Ensemble Lifestyles - Fall 2015

Fall 2015

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Lifestyles

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AUTHENTIC LOCAL COLOR

United Kingdom Scotland • England • Wales • Northern Ireland

RIO DE JANEIRO Planning

for the 2016 Olympics

ST. LUCIA

Learning

Savor the BASQUE

Retreat

AT SEA

REGION OF SPAIN

Dear Mr. & Mrs. Smith, We are pleased to present Ensemble Lifestyles™, the magazine for inspired travelers and preferred clients like you.

In this issue, we explore the United Kingdom’s off-the-beaten-path treasures. Join Michael Shapiro for a ‘wee dram’ on a whisky tour through Scotland’s Inner Hebrides. Take a leisurely stroll through England’s famous gardens, and discover why English bubbly (yes, English wine) is making a splash with wine connoisseurs. Dive into a coasteering adventure in Wales with Margie Goldsmith, and take a road trip up Northern Ireland’s coast to the magnificent Giant’s Causeway.

Across the globe, Nancy Hellmrich enjoys a rejuvenating spa getaway in St. Lucia. Our on location expert shares the inside scoop on Rio de Janeiro – just in time for the 2016 Olympic games. Sarah Treleaven discovers the joys of a transatlantic crossing, while Georganne Shirk savors the food, wine, and art of the Basque region of Spain. Patricia Schultz, author of 1,000 Places to See Before You Die, shares her personal travel recommendations and advice, and our experts share the best things to see and do in San Diego.

Wherever your dream travel destination may be, we hope these stories inspire you to turn your aspirations into reality. As your travel specialists, be assured that we are ready with the knowledge, insider connections, and exclusive offers to make your travel wishes a dream come true.

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Ensemble Travel® Group membership enables us to bring you added amenities, custom touches, unexpected experiences, and a genuinely warm welcome wherever your travels take you. When your next opportunity for travel arises, be sure to inquire about the Ensemble® Exclusives that can make your trip an absolute dream come true.

Lifestyles

ED ITOR’S L ET T ER

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E DI T O R I A L Editor In Chief Creative Director Art Director at Large Advertorial Coordinator Feature Art Director

Georganne Shirk Laura Torrisi Yin Wong Allyn Bacher Ann Suh

Associate Editors

Kimberly Buerkle Alice Stroh

Copy Editors

Kimberly Buerkle Alice Stroh

Editorial Assistant

Haley Tomsheck

Staff Writer

Daniel Stein

DE S IG N

Torrisi Design Associates, Inc. P ROD U C T ION Production Manager

Wendy Russo

An Ensemble Travel® Group Publication Ensemble® Lifestyles is a publication of Ensemble Travel® Group. © September 2015 Ensemble Travel, Inc. All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reprinted or otherwise duplicated without written permission of the publisher.

Ensemble Travel Group, 256 West 38th Street, New York, NY 10018.

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Ensemble® Ensemble Travel® Ensemble® Hosted Cruises Ensemble® Hotel & Resort Collection Ensemble® On Location Ensemble® Villas & Vacation Homes Ensemble® Exclusives Ensemble® Experience Ensemble® Luxe Life and the floret design are registered and unregistered trademarks of Ensemble Travel, Inc.

Ensemble Lifestyles Winter 2015 1

I ALWAYS FIND IT FASCINATING to ask people about their favorite travel destination.

For those less traveled, they usually have a spot in mind. But for the true world traveler, they often search for a single answer as they have favorites for almost any category. In this issue I write about my trip to the Basque region of Spain. San Sebastian held a special allure as one of my friends said it was his favorite place on the planet.

That kind of a recommendation had a lot to live up to! And it didn’t disappoint. It is the perfect place to wander and savor the sights, sound, food and wine - for a day, a weekend, or a week – solo or with a group. Combine that with safety and friendly, helpful locals, and this region becomes one of my all-time favorites. But this trip was even more special as I had the chance to experience more of the region.

Ask a traveler about their favorite destination. After picking through the rush of places, ask for the reasons behind their selections to gain new travel ideas. Look through magazines (like this one) and keep articles that highlight new destinations or experiences for your travel “bucket list.” Share your favorites with your Ensemble-member travel agent who can help you sift through the options to match your travel interests, timeframe and budget. Who better to trust with helping you fulfill your “bucket list”?

And like me, your next trip may lead to a new “favorite” and more discoveries slightly further afield.

Wishing you all the joys of travel,

Georganne Shirk Editor In Chief

Ensemble Lifestyles Fall 2015 1

C ONT E N TS

Fall 2015

Features 10 Inside the Riads of Morocco b y NANCY HELLMRICH

Get an inside look at the gorgeous Riad Maison Bleue.

22

14 UNITED KINGDOM 15 Whisky is the Gateway to Scotland’s Inner Hebrides

15

M ICHAEL SHAPIRO explores the Scottish isles on a whisky tour.

18 T he Active Life in the Scottish Countryside

48

E LLEN PERLMAN enjoys “country

pursuits” in Scotland.

20 Quintessentially British

Departments

b y ROBIN CHERRY

Discover the pastoral charms of

1

Henley-on-Thames, Hambleden and Marlow.

22 The Glory of English Gardens

Garden photographer MARCUS HARPUR shares some of his

favorite English gardens.

25 Brit Pop

55

b y ROBIN CHERRY

Learn about England’s award-

winning sparkling wines.

26 Up Close and Personal with the Ocean: Coasteering in Wales

MARGIE GOLDSMITH jumps into a

local Wales adventure.

28 The Magic of Ireland’s North Coast

EMILY WESTBROOKS shares the

natural wonders and folklore of Ireland’s north coast.

48 Peace & Love to You My Friends

NANCY HELLMRICH travels to St. Lucia

for a rejuvenating girls’ getaway.

55 Savoring the Basque Region of Spain

GEORGANNE SHIRK enjoys the tastes

and local charms of Spain’s Basque region.

b y SUZANNE GANNON

Our on location expert shares his expertise on Rio de Janiero – just in time for the 2016 Olympics.

San Diego-based ARCHANA RAM

reveals the best things to see & do in the sunny city.

journey can be just as inspiring as the destination.

long layovers.

2 Ensemble Lifestyles Fall 2015

17 W orth the Journey

W hile in Scotland, Michael Shapiro

visits George Orwell’s home on the remote Isle of Jura.

39 Literary Escapes

Recommended reading for your

travels

Patricia Schultz, author of 1,000 Places to See Before You Die, shares her travel stories and advice.

68 Traveler’s Notebook

Ensemble® Exclusive deals & offers

64 San Diego For All Ages

S ARAH TRELEAVEN learns that the

L AURA JANA discovers the joys of

4 Contributors

40 Global Soul

60 Rings Around Rio

34 Go Back to Sea School

38 Becoming a “Long Layover-ist”

Letter from the Editor

60

D E ST I NAT I O N I N D E X

Australia 46 Brazil 60 China 9, 38 Denmark 58 Dubai 38 England 20, 22, 25 French Polynesia 37 Galapagos 42 Germany 38 Hawaii 33 Ireland 28 Japan 9 Morocco 10

New Zealand 32, 46

Norway 58 Russia 58 San Diego 64 Scotland 15, 18 Singapore 9, 38 Spain 55 St. Lucia 48 Sweden 58 Vietnam 9 Wales 26

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sightseeing authentic. With no more than 16 guests, our journeys are attentive to every need and honed by nearly 70 years of travel expertise. Plus, our guides are simply the best. Hailing from the lands you’ll visit, they have the knowledge and passion to engage you more deeply with the history and culture of their homelands.

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Ensemble Lifestyles Fall 2015 3

C ONT RI BUTO R S ROBIN CHERRY lives in the Hudson Valley and writes about travel, food, and popular culture. She’s written two books: Catalog: The Illustrated History of Mail Order Shopping and Garlic: An Edible Biography (with over 100 recipes). She’s visited over 100 countries and has a passion for Central and Eastern Europe. Quintessentially British, page 20; Brit Pop, page 25.

DR. LAURA JANA is an Omaha-based pediatrician, award-winning parenting and children’s book author, and proud mother of three teenagers. Having first served as a consultant to Dr. Benjamin Spock, she subsequently co-founded The Dr. Spock Company in the 1990s and has remained dedicated to promoting healthy lifestyles and offering parents credible, practical advice.

Becoming a “Long Layover-ist”, page 38.

Based in New York, award-winning journalist SUZANNE GANNON covers travel and leisure, food and wine, and culture and design. Her work has appeared in Town & Country, The New York Times, Art & Antiques, The Wall Street Journal, and Executive Traveler.

She has been a guest on NPR’s “Talk of the Nation” and published In the Garden with photographer Stacy Bass.

Rings Around Rio, page 60.

ELLEN PERLMAN is a Washington, D.C.-based

NYC-based writer, MARGIE GOLDSMITH writes experiential travel and profiles. She has interviewed Sir Richard Branson and Francis Ford Coppola. She has traveled to 129 countries and written about them all.

Her 40 writing awards include the prestigious Lowell Thomas Gold Award, and two Folio Awards. She is a triathlete, and Fellow Resident of the Explorer’s Club.

Visit: www.margiegoldsmith.com Up Close and Personal with the Ocean: Coasteering in Wales, page 26.

