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The Ultimate Adventure – Silversea announces Expedition World Cruise for 2021

Silversea has added a second world cruise to their 2021 schedule.  But this 2nd one is no ordinary world cruise.   

It is the “The Uncharted World”, and it’s the first-ever expedition world cruise sailing from Antarctica to the Arctic.  The 167 voyage starts in Ushuaia, Argentina and sails northbound to Tromso, Norway on July 16 visiting 107 ports in 30 countries.  

Sail on the Silver Cloud, the most spacious and comfortable ice class vessel in expedition cruising.  Her large suites, her destination itineraries and her unparalleled service make her truly special. With 18-brand new Zodiacs and a pole to pole expedition itinerary, Silver Cloud really does break the ice between expedition and luxury.  

Some of the highlights of this unforgettable cruise: 

  • Antarctica 
  • Chilean Fjords 
  • Easter Island 
  • French Polynesian Islands including Papeete, Bora Bora, the Cook Islands 
  • Fiji and other South Pacific islands 
  • Oceania, including Papua New Guinea 
  • Kimberly coast in Australia 
  • Indonesia 
  • Singaport 
  • Sri Lanka and Cochin 
  • India 
  • Greek Islands 
  • Portugal 
  • Iceland 

“Building on our already remarkable World Cruise offering, Silversea will become the first ever cruise line to launch an Expedition World Cruise in 2021,” Silversea Cruises CEO Roberto Martinoli said. “This momentous voyage is the result of 10 years of experience and industry-leading knowledge—qualities which enable us to unlock remarkable travel experiences for our guests and have contributed to our reputation as the industry leader.” 

What’s Included: 

Luxurious benefits that ensure you travel in comfort and that add an array of enriching cultural events make this voyage-of-a-lifetime an even more extraordinary experience.  

  • Business Class Air*  
  • Charter Flight from Santiago de Ushuaia  
  • Bon Voyage reception and Overnight accommodation (pre-voyage)  
  • Private transfer from airport to hotel, group transfer from hotel to pier and private transfer post cruise from pier to airport  
  • $2,000 Onboard Spending Credit (per guest)  
  • Exclusive World Cruise Events  
  • All Excursions  
  • Special Commemorative Expedition Gear Gifts  
  • Laundry Service  
  • Unlimited Wi-Fi**  
  • Medical Services  
  • Visa Package***  

*Available from selected gateways/countries. Non-use air credit available for other countries  
**Limited internet access in Antarctica  
***For USA, Canada, UK, Germany, Australia only 

Reservations for both World Cruise and the Expedition World Cruise open in March and will be in high demand.  To learn more and to get on a wait list, please call us at 305-814-8184 or email us here.

Get on the list for updates on the Silversea World Cruise!

Tauck will start sailing the Douro River in Portugal come 2020!

There’s a river that river cruisers often overlook when planning their European river cruise.  It’s known as the river of gold.  The river I’m referring to is the Douro River in Portugal! 

Tauck just recently announced that they will be cruising the Douro River starting in 2020! 

Tauck is an award-winning, All Inclusive river cruise line.  Tauck is a premium river cruise line and it’s the best of the best! 

The 8-day river cruise starts and ends in Porto and showcases an authentic taste of daily life in the Douro River Valley. 

Tauck is building a new ship specifically made for cruising the Douro called the ms Andorinha. 

The region is steeped in a legacy of wine making for over 2,000 years.  Enjoy wine tastings hosted by expert wine makers; go hiking and bicycling; visit villages, a museum, a palace and a prehistoric site. 

2020 itineraries are already available to book!  They’re super popular and some are selling out so please feel free to call or email us and we’ll help you plan your dream Tauck Douro River Cruise!

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Prague’s Astronomical Clock – standing the test of time

One upon a time, a master clockmaker (known by the name of Master Hanus), built a beautiful astronomical clock in Prague.  The year was 1410. He was highly respected and was asked by representatives of other countries to build an astronomical clock in the main squares of their own important cities, too.  

He pledged to the municipal councilors of Prague that he would not build another clock anywhere else in the world, that Prague would have THE MOST beautiful Astronomical Clock for their own people.  But the councilors did not believe Master Hanus so they blinded him to ensure no other city would enjoy the masterpiece he created for Prague.

