D E N M A R K / F R A N C E / G E R M A N Y / S PA I N / U N I T E D K I N G D O M
EUROPE’S HIDDEN GEMS
By
May the Road Rise Up to Meet You in Ireland Beyond the city streets of Dublin and Limerick, explore charming small towns and villages, the countryside, and the islands of Ireland. On Collette’s small group Explorations tour Countryside of the Emerald Isle, dive deeper. With an average of just 16 travellers, connect in truly meaningful ways.
Tour Highlights • Overnight on the Aran Islands and jump head-first into Irish culture. • Enjoy an after-hours private tour and reception at Christ Church Cathedral. • Discover a hidden garden island nestled in Bantry Bay. • Take in scenic views f rom Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way. • Enjoy a cheese tasting at a family-run goat farm.
Contact your travel advisor to book or learn more.
TA B L E O F CO N T E N T S
What’s Inside COVER PHOTO: THOMAS SOMME/UNSPLASH. PHOTOS (THIS PAGE): PIERRE CHATEL INNOCENTI/UNSPLASH (7); COURTESY OF AVALON WATERWAYS (18).
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Euro Tripping 7
Discovering Europe’s Second Cities
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What’s On Across Europe in 2024
18
A Mother-Daughter Cruise Down the Moselle 23
We Asked the Locals 29
Inspired Itineraries
18 On the Cover
The historic Arc du Cinquantenaire greets visitors to Brussel’s Cinquantenaire Park. Crowned with a quadriga sculpture of a female charioteer, the monument is a must-see when exploring the city. Photo by Thomas Somme
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Range Best (Europe 2023). All rights reserved, Ensemble Travel® Group. No part of this publication may be reprinted or otherwise duplicated without the permission of the publisher. Range Best is published on behalf of Ensemble Travel® Group member agencies. TICO: #50022140 | CST: 2141530-70 Registration numbers vary by agency. Advertising and marketing inquiries can be sent to marketing@ensembletravel.com. For editorial inquiries, please email editor@ensembletravel.ca.
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THIS ISSUE
PHOTO: ERIN DOERING/UNSPLASH (MARSEILLE).
Europe Is Where It’s At It seems like everyone is in Europe. Or has just returned from Europe. Or is planning to get to Europe as soon as possible. Eurostat, the European Union’s statistics agency, reports that in the first half of 2023 alone, the continent experienced its highest number of tourist stays in the past decade. Oh, we’re going to Europe all right, whether it’s by ship (see our story on a family’s first European river cruise on page 18) or simply to explore a “second city” to escape the crowds. Given the continent’s off-the-chart popularity, an under-the-radar trip to Leipzig, Germany (birthplace of Richard Wagner, home to Europe’s oldest opera venue and a general must for music lovers), or the lively, historic harbor town of Aarhus, Denmark, might just be the smartest travel move you’ve ever made — find out more on page 7. FROM THE EDITORS AT RANGE
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EUROPE — NEWS
Euro Tripping The Latest
Hotels to Check Into The Amauris Vienna Vienna’s iconic Ringstrasse is home to the city’s most magnificent buildings, which, as of February, include the Amauris Vienna. The building’s striking 19th-century façade and original elevator pair with modern touches, including marble bathrooms and Italian linens.
Portugal is Europe’s Leading Destination If you needed a reason to visit Portugal, here it is — the country has been named Europe’s Leading Destination for the second consecutive year at the World Travel Awards. No matter which direction you head in during your stay, an acclaimed destination awaits, whether you’re hitting the streets in the northern city and wine capital of Porto, walking the beaches of the remote island of Madeira or venturing out on the trails of Passadiços do Paiva in the Arouca UNESCO Global Geopark.
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Broadwick Soho, London This independently owned hotel opened in London’s lively West End in November, with colorful, sophisticated interiors showcasing artwork from the likes of Andy Warhol and rising star Faye Wei Wei. Head to the Nook, the cozy guests-only lounge, to listen to vinyl curated from Soho’s many record shops. COMO Le Montrachet, France Luxury group COMO’s first French property, which opened in April, is a village estate tucked in the center of one of the most renowned wine destinations — Puligny-Montrachet, Burgundy. A stay here is as gastronomic as it is picturesque, with wining and dining experiences such as Côte de Beaune wine tours and market-to-table culinary classes.
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TEXT: AIMI MAYNE. PHOTOS: CASSIA TOFANO/UNSPLASH (PORTUGAL); THE AMAURIS VIENNA SUPERIOR ROOM.
What’s new and noteworthy across the pond.
EUROPE — NEWS
TEXT: KATIE SEHL (WORLD’S BEST RESTAURANT); DOMINIQUE LAMBERTON (RIDE ITALY’S LUXURY RAILS; CRUISE NEWS). PHOTOS: DITTE ISAGER FOR NOMA; ACCOR, THE ORIENT EXPRESS LA DOLCE VITA.
Ride Italy’s Luxury Rails In 1977, the Orient Express, famed for its Paris-to-Istanbul route, shuttered its service. Now, nearly 50 years later, it’s making a comeback on the tracks of Italy. In partnership with Accor, the Orient Express La Dolce Vita will launch in 2024, offering six itineraries, from a one-night journey through Tuscany to a two-night Sicilian adventure. Luxury interiors throughout the train’s 12 cabins, 18 suites and restaurant will transport you back to the 1960s and ’70s, featuring bold shades, moody lighting and smoked-mirror walls.
Get to the World’s Best Restaurant While You Can After two decades, three Michelin stars and a record five World’s Best Restaurant titles, Copenhagen’s coveted Noma will close its doors in winter 2024, in favor of something more nomadic and sporadic. Enter Noma 3.0: a food lab set to start inventing flavors, developing dishes and hosting international pop-ups as early as 2025.
Cruise News Three New European Ports to Discover on Your Next Celebrity Cruise
Brindisi, Italy Italy’s “Gateway to the East” is a historical port city and trading hub on the Adriatic. Explore its medieval castles or one of multiple pristine beaches before heading to a trattoria for an Apulian feast of seafood and orecchiette.
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Bordeaux, France Sample local delights, like oysters, canelé and, of course, wine, in one of Bordeaux’s brasseries. Or spend an afternoon learning about the region’s terroir at La Cité du Vin, a cultural center dedicated to sharing the world of wine.
Volos, Greece A day in this city set at the base of Mount Pelion should include a visit to the Athanasakeio Archaeological Museum of Volos and a meal at a tsipouradika, or tavern, with fresh fish and grilled feta.
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EARLY BIRDS
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E U R O P E — D E S T I N AT I O N S
Discovering Europe’s Second Cities While the allure of Europe’s famed capitals is undeniable, it’s the continent’s second (and third and fourth) cities that are getting some much-deserved attention.
PHOTO: VICTORIA NIEZH/UNSPLASH.
By Dave Lank
T
hink of traveling to Europe’s second cities like snagging a backstage pass to authentic local life, bypassing the tourist-heavy headliners like Paris and London for their lesser-visited, yet equally captivating, urban siblings. The trend, known as second-city tourism, is your ticket to untrod paths and the hidden treasures that truly define a place — without the crowds. “People want to feel like something belongs to just them for that moment,” says New York-based travel advisor Angela Adto Tepper on the rise of second-city travel. “That includes not feeling like one of thousands of tourists.” So, for your next trip, sidestep the usual suspects and let these second cities take the lead.
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E U R O P E — D E S T I N AT I O N S
France
A Mediterranean melting pot, France’s second-largest city exudes a rugged charm and unabashedly animated spirit. The past and present don’t just coexist, they collide: Bustling ports, aromatic markets and the storied Le Panier district invite you to delve into the city’s rich history, while contemporary art galleries, bold architecture, like the modernist La Cité Radieuse apartment complex, and pulsating nightlife jolt you straight into the city’s vibrant, creative present. Then, there’s the food: The sacred home of bouillabaisse (a love letter to the sea in the form of a rich soup) is undergoing a gastronomic metamorphosis with a wave of talented young chefs establishing the city as a hub for diverse, innovative and approachable cuisine.
OPENING PAGE Port Saplaya, a colorful village a 10-minute drive from Valencia’s historic center, is the perfect place for a beach day. ABOVE Notre-Dame de la Garde towers above the Old Port of Marseille.
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See the Classic Sights Old Port of Marseille Dive into the heart of Marseille at the Old Port, where traditional fishers’ boats and yachts bob side by side, and the air is thick with maritime history. Notre-Dame de la Garde Perched atop a hill more than 500 feet above the city, this stunning Roman-Byzantine basilica offers breathtaking panoramic views and a peaceful respite from the busy port below. Le Panier Wander the narrow, winding streets of Marseille’s oldest district, filled with colorful street art, hidden boutiques and café terraces around every corner.
