Travel Articles From www.escortedcanadatour.com

Fall Foliage Season Approaches

tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web) — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 16:13 EST

New England's fall foliage is due to crisp, clear sunny days and long, cold nights. These special weather conditions halt the chlorophyll production in the leaves, and allow the brilliant golden and scarlet colors to be revealed.

Autumn is glorious in Canada and New England. The sun still shines on the Eastern Seaboard's many seafaring towns and the cool fall air turns the foliage a dazzling crimson and gold. A trip to Canada and New England uncovers the history and character that started a nation. With the quaint Colonial charm of New England towns and the spectacular Canadian coastline, history is everywhere you look. Discover the very fabric of the cities and towns that are woven with history and experience French Canada's unique flavor and culture.

Cruises and tours of Canada & New England both offer different styles of travel to enjoy all there is to see and do in the fall.

Fall foliage is unpredicatable, as we cannot predict Mother Nature, so keep in mind that the further North you go, the better chance you have of seeing the fall colors. Most often the last week of September through mid October is a good time to visit New England.

Although New England is known for fall foliage, there are other parts of the country that have equally stunning leaf color with mountain back drops, lakeside views or sprawling vineyards. Don't forget the amazing Nation al Parks. Peak is usually mid-October. Sedona, Zion, Grand Tetons and Yellowstone all offer great fall folors. Napa Valley, Lake Tahoe and Yosemite national park usually peak later, around the end of October.

In the South, the Blue Ridge Parkway and Smoky Mountains are popular areas to see foliage, as well as Greensboro, Franklin and These areas tends to peak in early November.

Although several departures are sold out, there are still some foliage tours, cruises and train trips to view the fall foliage in 2010. I invite you to visit our website dedicated to Fall Foliage trips if you want would like more information.

Travel Improves Your Health

tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web) — Tue, 1 Jun 2010 10:56 EST

We all “feel” better getting away on vacation. Did you know it really is not just your imagination? Science and statistics show it is true. Vacations can reduce risk of heart disease, depression and even slow down the aging process. How about this statistic… Two vacations can cut your risk of heart attack by 50%.

Vacations help reduce stress, which will always help your health.

Here are some other tips to reduce stress during travel.

Get away long enough time to let go of your daily grind. A week is recommended.
Watch your time zones – too many time zones actually increase your stress on your body’s natural rhythms.
Don’t over schedule your trip – Make sure you have quiet time each day.
Be social – making new acquaintances has a restorative power.
Enjoy physical activity – moderate exercise like swimming and walking are great energy boosters.

Reflections on the Canadian Rockies

tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web) — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 15:38 EST

Reflections on the Rockies

The Rocky Mountaineer, Reflections on the Rockies

Thinking about a Canada tour? It’s hard to imagine a better way to see Western Canada than aboard the world-renowned Rocky Mountaineer. Combine the soothing motion of rail travel with dazzling scenery and you have the perfect formula for vacation bliss. Between the magnificent Rocky Mountains and the beautiful Pacific Coast is a panorama of craggy mountain cliffs and snow-capped peaks, dry desert-like plains and pristine glacial-fed lakes, one more photogenic than the next. And because you travel by day with an overnight hotel stop, you won’t miss a single stunning sight. Celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2010, the Rocky Mountaineer traverses unspoiled wilderness, such as the Cariboo Gold Rush region or the Continental Divide toward Mount Robson, the most prominent mountain in the Canadian Rockies. As far as you can see, you are surrounded by towering mountains, abundant wildlife, rich forests and shimmering rivers.

Rocky Mountaineer is the only passenger train that travels on its flagship route: First Passage to the West. Railroad history, including the rich stories of those who worked so hard to build it, comes to life before your eyes as you take in landmarks such as the Spiral Tunnels, an engineering masterpiece, or Craigellachie, the site where the last spike was driven in Canada’s transcontinental rail line.

Sit back, relax and enjoy exceptional service and panoramic views from the glass domes of the famed GoldLeaf Service coaches. These two-story cars allow uninterrupted views and ideal photo opportunities: a black bear and her cub, an eagle diving for salmon in the Fraser River or a blue-green glacier cradled high in the mountains. Onboard Attendants tell fascinating tales of the passing regions, giving highlights of the history and wildlife as they tend to your every need.

With all of the sightseeing and socializing, you’ll work up quite an appetite. Just a few steps take you to the intimate lower-level dining room, complete with crisp white linens, gleaming silverware and fresh cut flowers. Enjoy outstanding three-course, à la carte meals, made with the finest and freshest ingredients from the regions passing by your window. Delicious selections of Wild BC Salmon, Triple “A” Alberta beef and locally sourced vegetables are created by talented onboard chefs. Award-winning wines from British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley complement your gourmet Western Canadian culinary experience.

