Fiesta Americana Cozumel Dive Resort
February 9, 2009 by Julie MacKenzie
Filed under Member Trips
Wonderful Dive Resort
- April 4-7, 2009
- Package includes: transfers, all meals, all drinks, superior room for 3 nights, 4 days
- Airfare Not Included
- Passport required
Just a few minutes from the charming port town of San Miguel is the Fiesta Americana Cozumel Dive Resort, with an exceptional onsite dive center located on the adjacent beach. World-class diving, snorkeling and water sports of all kinds are trademarks of this resort. The Fiesta Americana Dive Resort, with its casual, dive-oriented ambience, attracts not only divers of all skill levels, but anyone seeking a truly unique Mexican escape to one of the world’s most enticing spots for underwater exploration. An optional all-inclusive plan is available.
Location! Location! Location!
The hotel is located in the best diving area on Cozumel Island, close to the famous Palancar Reef, the second largest reef system in the world, and just a few steps away from Chankanaab Park, one of the best snorkeling and diving sites.
- All-Inclusive Plan
- Beach Club
- 226 Guest Rooms
- 7 Floors
- 2 Pools
- 3 Restaurants
- Casual
- Active
Reflections of Italy
February 9, 2009 by Julie MacKenzie
Filed under Member Trips
Visit Italy
- April 20, 2009 – 10 days, 13 meals
- $1850 per person
- NOTE: Tour prices are Land Only rates based on per person double occupancy. Please call for triple or child occupancy rates. Taxes and fees are additional for tours that feature a cruise; port taxes are not included in the prices shown. Airfare is additional – Book airfare via your TraVerus travel portal or request us to add airfare to this package.
Encounter the magic of Italy of this 10 day tour of Italy’s north, also visiting the independent nations of Vatican City and San Marino, the tiny enclave perched on Monte Titano! See the treasures of ancient Rome. Travel the Tuscan and Umbrian countryside, exploring medieval hill towns and visiting the birthplace of St. Francis, Assisi. Linger in Venice for two nights. See hot glass transformed into exquisite art on Murano. See the masterpieces of the Renaissance in Florence.
- Rome, Colosseum, Assisi, Perugia, Siena, San Gimignano, Florence, San Marino, Venice, Murano Island, Como
- In Rome, enjoy a fun-filled evening of fine Italian wine, cuisine and traditional music.
- A tour of Florence showcases the cultural treasures of the “Cradle of the Italian Renaissance.”
- Discover Siena’s narrow Gothic streets, magnificent palaces and historic Piazza del Campo.
- Visit the beautiful resort town of Como in the Italian Lake District.
Day 1: Overnight Flight
Welcome to Italy, a land rich in history, culture, art and romance. Your journey begins with an overnight flight to Rome, “The Eternal City.”
Day 2: Rome, Italy – Tour Begins
You arrive in Rome today. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a special welcome dinner at a popular local restaurant featuring regional delicacies and fine Italian wines.
Day 3: Rome
This morning it’s your choice! Perhaps a trip to Vatican City, with an optional tour to the Vatican Museums, will be on your personal sightseeing list. This afternoon enjoy a locally guided panoramic tour of Rome featuring St. Peter’s Basilica, the impressive Piazza Venezia, the Circus Maximus, the Colosseum, the Arch of Constantine, and the famous Trevi Fountain.
Day 4: Rome – Assisi – Perugia
LANGUAGE DISCOVERY: Today, your Tour Manager will help you discover the origin and history of the language(s) you will experience on your tour along with key words and phrases that will help you communicate with the locals. Travel to Assisi, birthplace of St. Francis. Take a guided walking tour of the old city, including the Basilica of St. Francis. Then you are off to medieval Perugia, the historic capital of Umbria. Here you will behold one of the grandest squares in Italy, the Piazza IV Novembre, and delight in the medieval palaces and ornate cathedrals.
