI, The Spa offers sanctuary in which exclusive spa suites offer an ultraprivate experience, each with its own lounge, fireplace, steam shower and deep-soaker tub.

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The Balmoral, a Rocco Forte Hotel Alyeska Resort is Alaska’s premier year-round destination featuring the 300-room Hotel Alyeska. Located just 40 miles from Anchorage and Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, Alyeska Resort is your base camp for summer and winter excursions.Plan and book your Alaskan vacations with AlyeskaResort. com, the official site for Alyeska Resort.

Learn about the The Hotel Alyeska and ski resort, summer or winter activities, family-friendly ski school programs, and heli-skiing. Reserve Alaska hotel, ski packages, and spa specials, too.

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Hotel Continental Oslo Located in the heart of downtown Anchorage, Alaska’s Hotel Captain Cook is a perfect basecamp for adventure, offering the best cultural, retail and natural highlights just steps from your door.

In the mood to stay in? Indulge in one of our four distinctive restaurants, shop for gifts or unique souvenirs in our 12 shops or take in the views of neighboring Cook Inlet and the Chugach Mountains from any one of our 546 rooms and suites.

The Hotel Captain Cook is Alaska’s only member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, an organization of 620 of the finest independently owned and managed luxury hotels and resorts across the world.

Each property within the organization is required to maintain criteria to qualify for membership and excels at providing distinctive experiences that are far beyond the ordinary.

The Hotel Captain Cook was recently inducted into Historic Hotels of America, the official travel organization of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

The National Trust founded Historic Hotels with 32 charter members in 1989 for Historic Preservation. Since that time, only 275 hotels and resorts across America have been awarded this prestigious honor for preserving and maintaining their historic integrity, architecture and ambiance.

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EXCLUSIVE VIRTUOSO EXPERIENCES

INSIDERS CLUB

Save $2500 per couple on select 2021 Avalon Waterways Europe river cruises Avalon Waterways Book a select 2021 Avalon Waterways Europe river cruise to receive $1250 off per person on the cruise/land or cruise only price. Booking must be made, under deposit and discount applied by April 6, 2020 for travel at select times in 2021.

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 reliant on space availability at time of booking and may be withdrawn at any time. Offer combinable only with Welcome Back Credit. Applies to new 2021 bookings only and offer will not be applied to pre-existing bookings. Full cancellation penalties will apply.

Additional restrictions may apply; see Travel Terms & Conditions for details.

May be withdrawn at any time.

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EXCLUSIVE VIRTUOSO EXPERIENCES

INSIDERS CLUB

New Year, New Intentions Mii amo, a destination spa Valid for Travel Now Through 25 Mar 2020 $500 savings on a 4 or 7 night Journey. Start the new year by relaxing at Mii amo destination spa voted number 1 US destination spa by Travel and Leisure’s Worlds Best Awards. Book and stay by March 25, 2020.

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EXCLUSIVE VIRTUOSO EXPERIENCES

INSIDERS CLUB

Singita Serengeti / Singita Volcanoes National Park Combo Singita - Singita Grumeti Serengeti, Tanzania Valid for Travel Now Through 31 May 2020 Combine four nights at any combination of Singita Serengeti lodges with three nights at Singita Volcanoes National Park (Singita Kwitonda Lodge or Kataza House) and receive 50% off one night at Singita Volcanoes National Park and a complimentary night at Singita Serengeti, as well as 50% off a private vehicle.

-Minimum of three nights required at Singita Kwitonda Lodge or

Kataza House

-Minimum of four nights required at Singita Serengeti

-The 50% off one night and the complimentary night is applied to the

lowest rated night at Singita Kwitonda Lodge or Kataza House and Singita

Serengeti respectively

-Receive 50% off a private vehicle in Singita Serengeti

(subject to availability) -Valid: 6 January – 31 May 2020 & 1 September – 14 December 2020

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INSIDERS CLUB YOUR GUIDE TO THE INSIDE