Rocky Mountaineer also offers dozens of vacations with something for everyone. New for 2010 are the GoldLeaf Themed Experiences. These exclusive eight-day vacations include a Winery Tour or Golf Tour theme and combine an enhanced Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf Service experience with a multi-day stop-over in the Okanagan region. After disembarking the train in Banff, enjoy a breathtaking helicopter tour or a round of golf on a world-class course before the backdrop of the Canadian Rockies. If you want to spend a little more time in the Rocky Mountains, The Canadian Rockies at Leisure vacation takes you on a two-day rail trip along the Journey Through the Clouds route between Vancouver, BC and Jasper, Alberta. On this vacation and others, you have the opportunity to experience the elegance and charm of the iconic Fairmont Hotels & Resorts.

The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, in charming Jasper National Park is nestled between rugged mountains, on the bank of Lac Beauvert. Impressive cabins dot the 700-acre property offering views of the stunning scenery and captivating wilderness. Enjoy award-winning, gourmet culinary experiences and explore countless outdoor recreation before embarking on one of Canada’s most scenic drives along the Icefields Parkway.

Departing Jasper, the Icefields Parkway traces a small portion of the Continental Divide to Lake Louise, Alberta in Banff National Park. Some of the most stunning mountain scenery in Canada is seen along this stretch of road. Stay at The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, set on the shores of the tranquil lake and surrounded by pure wilderness. During your free time, relax and explore at this year-round resort with a myriad of activities such as canoeing, hiking and mountaineering or take in a calming spa treatment.

After a tour of Yoho National Park, revel in the experience at The Fairmont Banff Springs in Banff, Alberta. Opened in 1888 by the Canadian Pacific Railway, this historic landmark is rich in elegance and a renowned symbol of Canadian hospitality. Spend the day exploring Banff with a soak in the natural hot springs, a relaxing treatment at Willow Stream Spa or play a round of golf on the world-class Stanley Thompson 18-hole course, shared by countless wildlife often grazing on the fairways.

There is no limit to the amazing scenery you will encounter along Rocky Mountaineer’s rail journeys. The memories you create will last a lifetime and the photos you take will capture this amazing experience to share with all. Rocky Mountaineer is truly the best way to see British Columbia and the Canadian Rockies.

Best Time to See Fall Foliage

tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web) — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 13:31 EST

One of the most frequently asked questions we are asked that pertains to fall foliage travel, is "When is the Best Time to see the changing of the leaves?"

Witness the magnificent Fall Foliage of New England, starting in Boston and then traveling along Maine's rocky coast to Portland. Enjoy time in Bar Harbor on Mount Desert Island, picturesque Acadia National Park, and feast at a traditional Maine lobster bake. More stops in New Hampshire, Vermont and Connecticut will add to your unforgettable journey.

See oranges, yellows, reds, purples and browns burst into bloom in the autumn, painting a colorful backdrop to the white steeped villages of New England, the dramatic seascapes of Maritime Canada and the magnificent Rocky Mountains.

Keep in mind, fall colors can be affected by wind, temperature and moisture. Mother nature can be unpredictable, so try to make your trip for other sites & events around New England, as well as the changing of the leaves. The peak travel season is typically mid-September to early October. We normally suggest after September 23rd through mid-October. Peak fall foliage in New England works its way down from the north. The further north you go, the earlier the peak. Many popular tour itineraries include Vermont, New Hampshire (Kancamagus Scenic Highway) and Massachusetts (the Mohawk Trail.)

Choose from various fall foliage tours, rail vacations and cruise itineraries to gain the full experience of what New England has to offer. As the season nears, there are many "Hotlines" to get up to date information on the changing of the season. Tauck has a foliologist/naturalist that gives updates on their hotline: 800-214-8209 starting in early September.

World's Greatest Rail Journeys

tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web) — Mon, 23 May 2011 12:33 EST

The Blue Train
South Africa
South Africa’s Blue Train presents itself as a five-star hotel on wheels, and it’s certainly not a misnomer. Individualized service and exquisite meals are combined with uniquely South African touches—including the country’s internationally famous wines.

But what makes this trip truly spectacular is South Africa’s peerless scenery. From Cape Town to Johannesburg and on to Pretoria, the country’s many facets can be examined from the comfort of a well-appointed compartment, as well as the train’s glass observation deck. You’ll witness snow-capped mountains, sun-kissed vineyards and charming colonial towns; sweeping grasslands, rocky gorges, and fields dotted with Baobab trees—not to mention South Africa’s majestic wildlife in its natural habitat.