ARCHANA RAM is a San Diego-based writer whose

M ARTIN HAAKE has worked as a freelance illustrator

for 15 years. His clients include Barnes & Noble, The New York Times, Penguin Books, Bacardi, Yahoo, Playboy and The Hollywood Reporter. His work has garnered numerous international awards and been shown in national and international exhibitions in Berlin, Paris, Zurich and London. Martin’s work is influenced by the Surrealists and Dada artists as well as children’s book illustrations of the 1950s. United Kingdom, page 14.

MARCUS HARPUR has been photographing and

writing about gardens for over twenty years. His work appears in magazines and books around the world including House and Garden, Country Life, Gardens Illustrated and The English Garden. In 2014 his book, English Country House Gardens won Inspirational Book of the Year at the Garden Media Guild Awards. He lives with his children in the countryside of East Anglia.

The Glory of English Gardens, page 22.

Writer NANCY HELLMRICH splits her time between Colorado, Florida, and travel adventures. A former advertising creative director and current owner of Awfully Nice Copy, she has studied in Europe, camped in the Sahara, sailed the Mediterranean, spa’d in the Caribbean, wintered in Scandinavia, hiked New Zealand, and wandered the vineyards of Australia.

Inside the Riads of Morocco, page 10; Peace and Love to You My Friends, page 48.

4 Ensemble Lifestyles Fall 2015

freelance writer who specializes in active, adventurous and quirky travel, often geared for the solo traveler. Her travel stories and photographs have appeared in The Washington Post, the Boston Globe, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and many other major newspapers.

She blogs at boldlygosolo.com. The Active Life in the Scottish Countryside, page 18.

work has appeared in Travel + Leisure, Sunset, Delta Sky, San Diego Magazine, and CondeNastTraveler.com. She also blogs about her food and travel adventures at mysocaldlife.com. San Diego for All Ages, page 64.

MICHAEL SHAPIRO is author of A Sense of Place:

Great Travel Writers Talk About Their Craft, Lives, and Inspiration. His article on Jan Morris’s Wales was a cover story for National Geographic Traveler and won the prestigious Bedford Pace Award. Shapiro also writes about travel for Islands magazine and the Washington Post, Los Angeles Times and San Francisco Chronicle.

Visit: www.michaelshapiro.net Whisky is the Gateway to Scotland’s Inner Hebrides, page 15; Global Soul, page 40.

SARAH TRELEAVEN is a writer, and her work has

appeared in the National Post, Globe & Mail and Toronto Star newspapers, as well as Harper’s, The Walrus, ELLE Canada, Canadian Business and Chatelaine magazines. She is also co-host and co-producer of CBC radio’s How to Do It. Sarah mostly resides in Toronto with her boyfriend and a Chihuahua. Go Back to Sea School, page 34.

EMILY WESTBROOKS is a freelance writer and blogger, contributing regularly to Conde Nast Traveler, the Irish Independent, Vayable and Monocle. She writes a daily lifestyle and travel blog, From China Village (www.fromchinavillage.com), about her life as an American expatriate in Dublin, her adventures in Ireland and throughout Europe, and recently published a beautiful and useful e-guide called Delightful Dublin (www.delightfuldublin.com). The Magic of Ireland’s North Coast, page 28.

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Land Discoveries While most cruise lines offer shore excursions or guided tours, we offer “Land Discoveries.” You won’t just see the sights and taste the local fare. We offer new, exciting lands just waiting to be discovered. Our in-depth knowledge of every port’s highlights and unique offerings provide exclusive tours and excursions you won’t find anywhere else.

Please see page 71 for special offers from Azamara Club Cruises.

For more information, please contact your Ensemble Travel® Group consultant.

Ensemble Lifestyles Fall 2015 5

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Backroads has spent the past 36 years refining and expanding their collection of trips offered to match their guests’ interests. They are pleased to debut an exciting new kind of active travel experience: River Cruise Biking & River Cruise Walking Trips along the Danube, Rhine, Seine, Rhone, Garenne, Douro and Mekong Rivers.

With a “floating hotel” as home base, guests discover legendary waterways in Backroads’ signature style.

They’ll unpack once and enjoy unforgettable riverside panoramas, while chefs create culinary masterpieces that highlight regional traditions and cultures. And when on land, guests will be in the capable hands of the world’s finest ground crew (aka fabulous Backroads leaders), who provide effortless access into the heart of glorious cities and spectacular countryside. What’s more, these trips feature some of their most flexible itineraries, and are ideal for a range of cycling and walking abilities.

For 2016, Backroads offers nearly 100 river cruising departures! Backroads typically limits their guest count to 20 people for River Cruise Walking trips and 30 for River Cruise Biking trips, but for their special Full Ship Celebration trip, they have reserved an entire river ship exclusively for Backroads guests. This voyage will take 150 active travelers from Prague to Budapest, setting sail along the Danube River on September 8, 2016. For those looking to bring the family, Backroads also offers Family trips and Family Breakaway trips on select biking departures.

For special offers on Backroads trips please see page 68, and contact your Ensemble Travel® Group consultant.

6 Ensemble Lifestyles Fall 2015

At Le Royal Monceau – Raffles Paris

Ensemble® Exclusive Amenities Include A complimentary 3rd night from our Executive Room category; Upgrade at time of booking upon availability; Early Check-in and late Check-out upon availability; An American Buffet Breakfast for two daily served in our restaurant La Cuisine; One 85 Euros Food and Beverage Credit per stay; Use of Health, Fitness and Pool Facilities at our Spa My Blend by Clarins; Complimentary Wi-Fi Internet; Valid until March 31st 2016 For more information, please contact your Ensemble Travel® Group consultant.

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Crystal Revelry Crystal is celebrating its 25th anniversary as the world’s leading luxury cruise provider by inviting former captains to re-join the ships in its first-ever “Captain’s Cruises.” On December 19, 2015, Captain John Økland will join the Caribbean/Brazilian Holiday which sails from San Juan to Rio, where guests will ring in the new year. Økland will host a series of ‘invitation-only’ Captain’s Quarters parties, exclusive Vintage Room Dinners and select Shore Excursions.

He will also participate in a live interview sharing his Crystal memories. ®

Crystal’s Experiences of Discovery theme cruises offer informative onboard lectures and demonstrations along with optional shoreside excursions. Themes include golf, jazz, theater, and wine. One of the most popular is Ocean Views, in which topical world events are debated by guest ambassadors, professors, fourstar generals, and others. This year, new electronic devices allow the audience to participate.

8 Ensemble Lifestyles Fall 2015

Your Crystal experience is just as exciting on land, where you’ll enjoy Crystal Adventures: special excursions designed to give you unique insights into our fascinating destinations. The mysteries of the Orient will be revealed to you when you sail on Indochine Reflections, a 19-day cruise which sails from Singapore to Shanghai on March 12, 2016 and Oriental Odyssey, a 14-day cruise from Shanghai to Tokyo departing on March 31, 2016.

Tour former Saigon by pedicab, marveling at the stunning French colonial architecture. Visit Reunification Palace for a sober reflection on the war that divided both Vietnam and the American public, or enjoy an evening excursion that starts with cocktails on the rooftop of The Majestic, an opulent, colonial-style hotel overlooking the Saigon River. The Majestic was the Graham Greene’s preferred residence when he was writing The Quiet American, widely regarded as the best novel on Vietnam. After a music and dance performance, enjoy a dinner that includes crabmeat spring rolls and sautéed rice in lotus leaves.

In Singapore, you’ll be dazzled by a combination of colonial gems and futuristic icons like the legendary Raffles Hotel (home of the Singapore Sling) and Gardens by the Bay, where plants from around the world share space with 16-story, solar-powered, metal Supertrees that provide shade during the day and come alive at night with a dazzling light show. Explore the city on our comprehensive Spirit of Singapore City Adventure or delve into the the culture of the Peranakans, the descendants of Chinese immigrants who came to the area in the 15th and 16th centuries. We’ll visit a traditional Peranakan home where the owner, a fourth generation Peranakan, will discuss his heritage.

Take a pre-dinner cocktail cruise on Hong Kong’s harbor in a motorized Chinese junk that was hand-built using traditional building methods. Our Heritage Tour will take you to the Man Mo Temple and the Tai Po Market to get some insight into the daily life of locals and the Lung Yeuk Tau Heritage Trail, where you’ll learn about the Tangs, an ancient clan that still practices traditional customs.

To peer into Japan’s ancient culture, visit the Omiya Hachimangu Shrine where you’ll learn about calligraphy and see a tea ceremony and a kimono dressing demonstration, or travel to Kamakura and see the Great Buddha, a 43-foot bronze statue that dates back to 1252. Many excursions feature a private option so you can experience our destinations more intimately and as part of Crystal’s “You Care, We Care” program, every itinerary offers a complimentary voluntourism event. Help the staff at a Thai shelter for homeless animals on the island of Koh Samui, or work with children at a Cambodian orphanage in Sihanoukville Province, where the children will thank you with a musical performance.

With so many extraordinary opportunities, you’ll understand why Crystal invites you to “Enjoy a voyage that sails far beyond the ordinary.”

For special offers from Crystal Cruises please see page 73, and contact your Ensemble Travel® Group consultant.

