Viaventure Central America: Tour Highlights “Women who Weave the Cosmos”

In the myth of the Maya, it was a woman who started the movement of the cosmos. She put her drop spindle in rotation, a twirling motion only old experienced hands master, and the stars, planets and Milky Way began their circular path far above, year in and year out, millennium after millennium. The names of the pieces of the Maya backstrap loom relate to human beings. The loom has a head and feet, it has ribs, an umbilical cord and even a butt. The shuttle feeds sustenance to the growing cloth and the up-and-down movement of the shed is seen as a beating heart. The weaver ties one end of the loom to a tree, and adjusts the other end around her lower hips as she places herself on the ground. Once in a sitting position with the legs in front of her, the weaver rhythmically moves her hips back and forward to tighten and loosen the weft. The relationship between the woman and her cloth can be seen on the stelea and pottery that the classic Maya elaborated in the warm temple cities of lowland... Read More →

Paul Gaugin Cruises Launches New 20-Night Hotel and Cruise Package Discovering the Mythical Regions of Australia, New Caledonia, Fiji, Tonga, Cook & Society Islands

BELLEVUE, WA – Paul Gauguin Cruises, operator of the highest-rated and longest continually sailing luxury cruise ship in the South Pacific, the m/s Paul Gauguin, announces the South Pacific Discovery: Australia, New Caledonia, Fiji, Tonga, Cook & Society Islands. Guests of the exclusive 20-night hotel and cruise package are invited to discover all the scenic splendors and fascinating cultures of the South Pacific — exploring the shores of nine distinctive islands in five archipelagos on a single voyage. Departing January 23, 2012, the South Pacific Discovery package is available at rates that start at $7,497*. This 20-night hotel and cruise package commences in cosmopolitan Sydney, with three days at leisure in Australia’s oldest and largest city and one of the most culturally diverse cities in the world. Guests will stay at the Four Seasons Hotel Sydney, located in the historic Rocks area of the city. After basking in Sydney’s enviable harbor setting, guests will fly to... Read More →

Gap Adventures Lures Sailing Enthusiasts to Unique Greek Islands Adventures Aboard its Private Yachts

Adventure travel company boosts the allure of a relaxing sailing adventure with discounts on all Greek Islands Sailing trips for May and June 2011. Toronto, ON & Providence, RI – Gap Adventures, the world’s adventure travel leader, announced today it is offering a 20% discount on all Greek Islands Sailing adventures departing in May and June 2011. Travelers seeking sun, small group sailing, and breathtaking scenery can book their adventure and save on the cost of their trip, for a limited time. “There is no more relaxing way to experience these beautiful islands than aboard one of our private 50-foot yachts, with a veteran skipper who can take you to remote places inaccessible to other travelers,” says Sue Barreau, Europe & Middle East Senior Operations Manager. “If you’re looking for a chance to kick back and relax away from the tourist throngs, then our sailing trips are for you,” she adds. The 20% discount is valid for all Greek sailing trips, including the company’s... Read More →

“Nothing is far away in Montenegro”: Breathtaking landscapes and cultural treasures

Montenegro, that is just under 14.000 square kilometers at the southeastern Adriatic coast. A state small in terms of size, but great in terms of tourism: full of wild, authentic natural beauties between the sea and the high mountains, with various climate zones, nature registered as World Heritage and precious cultural treasures. Compared to its size, it offers a surprising amount of superlatives. Montenegro unites the cultural contrasts between the Orient and the Occident. Traces of the Ottoman Empire can be found here as well as of the Greeks and Romans, the Venetians and the Habsburgs. There is hardly any site that doesn’t reflect the changing history full of legends. A Magnet for Centuries: Kotor Bay The only Fjord in the Mediterranean is a nature sensation: the Bay of Kotor, 30km in length, framed by mountains nearly 1900 meters high. The resident cosmopolitan seafarers, the long periods under the Venetian Lion and the influence of the Habsburgs were formative for the cultural identity... Read More →

Montenegro – a country like no other

Where only few people have been, yet nine out of ten visitors want to come back Montenegro – almost as big as Schleswig-Holstein, yet with fewer inhabitants than the metropolitan region of Frankfurt:  This leaves a lot of space for nature. The landscape of this small country in the Adriatic Sea is quite exceptional and vitally important for its tourism. For these particular reasons the government set up a ministry dedicated to sustainable development and tourism. The establishment of a “Ministry for Sustainable Development and Tourism” – formerly the “Ministry for Tourism and the Environment” – highlights the goals set by the small country with the long beaches, rugged mountains, and wild nature parks: to ensure sustainable tourism development based in an overall concept of economic development, and in combination with respectful protection of natural and cultural resources, some of which are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Montenegro is an environmentally-conscious... Read More →

