Beyond normal in South Africa

Soekershof; Private Gardens and Botanical Gardens in South Africa represents a globally unique concept of an entertaining and inspirational Interactive Exploration of Life in Mazes and Gardens. Unlike other (botanical) gardens Soekershof does not thrive on coffee corners, restaurants and craft (made in China) shops; it’s a very personal Down to Earth experience and nothing is what it seems. There are surprises around every corner and the venue is ideal for day outings.

The average prepared visitor stays 4 to 6 hours to undergo it all. Community based land art projects grounded in local folklore and African roots are scattered around on this 10 hectare large estate with the world’s largest hedge-maze (surprise around every corner) and an extraordinary outdoor collection of more than 2500 different, registered, succulent plants from around the globe. Talented people from local communities use the workshops of Soekershof to enhance their skills by creating unique Soekershof Signature garden accessories such as seed boxes, plant hangers and furniture.

As the only Botanical Garden in South Africa Soekershof is certified by Fair Trade in Tourism in South Africa Once taken the psychological barrier to experience the world ‘beyond normal’ virtually all visitors (at least 99.5%) praise the decision to cross their own perceptual boundaries.
Soekershof; also named The Green Cathedral of South Africa is located in Klaas Voogds West; 8 kilometres East of Robertson in the Western Cape, South Africa; 2 hours drive from Cape Town. Visitors are welcomed by two elephant statues at the entrance.
Data:
Klaas Voogds Maze (with visualised local folklore as orientating beacons) has a surface of 13,870 square metres. The shortest hiking trail (but not the easiest) in the Western Cape is exactly 80 metres. The Philosopers Garden (1500 sqm) is a place of contemplation with expressions of amongst others Albert Einstein, And Warhol, Kahlil Gibran, the owners of soekershof and other celebrities. The Damwalk (with picnic place) is 200 metres long.

The different succulent gardens cover around 12,000 square metres and the own nursery (home grown organically cultivated succulent plants) measures around 1 hectare. The Butterfly Maze (with 3 baobabs in the heart) is inspired by the Nasca Lines in Peru.

More info such as times, admission fees, quality accommodation in different price classes nearby and PRECISE road directions: http://soekershof.com

Luxury abroad the train and some fantastic sights off it, the Indian Maharaja is a journey for the senses

Luxury Travel is not simply the preserve of air travelers. In India, luxury trains cater to those who like their travel a little rarefied. The latest entrant in the luxury train section is Indian Maharaja- Deccan Odyssey which covers tourists destinations in India

The train route starts from New Delhi and Mumbai, covering Aurangabad, Udaipur, Sawai Madhopur, Jaipur and Agra.

It offers glimpses of Imperial architecture, natural beauty and some interesting historical facts along the way.

The Indian Maharaja is an experience of finer things in life. The train has 21 carriages, of which 11 are passenger cars with four compartments each. There are two Presidential Suite Cars, each houses two luxury suites. Every coach is attended by a liveried butler giving an experience akin to the days of the Raj.

The two dining cars serve delectable exquisitely prepared Indian and Continental Cuisines by Taj Group

To help guests stay in touch with the world, the train has a Business Centre that offers access to internet, printer and fax machine. The train also has a conference car, Spa Car, steam bath, gymnasium and Ayurvedic Massage Centre to help you recuperate.

Fares for this uber-luxury train start at USD 525 per person per night exclusive of taxes. The Presidential Suites are available at almost double this cost, and are accompanied by individual transfers and a personal guide for sightseeing at each destination.

In Delhi, witness the co-existence of different eras as you explore Imperial capital of Old Delhi, along with the Parliament Building and Rashtrapati Bhawan. In Agra, Mughal Architecture is on display at Fatehpur Sikri, Agra Fort while the timeless beauty of the Taj Mahal will reveal a whole new meaning of love to you.

The Rajput took pride in everything they built and palaces of Jaipur reflect this pride. Train detours from architectural sights to the Ranthambore National Park where you catch glimpse of Royal Bengal Tiger. Behold sight of splendid Palaces and lakes at Udaipur. Get a unique experience of Indian Culture at Jama Masjid and Jain Temples of Ahmedabad. In Aurangabad go for an excursion to Ajanta and Ellora caves.

