Celebrate in the Kings playground

KNOWN as the playground of the Kings of France, and remembered as the cradle of the French Renaissance, the #LoireValley will shine even brighter in 2019. The UNESCO World Heritage region will be celebrating the 500th Anniversary of the French Renaissance, which coincides with the anniversary of Leonardo da Vinci's death in #France. 

During the first year of Francois Ier's reign in 1515, and following his victory at Marignano, the French King met Leonardo Da Vinci. Awed by the genius, and by Italy's artistic and architectural renewal, France's great Renaissance king invited the artist to live in France. In 1516 (with the Mona Lisa, The Virgin and child with St. Anne and St. John the Baptist, all now at the Louvre Museum), Leonardo left Rome for Royal Amboise, settling at the Château du Clos Lucé, where he spent the last three years of his life.

The building of majestic Chateau de Chambord, whose staircase and design was inspired by Da Vinci's ideal city, began in 1519. This inspired later Renaissance gems like Chenonceau--of Catherine de Medici fame, Azay-le-Rideau, Valençay and Villandry. The program of events will include a large traveling digital show, an international architecture competition, banquets, and a wealth of exhibitions, including a virtual exhibit of Leonardo's 17 masterpieces at the Chateau du Clos Lucé. 


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Up in the air . . .

AFTER two years of construction, Van Don International Airport opened on December 29, in Quang Ninh province – home to the UNESCO world Heritage site Halong Bay – just 220 kilometres from the capital Hanoi.

This is the first ever international airport in #Vietnam to be developed by a private company, namely, Sun Group, as a new gateway for both domestic and international travellers coming to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Halong Bay, the airport will receive an estimated 2 to 2.5 million passengers annually for the next two years and five million per year by 2030.


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Roaring to life in the Blue Mountains

SCENIC World Blue Mountains is a private, family owned tourist attraction located in Katoomba in the Blue Mountains, New South Wales, Australia, about 100 kilometres west of Sydney. 

Their new attraction, Dinosaur Valley has opened, bringing the ancient rainforest to life with prehistoric dinosaurs, daily events and family fun from November 1 – January 28.

Marking the first event of its kind in the Blue Mountains, Dinosaur Valley will take visitors on a journey through time to explore the fascinating world of dinosaurs among towering Jurassic rainforest.

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A four-season land

IRAN, a four-season land, has 23 UNESCO World Heritage sites. These sites have long attracted tourists from across the globe. Foreign tourists #travel to #Iran to visit numerous historical and natural sites and enjoy time in a country which is home to many attractions. World Economic Forum data show Iran's ranking in tourist attraction moving higher from 114 in 2011 to 93 in 2017. That bears proof to the fact that foreign tourists have not become unwilling to travel to Iran.

As foreign currencies, including the US dollar and the euro, claimed ground against the Iranian Rial, the tourism industry in Iran entered a new phase, particularly for foreign visitors. The Rial's slide represents a unique opportunity for foreign tourists visiting Iran as their travel costs have fallen incredibly.



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Flamingo Hotspot

FLAMINGOS are very popular and trendy right now around the world - be it on clothing, decor - or floating in your paddling pool! But at Lake Elmenteita in Kenya, they are always the star attraction. Just 2 hour’s drive from Nairobi, Lake Elmenteita in Kenya’s famous Great Rift Valley is popular as a Lake extension alternative to the beach.

This UNESCO Heritage Site provides perfect nesting grounds for the lesser flamingos and great white pelicans that inhabit the alkaline waters of this lake. Birders will love spotting the Grey Crowned Crane, Secretary Bird and Yellow Billed Stork among the 400 bird species. 


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Seabourn has approval to sail to Cuba from Miami

SEABOURN, the world's finest ultra-luxury cruise line, has received approval to begin sailing to #Cuba from Miami and San Juan, Puerto Rico, starting with a 12-day #cruise aboard Seabourn Sojourn departing Miami on November 4, 2019.

The 11-, 12-, and 14-day sailings will visit five ports in Cuba, calling at three or four on each itinerary and providing guests the ideal opportunity to discover the different regions on this vast island. All five voyages will feature overnight stops in the historic capital city Havana, offering travelers ample opportunity to see and experience this vibrant destination. 

The visit to Havana allows guests time to explore the designated UNESCO World Heritage Site during its 500th anniversary year and immerse themselves in a wide array of historical and cultural experiences.

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Discover the locals Italy

OUTSIDE of Italy's spectacular cities, travelers can find some of the planet's most beautiful scenery. From the pastel hues found along Italy's dramatic, steep-cliffed coast to the lush green hilltops that envelop medieval, magical villages in the heart of the country, Globus is taking travelers outside of Rome, Florence, Sorrento and Venice to discover the places Italian locals go on holiday.

