FEBRUARY 2009 ISSUE
Report from the Road: Galapagos - Animal Love
Private Journey: Indochina
Feature Tour: Pearls of Polynesia
Feature Tour: High Arctic - Canada and Greenland
Upcoming Trip: Best of India with the Pushkar Camel Fair
Upcoming Trip: Gourmet Spain
News: New ships, train and hotels |
Charlyn Krahn is just back from the Galapagos where she took our annual CME Medical Conference. Are medical lectures romantic? Well they can be if delivered in a spectacular setting. Check out these loving marine iguanas – if that isn’t true love?
Charlyn tells us, “They aren't cute and cuddly, but the marine iguanas are always some of my favourite Galapagos creatures and I can't resist photographing the different varieties on each island ("No more iguana pictures!" says my husband. Yeah, right. He says that about baby sea lions too but they are also lens magnets)."
This loving couple was photographed on the island of Fernandina, where some of the largest specimens live, blending right into the lava rock. On Fernandina, there are so many iguanas in some areas that you could literally trip over them if you don't watch your step. Getting up close and personal with nature is one of the best and most exciting features of the Galapagos Islands. The animals here have no fear of humans, allowing for some fantastic wildlife viewing. For the nature lover, this is a destination that should not be missed.
The Galapagos is a perennial favourite – whether you join one of our Quest Nature Tour naturalist-led trips on our 16 passenger exclusive charters or want to travel just the two of you…We know all the ins and outs of the ships, the islands and the animals.
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Our Manager of Group Operations put in his ‘most romantic’ vote for Thailand and Cambodia. In fact we recently had the pleasure of organizing a romantic Indochina holiday vacation for two of our regular travellers. They reported back that Cambodia was really a wonderful surprise (“It was breathtaking.”) And Thailand? (“Chiang Mai - superb. Bangkok - superb!!!”)
We love to create surprises on our Private Journeys. Our goal when we design your trip is not just to meet, but to exceed your expectations. Our Private Journeys to Indochina have included some spectacular moments by land and by sea: A private boat cruise on Vietnam’s spectacularly scenic Halong Bay...a leisurely seaside stay at Thailand’s Phang Nga Island to luxuriate while admiring the incredible sheer limestone cliffs that jut vertically out of the emerald green water...enjoying a massage in a deluxe hotel to the sound of the temple bells of Chiang Mai’s exquisite golden pagoda...dining under the stars at Cambodia’s Kravann Temple or taking a balloon ride over Angkor Wat.
We have so many different ways to help you enjoy your very own Indochina. Please call us to begin planning your Private Journey.
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Not for us the conventional Valentines of bonbons and flowers. We’ve waited till the hype of February 14th has faded to give you some real insight into how you can celebrate your true love with a spectacular trip; whether it’s with your partner, your parent or your friends. HEREWITH FIND OUR ‘MOST ROMANTIC TRIPS’ OF 2009 (as voted by our WQ staff).
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We had lots of "romance" votes for our Pearls of Polynesia cruise on the M/V Spirit of Oceanus. Really, we’d be hard pressed to suggest a more spectacularly romantic voyage than travelling from Tahiti to Fiji.
As you read this, QNT President Barry Griffiths is on board with a particularly keen group of voyagers. Our next voyage begins on Valentine’s Day 2010. We know it will sell out quickly, so be sure to register now so you qualify for the anticipated early booking bonus. What’s not to love about that!
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And for something completely different…one lone, intriguing vote came in for our High Arctic Expedition Cruise. I asked senior naturalist Jim Coey what on earth could tempt him to find romance in more snow and ice, as if our winters weren’t enough! His reply:
“It’s always a pleasure to be on deck or on the bridge when the people see their first iceberg, particularly if it is close and big. These behemoths are so beautiful and majestic. One of the captains will sail around the berg sometimes so that we can see it and photograph it from all directions.”
If your idea of romance includes icebergs and spectacular scenery, join Jim in August for our classic expedition cruise to the High Arctic: Journey to the Sea of Ice.
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A cliché in the world of romance? Perhaps…but once in front of the Taj Mahal, we dare you to remain unmoved by what you see. Our Air Coordinator reminded me of the love story that built the Taj Mahal – the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan constructed the monument in memory of his favourite wife Mumtaz Mahal. Is this the most perfect architectural expression of love?
Join our “Best of India with the Pushkar Camel Fair” trip in October and see for yourself. To sweeten the prospect, we remind you of our early booking bonus – save $400 USD per couple when you book by March 1, 2009.
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Our multi talented webmaster is also a fan of flamenco dancing, so no wonder she has Spain in her sights for a romantic trip. Our Gastronomad trip to Northern Spain features some pretty romantic accommodations to heighten the romance of good food and wine.
In Penafiel, we stay in a hidden treasure – a restored 16th century convent with views of the medieval castle. In the Rioja Alavessa town of Laguardia, it’s a charming old bodega surrounded by vineyards. Add in the glorious wines and fabulous food, and you have all the ingredients of a beautifully romantic trip.
P.S. If New World Spanish romance is more your thing – take a look at our GastroNomad trip to Chile and Argentina. After all the way to a man’s (or woman’s) heart is through the stomach. And what could be more romantic than sharing great food and wine.
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 NEW SHIPS
Barry Griffiths has sourced out some great new ships and new routes to get you out on the water. In October, we invite you to cruise the picturesque, historic sites along the Danube River on board the brand new 148 passenger Amadeus Diamond river boat. Looking forward to 2010, we have a new Antarctic route in February aboard the M/V Plancius exploring the last great unspoiled wild place on earth. In April, we’re on board the sleek, luxury, three-masted sailing vessel Le Ponant travelling from Jordan’s legendary sites to Egypt’s fabled temples and transiting the astounding Suez Canal.
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 NEW TRAIN
Lewie Gonsalves is just back from checking out the Deccan Odyssey – a fabulous train journey from Goa to Mumbai. In Lewie's words: "The Deccan Odyssey was a delightful journey back in time. Starting from the beautiful beaches in Goa, we travelled across the rugged Deccan Plateau, dotted with impressive forts and palaces, to the stunning caves at Ajanta and Ellora and onto cosmopolitan Mumbai. Well appointed cabins, well stocked bar, spa, delicious food and personal attendants to spoil us. An experience not to be missed!"
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 NEW HOTELS
This summer stay in the lap of luxury and make all your dreams come true! At very down to earth prices! In association with India's leading luxury hotels, we have crafted a unique program that features their exclusive Palace hotels and Vilas properties. Lauded in numerous architectural magazines around the world, these remarkable hotels have raised the standards of accommodations to new heights. Stunning architecture, elegant furnishings, superb service and sumptuous dining combine to provide a truly memorable experience.
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