WLCVacations Debuts Artisan Food Trails Cruise in Ireland Aboard Luxury River Barge Shannon Princess

To mark St. Patrick’s Day, WLCVacations debuts the Artisan Food Trails cruise in Ireland aboard luxury river barge, Shannon Princess. Available from April through October, the 7-day program showcases artisan experiences along the fabled River Shannon, as well as the gastronomic delights of the region with onboard cooking demonstrations.

“This extraordinary cruise will offer guests to the chance to immerse themselves in the rich flavors of the country, all while taking in the breathtaking scenery along the tranquil waters of the River Shannon,” says Ana Valente, president of WLCVacations.

The 10-passenger Shannon Princess will journey roundtrip from Dublin through rolling green hills and exotic wildlife, passing by crumbling ivy-covered ruins, ancient Celtic monasteries and sleepy market villages. The program will feature shore visits to local cheese makers, smoke houses, artisan bakers, farmers markets and more. Among the new experiences scheduled include

Sampling fresh oysters from Galway Bay’s oyster beds

Strolling through Portumna Castle’s Kitchen Garden where Shannon Princess’s Chef stocks up her galley

Indulging in award-winning Wilde Team’s chocolate in Tuamgraney

Touring a family-run organic goat farm in Athlone Town specializing in cow’s milk cheeses

Onboard, passengers will be treated to a unique taste of Ireland with Master Chef Olivia’s signature meals. All carefully-crafted meals are prepared with natural ingredients chosen from local producers and country markets along the Shannon. In addition, guests will have the opportunity to concoct the dishes themselves by participating in the chef’s private seasonal foraging and cooking lessons. Prices for the cruise start at $3,888 per person.

For more information on the Artisan Food Trails cruise aboard Shannon Princess, visit www.WLCVacations.com.

See also:

Barging through Burgundy: A visit to Chagny Market and slideshow

Barging through Burgundy, Day 2: Chateau de Rully and slideshow

Barging through Burgundy, Day 3: Hotel-Dieu, Beaune and slideshow

Barging Through Burgundy, Day 4: Clos de Vougeot, ‘mother church’ of wine and slideshow

Barging through Burgundy, Day 5-6: Walking Tour of Dijon’s Old City and slideshow

For more travel features, visit:

www.travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate

www.examiner.com/eclectic-travel-in-national/karen-rubin

 

WLCVacations Sails into Spring with Incredible Savings on of the most Magnificent Destinations in the World

With spring around the corner, WLCVacations is introducing alluring Spring Savings for travelers interested in discovering some of the most beautiful destinations in the world during 2012. For a limited time, couples can save up to $1000 off select cruises, providing exceptional value to consumers.

“Whether one is looking for an adrenaline-fueled adventures like trekking through the Amazon, or seeks to unwind under the sun, we have a vacation that suites every interest,” said Ana Valente, president of WLCVacations.

In Europe, WLCVacations’ Spring Savings promotion applies to a variety of itineraries including the 7-day Vineyards of the Rhine & Mosel, cruising from the Netherlands to Luxembourg, with stops throughout Europe such as Cologne in Germany and the colorful Keukenhof Gardens in Amsterdam. Guests who book a cabin for the April 1 sailing date by January 31, 2012 will receive $1000 off per stateroom, plus $100 shipboard credit. All-inclusive rates begin at $1,799 per person after discount.

As another option, passengers can venture to the exotic Galapagos Islands on a luxury cruise aboard the MV Eclipse, which journeys round trip from Baltra Island. Until February 29, passengers will receive $500 off per person on all January, February and October 2012 cruises. Prices for this 7-day cruise start from $4,650 per person with the promotion included, based on double occupancy.

Moreover, Africa’s Egypt takes center stage on the Splendors of Egypt & the Nile. Travelers will sail roundtrip from Cairo, staring at $2,049 with a $300 per person discount. Meanwhile, guests can discover the best of Asia on three itineraries including Highlights of China and the Yangtze for up to $300 off per couple. Beijing and Hong Kong are among the exciting destinations planned from March through November aboard the Victoria Anna and Victoria Jenna. Rates for this 11-day program start at $2,599 per person.

For more information on WLCVacations’ Spring Savings cruises, visit www.WLCVacations.com.

See also:

Barging through Burgundy: A visit to Chagny Market and slideshow

Barging through Burgundy, Day 2: Chateau de Rully and slideshow

Barging through Burgundy, Day 3: Hotel-Dieu, Beaune and slideshow

Barging Through Burgundy, Day 4: Clos de Vougeot, ‘mother church’ of wine and slideshow

For more travel features, visit:

www.travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate

Blooming Tulips and Once-a-Decade Floriade Horticultural Show Highlight WLCVacations’ Tulip Time Cruises in Spring

In keeping with Holland’s “tulip fever,” WLCVacations is offering exciting Tulip Time cruises spotlighting the region’s famous springtime bulbs and alluring history and culture. From April through May, guests will enjoy a slew of events dedicated to the flowering season, including the privileged opportunity to visit the Floriade Horticultural Expo in Venlo, a spectacle held once every ten years that pays homage to all things botany.