The Indian Maharaja is scheduled for the inaugural run from Mumbai on November 18 and from New Delhi on November 25. Train is scheduled for departures on selected dates till April 2010.

Unforgettable experience, Impressive destinations is what this train promises!!!

For further details visit www.theindianmaharaja.com and contact Ms. Monika Kapoor Sarkhel at eeurope@tci.co.in or Surinder Sodhi at surinder.sodhi@tci.co.in

UP TO 7 DAY HOLLAND AMERICA LINE FALL CARRIBEAN OR MEXICO CRUISE FOR TWO

BiddingForGood is offering a Luxurious Seven Day Caribbean or Mexico Cruise for Two on Holland America Line

When you step aboard one of the five-star ships of Holland America Line, you will experience a voyage unlike any other.  You can choose any Caribbean or Mexico cruise for two (same stateroom) up to seven days in length.  Your journey will include extraordinary dining, spacious staterooms, elegant surroundings and days filled with new discoveries and gracious pampering by an award-winning crew.  You can choose to partake in as many – or as few – activities as you wish, from the renowned Greenhouse Spa and Salon, to cooking demonstrations and wine tasting in the Culinary Arts Center, and much more.

Or simply relax and enjoy the spectacular scenery from the beautiful wrap-around teak deck. Bidding begins Sept 1^st and ends Sept 15^th and bidding starts at $800. Please click here for more information.

German Christmas Market Tours – Crafts, Art, Music, Nostalgia

by The German American Connection – CULTOURINARIA

We offer two wonderful escorted 10-day tours for small exclusive groups to Berlin and East Germany at Advent – Travel to the roots of German Christmas traditions and modern crafts & art!

Tour 1: November 27 – December 06, 2009

Tour 2: December 11 – December 20, 2009

Discover the magic spirit of the Advent time, explore traditional and modern German handcraft & art and listen to the magnificent sounds of church music, choirs and organs. It’s the perfect destination to explore German history, culture, classical music and arts – not to forget about all the fantastic shopping opportunities! The tours take you to Germany’s inspiring capital Berlin, to the charmeful Royal Prussian city Potsdam, to artistic glass and porcelain manufacturers in the rural Thuringian Forest, to fine woodcraft manufacturers in the Saxon Ore Mountain region Erzgebirge, to Saxony’s splendor in Dresden, to the centre of young art and design Leipzig and to Thuringia’s medieval capital Erfurt.  The Advent season in late November and December is also the perfect time to savor local culinary delights at family-run restaurants. We always travel in small groups of 18 guests maximum in order to provide a flexible individual travel experience. Groups are escorted 24/7 by an English speaking guide.

Tour Program: Berlin – Potsdam – Leipzig – Castle Moritzburg – Dresden – Ore Mountains – Toymaker village Seiffen – Annaberg Buchholz – Erfurt – Thuringian Forest – Glassmaker village Lauscha – Berlin.

Itinerary, registration form and terms & conditions are available online at
http://www.tgac-us.com/
http://www.cultourinaria.com

Please contact us for further information and details. We would love to welcome you on one of our tours.

Dr. Pepper VIP NCAA Football Travel Experience

cMarket/BiddingForGood Travel is offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to go on an all-expense paid trip to one of three Dr Pepper Championship Games on Dec 5, 2009, with proceeds benefiting the Muscular Dystrophy Association.  Travel would be on Friday, Dec 4^th and Sunday, Dec 6^th. This is an all-inclusive package for your choice of one of the following games:

ACC Dr Pepper Championship Game – Tampa, FL,

DP BIG 12 Championship Game – Arlington, TX

SEC Championship Game -Atlanta, GA

The experience includes round trip airfare and transportation for two, deluxe hotel accommodations for two nights, Dr. Pepper exclusive welcome reception, breakfast on Saturday and Sunday, exclusive pre-game party, two tickets to selected championship game, transportation to all planned events and a welcome gift. Service fees and taxes are also included! Bidding starts September 1 and ends on Sept 15^th. Opening bid is $1500. To view this travel experience, please click here or visit biddingforgood.com to view other travel experiences.