Day 5: Perugia – Siena – San Gimignano – Florence
A scenic journey through Tuscany’s graceful low-lying hills brings you to the mystical city of Siena. You will be delighted by its narrow Gothic streets, magnificent palaces and historic Piazza del Campo. En route to Florence, stop in lovely San Gimignano, overlooking the vineyards and olive grove plantations of the Tuscan countryside. Enjoy a stroll along Piazza Del Duomo and Piazza Della Cisterna, two of Italy’s most picturesque squares. En route to Florence, visit a family-owned leather shop and learn the traditional Italian techniques of leather making.
Day 6: Florence
In Florence, the “Cradle of Italian Renaissance,” visit the world-famous Academy Gallery to see Michelangelo’s incredible Statue of David. During your cultural tour of Florence, you’ll also view the Cathedral of Santa Maria Del Fiore, the Palazzo Vecchio, and the Church of Santa Croce, burial place of Michelangelo, Galileo and Machiavelli. The remainder of the day is at leisure to enjoy this fascinating city on your own.
Day 7: Florence – San Marino – Venice
Today you will visit the beautiful Republic of San Marino. With only 23 square miles of territory, it is one of the smallest countries in the world! Next, travel past the lagoons and rice-growing fields along the Po River to Venice. This enchanting city was built on 117 tiny islands and is characterized by a latticework of 150 canals and 400 bridges.
Day 8: Venice – Murano Island – Venice
Your day begins with a boat trip (weather permitting) to Murano Island for an up-close glass making demonstration. Next, return to Venice and visit charming St. Mark’s Square, the lively hub of the city’s activity and events. A local expert will guide you on a walking tour of the area featuring St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, the Bridge of Sighs, and the Clock Tower with its famous Moors. This evening, you may want to join your fellow travelers for an optional gondola serenade cruise through the romantic canals.
Day 9: Venice – Como – Milan
Today you travel to the picturesque Italian Lake region and the beautiful resort town of Como. Visit one of the areas most distinguished silk and fashion boutiques to learn how this luxurious fabric is made. Continue to Milan for a farewell dinner celebrating the end of an unforgettable trip.
Day 10: Milan – Tour Ends
Your tour ends in Milan this morning.
Portraits of Southern France
February 9, 2009 by Julie MacKenzie
Filed under Member Trips
Viking Burgundy sails along France’s scenic Saône and Rhône Rivers past some of the most beautiful vineyards and vistas in the French countryside. During your 8-day journey, explore the famed region of Burgundy and the lavender fields of Provence. Visit Gallo-Roman ruins in both Vienne and Arles; walk the cobbled streets of Arles to see how it inspired Vincent van Gogh. And visit the historic Papal Palace in Avignon, “City of the Popes.” Learn about the region’s time-honored winemaking traditions, sample Burgundy varietals and try the famed Provençal cuisine in Lyon. C’est magnifique!
Included in this Itinerary
| Daily Shore Excursions | 7 guided tours |
| All Meals | 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches & 7 dinners |
| Port Charges | Included on all Itineraries |
| Air Taxes, Fees, Fuel Surcharges & Transfers | Included when you purchase airfare with Viking |
ADD AirFare Prices
| Boston, Newark, New York, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh | $1,495 |
| Atlanta, Baltimore, Charlotte, Chicago, Cleveland, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Denver, Detroit, Houston, Kansas City, Miami, Minneapolis, Orlando, Raleigh, St. Louis, Tampa, Washington DC | $1,695 |
| Los Angeles, Phoenix, Portland, Salt Lake City, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle | $1,795 |
Upgrade to Business Class air from $3,200 per person. For personalized air travel accommodations, contact the Viking Air Plus Department at 1-877-523-0580. Hours of operation: Monday–Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Pacific Time).
Airfare includes all government air taxes/fees of approximately $160 and fuel surcharges. Air seats are limited and airfares are subject to change and are not guaranteed until full payment of air is received. Additional airline-imposed baggage charges may apply; consult your airline.
Price Guarantee
You pay in U.S. dollars—and once you have paid in full, your all-inclusive price is locked in, with no worries about airfare increases, currency fluctuations, increased fuel surcharges or new government taxes guaranteed.
Travel Protection
We now offer the Viking Travel Protection Plan for all departures. our program provides the most comprehensive coverage available, and gives you peace of mind knowing that whatever may arise—even a pre-existing medical condition—you retain 100% of your travel value.
