INTERNATIONAL Globe-Hopping Dreams ich cross-cultural experiences await travelers with visions of venturing beyond the borders of the United States. The world brims with travel destinations that most people only read about in books or see in movies. Imagine walking in Christ’s footsteps in Old Jerusalem, riding through the fairy-tale Alps or tracking wildlife on the plains of Africa.
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Ancient civilizations and traditions add intrigue to any itinerary. Scenic byways are begging for your camera’s focus, and a hot cup or espresso is waiting at a sidewalk cafe in some of the world’s greatest cities. Canada, the second largest country in the world, is the most accessible international destination and scenically
Montreal
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one of the most awesome. From its friendly, English-speaking citizens to its high standard of living, Canada offers American travelers a sense of security and familiarity along with a few different twists along the way. From the snow-capped peaks of the Canadian Rockies to the rugged Atlantic coastline, the land is magical. For many, the country’s allure is in its cosmopolitan cities, where a mix of world cultures creates a lively arts and culinary scene. Quebec, the cradle of French culture in North America, is split in the south by the St. Lawrence River. Along this waterway lie Montreal, the world’s secondlargest French-speaking city, and Quebec City, the only fortified city in Canada. Toronto is another city lover’s mecca and home to dozens of different nationalities and ethnic neighborhoods, including six distinct Chinatowns. Traveling west, the Canadian landscape grows increasingly jagged. The vast prairies of Saskatchewan and Alberta pinch toward the sky as you head into the Canadian Rockies. Calgary, at the foot of this immerse mountain range, is a gateway to Alberta favorites like Banff National Park. In British Columbia is the hip city of Vancouver, home to the 2010 Winter Olympics and one of the Pacific Coast’s great seaports. For travelers eager to explore beyond their own backyards, international is the way to go. LGT
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Quebec’s Art and Gardens
Quebec, Canada
➤➤ HIGHLIGHTS • Montreal Botanic Gardens, Old Port, museums and galleries • Orford Express dinner train through picturesque Eastern Townships • Quebec City – 400 years of history within the walls • International Garden Festival and Redford Gardens • Visit www.BonjourQuebec.com for more information
➤➤ DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY DAY 1: Montreal As befitting a city with over three-and-a-half centuries of history, there is an abundance of art venues throughout the city. Our stroll through Old Montreal will reveal architecture dating back to the 1700s, remarkable 19th century Victorian structures and some of Canada’s first skyscrapers. It is also home to art galleries, handicraft ateliers and fashion boutiques. Must-sees include Bonsecours Market – a former city hall that now houses several craftworks, the stained glass and sculpture of Notre Dame Basilica, and the Fortin Museum – dedicated to the works of this famous Quebec landscapist. Take time before or after lunch to explore the temporary floral exhibits and promenade gardens along the piers. Later, we’ll head to the northern section of the city to explore the Montreal Botanic Garden. Ten buildings house revolving exhibits, while a highlight is the Chinese garden, best viewed during the lantern festival in autumn.
DAY 2: Montreal – Sherbrook We’ll start the day with breakfast and a guided tour of Montreal’s Museum of Fine Art. From there, we’ll continue to Place des Arts, the cultural heart of Montreal. This is the home of the Museum of Contemporary Art, Ballets Canadians, the Symphony and Opera. After lunch and/or shopping at Complex Desjardins, we’ll leave the city for an hour and half ride to the town of Sherbrooke. There’ll be time to explore the downtown murals, galleries and Fine Arts Museum before boarding the Orford Express for a lively dinner ride along Lake Magog.
DAY 3: Sherbrook – Quebec City This morning we’ll make a few quick stops at the hydroponic rose gardens in Drummondville and Parc Marie-Victorin, before a visit
and special lunch at Domaine Joly. This evening, we will have dinner at the revolving restaurant L’Astral, with breathtaking views of Quebec City.
DAY 4: Quebec City City tour and free time to explore the Museum of Fine Arts, galleries, public art and gardens of Quebec City.
DAY 5: Quebec City – Grand Metis We’ll depart early from Quebec City with stop for breakfast at Manoir Montmorency, a historic stop at the top of Montmorency Falls. We’ll travel along the south shore of the St. Lawrence to the Redford Gardens and International Garden Festival, with a stop for lunch and tour of the public art sculptures in Rivière-du-Loup.