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PHOTO: ELISA SCHMIDT/UNSPLASH.
Marseille
E U R O P E — D E S T I N AT I O N S
Aarhus Denmark
Aarhus may be just a train ride away from Copenhagen, but it stands alone as a powerhouse of Danish culture, design and all things hygge. This vibrant coastal city seamlessly blends its Viking roots with new-wave architecture and a buzzing culinary scene. Compact and easy to navigate, Aarhus is best explored on foot or bike. Dive into the medieval Latin Quarter, marvel at eye-catching buildings like the iceberg-inspired Isbjerget and indulge in New Nordic cuisine at Michelin hot spots, such as the two-starred Restaurant Frederikshøj.
PHOTOS: WESTERSOE/GETTY IMAGES; JULIUS YLS/UNSPLASH (AROS).
Take in the Architectural Wonders ARoS One of northern Europe’s largest art museums, ARoS captivates with its iconic (and highly Instagrammable) rainbowcolored skywalk and diverse, world-class exhibitions spanning ten stories. The Infinite Bridge Located at Varna Beach south of the city center, this circular wooden walkway bridges nature and design, creating an endless path from land to sea.
ABOVE The harborside Aarhus Ø neighborhood is defined by the Isbjerget (Iceberg), a 208-unit apartment building that overlooks the bay.
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Havnebadet (Harbor Bath) Plunge into Danish life at this Bjarke Ingels Group-designed facility in the Aarhus harbor. The circular diving pool is the place for year-round plunges, followed by stints in one of the two saunas.
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E U R O P E — D E S T I N AT I O N S
Valencia Spain
Valencia, affectionately dubbed the “City of Joy,” more than lives up to its name. With 300 days of sunshine a year, golden beaches, rich culture and outstanding food, there’s a lot here to make even the most seasoned European traveler smile. At every turn, Valencia is a feast for the senses: Meander through orange-scented streets, sample paella in its homeland and soak up centuries of historic charm alongside striking new architecture like the iconic City of Arts and Sciences.
Horchatería de Santa Catalina Think of horchata as Valencia in a sip. The sweet, creamy drink is made with tiger nuts and is best paired with a long, sugar-dusted bun called fartón. Sample the combo at Horchatería de Santa Catalina, among the oldest horchaterías in the city. Mercado Central de Valencia Mercado Central, one of the largest and oldest surviving food markets in Europe, is a food lover’s paradise. Taste your way through the roughly 1,000 stalls, which sell everything from locally grown produce and artisan bread to fresh snails, and get the inside scoop on how locals shop.
ABOVE Tangerine dream: Valencia’s historic buildings and streets lined with orange trees make it a sight to behold.
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Paella cooking class Grab an apron, roll up your sleeves and immerse yourself in the art of Spanish cooking with a paella class, blending history and flavor as you craft the dish of saffron-infused rice, chicken, rabbit and beans in its birthplace.
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PHOTOS: MANUEL GIL/GETTY IMAGES; DK MEDIA/GETTY IMAGES (HORCHATA).
Focus on Food
E U R O P E — D E S T I N AT I O N S
Manchester
PHOTOS: MAREMAGNUM/GETTY IMAGES.
United Kingdom
Manchester, once the heartbeat of the Industrial Revolution, has dusted off the soot to reveal a cultural gem. Old warehouses and factories now buzz with the dynamism of art galleries and live music venues. While Manchester is steeped in a rich history of pop culture, from iconic football clubs to ground-breaking music (The Smiths and Oasis were born here), it’s the influx of fresh Mancunian creativity that’s steering the city into a thrilling new chapter: Creative industries are booming in Manchester, growing faster here than in any other U.K. city or region outside London. The best way to experience the energy firsthand is by exploring the city’s eclectic neighborhoods, alive with street art, designer boutiques and restaurants at the cutting-edge of one of the U.K.’s most exciting food scenes.
ABOVE Old meets new in Manchester’s Spinningfields, home to the neoGothic John Rylands Research Institute and Library.
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Go on a Gallery Hop Aviva Studios, the home of Factory International This new venue and exhibition space, the U.K.’s largest cultural project since Tate Modern, is the place for a show, hosting everything from adaptations of children’s books to touring comedians and musicians. Manchester Art Gallery The renowned gallery’s collection of historic masterpieces and contemporary works spans six centuries. The Whitworth Set in a Victorian park, the Whitworth impresses as much as the more than 60,000 pieces of art, textiles and wallpapers it houses.
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Cruise the Cultural Institutions
Leipzig Germany
Berlin, watch out: Leipzig makes a compelling case for why this second city (actually, it’s the country’s eighth largest) deserves first place in Germany’s battle for coolness. Once home to musical giants like Bach and Wagner, the east German city continues to be a magnet for creatives of all types, thanks to affordable housing and studio spaces. Diverse and electrifying arts offerings have taken over former factories and plants — such as multimedia museum Kunstkraftwerk, located in a repurposed power station — helping to establish the city as a must-visit destination for anyone seeking contemporary German culture. ABOVE Leipzig’s Old Town Hall and market square are the site of year-round gatherings, including the annual Christmas Market, Easter Market and Wine Festival.
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Bach Museum Leipzig Discover the life, legacy and genius of Johann Sebastian Bach at this comprehensive museum, a pilgrimage site for music lovers and a highlight of Leipzig’s historic offerings. Spinnerei Step into what was once Europe’s largest cotton mill, now transformed into a bustling hub of creativity, with 14 galleries, more than 100 artist studios and an ever-changing array of exhibitions showcasing a mix of German and international talent. Leipzig Opera House Enjoy top-notch performances at this impressive and historic venue that’s driving Leipzig’s cultural scene forward with a diverse range of modern programming, from poetry slams to musicals and ballet.
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PHOTOS: PETER FORSBERG/ALAMY STOCK PHOTO; THE LEIPZIG BACH ARCHIVE (BACH MUSEUM LEIPZIG).
E U R O P E — D E S T I N AT I O N S
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E U R O P E — A R TS & C U LT U R E
By Katie Sehl
From Olympic-themed exhibitions to the continent’s biggest pop-song showdown, here are the hottest arts and culture happenings to pencil in for the year ahead.
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PHOTO: STIJN TE SRAKE/UNSPLASH.
What’s on Across Europe in 2024
E U R O P E — A R TS & C U LT U R E
European Capitals of Culture Bad Ischl, Austria Bodø, Norway Tartu, Estonia PHOTOS: EDWIN HUSIC, LIBERTALIA SALT LAB PERFORMANCE (EUROPEAN CAPITALS OF CULTURE); GWEN KING/UNSPLASH (CULTURAL OLYMPIAD).
All Year
Bad Ischl (pictured), Bodø and Tartu are 2024’s European Capitals of Culture, a coveted title handed down annually by the European Union. During this year-long salute to arts and culture, you can soar above Bad Ischl in a hot- air balloon during Gosau Balloon Week, coast down Tartu’s Emajõgi River in the Jõmmu, a medieval wooden barge, or sample reindeer tartar at ArktiskMat, a celebration of Arctic food culture in Bodø.
Cultural Olympiad Paris, France Until September 8
Cultural Olympiad brings brain and brawn together with more than 1,600 events planned across France in the run-up to the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. If athleisure is your thing, dueling exhibits at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs and Palais Galliera track fashion trends from the runway to the sports arena. And if dance is where it’s at, sprint across the Champs-Élysées to the Palais Garnier (pictured) to catch a class or performance by the Ballet School of the Opéra National de Paris, or go for gold in Versailles at a revival of the opera-ballet, Les Fêtes Grecques et Romaines.
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E U R O P E — A R TS & C U LT U R E
Biennale Arte 2024 Venice, Italy Once every two years, the contemporary art crowd loads into gondolas and vaporettos and sets sail for La Biennale di Venezia, widely considered the “Olympics of the art world.” The 60th edition of the exhibition invites international artists to present work fit for the theme “Stranieri Ovunque – Foreigners Everywhere,” chosen by the festival’s first Latin American curator, Adriano Pedrosa, artistic director of the Museu de Arte de São Paulo (MASP).
Eurovision Malmö, Sweden May 7-11
The winner takes it all at the 68th annual edition of the Eurovision Song Contest, set to land in Malmö, Sweden, on the 50th anniversary of ABBA’s career-catapulting win. Beloved for its hammy and campy performances, the contest pits acts from across the continent and beyond against each other in a bid to win best song. The hottest ticket will be for the Grand Final at the Malmö Arena, but fans can also catch one of the Semi-Finals or crash one of the many watching parties that will take over the southern coastal city in May.