Ensemble Lifestyles Fall 2015 9

Inside the Riads of Morocco

by NANCY HELLMRICH

Fez

L

ike crystal-filled geodes, traditional Moroccan homes have unassuming exteriors that belie alluring interiors, which never fail to delight those lucky enough to be invited inside. Named after the Arabic word for garden, Moroccan riads are inward-facing buildings with few, if any, exterior windows and central courtyards that are open to the sky. This architectural style provides protection from sun, wind, and prying eyes in a culture that values personal privacy. Inside, the central atria are filled with serene tropical gardens, flowing fountains, swimming pools, and zellige tile mosaics – in Majorelle Blue, the intense hue made famous by French artist Jacques Majorelle, and the vivacious green of

10 Ensemble Lifestyles Fall 2015

Patio pavilion

Islam. Around the perimeter, Moorish arches lead to interior corridors, intimate lounges, and private rooms.

Today, many Moroccan riads have been converted to boutique hotels, offering travelers a true insider’s view of the local lifestyle. Morocco’s former capital of Fez (Fes in French) is home to the city’s much lauded Riad Maison Bleue.

Riad Maison Bleue & Spa is the sister property to La Maison Bleue Hotel & Restaurant, a palatial residence built in 1915 by Mr. Sidi Mohammed El Abbadi, a respected judge

and theologian whose ancestors migrated to Morocco from Andalusia in the 1600s.

Today, Sidi Mohammed’s grandchildren keep the spirit of the house alive by welcoming cherished guests from all over the world to both their family home and an equally historic riad that was once owned by another local legal scholar.

Upon arrival at the El Abbadi riad, travelers are welcomed with orange-blossom infused beverages and almond-filled dates and greeted by Mr. Mehdi El Abbadi, the polished grandson of the early theologian. Asked to share a story about life at the hotel Mr. El Abbadi replied, “There are so many!” But his favorite involves a couple from Switzerland who visited in 2000 and fell in love with the hotel and its staff. Apparently, the feeling was mutual. The couple now visit twice a year and are considered “like family.”

Inside the riad’s magnificent front doors, it is easy to see why the couple were so taken with this private oasis. The complex consists of three interconnecting homes, which come together in a main courtyard with a swimming pool, enchanting fountains, and a garden of palms and mandarin trees.

Stained-glass windows, intricate wood carvings, antiquities, and sumptuous fabrics provide a feast for the eyes. Blissful guest suites are a masterful blend of Moroccan influences and modern sensibilities, including air-conditioning, fourposter beds, Egyptian cotton linens, complimentary WiFi, and private balconies. The full-service spa offers an array of treatments including the Moroccan hammam.

Fadel suite

Hammam

Upstairs, four rooftop terraces offer panoramic views of the walled medieval centers (medinas) of the city. Fez boasts two medinas, the larger Fés el-Bali (Old Fez) dates back to 789 AD and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city of Fez is home to The University of AlKaraouine, the oldest continually operating university in the world. Fez is also the birthplace of Her Royal Highness Princess Lalla Salma, wife of Morocco’s reformminded King Mohammed VI. After busy days visiting the royal palace, artisan shops, tanneries, and the 15th century Mellah, travelers return home to dine in La Maison Bleue Restaurant, a popular venue that carries with it a tradition of its own. According to family legend, Sidi Mohammed had four wives. Lala Khadija was his most privileged wife because of her skill in preparing Moroccan cuisine. When the family opened their home to guests, Chef Lala Khadija’s subtly spiced dishes won awards.

In the years that followed, she passed her secrets along to the current chef, Lala Sfia, so that travelers from all over the world could experience what life is really like inside the riads of Morocco. b

Restaurant Riad

EXPERIENCES. NOT SOUVENIRS.

WE COVER THE WORLD

For more information, please contact your Ensemble Travel Group Consultant.

Ensemble Lifestyles Fall 2015 29

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S

LOW RIDE It takes twenty times longer to cross the Atlantic on an ocean liner than on a plane, and therein lies the beauty of a transatlantic crossing on board a Cunard Queen. In the 1950’s, Cunard’s slogan was “getting there is half the fun,” and that just might be an understatement.

A

transatlantic crossing with Cunard hearkens back to the grandeur of the gilded age when travel was glamorous, romantic, and uncomplicated. Cunard’s gracious liner, Queen Mary 2, plies the waters between New York City and Southampton England on a seven-day crossing that’s guaranteed to be an affair to remember. Descend a sweeping three-story staircase into a world glistening with crystal chandeliers, Art Deco bronze wall panels, and Tiffany-style glass ceilings.

Days are filled with so many activities that many guests arrive wishing the passage were just a bit longer. Work out at the gym or jog around the Promenade Deck where three laps equal a mile. Book a treatment at the Canyon Ranch Spa and then relax in the aqua therapy pool. Enjoy a performance by members of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts and take in a lecture by a noted expert. During afternoon tea, don’t miss fresh-out-of-the-oven scones served with clotted cream and jam.

12 Ensemble Lifestyles Fall 2015

Take it easy when you cross the Atlantic onboard Cunard

There’s so much to do that you’ll never be bored, but sometimes there’s nothing better than doing nothing at all.

After a full day, return to your elegant grills suite and enjoy pre-dinner canapés before setting out on the “town.” Dress to the nines for formal nights and gaze up at the stars literally (on deck), or at the world’s only planetarium at sea. Enjoy a glass of bubbly at the Veuve Clicquot Champagne Bar or check into the Commodore Club and try an Appearance Martini: Grey Goose La Poire Vodka shaken with Sour Apple Schnapps, Fresh Mint Leaves, Lime, and Apple. Created by one of Cunard’s expert mixologists, this cocktail was voted best martini at Bacardi’s annual cruise cocktail competition.

Dine at the Britannia Restaurant and enjoy continental classics like Broiled Lobster Tail Newburg, Roast Duck à L’Orange, or Châteaubriand under the magnificent two-story tapestry, an abstract depiction of a Cunard liner and the New York skyline. Enjoy your meal with fine wines selected by Corney & Barrow, long-established, British wine merchants.

For a special night onboard Queen Mary 2, savor Mediterranean specialties at the Todd English restaurant where the celebrity chef’s signature dish is Truffled Potato Love Letters, silky pasta pillows with a light potato filling and a sumptuous butter, parmesan, and Madeira glaze. At night, King’s Court is transformed into four alternating venues; Lotus (Asian cuisine), The Carvery (British-style roasts), La Piazza: (Italian cuisine) and the Chef’s Galley, where chefs share their culinary secrets. After dancing the night away at the G32 nightclub, turn in and lose or gain an hour depending on which direction you’re traveling. The gradual time change means you’ll arrive at your destination well-rested and jet lag-free.

Despite its large size, Queen Mary 2 never feels crowded as she boasts the largest passenger-to-space ratio in the industry. Pull up a teak deck chair and stare out to sea and you can easily imagine that you’re the only person on earth. There’s so much to do that you’ll never be bored, but sometimes there’s nothing better than doing nothing at all.

Queen Victoria is smaller and more intimate than her older sister but she’s just as elegant with a three-tiered Grand Lobby and the unique Queen’s Room where you can see etchings done by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. Queen Victoria also features the only theater at sea with private boxes, where you can relish champagne and chocolates as you take in a show created specially for Cunard. With so much to do on a transatlantic cruise with Cunard, getting there just might be all the fun.

Please see page 74 for special offers from Cunard. For more information, please contact your Ensemble Travel® Group consultant.

Ensemble Lifestyles Fall 2015 13

With imposing castles, lush gardens, and history around every turn, the is steeped in tradition and novel pursuits. From tasting fine whisky or learning about falconry in Scotland, to regattas and wine tasting in England, to the adventure of coasteering on the ragged coast of Wales or discovering the folklore of Northern Ireland, there’s an enjoyable activity for everyone.

14 Ensemble Lifestyles Fall 2015

Scotland R E AL P E O P L E R EAL J O U R N E YS

“I’d like to explore Scotland, but I’m not much of a golfer,” I confessed to my travel advisor. “Well, what do you like?” she asked. “Islands with

a sense of place, inns with sea views, and bracing hikes. And I’d like to learn more about single-malt scotch,” I replied. Which is how I found myself with my then-girlfriend (now wife) in Scotland’s Inner Hebrides.

Whisky is the Gateway to

SCOTLAND’S I N N E R H E B RI D E S

by MICHAEL SHAPIRO

B

unched close to the southern end of Scotland’s west coast, the windswept Inner Hebrides is a hilly landscape marked by ancient Celtic standing stones, grazing sheep, whitewashed lighthouses and deserted beaches. The Isle of Islay (pronounced “eye-lah”) is home to some of Scotland’s best-loved whisky producers (the Scots spell “whisky” without the “e”), including Bruichladdich, Lagavulin and Laphroaig.

I’m not a whisky expert, but I enjoy the spirit and wanted to see where it’s made. Not so much to understand the process but to get to know the people and places that produce the smoky flavors of Scottish single malt.

Arriving in Scotland, we drive our rental car to the coastal town of Oban to board the CalMac ferry bound for the Isle of Mull. Crumbling stone castles and abandoned wooden boats lend an austere gravitas to Mull’s landscape, in stark contrast to the postcard-ready coastal village of Tobermory, fronted by a colorful row of buildings.

A third of Mull’s 2,600 people live in Tobermory, home of the town’s namesake whisky. The Tobermory distillery tour is a blur of washbacks, mash tuns, and long-necked copper pot stills. My takeaway is simply this: Earth, water, fire and air fuse in an alchemical process that turns barley and peat, water

and yeast, into whisky. After distillation, all you need is an oak cask and the time it takes for a boy to grow into a man.