DAY 6: Grand Metis – Charlevoix Keep your eyes open for whales and marine animals as we put the coach on the ferry to the north shore. We’ll cross into Charlevoix for a tour of the artist villages of the region. Check the schedule for patio jazz brunches at Domaine Forget, or plan on a paper-making session in St. Gilles. Allow plenty of time to explore the galleries of Baie-Saint-Paul, before returning to La Malbaie for dinner and an overnight in one of the many deluxe inns or the castle-like Fairmont Manoir Richelieu. We’ll be perfectly positioned for our morning transfer to the airport in either Quebec City or Montreal.
CONTACT: Tourisme Québec
OTHER ITINERARIES AVAILABLE:
➤ Debra Ruzbasan • www.BonjourQuebec.com 2158 45th Ave., #218, Highland, IN 46322 Phone: 219-937-2280 • Email: QCDER@aol.com
➤ Quebec’s High Roads and Fast Lines ➤ After the Cruise
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Tel Aviv, Haifa, Nazareth, Kibbutz Ginosar, Jerusalem
Journey through the Holy Land ➤➤ HIGHLIGHTS • Kibbutz Ginosar to see the ancient fisherman's boat • Bethlehem and Church of the Nativity • Jerusalem and the Old City • Cruise on the Sea of Galilee • The cliff-top fortress of Masada
➤➤ DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY DAY 1: (Sat.) Board the overnight transatlantic flight.
DAY 6: Jerusalem–Excursion to Ein Karem and Bethlehem
DAY 2: Arrival in Tel Aviv, Israel
(Thurs.) In Ein Karem visit the Church of St. John the Baptist and Church of Visitation, said to be built over the home of John the Baptist’s parents. In Bethlehem see Shepherd’s Field, where the angels announced the birth of Jesus, and visit the Church of the Nativity, the site where Jesus was born. Also stop at Jerusalem Archaeological Park. (B)
(Sun.) Transfer to hotel. Balance of the day is at leisure. Enjoy this evening’s welcome drink with traveling companions.
DAY 3: Tel Aviv–Caesarea–Megiddo–Muhraqa–Haifa (Mon.) In Caesarea, visit the Roman Amphitheater and Crusader Fortress. In the afternoon, travel to the ancient fortified city of Megiddo. At Muhraqa, site of Prophet Elias’ contest of faith with the priests of Baal, enjoy a view of the Jezreel Valley. Arrive in Haifa. (B,D)
DAY 7: Jerusalem–Excursion to Masada and Dead Sea
DAY 4: Haifa–Acre–Nazareth–Cana–Kibbutz Ginosar
DAY 8: Jerusalem Old City
(Tues.) Visit the golden-domed Baha’i Shrine, the world center of Baha’i faith. Next, visit Acre and the immense underground Crusader City with its secret passageways. On to Nazareth for the contemporary Church of the Annunciation. Travel on to Cana, site of the first miracle where Jesus changed water to wine at a wedding. On Lake Tiberias, arrive at Kibbutz Ginosar and see a fisherman’s boat said to be from the time of Christ. Relax or swim before dinner and lecture on Kibbutz life. (B,D)
(Sat.) Visit the Mount of Olives, Garden of Gethsemane, 14 Stations of the Cross along the Via Dolorosa and Church of the Holy Sepulchre. See the Dome of the Rock and Wailing Wall. (B)
(Fri.) Ascend by cable car to the Fortress of Masada. At a Dead Sea resort, experience the buoyancy of the heavy water. (B)
DAY 9: At Leisure in Jerusalem (Sun.) An optional excursion includes the Israel Museum, with the Dead Sea Scrolls, and Holocaust memorial at Yad Vashem. (B)
DAY 5: Kibbutz Ginosar–Mount of Beatitudes–Tabgha–Sea of Galilee–Bet She’an–Jerusalem
DAY 10: Jerusalem–Valley of Elah–Latrun–Jaffa–Tel Aviv
(Wed.) Heading towards the Sea of Galilee, visit the Mount of Beatitudes, where Jesus delivered his Sermon on the Mount. Next, visit the Church of the Multiplication of Loaves and Fishes at Tabgha. Enjoy a 45-minute Sea of Galilee Cruise. Tour the ancient city of Bet She’an with its Roman and Byzantine relics. Then on to Jerusalem. (B,D)