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PHOTOS: GEORG PETERMICHL, COURTESY OF AUSTRIAN PAVILION – EXHIBITION BY JAKOB LENA KNEBL & ASHLEY HANS SCHEIRL – BIENNALE ARTE 2022 (BIENNALE ARTE 2024); SARAH LOUISE BENNETT FOR EBU (EUROPEAN BROADCASTING UNION), EUROVISION (EUROVISION).
April 20-November 24
E U R O P E — A R TS & C U LT U R E
The National Gallery’s Bicentenary London, U.K.
PHOTOS: NATIONAL GALLERY, LONDON (THE NATIONAL GALLERY’S BICENTENARY); KUNSTSILO, ARTIST EGIL KJELL RØED, TIL ANGELA DAVIS – HEKSEJAKT ÅR 1972 (2024 MUSEUM OPENINGS TO WATCH).
Begins May 10
See works from Georges Seurat, Claude Monet and Michelangelo, among others, as the National Gallery in London stages a re-display of its entire permanent collection of Western European masterpieces from the 13th to early-20th century in celebration of its bicentenary. The 200th birthday festivities kick off with 12 simultaneous National Treasures exhibitions across the U.K., then continue through the summer in Trafalgar Square, which will serve as the backdrop for an array of public art activities. Come September, a once-in-a-century Vincent van Gogh exhibition will unveil never-seen-before pieces from private collections alongside the artist’s major works, with surprises in store regarding Sunflowers, one of the gallery’s most popular paintings.
2024 Museum Openings on Our Radar Kunstsilo Kristiansand, Norway An abandoned grain silo serves as the new functionalist home for the largest collection of Norwegian and Nordic modernist art, as well as digital contemporary art and experiential exhibitions, on Odderøya island in Southern Norway. Female Artists of the Mougins Museum Mougins, France What was formerly the Mougins Museum of Classic Art will reopen as the first major European museum devoted to women, featuring works by Marie Laurencin, Lee Krasner, Marina Abramović and more.
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EUROPE — RIVER CRUISE
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EUROPE — RIVER CRUISE
A MotherDaughter Cruise Down the Moselle How an active family adventure on the water convinced writer Lisa Kadane that Europe is best seen by ship.
T PHOTO: COURTESY OF AVALON WATERWAYS.
wenty-one locks. Three wineries. More than 20 castles and ancient ruins. It’s my 18-year-old daughter Avery’s first time cruising in Europe and she’s game for almost anything (although she draws the line at posing beside a giant suit of armor outside Cochem Castle, which towers over the walled city of Cochem, Germany). We’re sailing from Remich, Luxembourg, to Frankfurt on an eight-day cruise with Avalon Waterways. Although river cruising is often associated with a mature demographic, active excursions ranging from walking tours to moderate hikes wooed us over to this effortless and relaxed way of exploring Europe. Before we set sail, a friend recommended that I “manage my daughter’s expectations,” lest she anticipate nightly clubbing instead of a daily dose of history and culture on our mother-daughter adventure. I needn’t have worried — from the moment we enter our stateroom, with comfy twin beds facing floor-to-ceiling windows that offer a view of swans swimming nearby, she’s smitten. “You can lay in bed and see Europe!” she exclaims. Rather than act on this temptation, we sign up for daily port activities that suit our interests. In Bernkastel, we learn about the
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EUROPE — RIVER CRUISE
THIS SPREAD, FROM LEFT TO RIGHT Avalon Waterways’ active excursions include guided hikes to scenic lookouts; the charming half-timbered houses in the old town of Bernkastel are famous in the Moselle Valley.
PHOTOS: COURTESY OF AVALON WATERWAYS; FEBE-VANERMEN/UNSPALSH.
OPENING SPREAD Your home on the Moselle: The 361-foot-long Avalon Tranquility II.
famous half-timbered houses on a walking tour. In Koblenz, I visit a 356-year-old brewery while Avery wanders the cobblestone streets, testing her independence. In Rüdesheim, we hike through hillside vineyards and stop for samples of Riesling before finding the perfect laugenbrezeln (pretzels) in town. Every evening over dinner, we swap stories while a landscape of tidy grapevines and steepled towns flows past. The staff quickly learn our names, and we get to know fellow passengers on our excursions — including a multi-generational family — which makes the trip feel even more familial. For our finale, we dock in Frankfurt and take a spin around the city on bicycles. Thanks to the ship’s leisurely pace, eight days has felt like a gift of extended time with my daughter. I’ve loved watching her embrace a new country and culture before she heads off to university, and our bond has grown stronger with each shared pretzel, castle sighting and mutual awe over the fairy-tale architecture we encountered in every port.
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EUROPE — RIVER CRUISE
Three Tips for Planning a European Cruise With Your Kids Consult the experts Your Ensemble travel advisor knows the ins and outs of cruise lines and itineraries and can identify things like the best family accommodations (including those with features such as bunk beds and connecting rooms), onboard entertainment options and kid-approved shore excursions. The ship makes a difference A river cruise can be a good pick for teens and older children, and some companies like Adventures by Disney (which partners with AmaWaterways) have options for families with kids as young as five. For little tykes and first-time cruisers, you might consider an ocean cruise on a larger ship with a cruise line like Royal Caribbean, which offers more onboard amenities, including waterslides, nurseries, youth programs and extra support for children with autism and other developmental disabilities. Get them involved in trip planning School-age kids, tweens and teens will have opinions about where to go and what to do. If the destination is off the table (e.g., you’ve already decided on the Mediterranean), consider letting each child choose a port activity for ultimate buy-in.
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Discover the Wonders of Italy Ask about complete vacation packages including hotel and resort accommodations, convenient flights, exciting activities, travel protection coverage with cancel-for-any-reason options and more at these featured hotels and many more: FLORENCE Brunelleschi Hotel Grand Hotel Cavour Sina Villa Medici, Autograph Collection The Westin Excelsior, Florence NAPLES & AMALFI COAST Caruso, A Belmond Hotel, Amalfi Coast Hilton Sorrento Palace Renaissance Naples Hotel Mediterraneo The Britannique Naples, Curio Collection by Hilton ROME Aleph Rome, Curio by Hilton Rose Garden Palace Roma The Tribune, JDV by Hyatt The Westin Excelsior Rome
Embrace the cuisine, history, and culture of Italy with these enriching experiences and more: • Pizza and Gelato Cooking Class • Immersive Chianti Wine & Olive Oil Experience • Private Vatican and St. Peter’s Basilica Tour • Private Taste of Rome Food Tour • Tuscany Wine Safari • Private Walking Tour of the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain & Spanish Steps
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PHOTOS (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT): RED CHARLIE/UNSPLASH; MADALENA VELOSO/UNSPLASH; TOBIAS FISCHER/UNSPLASH; ELENATHEWISE/ADOBE STOCK.
EUROPE — INSIDERS’ GUIDE
We Asked the Locals By Dominique Lamberton
From sleeping in a glass igloo to embarking on a family treasure hunt in the Louvre, three experts share how to have one-of-a-kind European experiences.
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EUROPE — INSIDERS’ GUIDE
René Buyink
The Dutchman After running a large destination management company (DMC) for 25 years, Buyink followed his passion for personalization and collaboration with travel advisors to found the Dutchman. The boutique DMC provides tailor-made programs for travelers in the Netherlands and Belgium.
Go Beyond Tulips and Windmills in the Netherlands The Netherlands is known for tulips, windmills and Vincent van Gogh — how can visitors go deeper than that? We love for our guests to learn the stories behind the Netherlands’ famous icons by meeting passionate locals and experts. This might include getting to know a local tulip grower in her family-run greenhouse, going behind the scenes at a chalk windmill to find an amazing collection of pigments and watercolor paints, seeing a historic village through the eyes of a local or meeting up with a former police officer and touring Amsterdam’s Red Light District.
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What might surprise arts and culture lovers about the country? The Netherlands offers the largest number of museums per square kilometer in the world, from the Old Masters of the Dutch Golden Age to cuttingedge contemporary design. Besides the major museums, such as the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam and the Mauritshuis in The Hague, we help people discover the smaller museums, such as the Museum of the Canals, private 17th-century merchant homes and modern art and architecture movements, such as CoBrA and De Stijl.
If travelers only have a few days in the Netherlands, what should they be sure to do? A cruise on the canals is always a highlight and is a great way to discover and enjoy the city of Amsterdam. Even more memorable is a progressive dinner cruise on board a classic saloon boat, enjoying cocktails and a lovely dinner — the captain stops at different canal-side restaurants to collect each course.
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PHOTO: MATHILDA KHOO/UNSPLASH (AMSTERDAM).
René Buyink, a.k.a. the Dutchman, reveals how meeting locals can take your holidays in Holland to the next level.
