The Savory Delights Of Switzerland: Swiss Chocolates And Cheeses

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Jan6

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The Savory Delights of Switzerland: Swiss Chocolates and Cheeses

Posted in: Culinary and Drinks, Eastern Hemisphere

When you think of chocolate and cheese, Switzerland often comes to mind. Its savory chocolates and cheeses are like no other treats in the world. One of Switzerland’s secrets is that they do not pasteurize their milk, so their cheese and chocolate begin with velvety, full-flavored (and full-fat) milk and cream.

Over 400 varieties of cheese are produced in Switzerland, and cheese is made continuously with only fresh milk and cream. Cattle are typically grass fed, and depending on the area, they have easy access to wildflowers and herbs that give their milk distinctive flavors. In fact, Swiss law mandates that cattle be outside foraging for food most days of each month.

Overall, Swiss cheesemakers run small, local operations and do not export much of their cheese. In any village, you can find cheesemakers who will be happy to show you their operations and allow you to sample their wares. One factory, located in the Engelberg Monastery, carries a large selection of regional cheese and is Switzerland’s only show cheese factory. Read More | Comments
Dec30

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How to Make 2012 the Ultimate Travel Year

Posted in: Leisure Activities, Small Group Tours, Tips and Ideas

We have a New Year coming up shortly—are you ready to make 2012 your ultimate travel year and explore the world? Here’s how, and we’re here to help you every step of the way.

Take out your bucket list, and check it twice.

Where would you like to go? What would you like to do?

Do you have it on your bucket list already, or could your list stand a little revision?

Your bucket list is your guide to the travel experiences you want, and it should reflect your dream experiences, destinations, and activities. As they say, the world is your oyster, so don’t be afraid to dream big and we’ll help you do it!

Make plans now for trips in 2012.

Decide where you want to go, and call us to get started creating your Custom Journey. The earlier we hear from you, the more time we have to create the journey you’ve always dreamed of. We have several small-group Distinctive Journeys we’re planning for 2012 that you’ll love, but they are first come, first serve. Book early and often! Read More | Comments
Nov11

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Hotel Spotlight: St. Regis Lhasa Resort in Tibet

Posted in: Accommodations, Eastern Hemisphere

Image to the left taken from StarwoodHotels.com.

Featured on the Condé Nast Traveler Hot List, the St. Regis Lhasa Resort in Tibet is a luxurious pampering experience that begins the moment you arrive. The first glance at this imperial, beautiful hotel will take your breath away. The vibrant colors and use of rich, warm wood and gold throughout the St. Regis Lhasa make it a traveler’s paradise.

Every guest suite is elegantly styled, with luxuriant linens and rich furnishings. Bathrooms have a relaxing rainforest shower and plush bathrobes and slippers. You’ll enjoy your picturesque lakeshore or garden view while sipping your choice of drink from the minibar or dining in your room. An in-room massage adds a new dimension to your relaxation, and butler service is available 24 hours a day. Your butler will unpack your luggage, arrange tea or coffee service for your room, assist with garments that need pressing, turn down your bed each night, and draw your shades each morning. Read More | Comments
Aug10

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A Look at Paris’ Unique Architecture

Posted in: Culture, Eastern Hemisphere

From food to shopping to scenery, there’s so much to love about Paris, France. It’s easily one of the top destinations in the world. However, one of the best parts of Paris which has stood the test of time is the city’s unique architecture. Fortunately, Paris was untouched during World War II, meaning that much of its best examples of architecture have not only stood the test of time, but can easily be experienced and not just seen from a distance. Today we take a look at Paris’ unique architecture.

1. Eiffel Tower. The Eiffel Tower is nothing short of an international icon. Standing at nearly 1,000-feet tall, it’s a stunning example of iron craftsmanship. Built in 1889, Paris’ most popular landmark has endured through the years and is still just as accessible as ever by visitors. A climb up the Eiffel Tower offers a view of Paris that is second to none.