(Mon.) In the Valley of Elah, stop at the site of David’s victory over Goliath. At Latrun we visit the Monastery of the Trappist Monks. Enjoy a farewell dinner in Tel Aviv. (B,D)
DAY 11: Tel Aviv (Tues.) Our homebound flight arrives the same day. (B)
CONTACT: Globus ➤ Jennifer Brelsford, Religious Travel Specialist • www.globusfaith.com 5301 S. Federal Circle, Littleton, CO 80123 Phone: 866.755.8581 • Email: faith@globusfamily.com LeisureGroupTravel.com
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June 2009 87
Saskatoon: Beating to its Own Rhythm
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
➤➤ HIGHLIGHTS • Western Development Museum Boomtown 1910 • The Berry Barn • The Ivy Dining Experience • Boating on the South Saskatchewan River • Batoche Historical Visit
➤➤ DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY DAY 1: Saskatoon We begin with a hearty traditional breakfast at the Western Development Museum, Boomtown 1910, a typical early settlement Saskatchewan town. We don’t just visit this museum, we live it! We travel through Saskatoon, stopping at River Landing, the new shopping and entertainment center. A 20-minute drive down Valley Road brings us to The Berry Barn, where we can pick the famous Saskatoon berries (when in season), savour home-style cooking, relax with a view of the South Saskatchewan River, and purchase wonderful local crafts and Saskatoon berry products. Back in Saskatoon, we stroll Broadway, the first commercial area and important historic thoroughfare in the original Temperance Colony. We visit the quaint shops, stopping for a specialty coffee or tea or Saskatoon berry scone. At day’s end we enjoy a delectable dinner at The Ivy.
DAY 2: Saskatoon We begin our day at one of the most beautiful university campuses in North America, the University of Saskatchewan, featuring Canada’s only Synchrotron. We visit the Ukrainian Museum of Canada, which houses original paintings by William Kurelek, and the Mendel Art Gallery with an extensive permanent collection, and exhibitions of international, national and regional artists. Leaving the Gallery we board the Shearwater Boat Cruises for a trip down the river, featuring commentary on the history of the city as well as current developments. We have the afternoon to relax before our trip out to the Whitecap First Nation’s Dakota Dunes Casino, a short 20-minute ride from Saskatoon. We try our luck at the most dramatic gaming facility in Western Canada and enjoy a leisurely supper or entertainment in the Show Lounge.
DAY 3: Saskatoon – Batoche – Fort Carlton We venture farther afield and explore the fascinating history of the Metis people and the Northwest Resistance of 1885. One hour north of Saskatoon we visit Batoche National Historic Site, the location of the key dramatic battle of the Northwest Resistance. Here we learn about the history and traditions of the Metis community through an interactive experience that shares the story of Louis Rield and Gabriel Dumont. Guides in period costume provide interpretation. We enjoy a traditional lunch of bannock and touritere. We travel to Fort Carlton Provincial Historic Park and a guided tour of the Hudson’s Bay Company fur trading post. Heading back to Saskatoon we stop at the Duck Lake Interpretive Centre, with artifacts from the Northwest Resistance. We shop for Saskatchewan-made gifts at the Glen Scrimshaw Gallery. Trip Option: As Saskatoon is the home to a diverse listing of festivals and events, we have the option of timing our visit around a major festival, such as the Saskatoon Fireworks Festival, Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan or Sasktel Saskatchewan Jazz Festival.