EUROPE — INSIDERS’ GUIDE
Yes, You Can Do Europe with Kids Stanislas de Montenay, head of sales and partnerships for Family Twist, on making Europe fun for everyone.
Stanislas de Montenay
PHOTO: ERWIN BARBÉ/ADOBE STOCK (PARIS).
Family Twist Six years ago, de Montenay met Magali Déchelette, the founder of Family Twist, and joined the luxury tour company that designs private family holidays in Europe. Today, he organizes its sales strategy, contracts hotel partners and connects with travel advisors.
Which European destination would you recommend to a family with small children? And one with older kids and teens? Barcelona is an excellent choice for families with young children. The city offers beautiful beaches and parks, and the universe of Antoni Gaudí with the magical Sagrada Família or Park Güell will fascinate them. For older kids, I recommend Rome: The city’s rich history, archeological sites and art make it an ideal destination for teens. Exploring the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Vatican Museums and Galleries is both educational and intriguing, and it’s easy to combine with two days in Florence or a more relaxed extended stay in Tuscany.
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How do you make Europe’s less kid-friendly attractions, like art galleries and historic sites, exciting for the younger set? Many museums will host a scavenger hunt or an observation game, and a traditional walking tour can turn into an orientation or escape game for teenagers. Our family-friendly guides are experts at making history and art come alive with interactive storytelling and age-appropriate explanations. We also offer interactive workshops, enabling children to create art, cook like a local or try other activities linked to the specific destination’s culture.
What experiences are especially loved by kids? One is Treasure Hunt at the Louvre: In Paris, we turn a visit to the Louvre into an exciting treasure hunt, where kids follow clues and learn about art history while searching for hidden treasure. Another is Row Like a Gondolier: It’s a way to experience the art of Venetian gondoliering while supporting a non-profit organization dedicated to its preservation. After learning the rowing techniques, families embark on a journey through the small canals of Venice, including a visit to a secret gondola museum and squero (gondola boatyard).
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Seek the Northern Lights in Scandinavia Claudio P. Nielsen, vice-president of Delta of Scandinavia, shares must-see landscapes and the best spot to witness the aurora borealis.
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Of all the amazing places to visit in the Nordic and Baltic countries, what’s your favorite destination? I’m a big fan of the Arctic region: Where people see cold, darkness and tough conditions, I see cool experiences, northern lights and unique landscapes that vary from country to country. In Norway, you see mighty mountain ridges that rise from the sea; in Finland, you have huge forests covered in snow; Iceland combines the elements of ice and fire thanks to glaciers and volcanoes; and Greenland seems to belong to a different planet entirely.
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PHOTO: COURTESY OF DELTA OF SCANDINAVIA.
EUROPE — INSIDERS’ GUIDE
PHOTO: CLAUDIO QUACQUARELLI/ADOBE STOCK (ICEHOTEL).
EUROPE — INSIDERS’ GUIDE
Are there any experiences unique to the region that visitors won’t find anywhere else? The most popular is staying in a glass igloo in Lapland while watching the northern lights or sleeping in an ice room at Icehotel in Sweden. Another favorite is a gastronomic cycling tour in Copenhagen, where guests bike through the city with a chef who serves a three-course meal along the way.
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Where is the absolute best place to see the northern lights? Probably Tromsø, Norway, because of its position — this town is located at 69°N, which is right in the center of the northern lights’ oval, meaning the chances of seeing aurora, even on days with low activity, is high. The northern lights are probably the most addictive experience you can ever have — if you see them, you want to see them again and again, and if you don’t see them, you want to come back and hope for better luck!
Claudio P. Nielsen Delta of Scandinavia Nielsen has worked in travel since 2004, after completing an education in sustainable tourism. In 2016, he joined Delta of Scandinavia, an incoming DMC that operates in Denmark, Greenland, Faroe Islands, Norway, Svalbard, Sweden, Finland, Iceland, Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia and Russia.
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ADD EUROPE TO YOUR
WISHLIST. Now’s the time to go beyond!
Cross the pond and explore thriving cities, breathtaking countrysides, fairytale castles and the world’s finest museums. Whether you plan a full day of sightseeing or a long afternoon sitting at a sidewalk cafe, vacations in Europe are perfectly magical and undeniably magnificent. Ask your Travel Advisor about trip protection, special offers and savings. Plus, SkyMiles® Members earn bonus miles, in addition to flight miles, on every vacation package.
TO BOOK, CONTACT OUR AGENCY TODAY.
All SkyMiles Program rules apply. To review the rules, please visit delta.com/memberguide. Bonus miles do not count toward Medallion® Status or Million Miler™ Status. Offer subject to change without notice; other restrictions may apply. Offers void where prohibited by law. ©2023 Delta Vacations DV40694
PHOTO: COURTESY OF ATLAS OCEAN VOYAGES.
Inspired Itineraries Discover a range of cruise journeys — from an Adriatic adventure with Atlas Ocean Voyages to a Rhine River getaway with Viking — and take advantage of exclusive offers only available when booking with your trusted Ensemble advisor. RANGE BEST BY ENSEMBLE
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INSPIRED ITINERARIES
Silversea
Discover the Authentic Beauty of Europe With its rich history and breathtaking scenery, Europe has long been a land of captivating wonder. From Barcelona to Bodrum, Silversea is uniquely experienced in revealing the continent's hidden secrets because it is our home.
Ålesund, Norway
Venice to Athens 1 1 D AY S D AT E : August 6, 2024 S H I P : Silver Ray
Copenhagen to Copenhagen 1 4 D AY S D AT E : September 19, 2024 S H I P : Silver Dawn
ITINERARY
Fusina (Venice), Italy Trieste, Italy Zadar, Croatia Split, Croatia Dubrovnik, Croatia Bari, Italy Kotor, Montenegro Corfu, Greece Argostoli, Cephalonia, Greece Day At Sea Santorini, Greece Piraeus (Athens), Greece
2 0 D AY S D AT E : November 2, 2024 S H I P : Silver Moon ITINERARY
ITINERARY
Copenhagen, Denmark Day At Sea Ålesund, Norway Day At Sea Narvik, Norway Leknes, Vestvågøy, Norway Tromsø, Norway Alta, Norway Day At Sea Sortland, Norway Day At Sea Flåm, Norway Bergen, Norway Day At Sea Copenhagen, Denmark
ENSEMBLE EXCLUSIVE OFFER
Up to US$600 shipboard credit per suite
Round-trip to Lisbon
ENSEMBLE EXCLUSIVE OFFER
Up to US$600 shipboard credit per suite
Lisbon, Portugal Day At Sea Tangier, Morocco Casablanca, Morocco Gibraltar, Gibraltar Day At Sea Palma de Mallorca, Spain Day At Sea La Goulette (Tunis), Tunisia Valletta, Malta (Overnight) Siracusa, Sicily, Italy Palermo, Sicily, Italy Cagliari, Sardinia, Italy Day At Sea Valencia, Spain Cartagena, Spain Málaga, Costa del Sol, Spain Cádiz, Spain (Overnight) Lisbon, Portugal ENSEMBLE EXCLUSIVE OFFER
Ensemble Hosted Cruise with an Ensemble host, private cocktail party and an Ensemble Experience shore event
From US$9,900
From US$10,200
From US$14,800
per person, including all taxes and fees*
per person, including all taxes and fees*
per person, including all taxes and fees*
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INSPIRED ITINERARIES
Azamara
Free Upgrades, Onboard Credits & Suite Savings Book a select 2024 cruise to receive a free stateroom upgrade or 20% off a suite. Plus, receive a US$1,000 onboard credit* to be used on exciting shore excursions, specialty dining, spa treatments and more!
Azamara Onward and sister ships
France Intensive Voyage
Scotland Intensive Voyage
Italy Intensive Voyage
12 NIGHTS
11 NIGHTS
7 NIGHTS
D AT E : June 10, 2024 S H I P : Azamara Quest
D AT E : June 20, 2024 S H I P : Azamara Onward
D AT E : June 29, 2024 S H I P : Azamara Pursuit
ITINERARY
ITINERARY
ITINERARY
Bordeaux, France La Rochelle, France Nantes, Loire Valley, France Brest, France Saint Peter Port, Guernsey Saint-Malo, France Cherbourg, France Honfleur, France Zeebrugge (Bruges), Belgium Amsterdam, Netherlands
Southampton, England Day At Sea Leith (Edinburgh), Scotland Dundee, Scotland Invergordon, Scotland Kirkwall, Scotland Stornoway, Scotland Oban, Scotland Greenock (Glasgow), Scotland Dublin, Ireland
Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy Porto Santo Stefano, Italy Livorno (Florence/Pisa), Italy Portovenere, Italy Portofino, Italy Genoa (Milan), Italy Monte Carlo, Monaco
ENSEMBLE EXCLUSIVE OFFER
US$200 onboard credit per stateroom
ENSEMBLE EXCLUSIVE OFFER
US$200 onboard credit per stateroom
US$200 onboard credit per stateroom
From US$4,161
From US$1,848
From US$1,848
per person, additional taxes of US$226*
per person (Veranda) with promotion applied, additional taxes of US$148*
per person (Veranda) with promotion applied, additional taxes of US$148*
ENSEMBLE EXCLUSIVE OFFER
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INSPIRED ITINERARIES
Oceania Cruises
The Best Value in Luxury Cruising With Oceania Cruises’ simply MORE ™ offer, enjoy 2 for 1 cruise fares, FREE roundtrip airfare with FREE airport transfers, FREE shore excursions, FREE champagne, wine and more, FREE gourmet specialty dining and FREE unlimited Wi-Fi.