About 2 percent of the casked spirit evaporates each year, says our tour guide, Claire Gorman.

This is called the “angel’s share.”

We spend the afternoon tasting cheese at Sgriob-ruadh Farm nearby, then explore the grounds of Glengorm castle, now an inn and restaurant. The wind is so fierce outside the hilltop castle that it blows through the buttons of my shirt. We retreat to Tobermory’s Highland Cottage, our home of the night, and savor a “wee dram” of local single-malt. Our Ensemble Lifestyles Fall 2015 15

Scotland R E A L P E O P L E R EAL J O U R N E YS

host Jo Currie’s cooking is exquisite: smoked venison starters and a lamb shank for the main course. From our room we watch a full moon rise over the sea.

The ferry takes us back to the mainland the next day, and we drive past herds of highland cattle, with their audacious horns and shaggy bangs, to the Crinan Hotel. Located on Scotland’s west coast with a view of the snowcapped Paps (mountains) of Jura, the inn’s walls are enlivened by innkeeper Frances MacDonald’s textured landscapes of the ragged coast and churning sea.

The Paps of Jura

Ronnie, who suffered from tuberculosis as a boy, credits his life to George Orwell, who, in the late 1940s, had the funds to import medical instruments from the U.S. Laphroaig’s stills – where the magic happens

Isle of Islay

Ronnie and Marie Brown, innkeepers at The Monachs

Another ferry takes us to whisky’s promised land, the Isle of Islay. At Singing Sands beach, the winds, so strong they push us uphill, howl through rocky crags. Before exploring Islay we pop over to Jura (whose 187 people are far outnumbered by the 5,000 red deer) on a ferry that takes five minutes to cross, and visit the island’s sole distillery, Jura Whisky.

Our guide is Jura’s master distiller Willie Cochrane, a Phil Collins lookalike. Inside the two-story building, he invites me in to climb a ladder and peer into a vat of fermenting whisky. “But don’t breathe,” he shouts. “You’ll end up flat on your back.” The CO2 can make you pass out, he advises. “Peaty” water is Jura Whisky’s essential ingredient. “We don’t filter or chlorinate it; that would take the character away,” says Cochrane. “It’s lovely water – you can see the peat particles floating about.”

Back on Islay, we drive to The Monachs, a wellkept inn on a sheep farm run by Marie and Ronnie Brown. The dapper couple, celebrating their 44th anniversary, invite us to join them for a wee dram before dinner.

Lighthouse on Isle of Islay

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The hotel’s restaurant is known for its fresh seafood. “When we see a boat coming in, the chef calls the fisherman on his mobile and asks, ‘Have you got prawns?’ ” says innkeeper Nick Ryan, Frances’ husband. If they do the chef prepares a broth, and when the shellfish arrives, the prawns go straight into the pot.

“You can’t get them any fresher than that,” Ryan says. Sailors from the fishing boats tie up and dine in the bar, giving the inn a dash of salt.

Willie Cochrane, Jura’s master distiller

W H I LE I N S C OTL AN D. . .

worth the

J Journey

Bruichladdich whisky is matured for all of its life on Islay

Fine whisky is made from “pride and passion,” McEwan says. “For the people of Islay, whisky is in their blood.

It’s the heart and soul of these islands.”

Filling your own valinch at Bruichladdich

Jim McEwan, Bruichladdich’s master distiller

Ronnie, who suffered from tuberculosis as a boy, credits his life to George Orwell, who, in the late 1940s, had the funds to import medical instruments from the U.S. The surgical tools arrived too late to save Orwell, but his doctor used them to operate on 12-year-old Ronnie, who was told the procedure had a 50 percent chance of success. “As you can see it was highly successful,” Ronnie says proudly, more than a half century after the operation.

Islay’s holy grail is the Bruichladdich distillery, just north of Port Charlotte.

Master distiller Jim McEwan, who spent more than 50 years working in whisky before retiring last July, (2015) said Bruichladdich “rejoices in variety.” Unlike other distillers that aim to replicate the taste of its spirit time and again, Bruichladdich “lets the origin of the spirit

do the talking. It’s not over-engineered.”

Bruichladdich is unfiltered, he notes.

Natural oils remain in the whisky, adding to its flavor.

Best of all, visitors can purchase a special cask-strength whisky (105 proof) that’s sold only at the distillery. I hold my clear half-liter bottle carefully under the oak cask’s spout, marveling as the amber liquid fills it. Then I cork my bottle and seal it with hot wax. Islay single malt straight from the source, the ideal way to bring home a taste of Scotland.

Fine whisky is made from “pride and passion,” McEwan says. “For the people of Islay, (and nearby isles), whisky is in their blood. It’s the heart and soul of these islands.” b

VI S IT BARN H I LL G O George Orwell, suffering from tuberculosis and seeking a quiet place to write, rented Barnhill, an isolated home on Scotland’s remote Isle of Jura. This is where he wrote “1984,” his dystopian epic. Getting here isn’t easy: Fly or drive (via ferry) to the Isle of Islay, ferry to Jura, then drive about 30 miles north where the road (there’s only one on Jura) ends at a locked gate.

S E E Hike 4.5 miles each way over undulating hills carpeted with Scotch broom as red deer on ridgetops watch you.

Barnhill commands the landscape and has views of Corryvreckan Whirlpool and the surrounding sea. The house is open only to those staying there (£1000 per week, sleeps up to eight people), but the grounds may be explored by hikers.

W H E N Hike there anytime; lodging from May to October, reservations required.

Those staying at Barnhill will be met at the gate and need a 4WD vehicle to drive the last 4.5 miles to the house. But you don’t have to stay the night to see the house. “Walkers are welcome to roam everywhere in Scotland,” says Barnhill’s co-owner Damaris Fletcher. “But please don’t peer into the windows.”

To plan your trip to Barnhill, please contact your Ensemble Travel® Group consultant.

To book your own journey through Scotland, please contact your Ensemble Travel® Group consultant.

Ensemble Lifestyles Fall 2015 17

Scotland COU N T RY P U R SU I T S

The Active Life in the

SCOTTISH CO U NTRYS I D E

by ELLEN PERLMAN

Yes, Scotland has its well-known kilts, its haggis, its shortbread, but during my latest visit I found the lesser-known realm of “country pursuits”— a term I learned from my off-road driving instructor Duncan, while in rural Perthshire, northwest of Edinburgh.

Duncan asked what my companions and I had been up to during our stay, and we told him we’d been to archery and gun-dog school so far. “Ah, a country pursuits day,” he said, while taking us to a castle estate for our hill-and-dale driving challenge – on land sometimes used for grouse and pheasant hunting.

With falconry on the banks of Loch Lomond scheduled a few days hence, we were honing skills in age-old hunting sports – without killing a single creature. The activities stoked my adrenaline and unleashed a never-dormant competitive streak.

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I volunteered to be the first to slide behind the wheel of the right-side drive Land Rover Defender, which sported a huge snorkel on the front, handy for when it gets immersed in deep waters, Duncan explained.

My left hand on the stick shift, I pushed into gear, eased up on the clutch and surged forward, attempting to keep my wheels in the dirt tracks ahead.

At first, I consistently veered to the left, and Duncan pulled the steering wheel to right the vehicle. When the tracks disappeared into a small lake, he instructed me to keep up my pace and splash on through. Too soon, my turn was over.

It was different at archery that morning, where we each had a target to ourselves for the hour. I pulled arrows from my quiver and shot them one after another, enjoying the satisfying thwack as they pierced the target.

The instructor added to my arsenal of archery terms, calling the arrow piece that fits onto the bow string a “nock,” and saying “fletches” for what I would call feathers.

After archery, we headed to gun-dog school, where we learned to send friendly black labs off yonder to retrieve fake prey. My dog Bomber was older and slower than the other dogs but game to participate nonetheless.

We got a brief lesson in commanding the dogs. Then I threw my prey, telling Bomber to “mark” where it fell. When I swung my arm and pointed, he bounded to it. I blew “pips” from a whistle and he returned but, alas, he was unwilling to unclench his jaws to release the “cold game,” no matter how many times I commanded “dead.” The trainer had a talk with him, gave a good tug and got it back.

Our final country pursuit was a “hawk walk,” an ancient art some say originated in Mesopotamia in 2000 B.C. We practiced on the shore of Loch Lomond in Dumbartonshire. Our trainer Graeme sent Oran, his Harris hawk, into the trees, and we each took turns raising a leatherglove-clad arm, holding raw meat in our fingers.

Oran swooped in, landing to claim his reward and let us admire his regal bearing. Once we got the hang of sending him off again, we took off around the property. Oran flew into the woods and seemed to disappear, but Graeme always managed to find him – because Oran was outfitted with a transmitter, Graeme explained, that “tells you which tree to swear at.”

Finally, we left our country pursuits behind, indulging in a most 21stcentury, non-hunting related activity – massage with “thermals.”

I hadn’t heard of thermals but what is the U.S. waiting for? Hours before our massages, we wandered into a variety of saunas and steam rooms, numerous whirlpools and an outdoor infinity pool overlooking a lush green golf course.

Lying on the massage table finally, my mind was mush and my already relaxed body dissolved into the touch of the masseuse’s hands.

