INSIDERS CLUB YOUR GUIDE TO THE INSIDE
APRIL 2019 ISSUE
TABLE OF CONTENTS p 3-6
DISCOVER: HOLLAND AMERICA LINE / EUROPE
p 7-10
STAY: HOTELS 7. HOTEL DE RUSSIE, A ROCCO FORTE HOTEL 8. PULITZER AMSTERDAM 9. HAYFIELD MANOR 10. BAIRRO ALTO
p 11-16
EXCLUSIVE VIRTUOSO EXPERIENCES 11. HACIENDA ALTAGRACIA, AN AUBERGE RESORT, PEREZ ZELEDON, COSTA RICA 13. THE RITZ-CARLTON HOTEL DE LA PAIX, GENEVA, SWITZERLAND 15. FOR SOLO TRAVELERS: LIMITED-TIME OFFER, AQUA EXPEDITIONS
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HELLO TRAVELERS Born in the Netherlands, Holland America Line has not forgotten its roots, and specially designed European itineraries on the Koningsdam and Nieuw Statendam show off the deep knowledge of Europe the cruise line has. These journeys combine large cities with can’t-miss attractions and harder to reach ports that feature a slice of life in authentic destinations. With overnights in popular stops and local culinary treasures on board, it’s a fantastic way to traverse the continent.
DISCOVER HOLLAND AMERICA LINE /EUROPE
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It’s not just all roads that lead to Rome. With some of Holland America’s featured cruise itineraries in Europe, the waterways lead to Rome, too. A pair of signature itineraries sailing on the Koningsdam begin and end in Civitavecchia, the port of the Eternal City, and the Iberian Adventure on board the Nieuw Statendam skirts the edges of Europe from Amsterdam to Civitavecchia. “We specialize in unique itineraries all over the world,” Lauren Mindel, New England business development manager for Holland America, said. “Especially in Europe - we were born there and know what people desire to see.” These itineraries certainly deliver on that, with a mix of major cities and less visited ports. The 11-day Ancient Empires, with departures April 29, June 1 and Aug. 10 on the Koningsdam, sails round trip Rome with an overnight in Athens. Along the way, it visits ancient sites in Albania and Olympia plus the Greek Isles of Mykonos, Rhodes and Santorini, along with Naples and the Amalfi Coast. “We purposely include overnights and extended stays to allow for extra time in these cities so you don’t feel like you are missing out on the full
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experience,” Mindel said. Also on the Koningsdam, the 12day Mediterranean Legends - with sailings July 29 and Sept. 24 - spotlights the best of the Tyrrhenian and Adriatic seas. Going round trip Rome, it calls at Kotor, Montenegro, and the Croatian trio of Dubrovnik, Split, and Korcula plus Ravenna in Italy’s northeast. It then visits Corfu, Greece, before Sicily and an overnight on Malta before heading back to Rome. “Our ships are smaller than the general mass market lines, so we can fit into shallower ports of call,” Mindel said. “There’s a lot of thought and process with our itinerary team” in designing the journeys. That attention to detail extends to the shipboard experience with Explorations Central, where historians and people native to the region you’re visiting ready to work with guests to match them with shore excursions that highlight their interests. The experts share their knowledge of the area to help guests dive deep into a port for authentic experiences. The sense of place extends to meals, with local food and wine plus culinary theme nights and specialty drinks to bring the onshore experience onboard.
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The diversity of culture can really be felt on the 12-day Iberian Adventure sailing Sept. 15 from Amsterdam on the Nieuw Statendam. The cruise calls at Cork, Ireland, before an immersive experience in Spain and Portugal. Vigo in northwestern Spain pairs with Lisbon before an overnight in Cadiz leaves plenty of time to explore Seville. Continuing along the south of Spain, it stops at Gibraltar, Malaga and Cartagena before ending in Rome. During days at sea, guests can learn how to prepare local dishes in
America’s Test Kitchen, which like all shipboard entertainment is complementary and does not require a reservation. Holland America’s partnership with Food & Wine Magazine and membership in the Virtuoso culinary community ensures you’ll experience the flavors of Europe as well as the sights. Like Rome, these itineraries weren’t built in a day, and you’ll find that they’re just as spectacular.
