Atlas Travel Web.com Blog

Monograms has several nice itineraries, but the Rome, Istanbul & Athens is very unique. Visit Southern Europe’s most fascinating locales and step back in time to explore cities rich with historical treasures. Begin you stay in Rome. Should you follow Augustus and Caesar, whose Rome is filled with spectacular ancient structures, or Michelangelo and Da Vinci, whose city invites artistic pilgrimage…the possibilities are limitless. Next, it’s off to Istanbul where East meets West in striking contrast. The sight of mosques and bustling bazaars, along with the small of incense and spices, are common in Istanbul. Whether you’re relaxing at a traditional Turkish bath or exploring ancient Byzantium at the Yerebatan Cistern, you’ll discover a land that reflects its 2,500 year history at every turn. Continue on to Athens, where you can walk in the steps of Socrates, Pericles and Sophocles. Marvel at the great archaelogical sites at the Acropolis, take a day trip to Delphi or consider a cruise to see some of the Greek Isles. No matter what strikes your interest, the diversity and beauty of Greece is the idyllic way to round out an unforgettable Monograms vacation.  Prices start at $3,949 pp and includes flights Rome to Istanbul, and Istanbul to Athens as well as transfers.

Whether you prefer a large floating city with “neighborhoods,” a mid-size ship or a small luxurious ship, 2009 brings you plenty of new cruise ships to choose from.

Royal Caribbean  
Oasis of the Seas 
5,400 passengers       November, 2009

                     Costa Cruise Line  
Costa Pacifica                     Costa Luminosa
3,004  passengers                2,260 passengers   
June, 2009                         April, 2009

                      MSC Cruises            
Splendida                           Magnifica
3,300 passengers                 2,550 passengers     
July, 2009                          December, 2009
                                    
Seabourn              
Odyssey                         
450 passengers      June, 2009

Carnival                
Dream                      
3,652 passengers    September, 2009

Celebrity                    
Equinox                      
2,850 passengers    August, 2009

Silversea                
Spirit                                
540 passengers      November, 2009

River Cruises:

Amadeus Waterways:      Amadolce & Amalyra (142 passengers each) March, 2009                                        
Uniworld: River Beatrice (160 passengers)
 River Tosca (84 passengers) April, 2009

Do you plan to sail on any of these new ships in 2009?

Monograms Italy: Charming, romantic, adventurous, delicious Italy has received more attention in the last decade than any other European country!  Experience the Coliseum, the ruins of the Roman Forum, the Vatican & Sistine Chapel. Shop & dine along the Via Veneto & don’t forget to throw a coin into Trevi Fontain! Add on cultural Florence, picturesque Venice or the magnificent coastlines of Amalfi & Italy’s unique islands. Sorrento with it’s rugged cliffs, ancient ruins & inspired views over the gulf of Naples, is a dream come true. It’s a place to stroll among vines & bougainvillea in a 13th century cloister, indulge in delectable cuisine or soak in the sun on a fashionable lido. 

Travel with confidence! Globus has been offering travel packages for over 70 years. Now experience these itineraries designed for those who want more independent time than on a typical bus tour.  Call 800-942-3301 to learn about early booking discounts.

Before planning your Italy vacation, visit our web site dedicated to Italy travel with a wonderful selection of vacation packages, rail journeys, cooking tours, family trips and more.

There is still time to take advantage of some great specials on Europe vacations. Globus & Trafalgar currently have the best offer available. Both companies are offering $500 off per couple on air-inclusive bookings. Atlas is also offering an additional 5% off of the land for early bookings.

These special offers have been extended for new bookings made by December 15, 2008. Remember, a deposit secures your tour space, and then final payment is not due until 45 days prior to travel.

When to Go:  The best time to travel are the Spring & Fall where temperatures are more moderate and there are less crowds.

Documents: American travelers require a Visa which can be obtained when you arrive for $15 USD. Many tour operators & cruise lines include the Visa as part of their package.