International Airfare:
U.S. flights depart one day prior to cruise embarkation/hotel check-in date. If roundtrip airfare is purchased from Viking River Cruises, transfers between airport and ship/hotel are included. If air is not purchased from Viking, transfers may be purchased separately at an additional charge ($60 to $120 per person, per direction; varies by itinerary), and are available to guests whose flights arrive and depart on embarkation/disembarkation or hotel check-in/check-out day only.
Portraits of Southern France 2009 Itinerary
Viking Burgundy sails along France’s scenic Saône and Rhône Rivers past some of the most beautiful vineyards and vistas in the French countryside. During your 8-day journey, explore the famed region of Burgundy and the lavender fields of Provence. Visit Gallo-Roman ruins in both Vienne and Arles; walk the cobbled streets of Arles to see how it inspired Vincent van Gogh. And visit the historic Papal Palace in Avignon, “City of the Popes.” Learn about the region’s time-honored winemaking traditions, sample Burgundy varietals and try the famed Provençal cuisine in Lyon. C’est magnifique!
DAY 1 Chalon-sur-Saône
Fly into Lyon. We meet you at the airport and transfer you to your ship docked in Chalon-sur-Saône.* After boarding, take free time to explore this quaint town—or join our “welcome walk” to stretch your legs and start getting oriented. (D)
DAY 2 Beaune & Burgundy Wine Tour
After breakfast, take a scenic drive along France’s Burgundy wine route through Pommard, Volnay and Meursault. Arrive in Beaune, wine capital of Burgundy, for a guided tour of beautiful Hôtel Dieu, founded as a hospice in 1443. Learn about local viticulture and enjoy a wine-tasting at one of Beaune’s famous cellars. Return to your ship for lunch. Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure with dinner aboard—as always, your Program Director can help you plan your free time. (B, L, D)
DAY 3 Lyon
After a morning cruise through the picturesque countryside and lunch aboard, take an afternoon tour of Lyon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Begin with a drive to the top of Fourvière Hill for amazing views of the city. Visit the Basilica of Notre Dame and drive through town past the magnificent St. Jean Cathedral and the Palace of Justice. Then take a walking tour through the cobbled streets of Vieux Lyon (Old Town), with free time to shop for souvenirs or sample some of the fine French cuisine for which Lyon is world-famous. Dinner served aboard. (B, L, D)
DAY 4 Lyon & Vienne
The morning is free to further explore this remarkable 2,000-year-old city in the heart of France. Depart just before lunchtime. This afternoon, take a walking tour of Vienne, a beautiful town with an ancient Roman past. Visit the Temple of Augustus & Livia, the Roman amphitheater and the Cathedral of St. Maurice; your tour ends with a mini-train ride to the top of Mount Pipet for panoramic views. Dine aboard and depart this evening. (B, L, D)
DAY 5 Tournon & Viviers
Awake in Tournon and take a ride to Châteauneuf-sur-Isère near Tain L’Hermitage. During a guided tour of the area, learn about the region’s winemaking traditions and taste some famous regional red wines. Then visit the Musée de Tain L’Hermitage located in the oldest house in the region. Lunch aboard and cruise through the afternoon; arrive after dinner in Viviers, a quaint town in a mountainous setting. Join your Program Director for an evening stroll through the Old Town with its medieval and Renaissance buildings. Enjoy free time before retiring for the evening. (B, L, D)
DAY 6 Arles
Arrive during breakfast and meet your guide for a walking tour of Arles with its diverse architectural highlights. Experience the city’s vibrant colors and the striking quality of light that have inspired artists. Arles is also the site of some impressive Roman ruins, including Les Arènes, an arena that seats 20,000 and is still in use, as well as beautiful Romanesque monuments such as Saint-Trôphime, completed in the 15th century. Return aboard for lunch followed by afternoon free time to explore or shop for handcrafted gifts. Dinner is served as you depart. (B, L, D)
DAY 7 Avignon
This morning, set out on a guided walk of Avignon, nicknamed “City of Popes” because it was home to seven popes from 1309 to 1377. Stroll through the historic center, stop at the picturesque Pont d’Avignon and walk the Place de l’Horloge. Continue to the renowned Palace of the Popes for a guided tour through this rambling maze of Gothic architecture which served as papal residence, fortress, church and palace. You can join the optional tour to Châteauneuf-du-Pape, visiting the vineyards and tasting the famous wine. Lunch and dinner served aboard. Your ship remains docked overnight. (B, L, D)
DAY 8 Avignon
After breakfast, disembark and we take you to the Marseille airport for your return flight.* Or, discover even more of southern France with 3 nights in Nice and the French Riviera. (B)
The following meals are included:
B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner
*Airport meet & greet transfers included when air is purchased from Viking River Cruises.
