Travelrific® Travel Journal
Picture postcards in prose.™ Check out the blogroll on the front page for official merchandise and other resources!Archive for international travel
Vacation Deal of the Week
By Linda Tancs
For a quick escape, Crystal Cruises has created special shortened itineraries that showcase some of the most popular destinations in the Mediterranean. Onboard you’ll enjoy Crystal’s all-inclusive amenities including: complimentary specialty restaurants, fine wines, champagne, premium spirits and non-alcoholic beverages; complimentary gratuities for housekeeping, bar, dining and Penthouse butler staff; and new optional air add-ons. Contact me at Wanderful Cruises for more information.
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One Hundred Years Into the Future
By Linda Tancs
In the middle of the scenic lake district of Saimaa in eastern Finland, the largest lake district in Europe, they’re celebrating one hundred years into the future. That’s where you’ll find the medieval castle of Olavinlinna, site of the Savonlinna Opera Festival. For 100 years, the astounding acoustics of Olavinlinna have been captivating opera lovers from all over the world. The centennial season opens today with a grand gala, the program for which spans the entire 100-year history of the Festival. Continuing through 4 August, the 2012 season is an interesting mixture of new and traditional, Finnish and international. Representing tradition are three of the most legendary and most popular productions in the Festival’s history: Mozart’s The Magic Flute, Wagner’s The Flying Dutchman, and Verdi’s Aida. These three classics will be matched with two world premieres: Kimmo Hakola’s La Fenice and the first opera created by an online community: Free Will. Round-trip transport to the season’s performances is provided (for a charge) from the main Savonlinna hotels.
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Across the Gorge in New Zealand
By Linda Tancs
The Taieri Gorge in the South Island of New Zealand is a deep canyon carved by the Taieri River. A highlight of any visit is a journey on the Taieri Gorge Railway, a spectacular trek across wrought iron viaducts and hand-carved tunnels over 100 years old. The historic Dunedin Railway Station is your starting point for this unforgettable scenic ride lasting 77 kilometers. You can make the return journey to Pukerangi, or Middlemarch, or use the train as one leg of your journey to or from Queenstown and Central Otago on their connecting Track & Trail coach. Whatever you do, don’t miss the ride.
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On the Table in Cape Town
By Linda Tancs
Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront boasts Table Mountain as its backdrop. You can ride a cable car to the top of this flat-topped mountain for panoramic views. Down its eastern slope you can visit Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, especially the large indoor greenhouse exhibit of plants from around the region and the outdoor exhibit of local flora. Equally compelling is the view of Table Mountain from Table Bay via the high speed catamaran ferry to Robben Island from the waterfront. That location is significant for its maximum security prison where Nelson Mandela spent nearly two decades of his life for daring to fight against apartheid. These characteristics alone merit Table Mountain’s designation as a New 7 Wonder of Nature, an appellation announced at the N7W headquarters in Zurich on 11 November 2011. Did you know that a N7W Cities competition is underway? Choose your seven cities for the finalist phase starting on 7 December.
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White Water Rafting in England
By Linda Tancs
Lee Valley White Water Centre in Hertfordshire is an Olympics venue, the only brand new London 2012 venue to open to the public ahead of the Games. As the name implies, you can partake in guaranteed white water with two separate courses, a 300m competition-standard course and a 160m training course. The centre also offers canoeing opportunities for clubs, colleges, universities, schools and community groups. Here’s your chance to raft and canoe ahead of the 82 athletes vying for four medals at this world class sports facility. The Opening Ceremony is 27 July. Let the countdown begin!
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Vacation Deal of the Week
By Linda Tancs
Compagnie du Ponant is now offering new “all-inclusive” fares, including accommodations and exquisite gourmet cuisine, onboard activities and entertainment, 24/7 open bar, gratuities, and port/safety taxes and fees. Contact me at Wanderful Cruises for the latest specials.
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Brimming Balearic Islands
By Linda Tancs
Only a short flight from mainland Spain, the Balearic Islands are a Mediterranean treasure brimming with not only great beaches but also enough fine food, wines and cultural attractions to satisfy even the most discriminating traveler. Let’s visit Mallorca, Minorca and Ibiza. Tune in to Travelrific® Radio.
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Copenhagen Rocks
By Linda Tancs
Roskilde Festival is the largest North European culture and music festival since 1971. From 30 June to 8 July Roskilde will be the new Woodstock, offering beginner and experienced festival goer alike the opportunity to eat, sleep and jam under a lingering summer lighted sky outside Copenhagen. The lineup is always spectacular, and this year is no different, with acts like Björk, The Cure, Springsteen, Dr. John and a host of Danish bands. All profits from Roskilde Festival are donated to humanitarian and cultural work. Get there via train from Copenhagen airport to Central Station and switch to a train that leaves for Roskilde. Direct shuttle buses and trains departing from Roskilde station will get you to the field.
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London’s Cultural Olympiad
By Linda Tancs
The party has gone on for four years now, commencing with the announcement of London’s acquisition of the 2012 Summer Olympics. Since 2008, the Cultural Olympiad has featured programs and projects inspired by London 2012. The culmination of the Cultural Olympiad is the London 2012 Festival, providing over 10 million chances to see free world-class events throughout the UK until the Paralympics end on 9 September. Don’t miss today’s premiere London 2012 event, the world premiere of Lakes Alive, a spectacular new show by Les Commandos Percu. It will follow the arrival of the Olympic Torch at Lake Windermere earlier in the evening and will feature musical rhythms and amazing effects as fireworks dance to a thumping soundtrack. Get the party started!
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Villages of the Gard Provençal
By Linda Tancs
The Gard Provençal in southern France is filled with natural attractions. For instance, La Roque-sur-Cèze was built on a rock peak overlooking the Cèze. Dominated by the traces of the former castle and its chapel, the village has sloping cobbled streets offering breathtaking view of the Cascades du Sautadet. Nearby, at a bend in the Cèze River, is the medieval village of Montclus, nestled between wooded hills, lavender fields and vineyards. From mid-June to early August the lavender prairies stretch as far as the eye can see. What are you waiting for?
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