“There’s no better way to welcome spring than on a cruise through the Dutch countryside where thousands upon thousands of tulips adorn the fields,” said Ana Valente, president of WLCVacations. “Our tulip cruises allow travelers the chance to immerse themselves in the rich Dutch culture and explore the country’s pristine natural beauty.”

The Tulip Time Cruise carries guests past storybook windmills and bulb fields bursting with springtime hues along the Dutch and Belgian canals. Sailing roundtrip from Amsterdam aboard a fleet of luxury ships – AmaLyra, AmaCerto, AmaVerde, AmaDolce and AmaDante – the 9-day program features a visit to the Floriade World Horticultural Exposition where 100 exhibitors from all over the world convene once every ten years to showcase their stunning collection of flowers and gardens, while enjoying daily cultural presentations of music, dance, art and food. Moreover, the spectacular exhibition of tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths at the famed Keukenhof Gardens in the quaint town of Lisse will leave visitors captivated from the start. Cruise only price starts from $2,199 per person.

The River Queen and River Duchess will travel from Amsterdam to Antwerp for the 10-day Tulips & Windmills itinerary. In addition to visiting Holland’s signature flower attractions, the program highlights the region’s windmills, such as the 18th-century windmills of Kinderdijk, and historical treasures. History and art aficionados will delight in the chance to pay a visit to world-famous museums, including the popular Van Gogh Museum; the Rijksmuseum which houses the greatest collection of Dutch and Flemish masterpieces; and the Liberation Museum, offering firsthand accounts of World War II. Fares begin at $2,499.

Alternatively, passengers can also discover the region’s tulip-themed events aboard a luxurious hotel barge cruise. Savoir Faire and Absoluut2 will navigate through the canals and locks of Holland for seven days and six nights, both sailing roundtrip from Amsterdam. Daily sightseeing excursions for the 8-passenger Absouluut2 include visits to historic Gouda, with its renowned cheese and stained glass windows as well as the city of Delft, synonymous with blue and white porcelain. Meanwhile, Savoir Faire’s “Holland Tulip” cruise explores the quintessentially Dutch village of Zaan Schaans, home to century-old windmills, a clog workshop and cheese farm. All-inclusive pricing for these 7-day cruises start at $4,500 per person, based on double occupancy.

For more information on the holiday cruises, visit www.WLCVacations.com

For more travel features, visit:

www.travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate

www.examiner.com/eclectic-travel-in-national/karen-rubin

 

WLCVacations Gives Last Minute Holiday Cruisers Gift of 2-for-1 Fares, Triple Savings Up to $1,000 Per Couple

WLCVacations is offering extraordinary Last Minute Savings on its 2011 Holiday River Cruises, enabling travelers to discover the magic of Europe’s legendary Christmas markets for the lowest rates. For select departures, travelers can receive 2-for-1 cruise and land prices, or Triple Savings of $1000 off per stateroom on top of $100 shipboard credit and free category upgrade.

“A Christmas market cruise is the perfect way to catch the festive spirit of the season,” said Ana Valente, president of WLCVacations. “From exciting excursions to wholesome onboard activities celebrating the magic of the season, our collection of holiday cruises has something for the whole family to enjoy.”

Guests can take advantage of the special offers and choose from an array of itineraries along the Rhine, Danube and Main Rivers through Austria, Germany, France, Hungary and Slovakia. The 2-for-1 promotion applies to the 11-day Christmas Time Cruise, which includes two nights in Prague before cruising between Nuremberg and Budapest. This cruise and land itinerary will afford holiday cruisers the opportunity to discover handmade crafts, like hand-blown ornaments in Budapest; seasonal, culinary delights such as mulled wine and gingerbread in Nuremberg; and special holiday entertainment, like classical concerts in Vienna, which boasts the largest Christmas market in the world. With the savings, fares start from $1,099 per person.

The 8-day Rhine Winter Voyage, priced at $1,699 per person after Triple Savings discount, departs from Basel and features visits to Strasbourg, the oldest Christmas market in France, and Cologne, which hosts seven markets, the most impressive being the one directly across the gothic Cathedral which displays the largest tree in the Rhineland.

Whether it’s a journey to the origin of holiday traditions, Germany, or a visit to the snow-capped fairytale in Switzerland, WLCVacations showcases an extensive selection of Europe’s greatest destinations during the holiday season.

For more information on the holiday cruises, visit www.WLCVacations.com

 

For more travel features, visit:

www.travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate

www.examiner.com/eclectic-travel-in-national/karen-rubin