Posts Tagged ‘santorini greece’

Crystal Cruises 2010

Sunday, November 29th, 2009

crystal0409Luxury specialist Crystal Cruises is offering more seven-day options than ever for 2010 European cruises. Six itineraries in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Baltic and British Isles allow travelers to enjoy the award-winning Crystal Experience and a wealth of intriguing ports in a shorter time than Crystal’s more prevalent 11- and 12-day European cruises.

“The seven-day European itineraries are a great way for guests with limited vacation time to enjoy a luxury getaway, and for new guests to sample the celebrated Crystal product,” says Bill Smith, senior vice president, sales and marketing. “They also present an ideal opportunity to take a six-star vacation at a lower fare, plus the tremendous value added for 2010.”

Crystal’s European season runs from May through November, with seven-day voyages including:

Crystal Symphony
•May 26, Mediterranean, Athens to Rome – Mykonos, Rhodes and Santorini, Greece; Kusadasi, Turkey; and Sorrento, Italy
•June 14, British Isles, Roundtrip London – Guernsey, Channel Islands; Dublin, Waterford and Belfast, Ireland; and Liverpool, England
•August 7, Scandinavia, Copenhagen to Stockholm – Tallinn, Estonia; and St. Petersburg, Russia (double overnight)

Crystal Serenity
•May 11, Mediterranean, Rome to Athens – Sorrento and Sicily, Italy; Crete and Mykonos, Greece; and Kusadasi, Turkey
•May 18, Mediterranean, Athens to Venice – Sanotrini and Corfu, Greece; Bodrum, Turkey; and Dubrovnik, Croatia
•June 18, Mediterranean, Athens to Venice – Mykonos and Corfu, Greece; Split, Croatia; Kusadasi, Turkey

In addition to new 2-for-1 fares and $500 per person All Inclusive – As You Wish shipboard credits for seven-day European voyages, the line also recently introduced complimentary roundtrip air transportation from more than 20 North American gateways – even Business Class for penthouse guests. Fares for Crystal European seven-day voyages start at $3,680 per person, double occupancy.

With many combination options that don’t repeat ports, seven-day voyages can be taken back-to-back with various cruises for longer vacations, and additional savings. Along with the shorter European voyages are a seven-day, roundtrip Miami, Caribbean cruise and three roundtrip Los Angeles, Mexican Riviera cruises. Two fall nine-day options in the Mediterranean are also available.

Atlas also offers exclusive ship board credits, complimentary shore excrusions and more.  Call a Luxury cruise specialist for the best Crystal Cruise deals available. For all your luxury travel needs, we invite you to visit www.luxurytour.com

Santorini, Greece – Amazing beauty you must see

Tuesday, July 14th, 2009

Although I have yet to visit many part of the worlds, Santorini (also known as Thera,) is my favorite destination in the Mediterannean.  I was speechless as we approached the island. With dramatic views of white houses clinging perilously to the side of the caldera & stunning beaches of white & red sand or black pebbles, it’s no wonder Santorini may be the most photographed scenery in the world.

Between the 21st and 16th centuries BC, the Minoans lived on the island, which was later flooded & preserved under a blanket of volcanic ash. It is believed that the effects of the volcano led indirectly to the collapse of the Minoan civilization. Another popular theory holds that the Thera eruption is the source of the legend of the Lost City of Atlantis.

Just a short cable car ride (or a longer trip by donkey), and you are in Fera. There are loads of shops and cafes to explore.  Shop for jewelry, wine, leather and handmade goods.

Tours offer visits to Oia Village for amazing photo ops including the famous blue domed churches. You can also visit the village of Pyrgos and go up to the highest peak of Santorini to Mt. Profitis Ilias for magnificent views of the entire island.  Enjoy wine?  Perhaps take a tour and tasting at Domaine Sigalas, the only Greek winery to be included into Wine Spectator’s “Top 100 Wines of the World” list, or the Boutari Winery. Boutari was founded by Yiannis Boutari, a Greek Winemaker whose influence over the Greek wine industry has been equated by Wine Spectator as being “… on par with Robert Mondavi in the Napa Valley.”

Remember, no trip to Greece is complete without trying their authentic Gyros available in lamb, beef and chicken. In the mood for Greek food no? Here is a great recipe for Tzatziki sauce to go with your gyros.