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STAY
INSIDERS CLUB Hotel de Russie, a Rocco Forte hotel A Roman icon for nearly 200 years, Hotel de Russie is as renowned for its elegant styling as its envied position between the Spanish Steps and Piazza del Popolo. Delicate hues, contemporary décor and attention to detail highlight guest bedrooms. All rooms have been softly renovated, including the Popolo, Picasso and Nijinsky suites, adorned with original artworks and antique furniture, and many overlook the city’s rooftops or the hotel’s Secret Garden. Dine at Le Jardin de Russie in the extensive terraced gardens. The hotel boasts one of Rome’s best urban retreats, featuring a saltwater hydropool, sauna and steam room.
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Pulitzer Amsterdam Lose yourself in the Pulitzer Amsterdam, a labyrinth stretching through 25 historic canal houses and between two of Amsterdam’s most iconic canals. It’s easy to spend your Dutch days wandering the many passages, relaxing in the pleasant garden courtyard or perusing the walls adorned with quirky pieces from the hotel’s impressive modern art collection. Yet just beyond its doors lie the Anne Frank House, the Royal Palace and other city must-sees. The 225 residential-style rooms come in all shapes and sizes; book one with a canal view. Delightfully surprising dishes make Restaurant Jansz a foodie favorite.
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Hayfield Manor Nestled within private gardens in the city, Hayfield Manor unexpectedly brings to mind the Irish countryside of 18th-century novels. Linger upon arrival to absorb the unique hospitable ambience that greets you. Each individually styled bedroom is replete with antiques and lush fabrics. Unwind with afternoon tea, complete with champagne, fresh-baked goods and Irish teas. Savor the local gourmet fare for which Cork is renowned with fine dining in Orchids or a casual meal in Perrotts Bistro. The Beautique Spa has an array of Elemis treatments. Charming, first-class service sets Hayfield Manor apart as an experience beyond the best.
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Bairro Alto Bairro Alto Hotel Lisbon, is a 5-star boutique hotel in central Lisbon, located in the heart of historic downtown, between two of the most emblematic city districts, the bohemian Bairro Alto and the chic, cultural and trendy Chiado.A luxury boutique hotel, both cosmopolitan and trendy with a harmonious blend of old and new, that offers an excellent service in an atmosphere of warmth and relaxation. A unique and special place in the city of Lisbon, within walking distance to major shops, theaters, museums, restaurants and bars.
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EXCLUSIVE VIRTUOSO EXPERIENCES
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3rd Night Complimentary plus $100 additional resort credit Hacienda AltaGracia, an Auberge Resort Perez Zeledon, Costa Rica Valid for Travel Now Through 15 Dec 2019 -Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability -3rd night complimentary -Complimentary Full Breakfast for two daily served on Ambar Terrace -$200 USD equivalent Resort or Hotel credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full) -Early check-in/Late check-out, subject to availability -Complimentary Wi-Fi
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EXCLUSIVE VIRTUOSO EXPERIENCES
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Swiss Chocolate Immersion by Master Chocolatier Philippe Pascoet The Ritz-Carlton Hotel de la Paix Geneva, Switzerland Valid for Travel through 31 Dec 2019 A box of 9 handmade Swiss Chocolates by Master Chocolatier Philippe Pascoet. Chocolate art has a long history of excellence in Geneva and our Master Chocolatier Philippe Pascoet set the highest quality using traditional recipes and making every sweet treat by hand with only natural products. Our Maitre Chocolatier Philippe Pascoet, personally chooses the cocoa bean from various countries in South America. He transforms the chocolate from a gritty, bitter paste to the silky confection. Only the organic and the best farmers are chosen. -Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability -Complimentary Full American Breakfast in the main restaurant or Continental Breakfast in room for two daily for duration of the stay -$100 USD equivalent Food & Beverage credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full) -Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability -Complimentary Wi-Fi
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EXCLUSIVE VIRTUOSO EXPERIENCES
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For Solo Travelers: Limited-Time Offer Aqua Expeditions Valid for Travel Now Through 30 Jun 2019 We’re extending our special offer for solo travelers: No single supplement in all 3-, 4- and 7-night departures! Terms and conditions: -Waived single supplement offer is only valid on select departure dates. -Waived single supplement is limited to cabins selected by Aqua Expeditions on board the Aria Amazon and Aqua Mekong. -Full non-refundable prepayment required at time of booking. -Not combinable with any other offers, promotions or discounts. -Valid on new bookings only. -Aqua Expeditions reserves the right to withdraw special offers at any time and without notice.
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INSIDERS CLUB YOUR GUIDE TO THE INSIDE