Viking Burgundy
Restaurant
The restaurant is where all meals are served during your cruise. Because it features panoramic windows, you will not miss any of the scenery while you are dining. It seats 154 guests at 24 tables which vary in size, accommodating 4, 6 or 8 guests per table. The dining room is open seating, so you are free to sit where you like—a great way to make new friends. The atmosphere is casual but elegant, with high-quality table linens, china, cutlery and glassware. The room has a stereo system for playing quiet music during meals.
Elevator
There is an elevator from the upper deck to the middle deck.
Reception/Lobby
The middle deck lobby area is a great place to get information or meet up with friends. Your Cruise Manager’s desk is located here, so that you can easily ask questions or discuss the day’s activities. There is a small seating area, a 24-hour tea and coffee station with a fruit basket, an onboard shop and restrooms. There is a PA system so the day’s events can be announced; there is also an Internet station in the lobby area, so you can check your email.
Observation Lounge/Bar
The Observation Lounge is a terrific place to meet old and new friends before and after meals. It boasts a large sitting area with chairs, small tables, sofas and a bar area with barstools. The lounge has a projector and screen installed in the ceiling, so slides can be shown, and there is a stereo system and dance floor.
Library
The library has comfortable seating and excellent reading light. Our ships’ libraries carry approximately 80 books, in various languages but mostly English, and several games such as chess, backgammon and playing cards.
Sun Deck
Enjoy sunshine and fresh air while you take in 360-degree views of the scenery as you sail past castles, towns, villages, trees and vineyards. Stand at the railings or relax in a comfortable deck chair—cushions are available. Some of the seating has a canopy for those who prefer shade. There is an access way from the sun deck to the bridge.
- Paris: 3-night pre-extension in Paris – $999 per person
- Nice & the French Riviera: 3-night post-extension in Nice & the French Riviera – $999 per person
Life Onboard the Viking Burgundy
Experience life on France’s great rivers. Viking Burgundy cruises the southern rivers Rhône and Saône, where passengers discover the vineyards of Burgundy, the gourmet city of Lyon, scenic Provence and the colorful villages and historic towns, frequently with Roman origins. Viking Burgundy was built in 2000 and offers the highest standards of safety and comfort. Viking Burgundy features a restaurant, a bar, a sun deck, a promenade outside the panorama lounge, and 76 spacious comfortable outside staterooms.
Fine Dining
Fine dining consists of early bird breakfast, breakfast, lunch and dinner. Guests may choose between several courses during lunch and dinner.
Staterooms
Viking Burgundy features 76 comfortable outside staterooms each with telephone, television, air conditioning and in-room safe.
Life Onboard the Viking Burgundy
- Sun Deck with 360-degree views
- Bar
- Restaurant
- Souvenir shop
- Library
- Internet station
- 76 comfortable outside staterooms
- Walk-around, open air promenade deck
- Elevator from middle deck (Cat B) to upper deck (Cat A)
- Laundry service
Fine Dining Aboard the Viking Burgundy
Our chefs create a variety of tasty offerings for you, with freshly prepared seasonal local vegetables, European specialties adapted for American tastes, and homemade soups prepared daily. For breakfast, choose from our selections including eggs, cereals, pastries, fresh fruit, meats and cheeses. Or maybe you prefer a made-to-order hot dish like an omelet or pancakes. At lunch, select from the soup and sandwich bar, or a choice of entrées and dessert. And for dinner, you are treated to a five-course gourmet menu with regional specialties. You can also select from our regional wines to perfectly complement your meal. And wherever you sail, you will find enhancements reflecting your itinerary—it is all part of experiencing the local culture.