Passion Play 2010 Oberammergau – Ecumenical Tour of the German Christian Culture

by The German American Connection
http://www.tgac-us.com

In cooperation with the German Heritage Commission Fredericksburg, Texas, we have created an unique and tailor-made tour to the Passion Play 2010 in Oberammergau, Germany – and to the roots of German Christian Culture. This small group tour takes you to impressive and inspiring historic sites of German Culture – Catholic pilgramage sites, Protestant Reformation & Luther sites, UNESCO World Cultural Heritage sites and much more….

Centerpiece of the tour is the world-famous magnificent Passion Play performance. Oberammergau, a picturesque village in the Bavarian Alps, has faithfully performed its passion play every ten years since 1634 in fulfillment of a vow. More than 2,000 citizens bring the play to life in approx. six hours of playing time. In keeping with a centuries-old tradition, Obergammergau’s passion play is an authentic local production. It is performed entirely by amateur actors who have been residents of Oberammergau for at least 20 years.

This special tour starts in Leipzig, Houston’s German Sister City. We travel in the footsteps of Martin Luther in Saxony and Thuringia – the historic cradle of European Culture. In the 16th century, Martin Luther’s challenging theological ideas inspired the Protestant Reformation and chenged the course of Western civilization. We continue our tour to Bavaria and its impressive historic sites of the Catholic Community – including the world-famous Wiesn Church and Altoetting, the homeland of Pope Benedict XVI.. We take you on an uniting Ecumenical Trip to the roots of German and European Christian Culture. Along the tour you will enjoy the beautiful and versatile countryside, medieval towns, castles & fortresses, traditional handicraft, authentic German food and much more…

Passion Play tickets and tour spots go fast – Secure your spot – First come, first served.

Travel date:    September 08 – 22, 2010 (15-day trip)

Tour program:  Leipzig – Luther towns Eisleben and  Wittenberg – Meissen – Dresden – Leuchtenburg – Erfurt – Eisenach – Luther
Fortress Wartburg – Schmalkalden – Lauscha – Dinkelsbuehl – Munich – Altoetting – Wies Church – Oberammergau
with Passion Play – Neuschwanstein / Murnau  – Speyer – Heidelberg – Montabaur – Limburg an der Lahn – Frankfurt

Tour price:      $ 2,854 (ground package, double occupancy)
Early bird:       $ 55 discount for bookings until September 25th, 2009

The tour price includes the one-night Passion Play package with a net value of $ 500. This customized tour is tightly priced. We don’t spend money on commissions for 3rd parties – Every $ will be expended on the actual trip program and your comfort. The small group of maximum 22 travelers will be escorted 24/7 by a bilingual tour guide. We’ll use a private tour bus throughout the whole trip with a experienced professional driver.

Itinerary, registration form and terms & conditions are available online at http://www.tgac-us.com/

Don’t hesitate to contact us for detailed information and to secure your spot: info@tgac-us.com

Personally guided tours of Museums across Scotland.Provide the WOW factor with our Night at the Museum – the opportunity to tour Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum after it has closed to the public – a unique addition to any trip to Glasgow.

Venues include:

• Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum

• Scotland Street School

• Gallery of Modern Art

• Pollok House

• Holmwood House

• Glasgow Trades Hall

• Duddingston House, Edinburgh

Intermezzo Tours:

Daytime tours

Daytime tours with lunch

Evening tours

Evening tours with dinner

Unique “after-hours” access

How To Use Intermezzo?

Tours always have to booked in advance – at least 3 days is advisable

Call or email to reserve a date and venue

We email or call to confirm reservation

Intermezzo send confirmation and invoice

Invoices usually paid 7 days in advance

To book contact us on:

+44 141 636 6929 or +44 7949 622036

info@intermezzo-arts.co.uk

www.intermezzo-arts.co.uk

The ultimate Escape on the Amalfi Coast – Italy

“Furore Inn Resort e Spa”

The Amalfi Coast best kept secret : Romantic Hideaway August 26th, 2009 Author: Alfonso Imperato

Furore Inn Resort is a marvellous hideaway resort set on a hill between Amalfi and Positano and offering wonderful views of the coastline. Consisting of a central main building built in 1985 and two wings which were originally the summer residence of the Bishop of Amalfi, this five star luxury hotel offers stylish accommodation and a wealth of leisure facilities spread over seven terraces. Each of the 22 ensuite rooms and suites offers wonderful sea views. They are light and bright with coloured Vietri ceramic flooring, modern light wooden furniture and pastel coloured soft furnishings and are air-conditioned and well appointed to ensure the comfort of guests.