Master Hanus was so furious that he took revenge and destroyed the clock by tinkering with the mechanism so that no one would be able to fix the clock…  Well, that’s what legend says. 

Today you can visit this clock, the third oldest astronomical clock in the world, the oldest clock still operating, in Prague, at the historical Old Town Hall.

The Prague Astronomical Clock is a marvelous medieval work of art that’s been running for over 600 years, surviving hundreds of years of wars and destruction.

Every hour, 12 Apostles parade in the windows of the astronomical clock along with figures, most notable Death as a skeleton, striking the time on the outer side of the clock.

You can view the Prague Astronomical Clock when you start or end your Danube River Cruise.  If you start in Budapest and sail towards Germany, be sure to add a few days in Prague after your cruise.  If you start in Germany, fly into Prague and spend a few days there before your river cruise begins. 

Most river cruise lines have pre or post cruise extensions that visit this unique, romantic city… this jewel of Europe, Prague.  

If you prefer to add Prague to your trip on your own, Up Close Travel can help you plot your course.  We can help you plan a vacation that dreams are made of, full of memories to last a lifetime and customized for your unique wants and desires.

If you’d like to learn more about Prague and some travel options that include Prague, please feel free to call us at 305-814-8184 or send us an email here.

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AmaWaterways adds Istanbul, Nice and much more in 2020 river cruises

AmaWaterways has some super exciting things coming in 2019.  A new itinerary on the Danube.  A new Golf Concierge Program for the golfers that dream of teeing it off in some of Europe’s championship golf courses.   And of course, there are 3 new EXCITING ships joining the fleet: 

  • AmaMagna – sailing on the Danube River 
  • AmaMora – Sailing on the Rhine River 
  • AmaDouro – Sailing on Portugal’s Douro River 

If your 2019 vacation plans are set and 2020 is your year for a river cruise, AmaWaterways has just released their preview brochure for 2020 and you can now book! 

2 new river cruise itineraries for 2020: 

  • Treasures of the Main and Rhine – 3 nights in Prague & 7-night cruise from Nuremburg to Amsterdam. 
  • Vineyards of the Rhine & Moselle – 2 nights in Amsterdam, 7-night cruise from Amsterdam to Luxembourg, 3 nights in Paris. 

New land extensions: 

  • Gems of Southeast Europe adds an option for 3 nights in Istanbul, Turkey.  Tour the fascinating old city of Istanbul as well as a visit to the 16th century museum, Topkapi Palace 
  • Colors of Provence & Spain adds an option with an extension in Nice where guests can explore the French Riviera, including visits to Aix-en-Provence, Monaco and Monte Carlo. 

There is one new ship joining the fleet in 2020, the AmaSiena.  The AmaSiena will sail on the Main, Moselle, and Rhine rivers.  The new ship will sail on both new itineraries for 2020 – Treasures of the Main & Rhine and Vineyards of the Rhine & Moselle. 

The AmaMagna, which will start sailing in May 2019, will add 2 new itineraries in 2020 for a total of 5 different itineraries: 

  • Romantic Danube – 7-night cruise from Vilshofen to Budapest.  Options of 2 nights in Munich or 3 nights in Prague pre-cruise. 
  • Melodies of the Danube – 7-night cruise from Budapest to Vilshofen.  Option to add 2 nights pre-cruise in Budapest and/or 3-nights in Prague post-cruise. 
  • Gems of Southeast Europe – 7-night from Budapest to Giurgiu.  Land extensions available in Budapest, Brasov, Bucharest, Vienna, and Istanbul. 
  • Grand Danube Cruise – 14-night cruise from Vilshofen to Giurgiu.  Land extensions available in Prague, Brasov, and Istanbul. 
  • Christmas Markets on the Danube – 7-night cruise from Budapest to Vilshofen.  Land extension in Budapest and Prague.  

For more on AmaWaterways and to search for cruises, CLICK HERE!

If you’d like to start planning your 2020 river cruise (or 2019 as there’s still good availability), feel free to call us at 305-814-8184 or send us a note!