Veranda Stateroom aboard Oceania Cruises
Greek & Turkish Delights
Yachts & Palaces
Endless Rivieras
7 D AY S
1 0 D AY S
7 D AY S
D AT E : June 12, 2024 S H I P : Vista
D AT E : August 14, 2024 S H I P : Vista
D AT E : July 29, 2025 S H I P : Allura
ITINERARY
Piraeus (Athens), Greece Santorini, Greece Rhodes, Greece Antalya, Turkey Bodrum, Turkey Kuşadası (Ephesus), Turkey Istanbul, Turkey ENSEMBLE EXCLUSIVE OFFER
Free pre-paid gratuities
ITINERARY
Piraeus (Athens), Greece Heraklion, Crete, Greece Katakolon, Greece Igoumenitsa, Greece Argostoli, Cephalonia, Greece Taormina, Sicily, Italy Amalfi/Positano, Italy Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy Propriano, Corsica, France Portofino, Italy Monte Carlo, Monaco
ITINERARY
Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy Livorno (Florence/Pisa), Italy Portofino, Italy Day At Sea Palma de Mallorca, Spain Barcelona, Spain Saint-Tropez, France Monte Carlo, Monaco ENSEMBLE EXCLUSIVE OFFER
Free pre-paid gratuities
ENSEMBLE EXCLUSIVE OFFER
Ensemble Hosted Cruises with an Ensemble host, private cocktail party and an Ensemble Experience shore event
From US$4,949 per person (Veranda Stateroom B3)
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From US$5,799 *
per person (French Veranda)
From US$4,699 *
per person (French Veranda)*
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INSPIRED ITINERARIES
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Gift of Travel: Up to 30% Savings Give yourself the best gift of all: the Gift of Travel. Anticipate unforgettable experiences, cultural enrichment and cherished memories that will be the highlight of 2024 and beyond. Unwrap up to 30% savings when you reserve your suite by December 31, 2023.
Venice, Italy
Majestic Glaciers
Kingdoms of the North
Dreams of Dalmatia
7 NIGHTS
1 0 D AY S
10 NIGHTS
D AT E : May 8, 2024 S H I P : Seven Seas Explorer
D AT E : July 12, 2024 S H I P : Seven Seas Voyager
D AT E : May 14, 2024 S H I P : Seven Seas Navigator
ITINERARY
Seward, Alaska Cruising Hubbard Glacier Sitka, Alaska Skagway, Alaska Juneau, Alaska Ketchikan, Alaska Cruising the Inside Passage Vancouver, British Columbia ENSEMBLE EXCLUSIVE OFFER
US$100 shipboard credit per person
ITINERARY
Antwerp, Belgium Amsterdam, Netherlands (Overnight) Tilbury (London), England Cruising the North Sea Newhaven (Edinburgh), Scotland Invergordon, Scotland Lerwick, Shetland Islands, Scotland Ullapool, United Kingdom Belfast, Northern Ireland
ITINERARY
Piraeus (Athens), Greece Kuşadası (Ephesus), Turkey Santorini, Greece Katakolon, Greece Igoumenitsa, Greece Kotor, Montenegro Dubrovnik, Croatia (Overnight) Korčula, Croatia Trieste, Italy (Overnight) ENSEMBLE EXCLUSIVE OFFER
US$100 shipboard credit per person
Ensemble Hosted Cruises with an Ensemble host, private cocktail party and an Ensemble Experience shore event
From US$6,799
From US$9,999
From US$9,649
per person, G2 Deluxe Veranda Suite*
per person, H Deluxe Veranda Suite
ENSEMBLE EXCLUSIVE OFFER
RANGE BEST BY ENSEMBLE
*
per person, H Deluxe Window Suite*
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INSPIRED ITINERARIES
Holland America Line
Have It All Get Holland America Line’s best amenities included at 50% off: shore excursions, drink package, specialty dining and Wi-Fi package.
Rotterdam, Netherlands
Ancient Mysteries & Egypt
Britain, Scotland & Ireland
1 4 D AY S
1 4 D AY S
D AT E : September 21, 2024 S H I P : Nieuw Amsterdam
D AT E : August 3, 2024 S H I P : Rotterdam
ITINERARY
Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy Day At Sea Katakolon (Olympia), Greece Souda (Chania), Greece Cruising the Dardanelles Istanbul, Turkey (Overnight) İzmir (Ephesus), Turkey Kuşadası (Ephesus), Turkey Rhodes, Greece Limassol, Cyprus Port Said, Egypt Alexandria (Cairo), Egypt Day at Sea Piraeus (Athens), Greece ENSEMBLE EXCLUSIVE OFFER
Ensemble Hosted Cruises with an Ensemble host, private cocktail party and an Ensemble Experience shore even
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North Cape & the Midnight Sun 1 4 D AY S D AT E : June 8, 2024 S H I P : Rotterdam
ITINERARY
Rotterdam, Netherlands Day At Sea South Queensferry (Edinburgh), Scotland Invergordon, Scotland Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, Scotland Portree, Isle of Skye, Scotland Day At Sea Belfast, Northern Ireland Dún Laoghaire (Dublin), Ireland Liverpool, England Holyhead, Wales Cobh (Cork), Ireland Day At Sea Zeebrugge (Brussels), Belgium Rotterdam, Netherlands
Rotterdam, Netherlands Day At Sea Ålesund, Norway Trondheim, Norway Day At Sea Honningsvåg, Norway Cruising North Cape Harstad, Norway Bodø, Norway Day At Sea Kirkwall, Scotland Portree, Isle of Skye, Scotland Invergordon, Scotland South Queensferry (Edinburgh), Scotland Day At Sea Rotterdam, Netherlands
ENSEMBLE EXCLUSIVE OFFER
ENSEMBLE EXCLUSIVE OFFER
ITINERARY
Ensemble Hosted Cruises with an Ensemble host, private cocktail party and an Ensemble Experience shore even
Ensemble Hosted Cruises with an Ensemble host, private cocktail party and an Ensemble Experience shore even
From US$4,199
From US$4,499
From US$3,899
per person (Verandah), additional taxes of US$205*
per person (Verandah), additional taxes of US$265*
per person (Verandah), additional taxes of US$215*
RANGE BEST BY ENSEMBLE
INSPIRED ITINERARIES
Atlas Ocean Voyages
Epicurean Expeditions Through Europe Journeys of discovery abound on Epicurean Expeditions. Guided by a Gastronomic Guest, Visiting Vintner or Tastes & Traditions Expert, guests will be immersed in European cultures through explorations of fine food and wine.
Adriatic Coast
Lyrical Lands 8 NIGHTS D AT E : June 5, 2024 S H I P : World Traveller™
Best of Costa Brava & France
Adriatic Coast & Ancient Greece
7 NIGHTS
7 NIGHTS
D AT E : May 13,2024 S H I P : World Traveller™
D AT E : July 1, 2024 S H I P : World Traveller™
ITINERARY
Venice, Italy Ancona, Italy Trani, Italy Monemvasia, Greece Myrina, Limnos, Greece Istanbul, Turkey Piraeus (Athens), Greece
ITINERARY
Barcelona, Spain Palamos, Spain Propriano, Corsica, France Ile-Rousse, Corsica, France Saint-Tropez, France Cannes, France Nice, France
ENSEMBLE EXCLUSIVE OFFER
Fall Savings Event: Second guest sails free and bonus savings of up to US$2,000 per stateroom.
ENSEMBLE EXCLUSIVE OFFER
Fall Savings Event: Second guest sails free and bonus savings of up to US$2,000 per stateroom.
ITINERARY
Dubrovnik (Old Town), Croatia Trani, Italy Kotor, Montenegro Durress (Tirana), Albania Corfu, Greece Zakynthos, Greece Nafplion (Mycenae/Epidaurus), Greece Piraeus (Athens), Greece ENSEMBLE EXCLUSIVE OFFER
Fall Savings Event: Second guest sails free and bonus savings of up to US$2,000 per stateroom.