Plus, included in every Blue Train itinerary is a stopover with a guided tour. For example, on the southbound trip, you can visit the Diamond Rush town of Kimberley, and tour the working diamond mine—with a chance to win a diamond to take home!

The Rocky Mountaineer
Canada
For majestic mountain scenery, it’s hard to beat the Canadian Rockies. But how do you take in all this beauty if you’re not an avid hiker?The Rocky Mountaineer train traverses British Columbia and Alberta, connecting the city of Vancouver, BC, with either Jasper or Banff, Alberta. Along the way, the Mountaineer wends through some of the most spectacular scenery in the world. Jagged, snow-capped peaks, crystal-clear lakes, and dense evergreen forests present a dazzling, unparalleled experience. In fact, The Rocky Mountaineer has won multiple awards over the years for being the world’s best train journey.

The Mountaineer’s wide windows and skylights provide sweeping views, with all meals served in your seat so that you don’t miss a single moment. Onboard attendants also give commentary, ensuring that you get the most of your journey.

The Royal Scotsman
Scotland
Scotland is a country out of a fairy tale—filled with legends and folklore. While even the remotest Highlands are dotted with a town here and there, Scotland is truly Britain’s backyard, its rugged open spaces largely unspoiled.

Luckily, Scotland’s far-off beauty is made easily accessible by The Royal Scotsman trains, which leave from Edinburgh along five routes. From short three-day journeys that traverse the rugged Highlands or the historic west, to eight-day grand tours that criss-cross between quaint cities and the sweeping, rocky, deep-green landscapes, The Royal Scotsman is the best way to see all of Scotland.

In terms of comfort, The Royal Scotsman lives up to its name. Old-fashioned Edwardian sophistication mixes with traditional plaids to make everything feel authentically Scottish. Dining experiences are elegant, cuisine is gourmet, and sleeping quarters are luxurious. But the train’s best feature is the observation cars with open-air verandas where passengers can take in the gorgeous spectacle, a perfect way to capture the magic of this storied country.

The Ghan
Australia
Named after the Afghan camel trains that used to traverse this same route, The Ghan traverses the very heart of Australia, from Adelaide on the southern coast to Darwin in the tropical “Top End” of the continent. The extension to Darwin is a relatively new addition, and The Ghan is celebrating by adding a new Platinum level of service. With spacious, double-size cabins including 24-hour room service, The Ghan is a stylish way to explore this vast continent.

The variety of scenery showcased aboard The Ghan is truly spectacular. Journeying north from Adelaide, The Ghan passes through fertile landscape into Australia’s expansive, red-hued desert interior—the famous Outback. From Alice Springs, the train travels through sweeping grasslands and gorgeous river scenery, to the quaint gold mining town of Katherine, before closing in on the tropical Top End and its capital city, Darwin. Darwin’s history and aboriginal influence, as well as World Heritage Kakadu National Park, make the region a worthy destination. The Ghan is quite simply the perfect way to take in the majestic heart of Australia, all in comfort and style.

Orient-Express
Europe and Peru
When it comes to rail journeys, the iconic Orient-Express always comes to mind. You’ll take a step back in time to the days when railway travel was the height of elegance and sophistication. All meals aboard are prepared from a variety of culinary genres by trained chefs. All compartments are designed and outfitted with comfort in mind. And of course, the service is impeccable. The Venice Simplon Orient-Express literally crisscrosses Europe, with popular destinations such as Rome and Paris linked to some of Europe’s most historic cities like Krakow, Budapest, and as far east as Istanbul.

For an entirely different—but no less elegant—experience, the Orient-Express’s Hiram Bingham line in Peru traverses some of the world’s most stunning natural scenery. You’ll travel through gorgeous river canyons and lush green mountains en route to the archaeological treasures of Machu Picchu. Live entertainment and a four-course dinner make the journey back a memorable way to unwind after a day of fascinating sights.

Boston Sights and Attractions

tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web) — Mon, 23 May 2011 12:23 EST

Boston offers historic roots combined with a modern city. It is one of the oldest cities in the United States. "Perhaps Boston can be best described as a welcome contradiction: Hip alongside historic. Skyscrapers surround parks. Gourmet meets pizza."

Many New England and Canada cruises depart from Boston, or include it as a port of call on their itineraries. Shore excursions? There is plenty to see and do. Many cruise lines include a free shuttle to Faneuil Hall Marketplace, one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city.

One of the most popular ways to spend the day is to follow the Freedom Trail, a 2.5 mile that takes in much of Boston’s history. The trail begins at Faneuil Hall and goes to Boston Common, America’s oldest park.

Other popular attractions in Boston include Newbury Street, Copley Square, the New England Aquarium or the Boston Duck Tours. The duck tours combine the best of Boston with a cruise along the Charles river for breathtaking views of Boston and Cambridge.