It was a lovely relaxing yin to the thrilling yang of experiencing the enduring pastimes available in the lush Scottish countryside. b To book your own trip to Scotland, please contact your Ensemble Travel® Group consultant.

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England

Quintessentially

TO UR I N G

BRITIS H If your idea of England is a river winding through green pastures and ladies in fancy hats, these three pastoral towns prove the old adage “There’ll always be an England.”

by ROBIN CHERRY

Henley-on-Thames Henley-on-Thames is best known for its annual regatta, held the first weekend of every July. Should you choose to attend, be forewarned that in certain areas, men must wear business suits or striped club blazers and ladies must wear dresses “with a hemline below the knee.” (Regatta has been called “Downton Abbey on water”).

Records of Henley date back to 1169 when King Henry II “bought land for the making of buildings.” Today, with its Georgian high street, posh rowing clubs, and stunning five-arch bridge, Henley is almost impossibly quaint and as it’s only 40 minutes from London, it has long attracted celebrities. The Red Lion Inn was built in 1532 and famous guests have included Charles I, George III, Winston Churchill, and Princess Grace, who stayed here when she came to see her brother Jack compete in the regatta.

English pop singer Dusty Springfield (who sang “Son of a Preacher Man”) lived in Henley and her memorial is located in the cemetery of St. Mary the Virgin. Springfield’s funeral was held there and attended by friends including Elvis Costello,

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Lulu, and The Pet Shop Boys. Every year on a Sunday around her birthday, (April 16), fans gather to celebrate “Dusty Day.” Henley is also home to Friar Park, the 120-room, Victorian Gothic mansion that George Harrison purchased in 1970.

Harrison saved the dilapidated building from destruction and devoted years to its restoration. He worked on the gardens himself, spending so much time in them that his son Dhani thought his famous father was a gardener. Since his wife still lives there, you can only see the gatehouse and garden paths from the road, but the mansion can be seen on Youtube as it was the set for Harrison’s 1976 music video, “Crackerbox Palace” (his nickname for the place).

Shop in the quirky Tudor House Antique Store for vintage bric-a-brac and if you fancy a pint, stop in at The Old Bell, a pub dating back to 1325 and the oldest building in town. They serve the local brew, Brakspear (pronounced like the playwright).

Other noted Henley residents include actor Orlando Bloom and former Oasis front man, Liam Gallagher.

Marlow Five miles from Hambleden, you’ll find another “chocolate box” pretty village: Marlow. The suspension bridge over the Thames was designed by William Tierney Clark in 1832 and if it looks familiar, it’s because it was a prototype for the much larger Széchenyi Chain Bridge which spans the Danube between Buda and Pest.

On the banks of the Thames, check into The Compleat Angler, a hotel which dates back to 1640. Named for Isaak Walton’s classic book about fishing (which was written here), the hotel has elegant guest rooms overlooking the river and has hosted the queen (who had lunch with the President of Hungary).

At the hotel’s Sindhu by Atul Kochhar restaurant, the Michelin-starred chef crafts traditional Indian dishes using British ingredients. If the weather cooperates, enjoy a cocktail on the terrace of the Riverside Restaurant. If it doesn’t, tuck into the wood-paneled Walton Bar, once a favorite watering hole of T.S. Eliot and F. Scott Fitzgerald. Marlow is also home to The Hand and Flowers, the first gastropub to receive two Michelin stars. b

Hambleden Nestled in the Chiltern Hills four miles from Henley, Hambleden is an English village straight out of central casting.

Green rolling hills? Check. Brick and flint cottages? Check. Cows and sheep?

Of course. Not surprisingly, Hambleden has been cast in several British films including Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, The Avengers, and Nanny McPhee. Tim Burton even cast it as the Hudson Valley in Sleepy Hollow. Ramble along part of the Chiltern Way, a circular 134-mile walking route and if you’re feeling peckish, visit The Stag and Huntsman, a former coach house that serves British cheeses, salads, and steaks. Don’t miss the intricate ceiling at St. Mary’s Church which dates back to the 14th century.

The Compleat Angler

PLAN AHEAD

Tickets to the Regatta Enclosure go on sale April 1.

The dress code is smartcasual but many people enjoy dressing up.

There’s a one year waitlist for reservations at The Hand and Flowers.

To plan your trip to England, please contact your Ensemble Travel® Group consultant.

Ensemble Lifestyles Fall 2015 21

England F LOW E R POW ER

The Glory � ENGLISH GARD E N S

Text and Photography by MARCUS HARPUR

Why do gardeners put their heart, soul, and toil into producing their own version of paradise year after year? It’s the same reason why I have been photographing them for twenty years. It is because every year, every season, and every moment is different. The next moment in a garden can never be predicted and next year will always be even better. Whereas the gardener is drawn to see how their work 22 Ensemble Lifestyles Fall 2015

turns out, for a photographer, the prospect of capturing it at its best in magical light is always compelling; spring, summer autumn and winter. The whole joy of photographing gardens is to be there at just the right time.

For me that is at dawn and dusk, when the light is alluring. If you visit gardens, it’s a privilege to be there when the dew is still fresh or the shadows begin to slant in the golden light of an evening.

Grand Country

LOCATED IN: Stowmarket,

HELMINGHAM HALL

Suffolk, England OWNED BY: Lord and Lady Tollemache.

Private garden, open very often.

Helmingham Hall seems to represent everything you would expect from a large English country garden: a moated Tudor mansion, with drawbridges; a formal rose parterre garden laid out to be viewed from above; a large walled garden with vegetables and long perennial borders; a flowery meadow and a deer park strewn with oaks. Lady Tollemache arrived here at the age of twenty-four after marrying her husband whose family has owned the house for several generations. She didn’t find much of a garden then and had very little knowledge herself, but she spent years learning from masters and her headgardener, Roy, who has been working there all his life. The one word which sums up the garden to me is romance. There are many ways to stroll around it and it is intensely floral, with roses everywhere: rambling, climbing, arching or mixing in borders with a multitude of perennials.

LOCATED IN: Blakenham, Suffolk, England OWNED BY: Lord and Lady Blakenham. Private garden open on select days every year.

Gardens in woodlands are comparatively rare. This is unsurprising, as so few of us in the UK possess woodland in which to make a garden. They also present many challenges. It is difficult to make order out of unstructured trees, the low light, and the tree roots themselves are awkward to plant between.

However, Lord and Lady Blakenham have made a good wild garden of their woodland. For a start, Lord Blakenham’s father was a collector of trees, so there are plenty of good specimens. Secondly, the soil at the peeks of the undulating land is green sand which is ideal for growing spring flowering shrubs such as rhododendrons, azaleas and roses. These take over from the carpets of bluebells in late spring and distract from the ranks of tree stems. Realizing that you have to have focal points to create some kind of visual sense, gnarled rocks from China have been erected as sculptures. In tribute to the landscape architect, Charles Jencks, the Blakenhams have created a landform of tilting earth banks circling around a chalk ‘plughole’.

Woodland BLAKENHAM

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Cottage

S M A L LW O O D FA R M H O U S E

Prairie Meadow SERGE HILL BARN

LOCATED IN: Suffolk, England OWNED BY: Journalist and garden writer Widget Finn and her husband, Tim

Perhaps the English cottage garden is what comes to everyone’s mind when they think about their perfect soulful retreat: the idea of roses around the door; pottering out to pick a few herbs; informal paths winding through unfussy borders; some vegetables in a little patch and perhaps even a cat or some chickens scratching by the back door. It’s an idyllic thought and a look that is often copied. At Smallwood Farmhouse, Widget and Tim Finn have the real thing.

All the elements are here. Situated in thousands of acres of rolling Suffolk countryside, the ancient, rambling farmhouse even has a pond and some old black barns.

My favorite thing about it is that the garden surrounds the house and then, without any boundaries it just peters away into a meadow of long grass.

There are some old fruit trees and a very shaggy hedge, but you have that relaxing feeling that the garden goes on forever.

LOCATED IN: Hertfordshire, England OWNED BY: Garden designer Tom Stuart-Smith.

Private garden open on select days every year.

Tom Stuart-Smith is well known to visitors of the Chelsea Flower Show for his numerous award-winning and innovative main avenue designs. His garden design practice is no less inventive, combining flowing, naturalistic planting with hard-landscaping in concrete, steel or stone. Tom is part of a movement in horticulture which seeks to mimic wild environments in a garden setting. His home in Hertfordshire is a laboratory for some of his ideas. The most recent of these is a perennial meadow modeled on natural landscapes you may see in the US. The idea is to create self-regulating communities of plants which harmonize together. His two acre meadow was created with James Hitchmough who is an expert in devising mixes of plants based on nature. Amazingly, all of the plants in this two acre site were raised by sowing seed in situ. b 24 Ensemble Lifestyles Fall 2015

England SPA R K L I N G W I N ES

p p BRIT

Even if your invitation to Buckingham Palace was lost in the mail, you can still drink like a royal with these English sparkling wines

by ROBIN CHERRY

Actor Peter Ustinov once described hell as “Italian punctuality, German humor and English wine.” He wouldn’t say that anymore. At least not about English wine. British winemakers are producing award-winning sparkling wine in southeastern England, also home to some of the country’s most gorgeous scenery. Here are four worth a sip or a trip.