Here are eight places throughout #Italy that boast some of the world's most spectacular views and the awe-inspiring tours that take you there, showcase the stories behind the scenes and offer an "undiscovered" glimpse of one of Europe'smost popular countries.

Monterosso  - Part of Italy's "fabulous five" Cinque Terre villages, Monterosso offers travelers a beautiful beach, village – known for its lemon trees and anchovies – and incredible views for miles.

Portofino - A fishing village pulled from the pages of a fairytale picture book, Portofino's small harbor with colorful buildings, rests on the shore of the Italian Riviera.

Erice - A historic, walled-in medieval town located on top of Mount Eryx (about 2,500 feet above sea level), Erice is situated in the province of Trapani and offers sweeping views of the sea and valley below.

Ragusa
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Ragusa is one of the most picturesque hilltop towns in Sicily (or anywhere). Its "modern" Baroque streets, piazzas and homes date back to 1693 (the year an earthquake razed the village).

Volterra - Enclosed by stone walls sits this mountaintop town in the land of wine. With historical sites that date back to the 7thcentury BC, Volterra invites travelers to take a step back in time on its medieval, cobblestoned streets.


Spoleto - Resting in the shadow of mountains and surrounded by olive groves and vineyards, this hill-town is stunning in every way. Its beauty and views will leave you breathless.

Ostuni - A sparkling white gem in a sea of greens (hills) and blues (Adriatic Sea), Ostuni – and its whitewashed houses – is one of the most stunning cities in Southern Italy.

Lecce - Described as the "Florence of the Baroque" and the "Rome of the South," Lecce was also deemed the "most beautiful city in Italy" by 18th-century traveler Thomas Ashe.

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From Seoul to Zagreb

LOCATED in Northwest of Croatia, Zagreb is the capital and the largest city of #Croatia. It has rich history and culture dating back to Roman times. The other prominent tourist destinations are Dubrovnik, which is an UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and Trogir, a historic town and harbor on the Adriatic coast. 

In addition, Plitvice Lakes National Park is world-famous for one of the oldest and largest national park in Croatia with 16 lakes and 90 waterfalls. 

Korean Air will expand its network to Europe with the launch of a direct scheduled service between Seoul, South Korea and Zagreb, the capital of Croatia. Korean Air have operated charter flights from Seoul to Zagreb since 2010, and the number of Korean visitors to Croatia have steadily risen every year; a Korean TV travel program featuring Croatia and first shown in 2013, is considered influential in first inspiring leisure travelers to the Eastern European country. 


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Top Tower

THE Tower of London has been named as the best-rated landmark in the UK in the Travellers’ Choice TM awards for Landmarks, announced by the travel planning and booking site, TripAdvisor. 

The UNESCO World Heritage Site and home of the Crown Jewels, beat out last year’s winner, Big Ben, to claim the top spot. The historic London landmark has also been named the ninth best-rated landmark in Europe and jumped to 15th in the world – despite not making the world’s top 25 list, last year.

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Education and Eco-adventure in the canopy

ANGKOR Zipline is the only permanent educational eco-adventure canopy tour inside Angkor Park and the only zipline in Siem Reap, #Cambodia. Formerly Flight of the Gibbon, this one of a kind jungle eco-adventure has operated since 2012, but was acquired in January 2017 by a group of international investors.

The gold zipline eco-adventure features 9 individual ziplines, 1 double zipline, 3 suspended sky bridges and any many other course features designed to both educate and energize guests. 

The silver zipline eco-adventure was created for guests with less time, and smaller budgets.

Both options offer the thrill of #ziplining, while also learning about the wildlife, history and environment inside Angkor Park, considered one on the 10 modern wonders of the world and a UNESCO world heritage site.



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Heading to Zanzibar

ZANZIBAR is a semi-autonomous zone of Tanzania that has become very popular with travellers as part of a trip that combines a safari in the Serengeti National Park with a stay on the marvellous beaches of the island. 

#Zanzibar has a fascinating history influenced by Persians, Arabs, Muslims, Portuguese and the African continent itself. The historic centre of Zanzibar City, the birthplace of singer Freddy Mercury, is known as Stone Town and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000.

RIU Hotels & Resorts has just added Zanzibar to the catalogue of exotic destinations the chain offers to its loyal customers. The Riu Palace Zanzibar is a luxury hotel with 102 rooms and suites located on the northern tip of Unguja, the main island of the archipelago of Zanzibar, less than an hour from the airport and the capital Zanzibar City.

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Welcome Back!

BANYAN Tree Jiuzhaigou is set to reopen to guests on April 28th this year following the reopening of Jiuzhaigou National Park in early March after 7 months of post-quake reconstruction efforts. A UNESCO World Heritage Site situated in the mountainous region of Southwest China's Sichuan Province, Jiuzhaigou National Park is famous for its otherworldly beauty and diverse ethnic cultures.