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Aug8

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Stepping Back in Time to Explore the Aboriginal Culture

Posted in: Culture, Eastern Hemisphere

Aboriginal culture is one of the most extraordinary and well-known in the world. Dating back centuries, Aborigines are one of the most storied people groups in the world. One whose story continues to be told, as Aboriginal settlements still exist in Australia. Just as visiting the beaches and the outback are important to experiencing the best of Australia, so is experiencing different parts of Aboriginal culture. Step back in time today as we explore Aboriginal culture and share with you some of the can’t-miss experiences of a visit to Australia.

Visit Iga Warta. If your interest has ever been piqued about how Aborigines live, then this is the opportunity for you. Guests are introduced to Aboriginal culture by living like Aborigines. More specifically, guests experience Adnyamathanha culture: living among locals, learning about their history, taking tours of the local area, and taking part in other cultural activities. This is a unique, secluded experience, providing a unique opportunity to experience the great outdoors of Australia.

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Jul15

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Romantic Getaways for Your Anniversary: Part II

Posted in: Beach Getaways, Leisure Activities, Tips and Ideas

Lake St. Moritz, Switzerland

Last time we began discussing some of the best places in the world for taking a romantic getaway for your anniversary. It can often be challenging to narrow down the list, but we helped by highlighting destinations that ranged from inland countryside retreats like Tuscany, Italy, to beach paradises like Bora Bora. Today we feature another set of the world’s best romantic getaways.

If you missed Part I of this post, click here.

1. St. Moritz, Switzerland. While many people may first consider warm destinations for their romantic getaways, there’s no mistaking the romance behind a winter getaway in St. Moritz, Switzerland. Despite being known as a winter destination, it features over 300 days of sunshine per year on average. The Swiss Alps make for a beautiful backdrop on a getaway in St. Moritz. Not to mention Lake St. Moritz (depicted in the image above), which is one of Europe’s most beautiful lakes.

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Jul13

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Romantic Getaways for Your Anniversary: Part I

Posted in: Beach Getaways, Holidays and Events, Leisure Activities

Seychelles

As significant as it can be to plan that summer vacation, there’s one getaway that’s even more important: your anniversary. With each passing year it can become more challenging to choose where to go for that romantic getaway for your anniversary. Mountains or beach, adventure or foodie destination, spa package or candlelight dinner–there are so many choices. We’ve taken away some of the stress by highlighting the world’s best romantic getaways as part one of this two-part series.

1. Seychelles. If the Seychelles Islands (depicted in the image above) are good enough for the royal couple, then they are good enough for you! Many people haven’t even heard of this chain of islands that are off the coast of Africa. The conundrum for many is which of the 100+ islands to make home for your romantic getaway. However, there are three primary islands that make the decision a little easier. Praslin, La Digue, and Mahé are your best option for finding the best in accommodations, nightlife, and restaurants.

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Jul11

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You Can’t Leave Without Trying This Dish

Posted in: Culinary and Drinks

Image to the left taken from FoodNetwork.com.

You really can’t travel without food as a major part of your experiences. For many it’s tasting new foods, savoring international classics, and finding those hole-in-the-wall places that only locals know about that makes travel fun. It’s those experiences at restaurants, street festivals, cafes, and farms that travelers wish they could take home with them. No matter where you’re traveling, there’s often that one dish that stands above all others. We’ve highlighted some of the best foodie destinations in the world and spotlighted the best dishes in each city.

1. Paris, France. French cuisine is one of the most renowned in the world. Whether it’s breakfast danishes, fresh deli meat, or chocolate crepes, Paris has so much to offer. The thing about France is that it features fresh courses that you can’t experience elsewhere, whether it’s appetizers, bread, meat, or dessert. With so many famous dishes, it’s hard to just choose one, but you won’t find too many restaurants that don’t serve bouillabaisse (depicted in the image above). The traditional French dish is a seafood stew that features various seafood and vegetables. It’s a good starter before your main entree.

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