The resort boasts two exceptional restaurants – La Volpe Pescatrice with two spectacular terraces overlooking the sea and The Italian Touch. Together they offer a truly delicious range of traditional Mediterranean dishes with an innovative twist – skilfully created out of local produce fresh seafood and locally reared meat. The extensive wine list is also certain to delight. Throughout the resort relaxation is the key whether in the spacious Mediterranean style lounge in the bar or outside by one of the 3 swimming pools.

An Olympic pool with sundecks and Al Fresco dining or infinity pools with open air Jacuzzi, the choice is yours. Or what about a game of tennis on the open air court or a visit to the spa centre, the extensive spa facilities offer a wide range of luxury treatments from hydrotherapy to massages and facials all performed by skilled professionals and using the finest ingredients. Furore Inn is a unique resort and an excellent base for those wishing to explore the delights of the nearby Amalfi Coast. The attentive and friendly staff will ensure that the instant sense of wellbeing created by the exceptional location continues throughout your stay. Nominated as Italy’s Leading Boutique Hotel: World Travel Awards Winner 2006, 2007 and 2008, and part of the prestigious hotel collection selected by Condé Nast Johansens: has been awarded as: 2008 Europe’s Most Romantic Hotel. From 2008 the Furore Inn Resort e Spa is also a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World.

A selection of various packages is available to suite the needs of the discerning traveller :

• Silence : Escape and enjoy “La Dolce Vita” lazing around the 3 swimming pools, and listen to the silence from the Infinity Pool;

• Seaview : Enjoy the view on the Gulf of Salerno and the Amalfi Coast from above;

• Serenity : The hotel luxurious gardens and terraces are the ideal getaway retreat for couples’ romance;

• Simplicity : Our attention to your needs will be carried out with absolute simplicity;

• Succulence : Gourmet, Food and Wine Packages with hands-on cookery classes, to savour the local cuisine at the best;

for further informations and bookings : www.romantichideaway.it

Via dell’Amore, Piazza Sant’Elia — 84010 Furore — Costa d’Amalfi (Sa)

Tel. +39 089 8304711—+39 089 830620—Fax +39 089 8304777

www.furoreinn.it— information@furoreinn.it

Mottolines is one of the Official Worldwide Airport Transfer Company and was established in 2005 with our Head quarters in the UK, specializing in pre-booked pick-ups from all major airports, seaports, coach and rail stations worldwide. We have, over the years, grown to be among the market leaders in moving people and parcels in and around several countries; operating around-the-clock – every day of the year. Please contact us on +44 208 866 5555 or visit http://www.mottolinesworldwide.com.

Please see our contact details below:
Tel: +44 208 866 5555
Email: info@mottolinesworldwide.com
Website: http://www.mottolinesworldwide.com

By lowering the cost of their volunteer programs by 25%, Voluntraveler hopes to attract more travelers to the remote north coast of Peru to assist with community programs.

In order to encourage more volunteer travel to Máncora in northern Peru, Voluntraveler is lowering their volunteer program fees by 25%. Voluntraveler recruits and manages volunteers for Para el Mundo (PaM) a small grassroots NGO based in Máncora that provides medical, education, and community programs that would otherwise not exist in the small coastal fishing town. The programs allow international volunteers with various abilities and skills to live with and work alongside local experts and professionals, contributing not only their time, but valuable funding through the volunteer fees.

While Peru is the most popular destination in the world for international volunteering, most of the work is concentrated around the capital city of Lima, and Cusco, the city considered the gateway to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu. Most public services, government funding and global attention is centred on Lima and Cusco in order to cater to tourists and sustain the country’s tourism industry. This leaves outlying areas and towns like Máncora lacking basic infrastructure and essential services.