Opened officially in March 2017, Banyan Tree Jiuzhaigou is a picturesque mountain retreat 2,500 metres above sea level. Located 2.5 hours away from Jiuzhaigou Huanglong Airport and a 60-minute drive from Jiuzhaigou National Park, the resort allows guests easy access to the nature reserve while providing a Sanctuary for the Senses away from the hustle and bustle of city life and tourist crowds.

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In the heart of Central America

BOASTING a variety of ecosystems and a vast amount of protected land, Honduras is home to a wealth of nature and wildlife both above land and under the ocean. The country presents numerous unparalleled experiences: nature, including the Rio Platano Biosphere Reserve, designated a Natural Heritage Site by UNESCO; several archeological sites such as Copan, declared a Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO; adventure with river rafting and rappelling through the protected jungles; diving in pristine reefs on the Caribbean coast and connecting with authentic culture including several indigenous groups who have preserved their customs and tradition.

One of the most spectacular cities of ancient Maya civilization and a monumental archeological site, Copan is a ruins complex known for its beautiful stone temples, altars, hieroglyphs, and stelae. It was one of the most important civilizations during the Classic period, from A.D. 250-900, and the site of significant advances in mathematics and astronomy until it was suddenly abandoned. 

Fortress of San Fernando de Omoa in Cortés is an 18th-century Spanish fort, built for protection from pirates raiding from the Atlantic Ocean. In 1779, it was the site of the Battle of San Fernando, a short siege between British and Spanish forces shortly after Spain joined the American Revolutionary War as an American ally. In 1959, the Honduran government committed to a restoration project and the fort has become one of the most popular tourist spots in the country.

Combining two of Honduras' most impressive qualities, archeology meets nature at Los Naranjos Eco-Archeological Park, offering archeological remains and protected natural land. Located on the northern shores of Lake Yojoa, excavations in the 1930s and 1960s lead to findings from varied time periods with artifacts marked as early as 800-400 B.C. and as late as A.D. 950-1250. 

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Croatia cruising adventure awaits

CROATIA'S award-winning DMC and small ship #cruise company, Katarina Line, announced that it is expanding its custom tour options for 2018 as the North American group travel market heats up. Its programs include a wider range of tours catering to groups such as music aficionados, youth travel, food lovers, history buffs, soft adventure vacationers, as well as those seeking classic sightseeing tours. The new tours include more excursions into neighboring countries such as Slovenia, Bosnia, Montenegro, and Serbia, among others, and feature English speaking guides and private buses.

Among Katarina Line’s diverse new programs for 2018 are festivals such as the 3-night “Prosciutto Fair” in #Croatia. Scheduled for October 20 – 21, 2018, the fair draws upwards of 25,000 people each year to the town of Tinjan in Istria. It features more than 30 types of prosciutto from countries such as Italy, Slovenia, Austria, Spain, and, of course Croatia. In addition to participating in the festival, the guests enjoy a tasting of Istrian Grappa – homemade brandy – olive oil tasting, and sightseeing in Rovinj and Labin. 

The “Croatia Classic,” which starts at the Croatian capital of Zagreb, takes guests through the mountains of Gorski Kotar and Plitvice Lakes National Park, and to the coastal town of Zadar, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Itinerary highlights include tours of Zagreb and Zadar, a visit to Plitvice Lakes, rafting on the Zrmaja River, and a castle tour. 

Also on offer are  5-night hiking tours of the Kvarner Bay that include the islands of Lošinj, Cres, and Susak, and which boasts more than 1,200 different plant species. 

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National wonder

IN 2018 Denmark will get a fifth national park in North Sealand. The park will cover a large area of some 25,800 hectares, making it the second largest Danish national park. It will contain Denmark’s two largest lakes, Arresø and Esrum Sø, as well as one of Denmark’s largest forests, Gribskov, and two UNESCO world heritage sites.

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Yoga in Italy’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites

IT'S hard to imagine a more fitting place to which to retreat for a yoga holiday than a UNESCO World Heritage Site, whether it is famed for its aesthetically pleasing landscapes captured by Renaissance painters (as is the case in Tuscany’s Val d’Orcia) or for its distinctive mountains and exceptional natural beauty (as in the Dolomites). Simply being in these unspoilt natural surroundings instils calm, regenerating both the body and mind, which is further intensified through specific yoga exercises. 

Adler Spa Resorts is very fortunate to have hotels in these two Italian locations of note and both are offering yoga retreats in November/December 2017, with Adler Thermae repeating its retreats in February/March 2018. Adler Mountain Lodge is in the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Dolomites.  Adler Thermae in Tuscany has three yoga holidays planned for November and December, which will then be repeated in February and March 2018. Yoga is an integral part of Adler Spa Resorts’ offering – complimentary classes are offered week in, week out by the in-house team at all the hotels, with dedicated yoga holidays such as those described above taking place at specific times. 

www.adler-resorts.com/en/yoga-retreats-italy

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