From US$3,999
From US$2,399
From US$2,999
per person (AO Stateroom) with promotion applied, additional taxes and fees of US$450*
per person (AO Stateroom) with promotion applied, additional taxes and fees of US$350*
per person (AO Stateroom) with promotion applied, additional taxes and fees of US$350*
RANGE BEST BY ENSEMBLE
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INSPIRED ITINERARIES
Viking®
Embark on a Journey of Discovery Viking ® offers extraordinarily well-designed voyages that bring you closer to the cultures of the world. Its intimate vessels sail into the heart of your destination, where new discoveries are just a short walk from your ship.
Budapest, Hungary
Rhine Getaway
Danube Waltz
Grand European Tour
7 NIGHTS
7 NIGHTS
14 NIGHTS
D AT E : November 15, 2024 S H I P : Viking Eir
D AT E : November 12, 2024 S H I P : Viking Ingvi
D AT E : November 11, 2024 S H I P : Viking Modi
ITINERARY
Basel, Switzerland Breisach, Germany Strasbourg, France Speyer & Rüdesheim, Germany Koblenz, Germany Cologne, Germany Kinderdijk, Netherlands Amsterdam, Netherlands ENSEMBLE EXCLUSIVE OFFER
US$100 shipboard credit per person; US$200 shipboard credit per suite
ITINERARY
Budapest, Hungary (Overnight) Bratislava, Slovakia Vienna, Austria Krems, Austria Linz, Austria Passau, Germany (Overnight) ENSEMBLE EXCLUSIVE OFFER
US$100 shipboard credit per person; US$200 shipboard credit per suite
ITINERARY
Budapest, Hungary (Overnight) Vienna, Austria (Overnight) Melk, Austria Passau, Germany Regensburg, Germany Nuremberg, Germany Bamberg, Germany Würzburg, Germany Wertheim, Germany Koblenz, Germany Cologne, Germany Kinderdijk, Netherlands Amsterdam, Netherlands ENSEMBLE EXCLUSIVE OFFER
US$100 shipboard credit per person; US$200 shipboard credit per suite
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From US$2,199
From US$2,199
From US$4,499
per person (Category F), including all taxes and fees*
per person (Category F), including all taxes and fees*
per person (Category F), including all taxes and fees*
RANGE BEST BY ENSEMBLE
INSPIRED ITINERARIES
Royal Caribbean International
A Legendary Journey Pack a lifetime of adventure into one epic Euro hop in 2024. See more of Europe with the cruise line voted Best Overall for 20 years running by Travel Weekly readers — Royal Caribbean.®
Rome, Italy
Western Mediterranean
Greek Isles
Norwegian Fjords
7 NIGHTS
7 NIGHTS
7 NIGHTS
D AT E S : May to September 2024 S H I P : Oasis of the Seas
D AT E S : May to October 2024 S H I P : Odyssey of the Seas
D AT E S : May to July 2024 S H I P : Anthem of the Seas
ITINERARY
ITINERARY
ITINERARY
Barcelona, Spain Palma de Mallorca, Spain Marseille, Provence, France La Spezia (Florence/Pisa), Italy Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy Naples/ Capri, Italy Day At Sea Barcelona, Spain
Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy Day At Sea Santorini, Greece Kuşadası (Ephesus), Turkey Mykonos, Greece Day At Sea Naples/Capri, Italy Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy
Southampton, England Day At Sea Bergen, Norway Olden, Norway Geiranger, Norway Haugesund, Norway Day At Sea Southampton, England
ENSEMBLE EXCLUSIVE OFFER
ENSEMBLE EXCLUSIVE OFFER
ENSEMBLE EXCLUSIVE OFFER
From $US1,109
From US$1,409
From $US1,419
per person, additional taxes and fees of $108*
per person, additional taxes and fees of $98*
per person, additional taxes and fees of $103 *
Up to US$100 onboard credit
Up to US$100 onboard credit
Up to US$100 onboard credit
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INSPIRED ITINERARIES
Seabourn
Uncover Europe Welcome to Seabourn — small, intimate ships that visit unique seaside towns that larger ships cannot access, where unexpected discoveries and meaningful connections await. On select departures, enjoy our Seabourn signature events, such as a private concert at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ephesus.
Evening at Ephesus private event
7-Day Greek Isles & Ephesus
11-Day Scandinavia & North Sea Ports
12-Day European Cultural Discovery
7 D AY S
1 1 D AY S
1 2 D AY S
D AT E : August 11, 2024 S H I P : Seabourn Encore
D AT E : July 3, 2024 S H I P : Seabourn Quest
D AT E : April 2, 2024 S H I P : Seabourn Venture
ITINERARY
Piraeus (Athens), Greece Mykonos, Greece Agios Nikolaos, Crete, Greece Symi, Greece Kuşadası (Ephesus), Turkey Çeşme, Turkey Day At Sea Piraeus (Athens), Greece
ITINERARY
Stockholm, Sweden Visby, Gotland, Sweden Day At Sea Copenhagen, Denmark Aalborg, Denmark Kristiansand, Norway Stavanger, Norway Day At Sea Leith (Edinburgh), Scotland Newcastle Upon Tyne, England
ITINERARY
Malaga, Spain Day At Sea Leixões (Porto), Portugal Vigo, Spain Day At Sea Douarnenez, France St. Helier, Jersey Cherbourg, Normandy, France Rouen (Paris), France Cruising the Seine River
ENSEMBLE EXCLUSIVE OFFER
US$400 bonus shipboard credit per suite
ENSEMBLE EXCLUSIVE OFFER
ENSEMBLE EXCLUSIVE OFFER
Ensemble Hosted Cruises with an Ensemble host, private cocktail party and an Ensemble Experience shore event
US$400 bonus shipboard credit per suite
From US$4,299
From US$5,999
From US$9,443
per person (Veranda Suite Category V1), including taxes of US$175*
per person (Veranda Suite Category V1), including taxes of US$640*
per person (Veranda Suite Category V1), including taxes of US$408*
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RANGE BEST BY ENSEMBLE
INSPIRED ITINERARIES
AmaWaterways
Save 20% with AmaWaterways Save 20% on all stateroom categories on select Europe and Mekong River Cruises.
Gems of Southeast Europe 8 D AY S D AT E : March 25, 2024 S H I P : AmaVerde ITINERARY
Budapest, Hungary Mohács, Hungary Vukovar, Croatia Belgrade, Serbia Golubac Fortress, Serbia Vidin, Bulgaria Rousse, Bulgaria Giurgiu, Romania Belgrade, Serbia
ENSEMBLE EXCLUSIVE OFFER
US$300 onboard credit per stateroom on select 2024 sailings
From US$3,537 per person*
Carnival Cruise Line
Discover Europe on a Carnival Cruise! Choose fun together on a Carnival® cruise vacation to stunning ports throughout Europe’s best destinations. Along the way, indulge in delicious food, experience exciting nightlife, spectacular entertainment and all the incredible museums, castles, stargazing and more that Europe has to offer.
10-Day Europe from Rome, Italy 10 NIGHTS D AT E : October 6, 2024 S H I P : Carnival Legend®
Family dining at Cucina del Capitano®
RANGE BEST BY ENSEMBLE
ITINERARY
Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy Mykonos, Greece Santorini, Greece Piraeus (Athens), Greece Katakolon (Olympia), Greece Messina, Sicily, Italy Naples (Amalfi/Pompeii), Italy Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy ENSEMBLE EXCLUSIVE OFFER
Up to 35% off cruise rates, 50% reduced deposits and up to US$50 onboard credit
From US$949 per person*
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TERMS AND CONDITIONS
SILVERSEA
*Air is not available in all countries and to all destinations. Not available in Asia, New Zealand, LATAM, and some countries in Europe. Should you book your air independently or should the desired air not be available, a non-use credit will be offered that you can apply as extra savings to your cruise fare. Reduced Rates Special Business Class upgrades are available only in selected destinations, depending on Silversea’s air program flight schedule. Pre- and post-cruise hotel nights are included depending on Silversea’s air program flight schedule. Shore Excursions are included in all expedition and classic voyages. Classic voyages include one excursion per port, per day. Private Executive Transfers between home/airport (or port/home) are included for distances of up to 50 miles, and where provided by the operator. Service is not offered in all cities. Visit Blacklane.com for more details. While Silversea strives to serve guests all listed items, some items may be excluded in certain destinations, such as the Galapagos. Visit www.silversea.com/terms-andconditions.html for full offer details and complete Terms and Conditions. GENERAL EXCLUSIONS: All fares, savings, offers, programs, and itineraries are subject to change without notice. Any fares shown are per guest, based on double occupancy. Additional restrictions may apply. This document may contain inadvertent technical or factual inaccuracies and typographical errors. Silversea reserves the right to correct errors and omissions at any time without prior notice, and to cancel any offered product, service, program, reward, savings, credit, amenity, etc. in the event of any error or omission in the description, including pricing and availability. Visit www.silversea.com/termsand-conditions.html for full offer details and complete Terms and Conditions.