NYETIMBER, the first English winery devoted

exclusively to the trinity of Champagne grapes: chardonnay, pinot meunier, and pinot noir, is one of the queen’s favorites and its Classic Cuvee was served at both her Golden and Diamond Jubilee celebrations. Named for the vineyard’s medieval house, Nyetimber has “Open Days” in June and September when you can tour the vineyards, and enjoy a tasting led by the head wine maker.

RIDGEVIEW was set up by Mike Roberts, a wine-obsessed Englishman who figured out his land had the same soil type and climate as Champagne and was therefore ideally suited to sparkling wine. Riverview is open for complimentary tastings and sales and hosts pre-booked tours. The queen served Ridgeview’s elegant Fitzrovia Rose to the Obamas during their state visit to Buckingham Palace.

CHAPEL DOWN in Kent has long been a favorite of celebrity chefs Gordon Ramsay and Jamie Oliver and their Rose Brut was served at the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton. (The royals have good taste; Rose Brut won a gold medal at the International Wine Challenge). The winery’s restaurant serves locally sourced British dishes. Chapel Down hosts guided tours from March to October.

South African Pip Goring always wanted to plant a vineyard but her husband Harry, in true English fashion, thought it best to consider the options which they did … for 34 years.

In 2006, they planted their vineyard and pinched Nyetimber’s wine maker Dermot Sugrue. Today, WISTON ESTATE is considered one of England’s best producers. Earlier this year, the queen launched the new ocean liner, Britannia, with a nebuchadnezzer of Wiston Estate Brut. Fortunately, it was also served during the festivities. The vineyard doesn’t offer tours but hosts public events like an upcoming jazz festival on November 28 and 29, 2015.

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Wales FA M I LY FOC U SED

Up Close and Personal with the Ocean:

COA STE E RI N G I N

WALES

by MARGIE GOLDSMITH

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I am not St. David,

Margie in St. David

the patron Saint of the smallest and most holy town in Wales, St. Davids (where they say one visit is worth three visits to Rome and one to Jerusalem). For penance, this revered saint often stood up to his neck in the ocean for days. Like St. David, I plan to spend time in the water scrambling up and down rocks, jumping, diving, and swimming in and out of underground caves – not for penance, but for fun in a quirky local adventure called “Coasteering.”

Pioneered 30 years ago, “Coasteering” was started by a St. Davids local, Andy Middleton, who jumped off coastal rocks and swam in the ocean before he could walk. Now he runs Coasteering adventures for adults and families with children 8 years or older.

My group includes a young Japanese couple, some Welsh couples, and a British family with three children: ages 9, 11 and 14 years old.

We’re fitted for wetsuits, buckled into PFDs (personal flotation devices) and as we finally strap on helmets, our guide, Tom, leads us down a dirt path towards the water. I don’t like big waves and my heart is pounding so hard I’m sure it will split open the buckles on my life vest. I am hoping that the rest of the group (especially the three kids) are as scared as me, but they are all sporting huge grins.

“Just remember to stay on the barnacles,” Tom cautions as we leave the path and climb onto the rocks. “The rocks are slippery but the barnacles are your friends.” I follow gingerly, carefully picking each step before we arrive at the edge of the cliff, which drops a good six feet to the water. “We call this the toilet,” Tom says. I peer down into a horseshoe-shaped cove surrounding the water. “Everyone ready?” he asks. The nine-year-old boy jumps in first screaming “Yahoo!” at the top of his lungs.

Every one else follows but I stand frozen. As the faces pop out of the water, grinning widely, I force myself to jump. Easy! We all tread water in the tiny cove as a giant wave suddenly lifts us 10 feet into the air and gently deposits us back down. It’s not scary – it’s fun and we all laugh hysterically – it is kind of like being flushed in a toilet!

We swim behind Tom to our next adventure, scrambling ashore and climbing up a small cliff to where a rock shaped like a diving board juts out over the water. “This is Ski Jump Island,” Tom says. “It’s like walking the plank but not scary. Just tuck your arms in and step off with one leg first.” This time, the 11-year-old Brit jumps first, followed by his cannonballing brother and then, his older sister, who does a flawless swan dive. Their mother jumps gracefully and finally, the father executes a perfect back flip. I’m last again. We’re up much higher than before. Do I really have to do this? Heart in my throat, I fling myself off the rock. Piece of cake!

We continue to the “underwater challenge” which is to dive underwater, swim 20 feet, and touch the opposite cliff. Bogged down with all our gear, no one succeeds, but we don’t care. We laugh and keep going: swimming in and out of underwater caves, then bobbing up and down in the waves. Finally, we scramble up a steep muddy cliff, with rocks formed almost like stairs. The idea is to jump, but we can each choose how high we want to climb before flinging ourselves into the water. The two British brothers race to the top and jump simultaneously, falling almost 30 feet to the surf below. The rest of us choose much lower perches. I could jump from where I am, but I force myself to climb ten feet higher and do a perfect cannonball into the Atlantic while screaming ecstatically at the top of my lungs.

Finally I feel fearless. b

Coasteering is the perfect family activity for adults and children at least 8 years old, an adventure of playing in the ocean and often exploring places only seals know about. Fully trained guides help guests explore Pembrokeshire’s rocky Atlantic coastline in a playful, joyous way.

You can do all the things parents typically say not to do: scrambling, climbing on the rocks, dodging waves, rock hopping and cliff jumping!

And it's fun, exhilarating and takes you out of your comfort zone in an empowering way.

Participants can cliff jump into the water from zero to 35 feet, but all jumps are optional.

It’s good for people who don’t have a high fitness level but can swim. Safety comes first, and all participants are outfitted in wetsuits, goggles, helmets and PFDs (including children’s sizes).

Wear sneakers or water shoes and bring your sense of adventure. For younger children, a fully guided “Rock Pool Safari” introduces them to the marine life by the sea.

To book your own adventure in Wales, please contact your Ensemble Travel® Group consultant.

Ensemble Lifestyles Fall 2015 27

Northern Ireland TO U R I N G

The Magic of IRELAND’S N O RTH COA ST

by EMILY WESTBROOKS

Ireland’s north coast combines geological wonders,

sea-side castles and an imaginative dose of Irish folklore.

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Giant's Causeway

A visit to the Giant’s Causeway is a Northern Irish rite of passage, but combined with Dunluce Castle, a death-defying rope bridge, delicious lunch at Babushka Kitchen Cafe and a walk along Portrush Strand, the quintessential tourist destination becomes the perfect road trip.

B

orn and raised in small-town New England, I moved to Ireland seven years ago when I married my Irish husband, Michael. We live in Dublin and spend our weekends and long summer evenings exploring as much as we can.

Venturing into Northern Ireland is always a treat; there’s something especially magical about its wooded glens and storied sea-side castles, and the North Coast is filled with pockets of jaw-dropping natural and manmade wonders.

Just a fifteen minute drive west, we find ourselves at the next stop on our road trip, the Giant’s Causeway. We park and take the path down to the shore, recounting the legend of giants Finn McCool and Benandonner as we walk. One of the special treats of this area is the folklore, and the space and fresh air to imagine those giants battling across the geometric causeway all those years ago.

One of the special treats of this area is the folklore, and the space and fresh air to imagine ...

Giant's Causeway

Starting at the eastern edge of the north coast, we mapped a long-overdue jaunt through Northern Ireland, starting with the only scary spot on the list: the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. Originally built for local fishermen to catch salmon, the bridge was suspended by a single rope. A second rope has been added for the slightly less daring to be able to enjoy the views across to Scotland and Rathlin Island.

As the resident wimp, I had given myself a well-argued pep talk in the car as we drove northeast from Dublin. My fear of heights rarely keeps me from taking part, but as we stand at the edge of the mainland, looking out over the swaying bridge to Carrick Island, I begin to shake and decide to live vicariously through my husband. I watch as his 6’4 frame teeters across the ninety foot crevasse, grateful for solid ground. I recall a piece of sage advice I had read online the night before: if you cross Carrick-a-Rede Bridge, you’d better be brave enough to make your way back again!

As the legend goes, Scottish giant Benandonner had traveled across the causeway to Ireland intent on beating the smaller Irish giant Finn McCool to a pulp.

McCool’s wife concocted a plan to trick the much larger giant, disguising the Irish giant as a baby in a bonnet. When Benandonner caught a glimpse of this enormous baby, he figured his father must be much larger. He retreated to Scotland, destroying the center of the causeway in his wake so McCool couldn’t follow.

While mythical, the tale can’t help but spark your imagination as you turn the corner and glimpse the 60-million-year-old volcanic rock for the first time. Forty thousand hexagonal basalt columns rise from the sea along the shore, providing the perfect platform for hopping and skipping along, playing the part of legendary Finn McCool. Or, in my case, clever Mrs. McCool.

Carrick-a-Rede Bridge

White Rocks, Portrush

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Northern Ireland TO UR ING

Dunluce sits high up Dunluce Castle

on another outcrop of volcanic basalt, with steep

North coast of County Antrim

Back in the car, we travel inland another five minutes for a brief stop at the Bushmill’s Distillery, Ireland’s oldest working distillery.

Incorporated in 1608 by King James I, Bushmill’s has been distilling on this premises ever since. It’s too early for us to fully appreciate the triple distilled whiskey that is their specialty, so we press on, hoping to explore nearby Dunluce Castle before lunchtime.