To keep updated on river cruise news, travel tips, and some amazing adventures and destination ideas subscribe to our newsletter

To keep updated on travel news, tips, and some amazing adventure & destination ideas – subscribe to our newsletter

AmaWaterways new Golf Concierge Program! Luxury river cruise and 5 rounds of golf…

Picture yourself golfing on some of Europe’s leading championship golf courses.

Now imagine golfing in different countries all in one trip, surrounded by gorgeous nature preserves, on the top of beautiful European hillsides and even nestled into their valleys.

Check out the video on the Golf Concierge Program!

AmaWaterways is introducing a new Golf Concierge Program for 2019.  You’ll be able to combine a luxury river cruise on the Danube with up to 5 rounds of golf at some of Europe’s leading championship golf courses.

All AmaWaterways river ships are spectacular.  But the Golf Concierge Program will sail on an even more spectacular river ship!  The AmaMagna!

Image result for amawaterways golf program

It’s Ama’s newest ship for 2019.  The AmaMagna is a revolutionary new ship that’s almost twice the width of a normal river ship.  The extra space gives you larger staterooms & suites, more dining options, more public space, a water sports platform and much more! All this, with only 20% more people than the normal river ship.

The 7-night cruise itinerary sails on the Danube between Budapest and Vilshofen with 3 nights in Prague.

Image result for prague

With the AmaWaterways exclusive golf program, guest will enjoy a seamless golfing experience… you’ll be whisked off the ship and driven to your golf course in a private Mercedes car.  Arrive at the course and get ready to tee it off!  Your clubs, golf balls, golf cart, will be ready for you in advance.  Have lunch in the clubhouse and when it’s time to head back to the ship, your car will be waiting for you.  Your golf equipment will be cleaned and ready for next day’s golf course.

Here’s a snapshot of the 5 world class golf courses you’ll be visiting!

WHAT’S INCLUDED:

In addition to the wonderful selection of experiences and amenities available during your river cruise, both on board and ashore, our Exclusive Concierge Golf Program provides a seamless golfing experience from the moment you arrive to the moment you bid us farewell.

  • Concierge service, including club care
  • Private luxury Mercedes transportation to and from courses
  • A la carte lunch at each course with beer and wine
  • 1 round per golfer at each golf course
  • 1 shared golf cart per round
  • 1 range token per round
  • 1 Welcome Packet: a dozen Titleist Pro V1 golf balls per golfer, 1 pitch repair tool, 4 or 5 course guides, leather shoe bag
  • Club cleaning after each round

SPACIOUS STATEROOMS

  • 7 nights luxury accommodation in an outside stateroom (most with twin balconies)
  • Computer for internet access
  • Entertainment-On-Demand in all staterooms featuring free high-speed internet access, movies, a music library and English language TV stations
  • Mini-fridge, desk and sitting area
  • Bottled water replenished daily

AN ARRAY OF AMENITIES

  • Wellness Program with a dedicated Wellness Host leading various exercise classes as well as discussions on healthy eating and relaxation techniques, both on board and on shore.
  • Personalized service from a highly trained Cruise Manager during both cruise and land programs
  • Internet and Wi-Fi access
  • Sun deck pool with swim-up bar and walking track
  • Fitness room, massage services and hair salon
  • Main Lounge with panoramic views and bar
  • Daily entertainment including cultural performances

A WORLD OF EXPLORATION

  • Immersive tours in every destination
  • Gentle, regular, active and late-riser tour options
  • Bike tours and hikes
  • Special Interest Tours
  • Knowledgeable guides
  • Personal headset for easy exploration
  • Airport transfers with purchase of air from AmaWaterways

The 2 itineraries the Golf Concierge Program sail on is:

  • Melodies of the Danube – 2 nights in Budapest, 7-night cruise from Budapest to Vilshofen and 3 nights in Prague.
  • Romantic Danube – 3 nights in Prague, 7 night cruise from Vilshofen to Budapest.

Related image

The AmaMagna is THE hot new river ship and the golf program is super popular!  For more details, feel free to give us a call at 305-814-8184!

To keep updated on river cruise news, travel tips, and some amazing adventures and destination ideas subscribe to our newsletter.

To keep updated on travel news, tips, and some amazing adventure & destination ideas – subscribe to our newsletter