Máncora has recently gained attention as a world-class surfing destination and is experiencing a boom in tourism, but the local community has benefited little from the influx of tourists and tourism dollars. Para el Mundo offers volunteers an opportunity to make meaningful contributions to the exploited and impoverished community living in the shadow of new hotels and foreign wealth. Voluntraveler’s goal is to draw the attention of potential volunteers away from the lure of Lima and Cusco, and emphasize the need for volunteers in Mancora and their contribution to PaMs programs. Voluntraveler distinguishes itself by not offering “volunteer vacations” or catering to “voluntourists” but instead integrates volunteer travelers via PaM into the community to participate in sustainable programs managed by local experts and professionals and encouraging stays of more than 3 weeks.

With fees far lower than those charged by the larger volunteer vacation companies and providing greater local support, Voluntraveler hopes to draw more interest in Máncora from the growing number of international travelers seeking meaningful volunteer opportunities abroad or planning a trip to Peru.

For more information on Voluntraveler, Para el Mundo, or life in Máncora please contact Jason Kucherawy or visit www.voluntraveler.com.

About Voluntraveler:

Voluntraveler is a social enterprise that supports charities and non-profit organizations abroad with volunteer placement and funding. The primary charity Voluntraveler supports is Para el Mundo (PaM), located in Máncora on the north coast of Peru. The volunteer programs are all-inclusive destination packages and our “voluntravelers” work closely with local partner charities and NGOs (like PaM) and are managed by local experts and professionals.

For more information:

28 Ross St, Toronto ON M5T 1Z9, http://voluntraveler.com

(647) 230-7891

Cape Town – Sun City – Sandton – Kruger Park – Kwa Zulu Natal

2009/2010

This distinctly diverse travel package allows your guests the opportunity to experience the splendor of a safari, the exhilaration of an entertainment & sports resort and the beauty and culture of two of the world’s most cosmopolitan cities.

Rates per person sharing R25 700 (+/_ 2142 Euro) (+/_ 3134 USD)

Included

• 20 nights’ accommodation

• Breakfast at all venues

• Internal flight

• Road Transfers

• Meet and greets at airports

• Open vehicle game drives

• Game walks

• Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner on Safari

This itinerary is based on flights from Cape Town, road transport to Sun City, two nights in Sandton and road transport via the Blyde River Canyon to the Greater Kruger Park.

Flights can replace the road transport to the Greater Kruger area.

Each section of this package can be booked separately or as a 5 star package. The 5 star packages include upgraded accommodation but the pacing will be the same.

An additional 6 nights can be added to continue from Kruger Park through Swaziland, The St Lucia wetlands, the Battlefields and Durban.

This package is ideal for your individual traveler, small groups and large groups.

We have fixed departure dates as well as departures to suit your client’s schedule.

If you have any queries or request or wish to make a booking please contact alastair@ecosouth.co.za or call us on +27 21 686 6740 and one of our specialized consultants will assist you

“Jardines de Olon”

The ultimate Ecuador beach experience

Visit our unique Ecuador beach home in Olon, 2 km north of Montanita, a world premiere surfing and cosmopolitan location.

Less than 100 feet from a private access beach, you can see, hear and smell the ocean breeze from anywhere in the house. The home is in exquisite condition with 3 Br and 3 BA, grand balcony & furnishings for 9 people. With lush gardens, fully maintained and guarded.  All vaulted hardwood interior with soothing breezeways throughout and Historic Art decor.  Local attractions include whale watching (June through October), surfing, hiking, a nearby jungle canopy Zip Line, tropical bird watching, fishing, shopping and international cuisine. The nearest airport is in Guayaquil, which is the jumping off point for the Galapagos Islands.  Also, closer to the house is the Isla de La Plata, which offers a great Galapagos-like experience for an affordable price. We offer language and concierge services at no extra  charge.

“Jardines” is located within 1 degree of The Equator; perfect year round temperatures. Locals are genuine and friendly. Excellent cuisine within 100 yards from the front door; complete security with full time staff, all year round. Special arrangements with Restaurants, Taxis, Airport transfers and Multilingual Guides; Perfect for Galapagos, Guayaquil and Cuenca travelers; Concierge service available at no extra charge. Near Salinas and La Libertad. A tropical dream come true !! Cell phone provided for your convenience.

14 mile beach - house is located about three o'clock in this pic

For more pictures, and details regarding the amenities we offer, please visit our website at http://ecuafriendly.com or feel free to contact us directly at