Travelogue… with Bob Nicolaides
The Lure of Dalmatia, with 99 co-passengers-and Venice too!
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| The Corinthian |
From
the deck of your elegant ship, the Corinthian,
islands appear-evolving forms held in bright sunshine above impossibly clear,
royal blue seas. As the ship rounds bleached cliffs, forest mounds and pebbled
beaches, a port comes into view: a medieval walled town, perched like a captain
on the prow of his ship, virtually unchanged through six centuries or more.
It’s crenellated walls, campaniles and patrician villas speak of a rich past.
At night, moonlit pools on the ancient
flagstones. This is Croatia and Montenegro, renowned for their physical beauty,
the splendor of the ancient towns and villages that have preserved their
character and architecture through the centuries, the magnificence of their
monuments, the elegance of their customs and traditions and the vitality of the
friendly inhabitants.
This
superb corner of the Mediterranean has a long and proud maritime tradition. As
in bygone ages, Croatia’s Dalmatia and Montenegro are best appreciated when
accessed from the sea. But on which ship you cruise matters a lot. This is not
an area for today’s mega cruises ships. The small islands, ancient towns and
villages cannot accommodate large crowds of tourists. When traveling in such
large groups, people miss the essence of what these places are all about,
Travel Dynamics International’s Corinthian is the ideal cruise ship for the
voyage. More like a private yacht than a cruise ship, Corinthian accommodates only 100 guests in 50 suites. The limited
guests capacity, fine facilities and distinctive style of operation like-minded
travelers who return again and again to enjoy its custom-crafted itineraries
and a style of cruising that is rarely found today.
All Corinthian suites face outside,
providing views of the sea and landscape. Several have a private balcony. There
are expansive open deck areas and attractive facilities, including a gym, spa,
library (with internet access,) beauty salon, two lounges, a sun deck with Jacuzzi
and an outdoor café. An elegant restaurant accommodates all guests in an open,
unassigned seating. An elevator serves all decks. A resident physician attends
a well-equipped infirmary. Wi-Fi is available throughout the ship. It is also equipped
with retractable fin stabilizers and a fleet of Zodiac inflatable craft for
forays ashore.
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| Santorini: Best Destination |
Travel Guide
makers, Lonely Planet has named the Greek islands as their top best value
destination for 2014. The iconic islands have risen to the top spot thanks to
the crisis crunch reducing prices and the drop of tourists making it easier to
get around. "Greece still does what it's done brilliantly for
generations," the writers at Lonely Planet summarize. "What's missing
are visitor numbers from previous years, and prices have come down in an attempt
to woo them back.
"Combined with
the chance to explore Greece's more popular sites with fewer visitors, this
means that in 2014 it offers remarkable value." Greece is joined by
various good value destinations, including a close neighbors, Bulgaria, and
Southern Italy.
Olympics tourists: You may
face jail in Russia , if....
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| Protesting at Olympics |
Amnesty International says
laws that restrict gay rights, free speech and freedom of association are
changing Russian society for the worse. IT'S the simplest of acts
which most people wouldn't give a second thought to in Australia. But in this
part of the world, not only is it frowned upon, but it can land you behind
bars. In fact, for visitors heading to Russia to watch the Winter Olympics, any
social activity outside of games events will be just as tightly controlled as
the competitions themselves.. Put a foot wrong, and you could find yourself on
the wrong end of the law. The tight controls and bans people now face in places
such as Sochi have caused outrage from human rights groups across the globe.
And Russia's
treatment of its gay and lesbian community in particular has drawn the anger of
Wallabies star David Pocock who has written an open letter, slamming the
country's outdated and discriminatory laws. In his letter, the Amnesty
International ambassador, reveals the discrimination and risk gay, lesbian and
transgender people face on a daily basis and called on President Putin to
investigate hate crimes. The Rugby union star, who has said he will not marry
his long-term partner Emma Palandri until gay and lesbians can do the same,
said it was time Russia stopped punishing people simply for who they loved. Legislation
introduced in June last year banning "propaganda of non-traditional sexual
relations" means anyone found promoting homosexuality can be penalized with
a fine of up to 5000 rubles (AUD $170).
Most media in
Russia is under strict government control which limits information and is often
used to attack those critical of Putin or the government. According to Amnesty,
new legislation has extended this power and given the government the power to According to Amnesty, new
legislation has extended this power and given the government the power to blacklist and
block websites publishing material considered "extremist or otherwise
harmful to public health, morals or safety". freedom of expression. Under
such laws, two Norwegian journalists, reporting on preparations in Sochi
between late October and November last year, were repeatedly arrested and threatened
with imprisonment.
River Cruising-a Better Way to
Explore!
Nothing
compares to a river. How else but on a
river can you journey into the heart of the world’s greatest cities and
charming towns and discover the true nature of the land and its people? Where
else but on a river could you be gently carried aboard an elegant, intimate
ship to your next destination , strolling off into town to begin your
exploration? And how else but on a river would you travel with such ease,
unpacking just once and enjoying the ever-changing scenery along the banks?
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| The Grandest of Tours |
Viking
has continuously set the standard within the river cruise industry-and it
continues to do so with the newest ships , designed for your comfort and
pleasure. Viking owns and operates a fleet of deluxe ships and every room has a
river view through a veranda or window. Hotel-style beds, TVs with
English-language programming, plus premium bath products make it your private
sanctuary.
To
personalize your travel experience, Viking offers choice in every aspect of
your journey-from accommodations and excursions to dining styles. New for 2014,
you can choose enhanced land extensions in select cities with upgraded Premier
hotels and optional privileged access tours.
Plans
include a Grand European Tour, the Romantic Danube, River of History, Rhine
Getaway, Danube Waltz, Paris & The Heart of Normandy, Waterways of the
Tsars and so many others.
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Taste a Melange of
Mediterranean Culture
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| A plethora of isles |
Welcome to Holland America
Line’s Mediterranean, a region marbled with ancient symbols of beauty and
power. This is where Caesars ruled, towers were built, the arts were perfected.
In true Greek fashion, fortresses mark your entrance into Kerkira, with the
palaces of Corfu just a drive away. Dine on local cuisine at Constantinople’s
(Istanbul) Maiden Tower which dates back to Byzantine Empire’s 2500 years. In
La Goulette, relax with a sip of mint tea just above the ruins of Carthage,
once a glorious rival of Rome. For an energetic mix of tradition and modernism, enjoy a
colorful flamenco performance that unites singing, dancing and the rhythm of a
guitar in Barcelona.