AZAMARA
*Stateroom Category Upgrade Offer (“Offer”) applies to new, individual, and non-contracted group bookings created between September 7, 2023, and December 5, 2023 (the “Offer Period”), only to select sailings departing between January 3, 2024, and November 9, 2024. Offer provides a Stateroom Category Upgrade on select 2024 voyages which allows guests to book one of the following: (i) a Veranda Plus stateroom (P2, P3) at a Veranda stateroom (V2, V3) price; (ii) Veranda stateroom (V2, V3) at an Oceanview stateroom (05, 06, 08) price; or (iii) an Oceanview stateroom (05, 06, 08) at an Interior stateroom (09, 10, 11, 12) price. Bookings must be made in desired category, which will be priced at the lower fare at the time of booking. Not all sailings or categories will feature the Stateroom Category Upgrade; (iv) for guests booking a suite-class stateroom, offer includes 20% off the Cruise Fare. All other charges, including, but not limited to, taxes, fees, and port expenses, are additional and apply to all guests. Limit one offer per stateroom. In addition, the Offer provides a $1,000 USD per stateroom onboard credit (“OBC”). For eligibility, all guests must be named, and a full deposit must be made prior to the end of the Offer Period. Offer is also combinable with exclusive Travel Partner promotions, Back-to-Back Benefits, onboard booking savings, Azamara Circle Quarterly Savings, Net Rates, and National Account Hosted Programs. Unless stated otherwise, Offer is not combinable with Last Minute Voyages, Closed User Rates, Employee Rates, Interline Rates, and Travel Agent Rates. Offer is not applicable to 3rd and 4th guests in a stateroom. Offer is not applicable to incentive or contracted groups. After the Offer Period, Offer will be removed from the booking if any of the following events occur: (i) the guest cancels and reinstates the booking; (ii) applies a fare change; or (iii) changes the ship or sail date of the booking. Certain other changes to the booking may also result in removal of Offer. Offer is subject to availability and change without notice. Offer may be withdrawn at any time. Single-occupancy guests paying 200% cruise fare are eligible for the full amount of the Offer. Single-occupancy guests paying less than 200% cruise fare are eligible for a prorated amount of Offer. This Offer is applicable to United States, Canada, and select global markets only. Refer to Azamara.com/ stateroomupgrade and the Cruise Ticket Contract for additional terms and conditions. The Wave Offer (the “Offer”) applies to new individual bookings created between December 5, 2023, and March 21, 2024. Offer is valid for select sailings departing between June 1, 2024, through November 15, 2024. Limited combinability. Open for purchases made in U.S., Canada, and select global markets. For complete terms and conditions of Offer, visit Azamara. com/waveoffer.
OCEANIA CRUISES
*Offers and fares are subject to change on 1/1/24. Contact your travel advisor for current pricing. All fares are per person in U.S. dollars, valid for residents of the United States and Canada, based on double occupancy (unless otherwise noted) – except fares for Solo category, which are for a single traveler and are based on single occupancy – for new bookings only and may be withdrawn at any time. Free Internet amenity does not include streaming and includes a login for the first two devices per stateroom. simply MORE amenities are
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per stateroom, based on double occupancy and subject to change; except simply MORE amenities for single travelers who are booked in a Solo category, and are at the per-guest rate. simply MORE free shore excursion credit varies by voyage and is up to $1,600 per stateroom, except for Grand Voyages as amenity value varies according to voyage length, and for single travelers booked in a Solo category as amenity is at the per-guest rate. simply MORE Champagne, Wine, and More amenity is the House Select beverage package and is valued up to $2,800 per stateroom, except for Grand Voyages as amenity value varies according to voyage length, and for single travelers booked in a Solo category as amenity is at the per-guest rate. simply MORE Champagne, Wine, and More amenity is only available during lunch and dinner in onboard restaurants. simply MORE shore excursion credit has no cash value. Not all promotions are combinable. 2 for 1, simply MORE fares are based on published Full Brochure Fares; such fares may not have resulted in actual sales in all suite and stateroom categories and do not include optional charges as detailed in the Guest Ticket Contract, which may be viewed, along with additional terms, at OceaniaCruises.com. simply MORE without airfare does not include airfare or transfers. All fares include government fees & taxes. Premium Economy Air Upgrade is only available when air is purchased through Oceania Cruises. It applies to intercontinental flights only and is priced per person, each way, on select voyages from select gateways, open to all categories for Europe embark and/or disembark ports only, based on availability. Not all amenities will be available on all carriers. “Airfare” includes ground transfers, and offer applies to coach, round-trip flights only from the following airports: ATL, BOS, CLT, DCA, DEN, DFW, DTW, EWR, IAD, IAH, JFK, LAX, LGA, MCO, MDW, MIA, ORD, PHL, PHX, SAN, SAV, SEA, SFO, TPA, YOW, YUL, YVR, YYZ. Oceania Cruises reserves the right to assign gateways based on availability for JFK, LGA and MIA. Gateways are subject to change at any time. Free Round-trip Airport Transfer offer is only available when simply MORE Airfare is purchased through Oceania Cruises. Round-trip Airport Transfer is included only from the above gateways. Airfare is available from all other U.S. and Canadian gateways for an additional charge. “Airfare” includes all airline fees, surcharges and government taxes. Airline-imposed personal charges such as baggage fees may apply. The privacy and protection of personal data is very important to us, and we collect, use, share and secure that data as described in our privacy policy. Oceania Cruises reserves the right to correct errors or omissions and to change any and all fares, fees, promotions and surcharges at any time. Ships’ Registry: Marshall Islands.
REGENT SEVEN SEAS CRUISES
*Gift of Travel offer is capacity-controlled and applies to new bookings only made between November 13 and December 31, 2023. Guests will receive savings of up to 30% on select 2024 and 2025 voyages. Offer is open to select suite categories on Seven Seas Mariner®, Seven Seas Explorer®, Seven Seas Splendor®, Seven Seas Voyager® and Seven Seas Navigator®. Offer is valid only for residents of the US and Canada who either book directly with Regent Seven Seas Cruises® or through travel advisors located only in the US and Canada.
HOLLAND AMERICA LINE
*Have It All Offer codes are per-person per-day to add to the Have It All Premium Package of amenities. Offer is subject to availability. Have it All Offer code is available for bookings, for those who would like to add on the HIA Amenities. This applies only to the cruise portion of Alaska Cruisetours, is not combinable with any other discounts and is not transferable or refundable. Commission, Gap and TC are based off the cruise fare. Have It All Offer code pricing is dependent on the time of booking; bookings made prior to April 21, 2022, retain previous pricing structure. Offer is applicable only on select 2023 & 2024 departures. Signature Beverage Package has a daily limit of 15 beverages, which includes all beverages priced at US$11.00 or less and includes beverage service charges. Beverage packages include non-alcoholic beverages such as sodas and specialty coffees. Guests must order beverages one at a time and must be 21 years or older for alcoholic beverages. Sharing is not permitted. Beverage management reserves the right to revoke the package if misused and refuse service for any reason, including service of alcoholic beverages to intoxicated guests. Package excludes purchases made in Signature Shops, Mini Bar and In2Room Dining, or beverages on Half Moon Cay. Specialty dining is based on cruise duration and ship type. For 6–9-day voyages, guests will receive one night at Pinnacle Grill, Canaletto or Tamarind. For ships without Tamarind, guests will receive one night at Pinnacle Grill or Canaletto. For 10–20-day voyages, guests will receive two nights: one night at Pinnacle Grill and one night at Canaletto and/or one night at Tamarind. For ships without Tamarind, guests will receive two nights: one night at Pinnacle Grill and one night at Canaletto. For 21+ day voyages (excluding Grands), guests will receive three nights: one night at Pinnacle Grill, one night at
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Tamarind and one night at Canaletto. For ships without Tamarind, guests will receive three nights: two nights at Pinnacle Grill, one night at Canaletto. Offer excludes Specialty Dining Events in the Pinnacle Grill such as Sel De Mer, De Librije and Sommelier Dinner. Reservations and dining times will be available to pre-reserve. Shore excursion offer is based on cruise duration and is per person, not per stateroom. For Alaska cruisetours and 6–9-day voyages, eligible guests will receive US$100 credit per person to apply toward their Shore Excursion purchase(s). For 10–20-day voyages, eligible guests will receive US$200 credit per person to apply toward their Shore Excursion purchase(s). For 21+ day voyages (excluding Grands), eligible guests will receive US$300 credit per person to apply toward their Shore Excursion purchase(s). Shore Excursion credit must be used pre-cruise when used towards an Alaska Cruisetour Land Excursion purchase. Shore excursion credit must be used on corresponding cruise and is non-refundable. Shore excursion credit cannot be redeemed for cash value or applied to a non-shore excursion item. Wi-Fi Surf Package: Surf your favorite sites including emails, sports and news, and general browsing. All onboard Internet usage is subject to HAL standard policies, which may limit browsing of some sites due to network security and bandwidth usage. Applications that use high bandwidth may be blocked and offerings are subject to change with or without notice. The plan can be activated on any device but only one device can be actively connected at a time. Upgrades are available once onboard for a single day or the remaining duration of the voyage or for adding more devices. Wi-Fi is only available for 1st/2nd guests in a stateroom.