Staterooms Aboard the Viking Burgundy
- Staterooms: 76 ( 48 deluxe / 28 standard)
- Deluxe Stateroom: (Cat A & B) 151 sq. ft.
- Standard Stateroom: (Cat C, D & E) 120 sq. ft.
- All staterooms are outside with river view
- Category A & B have large windows that open
- Category C & D have large windows that cannot be opened
- Category E has half-height picture window that cannot be opened
- Deluxe staterooms have 2 sofa beds
- Standard staterooms have 1 sofa bed and 1 Pullman bed
- All beds are equipped with a feather duvet (or hypoallergenic substitute on request)
- Additionally, the following is supplied in all staterooms on embarkation day: ship information folder containing welcome letter and two postcards.
- The Daily Program for the following day will be delivered each evening to your room.
Rio de Janeiro – Carnival
February 8, 2009 by Julie MacKenzie
Filed under Member Trips
2009 Rio’s Carnival Extravaganza
- 6 days / 4 nights – Feb 20-26, 2009
- Complete Package Starting at $2307 per person
- Payment in full at time of booking. Nonrefundable after booked.
Carnival Package Includes:
- Round-trip airfare fom New York
- Round-trip airport transfers
- 4 Nights hotel accommodation
- Brazilian Buffet breakfast daily
- Locally hosted by English-speaking guides
- City tour including Sugar-loaf or Corovado
- One complimentary Carnival Ball Ticket
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Reserve Today! |
The Riu Jalisco Vallarta – Puerto Vallarta
February 8, 2009 by Julie MacKenzie
Filed under Member Trips
An All-Inclusive Resort Palace – The Riu Jalisco Vallarta
The all-inclusive Riu Jalisco Vallarta rises from an oasis of palms on a long stretch of beach, triangular turrets glimmer silver in the Vallarta sun. A white Mediterranean Palace, Moorish in style with arches and columns, has walkways and gardens that surround two spectacular swimming pools. An impressive brass crown (reminiscent of the legendary Vallarta Cathedral) in the courtyard faces the turquoise waters of the Pacific Ocean. Pelicans skim across the waves which gently break over miles of golden sand…the Riu Jalisco Vallarta is a beach lovers dream!
- All Inclusive!
- $1381 per person, double occupancy **includes roundtrip airfare from Detriot, Michigan
- Price Without round trip airfare $715 per person, double occupancy
Location
The all-inclusive Riu Jalisco Vallarta is in Nuevo Vallarta and only 15 short minutes from the Puerto Vallarta airport and 20 minutes from downtown.
Flight Details
Detroit-Metro-Wayne Co to Puerto Vallarta/Riviera Nayarit
USA 3000 # 740
Depart: 13FEB09 6:00 AM Stops: 0 Detroit-Metro-Wayne Co (DTW)
Arrive: 13FEB09 10:00 AM Stops: 0 Puerto Vallarta/Riviera Nayarit (PVR)
Puerto Vallarta/Riviera Nayarit to Detroit-Metro-Wayne Co
USA 3000 # 741
Depart: 20FEB09 11:00 AM Stops: 0 Puerto Vallarta/Riviera Nayarit (PVR)
Arrive: 20FEB09 4:15 PM Stops: 0 Detroit-Metro-Wayne Co (DTW)
Hotel Facilities
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Dining
Riu Jalisco features 1 meal plan option—All Inclusive: All Meals, Drinks & Tips Included.
There are 4 Restaurants at Riu Jalisco:
- Nayarit – A la carte restaurant offering during the day Italian cuisine and at night Brazilian Rodizio.
- Don Emilliano – Main restaurant with non-smoking areas, offering buffet style dinning and show cooking stations. Theme dinners served twice a week.
- La Botana – Beach restaurant and snack bar serving continental breakfast, lunch and snacks during the day and for dinner a Grill Steakhouse.
- Dona Adelita – Main restaurant with non-smoking, offering buffet style dinning and show cooking stations. Theme dinners served twice a week.