Dunluce sits high up on another outcrop of volcanic basalt, with steep cliffs dropping straight into the sea, making it a natural defensive perch. In 1500, the MacQuillan clan began building the castle, only to have it overtaken by the MacDonnell clan later that century. The castle was ultimately abandoned in the mid 1600’s and has since deteriorated to a roofless ruin. But the deterioration hardly makes the castle less formidable. As we walk around the grounds, it’s easy to envision the epic battles between clans all those years ago.

Our imaginations race as we descend the steps below the castle toward the Mermaid’s Cave, which I’ve been looking forward to all morning. During the reign of the MacQuillan clan, Lord MacQuillan imprisoned his only daughter, Maeve, in one of the castle towers because she refused to marry the man her father had chosen for her. One dark and stormy evening, Maeve and her true love 30 Ensemble Lifestyles Fall 2015

made a daring escape down through the cave to a waiting row boat. Unfortunately, the couple didn’t make it very far, and their boat crashed against the cliffs in the storm. Legend has it, poor Maeve’s ghost still haunts the castle tower.

We descend the crumbling ramp into the cave, easily picturing Maeve and her love holding hands and scurrying down the same sloped rock, the light glowing at the shoreline where the waves lap. We stand at the edge of the water, grateful for the calm seas and blue sky today.

Ravenous, we climb back in the car and take the short road along the sea and past the golf course to Portrush for lunch. We park and walk down the pier to Babushka Kitchen Cafe, known for their idyllic view across Portrush strand and wholesome, locally sourced food. We take full advantage of

Dark Hedges in Ballymoney

cliffs dropping straight into the sea, making it a natural defensive perch.

Babushka’s welcoming beach chairs perched on the edge of the sand, enjoying sirloin burgers on brioche with sriracha and rocket followed by crispy coconut macaroons. We munch and gaze for as long as we can and then decide on a post-lunch walk along the picturesque Portrush Strand.

Back in the car for our return journey, we take in views of rural Northern Ireland, passing the small town of Ballymoney before making one last pit stop at Refinery Coffee in Ballymena. Hot cappuccinos in hand, we sip and slowly wind our way back toward civilization, our heads dancing with images of Finn McCool climbing Giant’s Causeway and Maeve and her lover in their row boat on stormy seas, appreciating the day’s magical escape from life’s hustle and bustle. b To plan your trip to Northern Ireland, please contact your Ensemble Travel® Group consultant.

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Seven Seas Explorer

®

The Most Luxurious Ship Ever Built™

WELCOME TO THE TOP

The summer of 2016 heralds the launch of Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ much anticipated Seven Seas Explorer. This ship will be the most luxurious cruise ship to ever grace the seven seas, boasting one of the highest space ratios ever seen in the cruise industry, the largest suite balconies at sea, and the exclusive top-of-the-ship residence with a private in-suite spa treatment area.

Among the 375 all-privatebalcony suites of Seven Seas Explorer is the Regent Suite – the world’s most exclusive address. This plush two-bedroom, 3,875 square-foot suite comes complete with an in-room spa treatment area, a first at sea, with personal sauna, steam room and treatment area. The suite also features a glass-enclosed sitting area aptly named the Vista Garden, where guests can enjoy magnificent, unobstructed views over the ship’s bow and across the horizon.

The instruction at the Culinary Arts Kitchen will cover a wide array of topics, from fish and shellfish preparation to high-heat grilling, and each student will receive hands-on training at their own personal workstation.

And guests will gain insight into world affairs from a Smithsonian field expert as part of the new enrichment program, The Smithsonian Collection by Smithsonian Journeys.

DELIGHT IN EXCLUSIVE ONBOARD

INDULGE IN FLAVORFUL CUISINES

PLEASURES

Guests will be treated to an extraordinary culinary experience on board Seven Seas Explorer. Regent Seven Seas Cruises has

Aboard Seven Seas Explorer, guests may enjoy highly-individualized instruction from an executive chef at the Culinary Arts Kitchen.

announced three distinct specialty restaurants; including the fleet-wide signature steakhouse Prime 7, the tantalizing gourmet French restaurant Chartreuse, and the modern Pacific Rim serving Pan-Asian fare. These will complement the additional dining venues of Compass Rose and chic La Veranda, which transforms into the Italian eatery Sette Mari at La Veranda in the evenings.

BE THE FIRST TO EXPLORE

With a maximum capacity of 750 guests, reservations for Seven Seas Explorer’s inaugural season are in very high demand.

For special offers from Regent Seven Seas Cruises please see page 76, and contact your Ensemble Travel® Group consultant.

Ensemble Lifestyles Fall 2015 31

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

New Zealand’s South Island

Cycling in this part of New Zealand offers some singularly Kiwi experiences — like packing the bike into a helicopter for a high country adventure, pedalling back through time into gold mining days, or freewheeling in a famous movie location.

Lake Pukaki, Canterbury

Queenstown, top of the world

Mount Cook

While keen cyclists can choose challenging multi-day alpine tracks, there are also many quiet country roads, long coastal trails and dedicated cycling tracks that provide easy riding for the less experienced.

Marlborough — outdoor playground

Marlborough, on the northern South Island coast, is home to the Queen Charlotte Track.

New Zealand’s most popular ‘great walk’ is also open to mountain bikes from March until November. The 43 mile track is a two to three day ride for intermediate to experienced mountain bikers, and offers a stunning coastal landscape, diverse native bush and wildlife.

West Coast cycling trails

South and near Blackball, the famous grade 4 Croesus Track is a one-day 23 mile return track (grade 4) that travels an old mining trail through forest. This trail is for experienced riders prepared for a rough, steep track that’s listed as “mostly rideable”.

32 Ensemble Lifestyles Fall 2015

Wanaka heli-biking

Queenstown alpine runs

Lake Wanaka, in the South Island’s southern lakes region, has alpine and heli-biking tours daily into New Zealand’s highest mountain biking tracks that promise adrenalinpumping action in an impressive alpine tussock country setting. There are tracks suitable for all riding abilities – and plenty of opportunities for quiet contemplation while admiring the spectacular views.

New Zealand’s adventure capital Queenstown has mountain biking trails for all skill levels.

At Skippers Canyon, the old pack-track offers an historical experience, and Bob’s Peak has a challenging descent. The Wynyard Express DH track and freestyle area is a favorite with adrenalin junkies that’s become internationally renowned for its freestyle / slopestyle jumps.

Otago Central Rail Trail

Fiordland world heritage

Otago Central Rail Trail, in central South Island, is New Zealand’s most popular existing cycling trail. Every year thousands of Kiwis and visitors complete the three-day journey through 93 miles of memorable scenery and gold mining history.

The Clutha Gold Trail from Lawrence offers 46 miles of grade 2 easy riding on a meandering well-formed trail following the banks of the Clutha River through a spectacular tapestry of landscapes that was once the scene of a major gold rush.

From the northern Fiordland side of Mavora Lakes park, adventurous cyclists can take on an impressive landscape of mountains, lakes, forest and tussock grassland that is part of the remote Te Wāhipounamu / South-West New Zealand World Heritage Area.

Please see page 69 for special offers on trips to New Zealand. For more information, please contact your Ensemble Travel® Group consultant.

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

From crystal blue waters to sparkling white sand beaches, Maui’s iconic locations will fill any bucket list.

‘ LET HAWAI I HAPPEN ON THE

ISLAND OF MAUI

But there’s more to Maui than what you’ve heard about. Take a moment. Wander from the suggested route. Stumble upon food that locals love. Experience a culture full of welcoming aloha. You won’t need a roadmap to find your most memorable moments.

Romance is always in the air on the Valley Isle. And why shouldn’t it be? This is the best of both worlds, offering a unique blend of sophistication with a laid back, small town feel. Start your day atop the summit of Haleakala� for an epic sunrise.

Spend the day along the scenic, winding road to Hana or travel through the lush gardens and farms of Upcountry Maui. Or simply lounge pool-side at a luxurious resort, from Kapalua to Wailea. From friendly people to special places, there’s plenty to discover between stops on Maui. All you have to do is #LetHawaiiHappen to see what others like you love about Maui.

For special offers on trips to Maui, please see page 69, and contact your Ensemble Travel® Group consultant.

Ensemble Lifestyles Fall 2015 33

T H E E N S E M B L E © H O W -T O

When my boyfriend and I first signed on to seven nights on Cunard’s Queen Mary 2, I feared that I might be bored. It was the end of April, a chilly time of year for a transatlantic crossing from Southampton to New York City, so I knew that I wouldn’t be spending much time sunning myself on the top deck. There are no stops in port, so it’s six straight days at sea, and I thought I might miss the thrill of pulling in and out of unfamiliar harbors.

G O BAC K TO

[SEA] School

by SARAH TRELEAVEN

But there was no cause for concern, and no shortage of things to do. Many cruise lines have significantly invested in their educational offerings over the years to create a feast of options.

Cruise ships have become a great place to go back to school – from learning how to speak Spanish and salsa dance to taking specialty cooking classes and wine tasting sessions. There are lectures, films, recitals, musical productions, LGBT gatherings, church services, watercolor classes, planetarium shows, Pilates sessions and health seminars.

34 Ensemble Lifestyles Fall 2015

Queen Mary 2 Planetarium

Crystal Cruises Computer Class

Oceania Cruises Artist Loft

Cunard Wine Class

Crystal Cruises Linda Ellerbee

Cruise ships have become a great place to go back to school – from learning how to speak Spanish and salsa dance to taking specialty cooking classes and wine tasting sessions.