CONTACT: Tourism Saskatoon
OTHER ITINERARIES AVAILABLE:
➤ Shannon Cossette • www.tourismsaskatoon.com 101–202 4th Avenue North, Saskatoon, SK S7K 0K1 Phone: 800-567-2444 • Email: scossette@tourismsaskatoon.com
➤ Nature Lovers Delight ➤ Zoo Visit ➤ Culture and Art – Hand in Hand
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Classic Italy & The Passion Play 12 Days / 11 Nights
Italy, Germany, Austria
➤➤ HIGHLIGHTS • Oberammergau Passion Play • Splendors of Ancient Rome • Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi • Leaning Tower of Pisa • Walking tour and free time in Venice • Linderhof Castle in Bavaria
➤➤ DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY DAY 1: Depart USA for Italy DAY 7: Venice DAY 2: Arrive Rome Transfer to hotel; the rest of the day is at leisure. Enjoy an orientation meeting and welcome dinner. (D)
Take a boat ride to the island of Murano, known for its Venetian glass industry. Visit St. Mark's Square and take a guided walking tour of Venice. Afternoon is at leisure. Perhaps take a gondola ride. (B,D)
DAY 3: Ancient Rome
DAY 8: Venice – Innsbruck
Tour the Roman Forum, triumphal Arch of Constantine, Arch of Titus and Colosseum. Enjoy the balance of the day at leisure and dinner at the hotel. (B,D)
Travel the spectacular Brenner Pass into Austria, to Innsbruck, where sightseeing includes the Golden Roof of Emperor Maximilian. (B,D)
DAY 9: Innsbruck – Oberammergau DAY 4: Rome – Assisi – Florence After breakfast, depart for Assisi. Visit the Basilica of St. Francis, which guards the mortal remains of St. Francis. Continue on to Florence for dinner and entertainment. (B,D)
Depart early for Oberammergau, arriving before noon. Explore Oberammergau and nearby villages today and tomorrow via shuttle (included). Dinner is at your hotel. (B,D)
DAY 10: Oberammergau - Passion Play* DAY 5: Florence Visit the Accademia of Fine Arts, home to Michelangelo's David. Walk to the Duomo and view Ghiberti’s famous Gates of Paradise. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure. Have dinner in a Tuscan restaurant in the countryside. (B,D)
DAY 6: Florence – Pisa – Venice Travel to Pisa and visit the Leaning Tower, Baptistery, Duomo and Monumental Cemetery. Continue to romantic Venice and enjoy the remainder of the afternoon at leisure. (B,D)
Morning is free to stroll the village. After lunch, attend today’s performance of the 2010 Passion Play. Enjoy your Passion Play Program book and dinner during intermission. (B,L,D)
DAY 11: Oberammergau – Munich Travel to the Benedictine Abbey of Ettal and then visit Linderhof Castle. Tour major sites in Munich. Enjoy a farewell dinner at the hotel. (B,D)
DAY 12: Munich – USA Transfer to the airport for your departure flight. (B)
CONTACT: Travel Bound ➤ Customized Groups Dept. • www.BookTravelBound.com 5 Penn Plaza, 5th floor, New York, NY 10001 Phone: 800-401-6512 • Email: GTP@BookTravelBound.com LeisureGroupTravel.com
➤ Book NOW for itineraries that include The Passion Play in Oberammergau (performances available May-Sept. 2010).*
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June 2009 89
SAVOR THE MOMENTS in
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• Walk along the Great Wall of China. • Take in a Peking Opera performance • Travel through the Valley of the
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Summer Palace.
moments friends. memories with
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* Book a select 2010 Europe Globus or Avalon River Cruise air-inclusive vacation to receive the $500 off per person offer. Select Europe Cruise-only bookings are eligible for the $250 off per person offer. Book a 2010 Globus or Avalon “A Taste of the Danube”, Egypt, China or Galapagos River Cruise air-inclusive vacation to receive the $300 off per person offer. “A Taste of the Danube”, Egypt, China or Galapagos cruise-only bookings are eligible for the $150 off per person offer. Must be made, under deposit, and discount applied between March 25 and June 30, 2009 for travel through December 31, 2010. Offers not valid with one-another or any other offer other than Journeys Club member benefit. Applies to new 2010 bookings only, and offer will not be applied to pre-existing bookings. Offer reliant on space availability. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply.
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Only A Select Few At Oberammergau’s Passion Play Enjoy Better Seating Than Tauck Tauck World Discovery has three premium packages (and a four-day optional river cruise extension) that include exclusive Oberammergau tickets in the theater’s best viewing section, so your group can fully savor all the majesty and inspiration that the Passion Play offers. In fact, you’d be hard-pressed to sit closer to the action, but that’s only part of what makes Tauck’s Oberammergau packages special. Each in-depth exploration of the region also provides the kind of special Tauck experiences that have earned us the industry’s highest repeat-guest rate. From an exclusive four-course dinner at a historic castle in the Tyrolean Alps to a private tour of Linderhof Palace near Munich, they’re the kind of signature travel experiences that will leave you and your group happy that you put your faith in Tauck.
For more information, call 1-800-241-1365, or visit www.tauck.com