Must See:  Petra - Voted one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007 & is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Dead Sea Resthouse; Jarash (Roman ruins); Mount Nebo; Dead Sea 

Best Value Packages:  6 day Jordan Experience from $1,035 pp, 8-day Ancient Pathways to Petra from $1,349 pp  or the 11 day Jordan & Egypt in the Bible from $1,769 pp

Globus just released their 2009 brochure for their Food & Wine vacations. With more than 80 years of experience, Globus can make your trip delicious. We will take you to the vineyards of Tuscany, arrange for a tasting of the cheeses of France, explain the story behind the baked beans of Boston, the sourdough breads of San Francisco, the sweets of Austria, and the lobsters of New England.

On a Food & Wine vacation, you’ll enjoy plenty of hands-on experiences. Take a cooking lesson that reveals the secrets of Italy’s timehonored dishes. Learn about the climate, soils, and grape varieties in France’s celebrated Bordeaux region. Indulge your senses at the Biarritz Museum of Chocolate, tour a maple sugarworks in Vermont, or find out what makes California’s sparkling wines bubble— and that’s just the beginning!

Fabulous London is the perfect destination for a travel experience befitting royalty. You may want to spend time in the British Museum, cruise the Thames River, shop along Bond Street, walk through Trafalgar Squre or check out the city view from the London Eye. Better yet, spend an afternoon at Vinapolis: City of Wine as you wander the airy vaults of this old cellar & listen to the history of wine while you sample some of the subject matter. Why not add on Paris for a few nights?  With Monograms, you design the perfect trip. Four days in London start at just $549 pp

Madrid & Barcelona:  Monograms allows you the chance to discover Spain independently, at your own pace & in your own style. Combine ancient tradition with the exuberance of a progressive seaport city & you’ve got the most visited destination in Spain, Barcelona! From medieval fortresses & cathedrals to Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia & the exciting Las Ramblas area. Simply dive right in as colorful architecture, brilliant cultural performances & charming people await. Then travel westward to Madrid, a city bursting at the seams with world-class arts, grand historical architecture & exhilarating nightlife. Wander through its museums, enjoy tapas, sangria & dance until dawn as Madrid’s vitality & warmth show you why Spain is one of the most popular destinations in the world. Monogram vacations also offer the assistance of a local host who provides authentic service and support, helping travelers feel more at ease while in Spain. Prices from $1,929 pp

Globus Monograms: Independant travel without all the hassle & guesswork while traveling with a name you can trust. Each itinerary is tailor-made to fit your wants, needs & interest. Each hotel is centrally located to ensure that everything you desire is at your fingertips, from fine dining & luxury shopping, to some of the most breathtaking city scapes & cultural wonders on earth. Local hosts are there to help you navigate & create your own perfect travel experience.  Globus has chosen the most exciting cities & destinations in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, South America & Asia, so no matter which corner of the world you want to discover, there’s sure to be a Monograms vacation right for you! Keep an eye out for future posts that will go into more details on Monograms packages available for 2009.

Globus is Launching their Food & Wine brochure November 12, 2008.

Benefit from Globus’ experience in designing the perfect vacations for over 80 years, & immerse yourself in the culture & delictable food & wines of the regions you visit.

Each vacation offers unique inclusions, superior/centrally located hotels & expert tour directors. Itineraries will include highlights such as cooking, wine tastings, food festivals & more.

Some of the great trips being offered include:

Flavors of Italy:  10 days visiting Rome, Tuscany & Venice from $3,699 pp land only**
Imperial Delights: 8 days visiting Munich, Salzburg & Vienna from $1,999 pp land only**
Culinary New England: 8 days visiting Boston, Newport, North Conway, Kennebunkport, Essex Essex Junction & Williamstown from $2,219 pp land only
San Fransisco & Wine Country: 8 days San Fransisco & Napa from $2,319 pp land only
Flavours of Burgundy & Provence: 11 days Paris & 7 night cruise Salon-Sur-Saone to Arles, Nice from $2,809 pp land only
The Blue Danube Discovery: 13 days Budapest & 7 night cruise Budapest to Nuremburg, Prauge from $3,429 pp land only

Check back on November 12th for more details, and up to $500 off per couple on air inclusive vacations.