AdventureSmith Explorations Announces Romantic Getaways Aboard the M/Y Grace Commemorating Grace Kelly’s 55th Wedding Anniversary

Four Special Eight Day Cruises for April 2011 Will Ply the Waters of the Galapagos in a Style Befitting Royalty Tahoe City, CA – Active cruise specialist AdventureSmith Explorations, the travel company that secures matches between adventure-seeking clients and a treasure trove of small expedition ships, announces a series of celebrity commemorative cruises in the Galapagos this April. Four themed expeditions aboard M/Y Grace honor the occasion of the April 19, 1955, wedding of Hollywood royalty Grace Kelly to Monaco’s Prince Rainier. They then honeymooned on this 146-foot luxury yacht that was gifted to them by Aristotle Onassis. Guests will be welcomed with champagne and Ecuadorian chocolates along with conservation lectures by scientists of the Darwin Foundation. Each guest will receive a photo book of the expedition covering the history of the vessel and details of the royal couple’s honeymoon. “The M/Y Grace is widely considered one of the most romantic ships to cruise in the... Read More →

Majestic Castles, Pastoral Countryside, Impressive Cityscapes – And More – Are All Parl of the Luxurious Royal Scotsman’s “Grand Tour” of Great Britain

Edinburgh, Scotland – Experience the beauty and culture of Scotland, Wales and England on a “Grand Tour” aboard The Royal Scotsman train – where “getting there” is as incredible as what you find when you arrive. Guests take in the best of Great Britain as they travel through an ever-changing landscape of rolling countryside, forested mountains and dramatic seascapes and head off on true English excursions such as a whisky tasting at Strathisla Distillery, a trip aboard the Ffestiniog Railway, dinner at Michelin-starred Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons and walking tours in such historic cities as Bath and Durham. The country house hotel on wheels, which combines Edwardian style with every modern amenity, ensures an old-world on board stay with morning tea, elegant formal dining followed by nightly entertainment, an Observation Car with incredible panoramic views, well-appointed sleeping cars and an attentive staff. The seven-night journey, departing July 8, 2011, is priced at... Read More →

Girlfriend Getaways Worth Getting in Shape For This Year

BOZEMAN, Mont.—AdventureWomen, Inc., the longest running adventure travel company for active women over 30 is offering women the chance to get physically active this year with girlfriend getaways that focus on friendship and getting fit. These adventurous women’s only getaways offer travelers the chance to enjoy the sights and sounds of the great outdoors, in a safe and comfortable environment with other women, whether you are traveling solo or with your friends. Trek Through Nepal and The Great Himalayas AdventureWomen, Inc.’s girlfriend getaway Nepal hiking trip is perfect for women who want to experience the splendor of hiking in the endlessly fascinating Himalayan mountain range. This adventure features hikes through verdant valleys and ancient villages, while offering a personal look at the fascinating Nepalese culture and the friendly Nepalese people. This is a lodge-based adventure instead of a camping trip, allowing for an easier pace and less impact on trails from porters... Read More →

A new world awaits – A safari with a distinct difference

A fascinating world awaits participants on the September Biomimicry course in the private Makuleke concession in the Kruger National Park. Learn to use examples in nature to solve problems we face today. The solutions are endless, think of advances in medicine, design and engineering. This short course set you on your way to use nature in your design and solutions. Who should attend this Biomimicry workshop? Architects, designers, structural engineers Existing professional field guides and field guides in training and or Interested parties Adventurous spirits looking for a learning holiday with a difference Tourists of all ages wanting an understanding of Africa’s web of life and to gain a greater appreciation of the inspiring genius of nature What you will learn An introduction to biomimicry History, philosophy and ethics of biomimicry Examples of biomimetic success stories The interface of design and biology How to apply biological knowledge to design challenges Biological and... Read More →

Family Fun in April in Colorado and Lake Tahoe

April is a great time for families in the mountains. With longer and warmer days, fun family events and great lodging deals families can enjoy the epic spring conditions this year at Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone, Heavenly and Northstar-at-Tahoe. Epic Snow Conditions Currently Vail Mountain boasts more than 400 inches of cumulative snowfall to date at mid-mountain and is well above its 10-year seasonal average of 350 inches. Northstar-at-Tahoe has more than 17 feet of snow still on the mountain, and almost 50 feet of snow since the start of the season, spring skiing and riding conditions are the best they’ve been in the past quarter century. Vail, Breckenridge and Beaver Creek April Lift Ticket Deals Unlimited Skiing and Snowboarding for $199, April 10-24 From April 10-24 enjoy two weeks of unlimited skiing and riding for $199. Guests who purchase this ticket online, at least seven days in advance, can enjoy up to 14 days on the mountain for one low price. That’s less than... Read More →

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