If you prefer to spend several days in Boston, rather than a cruise, Globus Monograms offers a 4 day package of Boston that includes a Go Boston Card for free admission to over 70 attractions. You can access last minute hotel deals on our web site, or consider a Fall Foliage self-driving or escorted tour also that include Boston in the itinerary.

For more Tours of the United States: http://www.atlastravelweb.com/tours.shtml

France Family Tours

tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web) — Fri, 8 Apr 2011 15:08 EST

Planning a trip to France with the kids? Why not select from our list of France family tours? Family tour itineraries are chocked full of sightseeing, learning activities and fun. In addition to these tours being family oriented, they’re some of the most proficiently planned and guided vacations ever seen!

Hands down, our most popular selling family tour this year has been Globus Tours' From the Colosseum to the Eiffel Tower. Start in Rome with a welcome dinner and guided sightseeing that features visits to the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Square and Basilica, and the Colosseum, where you get a family picture with a gladiator (if available). On to Pisa to see its Leaning Tower, then to the spa resort of Montecatini. In Florence, visit the Academy of Fine Arts with Michelangelo’s celebrated David and admire the cathedral and sculpture-studded Signoria Square. Enjoy a pizza party lunch at a local restaurant and see how they are made! Enter Venice in style by private boat, savor an authentic pasta dinner at a local restaurant, create your own Venetian mask, and follow your Local Guide for a visit to St. Mark’s Square, Doges’ Palace, and the Bridge of Sighs. On to charming Lake Maggiore, then cross Simplon Pass, ride a mountain train, and arrive in Zermatt for free time at the base of the Matterhorn. Continue to Montreux at Lake Geneva. From Lausanne, ride the high-speed TGV train to Paris for included visits to Notre Dame Cathedral and to the top of the Eiffel Tower. A farewell dinner at a local restaurant celebrates the success of an unforgettable vacation!

Other popular family tours in Europe include London & Paris: A Tale of Two Cities. The price includes 6 nights hotel accomodations at superior first class hotels, full breakfast daily, 2 three-course dinners and some sightseeing. Spend a magnificent week in London and Pairs with prices for the adults from $1,669 pp and children $1,500 each.

Trafalgar Tours offers a similar trip with 4 nights in London and 3 in Paris on their Magic and Make Believe tour. If you have two weeks, Trafalgar tours has a vacation called European Wonderland where you begin in Rome and visit Florence, Venice, Lucerne, Paris and end in London.

Why not browse our full selection of family tours that include Europe, the United States, Canada and South America?

Sports Vacation Packages

tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web) — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 08:53 EST

The thrill and excitement of attending a world class sporting event is unsurpassed. This is more than a vacation – it’s the opportunity of a lifetime!

Packages that include transportation, accommodation, event tickets and additional entertainment are often good value and certainly make it easy to attend. On site event hosts act as your local concierge. There’s a range of add-ons like upgrades and private transfers to make it even more special.

If you’re looking for custom arrangements, we can help you sort out the details with our network of local partners and sporting event specialists.
Tickets to regular season games as well as world class sporting events can be arranged.

These are just a few examples of upcoming events you can attend:

2010 National Rodeo Finals, Las Vegas Dec 2-11th, 2010
2011 Rose Bowl Packages for Parade & Game: Experience a festival of flowers and music now in its 122nd year on January 1, 2011 at 8:00 a.m
BCS Championship game: January 7, 2010 in Glendale, Arizona
2011 Super Bowl packages, February 3-7, Arlington, Texas – Enjoy America’s biggest sporting event complete with parties, festivals and entertainment.
2011 NBA All Star Game. Los Angeles, CA: The best players in the world – in one place, at one time.
March 5-9, 2011: Experience Mardi Gras in New Orleans! The famous – perhaps notorious – annual Fat Tuesday festival.
April 1-5, 2011: Final Four…College basketball at it’s best. March Madness doesn’t get any better than the Final Four.
2011 Masters Golf Tournament, April 4-10, Augusta, Georgia. Watch the world’s greatest golfers compete for the Green Jacket. Flexible packages give you plenty of options for events and accommodation.
The Kentucky Derby is run on the first Saturday in May – May 5-8th, 2011
2011 Calgary Stampede July 8-17th: The world famous Stampede, includes seats at the evening Grandstand Show and the famous Chuckwagon Races.
2012 Summer Games of the XXX Olympiad, July 26 – August 14, London, England – The ultimate in international sports, space is limited for high demand events and premium accommodation so pre-arrange early.

These events sound so exciting! Why not plan your next vacation around your favorite sporting event?