ATLAS OCEAN VOYAGES
*Fall Savings Event applies to new bookings made between October 2 and December 31, 2023, for all expeditions sailing November 2023 and later. Fares quoted are in U.S. dollars per guest, cruise only and based on double occupancy for Adventure Oceanview (AO) Stateroom, where Second Guest Sails FREE promotion and Bonus Savings have already been applied. Single Explorer Fares are available; however, fares for third guests are not discounted. Other staterooms may be available at discounted fares. Air, shore excursions, port charges and fees are additional. Bonus Savings amount is up to $2,000 for suites and up to $1,000 for staterooms and vary by expedition and suite or stateroom category selected. Promotion is combinable with Sail More Save More promotion, and Military Edge savings where eligible military veterans may receive up to an additional 20% savings on select voyages. Promotion may not be combinable with other special offers. Fares are subject to increase at any time without notice. Special offers and inclusions are capacity-controlled and may be changed or withdrawn from any voyage at any time without notice. U.S. and Canadian travelers may require visas for travel. Additional restrictions may apply.
BACK COVER PHOTO: BJORN AGERBEEK/UNSPLASH.
VIKING®
*Prices are accurate as of November 1, 2023. Offer valid on bookings made from November 15 to December 31, 2023; expires December 31, 2023. Availability fluctuates; please see website for current pricing. Cruise fares listed are for cruise and cruisetour only and fares/discount offers are based on double occupancy. Prices are based on lowest price point and category at time of print and are subject to change without notice. Prices listed reflect 2024 departures. Air prices are per person based on the cruise/cruisetour check-in date, and include transfers plus all government taxes and fees of approx. $160 and air fuel surcharges. Additional airline-imposed baggage charges may apply. Consult your airline. Subject to availability and may not be combinable with any other offers. Air does not have to be purchased to get cruise/tour offer. Pay in Full: Based on booking open date; see your travel advisor for details. Additional restrictions may apply; see Passenger Ticket Contract at viking.com/rivers. SBC: $100 shipboard credit offer is per person and is only valid on new FIT bookings reserved between November 15 and December 31, 2023, for the following itineraries: Grand European Tour, Rhine Getaway and Danube Waltz. This shipboard credit is only eligible for bookings made within the booking window and for itineraries provided above and must sail in 2024/2025. No cash value. Booking must be deposited for offer to be valid. Not applicable to Viking Tours or any other Viking products. Shipboard credits are not applicable on group bookings or any bookings sailing within 60 days. Viking hotel stays during cruise tours and pre- or post-cruise extension packages are not eligible. Additional terms and conditions apply; see your Travel Advisor for details. Viking reserves the right to correct errors and to change any and all fares, fees and surcharges at any time. CST# 2052644-40
ROYAL CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL
*Price is per person, in USD, cruise only, applies to select sailings, based on double occupancy. Onboard Credit offer is valid for new, named group bookings made in Ensemble HQ Groups. Individual reservations may be transferred into an existing group, assuming required criteria are met. Offer includes up to $50 USD OBC per stateroom. Bookings will be eligible for an additional $50 OBC
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when group space is named and deposited 6 months prior to sailing. OBC is in USD, has no cash value, is non-transferable, not redeemable for cash, and will expire if not used by 10:00 PM on the last evening of the cruise. OBC will be applied automatically to all eligible reservations. Prices and offers are subject to availability and change without notice, capacity-controlled, and may be withdrawn at any time. Refer to your travel advisor for complete terms. ©2023 Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. Ships’ registry: Bahamas.
SEABOURN
*Pricing subject to change, per person based on double occupancy in USD, inclusive of port taxes and fees, combinable with current promotions. Ensemble amenity shipboard credit is subject to conditions, not combinable with The Finale Sail. Ensemble hosted sailings subject to minimum group qualifications, and may be substituted for shipboard credit. Evening at Ephesus signature event is complimentary for all Seabourn guests, weather permitting. Itineraries are subject to change.
AMAWATERWAYS
*20% CRUISE SAVINGS is applicable to new 2023 and 2024 FIT bookings, and new 2024 group contracts for new 2024 group bookings, reserved July 1 – December 31, 2023. 20% cruise savings is applicable to select 2023 and 2024 Europe sailings as noted. 20% savings applies to total cruise voyage fare only, based on stateroom category purchased and is applied after any eligible monetary discounts or discount credits are applied to booking. Offer is based on double occupancy and is applicable to all stateroom categories. Ask for promo code: SAVE20. Single Supplement of 20% is available for solo travelers only offer and excludes A+, AA+, S, SS, SB, SA, GS and OS Suites. Must mention promo code SOLO20 to receive. Upgrades, transfers, land packages, gratuities and airfare are additional. 20% Cruise Savings is combinable with Referral Savings, Military Service Member Savings, Loyalty Benefits, Future Cruise Benefit Program, and AirPlus promotions (if applicable on selected date). Offer is not combinable with any other promotions/offers including group discount, unless stated on new group contract for enhanced 2024 group dates. Offer is limited to availability, capacity-controlled and subject to change without notice. AmaWaterways reserves the right to correct any errors or omissions at any time. Other restrictions apply; visit AmaWaterways.ca/terms-conditions for full terms and conditions.
CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE
*Early Saver fare is subject to availability and is capacity-controlled. Onboard Credit is provided as a nontransferable/non-refundable credit to your Sail & Sign account of $12.50 per person up to $25 per stateroom on 25-day sailings and $25 per person up to $50 per stateroom on 6+ day sailings. 50% Reduced deposit is applicable to sailings outside of final payment due date and is valid for all ships, stateroom types and sail dates. Changes made to the reservation may result in the assessment of cancellation penalties or service fees. Full names are required for each guest. Carnival reserves the right to withdraw and/or change offer at any time without prior notice. Price Protection applies to the cruise fare only and does not include Taxes, Fees and Port Expenses. Taxes, Fees and Port Expenses range from $74.49 to $476.32, and are assessed on a per-guest basis for all guests according to the itinerary. Early Saver fare is backed by a unique price protection policy (only available on bookings made in USD currency) that allows you to adjust your cruise fare to the best available fare for a like-category stateroom (no downgrades allowed) advertised by Carnival and available to the general public. Price protection will be subject to the prevailing Taxes, Fees and Port Expenses and/or fuel supplement if applicable. Carnival will honor your request for price protection if the reduction on the total amount paid for your booking results only from a lower cruise fare and not from the booked ancillary services, such as air, transfers, pre-paid gratuities, or Taxes, Fees and Port Expenses. The guest is responsible for increases to ancillary services such as air, resulting from changes to ship and/or sail date, or adjustments to cruise fare. Early Saver price protection does not apply to group rates, membership programs, charters, select promotional fares, travel agent rebates, or other travel agent promotions not offered by Carnival to the general public. When repricing to a new promotion, guest assumes all terms and conditions of the new promotion and may forfeit any or all features associated with the original fare, such as cabin assignment, onboard credit, an upgrade, special deposit and payment terms, etc. A $50 change fee per guest will be assessed for ship and/ or sail-date changes made prior to final payment due date. Remaining funds are non-refundable/nontransferable and will be held as a future cruise credit (FCC). FCC issued in USD & must be used to book a new cruise within 12 months of cancel date. Guest may select their stateroom. Offer applies to new bookings made between October 16, 2023, and December 31, 2023. Bookings made as part of a group will include their amenities. Offer is applicable on sailings through April 2025 where Early Saver is available. Request rate code OHC. Ships’ Registry: Bahamas & Panama.
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Plan Your Next Euro Trip Thank you for traveling with us in the latest issue of Range Best by Ensemble. Start planning your next journey — beyond these pages — with your trusted Ensemble travel advisor.