By William Tomicki
When it comes to choosing the right cruise along Europe’s rivers, lakes, and canals, Ellen Sack, a.k.a. The Barge Lady, is the person to see. She rides the luxury barges and rates them, from “Casual Class” to “Ultra Deluxe.” Many people don’t realize that these comfy craft ply the waters of England, Scotland, Ireland and France as well as other countries of the Continent. So when we had a hankering to cruise in the UK, the Barge Lady steered us to the Magna Carta, on the Thames, and the Scottish Highlander, with voyages on the Great Glen. Both accommodate only eight passengers, which allowed us to get acquainted with new friends and the intriguing system of maneuvering through lakes, locks, and lochs. These are relaxing cruises, ideal for those who want to take the rush-rush, unpack-pack out of traveling. The food was top-drawer, matched with excellent wines and good company. Ellen Sack, The Barge Lady, can be reached at (800) 880-0071 or visit www.bargelady.com for reservations or a copy of her newsletter, packed with information about barging and barges.
What an ideal way for the soft adventurer seeking something out of the ordinary: exploring the Czech Republic by bicycle. First Light founder Briand Beausoleil, an American who has been leading private tours for ten years, recently decided to launch a company dedicated to multi-activity and adventure tours. While cyclists will love the rides and the small groups, they also will enjoy the culture, food, and vistas of an area infused with ten centuries of history and relatively unknown to the western traveler. The terrain is easy to moderate and there is always the guilt-free option of catching a ride in the First Light van or choosing not to bike at all. The price is affordable and includes all hotels, breakfasts, some lunches, most dinners, transport of luggage, trip guides, van support, and your bike with helmet, water bottles, and handlebar bag. For more information contact Briand Beausoleil at info@firstlightcycling.com or visit www.firstlightcycling.com.
Hideaways International is the world’s premier travel club for those seeking out-of-the-ordinary vacations. Their staff and “Ambassadors” roam the world in search of secluded villas, intimate resorts, boutique hotels, yacht-like cruise ships, city-center apartments and more. Take a step back in time without sacrificing modern-day comforts by renting the Kilcolgan Castle in Ireland, or opt for one of the self-contained apartments in La Maison Aubelle, the 16th century house of a French nobleman. Feeling more like a tropical paradise? Rent Rainbow Tree Villa on the non-touristy south coast of Jamaica. The wealth of variety offered by Hideaways is further exemplified by Rancho Alegre in rustic Jackson Hole, Wyoming where you can rent a 10,000 square foot home on fifty acres of private butte-top meadow. Amenities include daily maid service, a chef, seven fireplaces, on-property cross-country track, gourmet kitchen, and a spa. Membership in Hideaways International costs $145 per year. For more information call (800) 843-4433 or visit hideaways.com.
Life is beautiful for travelers who experience Tuscany, Italy with Serenella Leoni’s “Toscana Mia” tours. Serenella, a native Tuscan now living in the San Francisco Bay area, offers custom, personally guided land tours four times each year. Imagine adventuring through the “real” Tuscany in an intimate group with Serenella; go behind the scenes where visitors are rarely given access, like an artisan salumeria where prosciutto is still made according to centuries-old recipes; a private class with a master sommelier to taste Tuscany’s richest vintage; a spa visit to the fabled underground caves and thermal springs of the Grotta Giusti Terme. In essence, the guests of Toscana Mia experience Tuscany as a local would. In 2003, Toscana Mia’s autumn trips are scheduled the week of September 20th and of October 2nd. The price for the exclusive, handcrafted Toscana Mia 11-day tour is $5,499, per person, double occupancy, excluding airfare. Packages include deluxe accommodations in an elegant villa, sightseeing, and most meals. Availability is extremely limited for these small-group experiences. For a copy of the Toscana Mia tour contact Serenella Leoni at (650) 343-4819 or via e-mail at toscanamia@attbi.com. Comprehensive information is also available online at www.toscanamia.biz.
July/August 2003
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