Cunard is arguably the most famous ocean liner in the world, making classic voyages between old and new worlds for almost 200 years. It also offers the most comprehensive educational itinerary at sea under the program name “Cunard Insights.” “Cunard was the first cruise line to invite a variety of distinguished speakers aboard its ships nearly 40 years ago,” Peter Shanks, president of Cunard Line, said last year. “We are delighted to continue to welcome internationally respected figures who will add an extra dimension to our guests’ experience on board.”

Each ship hosts a mix of explorers, academics, former ambassadors, politicians, historians and scientists, as well as award winning novelists, biographers and acclaimed actors and filmmakers – all available to share their particular slice of knowledge. There are also Royal Academy of Dramatic Art presentations and Royal Astronomical Society members on hand to assist with stargazing.

And for those who like the idea of a less formal education, there are all kinds of niche activities that present opportunities for edification.

The “Friends of Dorothy,” a group of about 20 gay men, met every

day in the Commodore Club for martinis and chitchat. There are Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, bible study sessions, and quiz time in a pub reminiscent of Coronation Street. Even the Queen Mary 2’s spa, operated by the famed Canyon Ranch, has an educational component; they run a series of practical, educational health and beauty-related courses, such as “Makeup for the mature woman” and “Love the hair you have.”

Crystal Cruises offers some unique programming, including the Computer University@Sea, which offers private classes on the latest technological developments. They also offer complimentary Berlitz language classes, golf lessons, and tutorials by experts from both Sotheby’s and the Smithsonian. Princess Cruises offers a book club typically led by a bestselling author. Oceania Cruises offers an Artist Loft – complete with artists-in-residence – perfect for any budding O’Keefe looking to hone her skills in any number of areas, from watercolors to needlepoint. And Celebrity Cruises offers Mixology 101 and classes about the fundamentals of food and wine pairing.

Ensemble Lifestyles Fall 2015 35

Photo: Ralph Lee Hopkins

Lindblad Expeditions, Kimberley Region, Northwest Australia

Seabourn ships often feature a

Princess Cruises Scholarship@Sea

Oceania Cruises Culinary Class

UNESCO World Heritage expert who can hold forth on behind-thescenes details.

Waite – an English humanitarian taken hostage in Beirut for nearly five years – who lectured daily for a rapt audience. Seabourn also follows this model of exclusive, insider experiences with their “Seabourn Conversations” program – the very name of which conveys personal access. Seabourn ships often feature a UNESCO World Heritage expert who can hold forth on behind-the-scenes details.

While the big ships definitely have a lock on variety, the smaller luxury ships tend to focus on niche interests. Two years ago, on a luxury Silversea cruise around the north island of New Zealand and the southern coast of Australia, I spent most of my waking hours indulged in the most classic of cruising activities: eating. (What did I learn?

That duck pappardelle can make a grown woman cry). But the Silver Perspectives Enrichment Programs were a close second.

The more daring might consider the kind of cruise that offers firsthand exploration. Voyages of Discovery offer both exotic destinations and distinguished guest speakers, who gather in the theatre to bring each port to life. And Lindblad Expeditions offers “National Geographic On Board,” a collaboration that allows passengers to cruise alongside some of the world’s top scientists, naturalists and researchers.

Silversea tends to choose less populist options, from civil trial lawyers and retired army generals to Peruvian archaeologists. There are arguably fewer marquee names on their boats, but enrichment speakers tend to provide an excellent inside scoop on everything from diplomacy to broadcasting. The biggest draw on my cruise was Terry

The origins of cruising lie in transformational journeys, typically the voyage from old world to new in search of a better life. And so it only makes sense that contemporary cruising offers myriad opportunity to learn and grow and be amazed. (That is, if you can tear yourself away from those glorious buffets). b

36 Ensemble Lifestyles Fall 2015

French P�ynesia

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

An Intimate View of

Built specifically to navigate the South Pacific islands, the 332-guest m/s Paul Gauguin sails easily into tranquil lagoons, providing access to secluded beaches and unforgettable Polynesian adventures.

Onboard, guests can stretch out on expansive decks, swim in the sparkling pool, and indulge in decadent spa treatments – while an expert crew of 224 ensure every wish is fulfilled.

Between islands, engaging ocean naturalists, special guest lecturers, and a troupe of native Tahitian entertainers offer up delightful surprises. Gourmet dining features the equally delightful culinary creations of chef Jean-Pierre Vigato, fresh Polynesian specialties served poolside, and a rave-worthy beach barbecue.

The setting for the barbecue is the private Motu Mahana retreat off the coast of Taha’a, where guests enjoy an idyllic day of snorkeling, kayaking, and exploring.

A second exclusive experience is set on a secluded islet near Bora Bora, where guests laze on the white-sand beach, spike volleyballs, sip drinks from the island bar, and admire views of Mount Otemanu.

The ship’s retractable watersports marina offers complimentary windsurfing, kayaking, and paddle boarding adventures, as well as optional Zodiac dive excursions. Paul Gauguin is the only luxury ship in French Polynesia to offer both onboard refresher courses and PADI certification for novice divers. Younger guests explore the natural world in the Ambassadors of the Environment Youth Program, created by oceanographer and environmentalist Jean-Michel Cousteau.

Cruise fares include roundtrip airfare from Los Angeles; watersports including kayaking, windsurfing, paddleboarding and snorkeling equipment; gourmet dining with 24-hour room service; and beverages including select wine and spirits.

For special offers from Paul Gauguin please see page 76, and contact your Ensemble Travel® Group consultant.

Ensemble Lifestyles Fall 2015 37

Becoming a “Long Layover-ist”

by LAURA JANA

Like many avid travelers, I’ve always preferred close connections to long ones. Yes, club memberships and airports with added “entertainment value” admittedly help. But the fact remains: long layovers have always seemed like inconveniences … that is, until my “Frankfurt revelation.”

The Frankfurt Revelation

Invited to speak at a meeting in Cape Town, I was both excited and committed to minimizing the amount of time “wasted” en route. Like it or not, a ten hour layover in Frankfurt was unavoidable. It was in searching for options to make the best of the situation that I stumbled upon an intriguing and all-too-often overlooked opportunity: the option to actually leave the airport and explore.

The following is a sampling of tantalizing long-layover options that await.

FRANKFURT on Foot Distance: About 7.5 miles from airport to city center (14 minutes by train) Recommended layover: 7+ hours As Europe’s third busiest airport, Frankfurt is a common connection city perfectly suited for long-layover exploration. Walking tours are a great way to get an up-close feel, as well as stretch your legs between flights. A short ride via underground tunnel on the S-Bahn (Frankfurt’s fast commuter train) delivers you to the historical 600+ year old city hall (The Romer) in the middle of the town square (Roemerplatz) that was nearly destroyed during WWII. Within walking distance is an indoor meat, cheese and produce market, several souvenir shops, beautiful churches and plenty of pubs/ restaurants where you can sample classic German cuisine.

DUBAI: A Quick Detour into the Desert Distance: Airport located 3 miles outside of city Recommended layover: 6+ hours

The Sights and Sounds of SINGAPORE Distance: Airport sits 12 miles from city center Recommended layover: 5.5+ hours

Reportedly one of the fastest growing transit hubs in the world, Dubai also distinguishes itself in offering time-efficient (on the order of three to five hour) private tours that promise travelers determined to see the desert the chance to do so, from a 4x4 safari, “dune-bashing,” and/or camel-riding to a desertbound barbecue accompanied by traditional handpainting, folk- and belly dancing.

For travelers not lulled by the lush beauty within Singapore’s Changi Airport – complete with orchids, spas, restaurants and family-friendly butterfly garden – the airport also conveniently offers free tours of the city. With an eye to Singapore’s architectural heritage, one such tour takes interested travelers through the cultural and colonial districts of Chinatown, Little India, and the ethnic Malay-Arab influenced district of Kampong Glam before delivering them back to the airport.

A brief stop at the mouth of the Singapore river offers a photo-op in front of the city’s famed Merlion.

HONG KONG Highlights Distance: 25 miles to downtown (24 minutes by train) Recommended layover: 6+ hours Boasting tremendous shopping and food opportunities, it’s no wonder Hong Kong’s airport has been ranked one of the top in the world. While the airport doesn’t offer layover tours of its own, adventuresome travelers with time to spare may want to plan a quick trip, given the airport’s easy accessibility to sights such as Victoria Peak (the city’s highest point), Central-MidLevels Escalator system (the world’s longest moving escalator that runs through the busy, upscale and most westernized part of the city), and the chance to experience local markets such as the fresh seafood “wet markets” (Wan Chai).

TIPS for Layover Travel

❶ Customs & Visas: Be sure to look up the country’s visa requirements,

❹ Storage: Many airports offer lockers or places for safe storage of

as well as whether or not you’re allowed to leave the airport.

❷ Communication: Be sure to inquire about English-speaking guides, as well as general information access/translation, especially if you don’t speak the local language.

luggage, allowing you to travel without being weighed down.

❺ Climate and Clothing: Remember to pack clothing with the climate of both your final and layover destinations in mind.

❻ Cautionary Considerations: Look into safety concerns (pickpocketing

❸ Currency Exchange: Make sure you calculate your anticipated local currency needs – both for shopping, and also to pay local tour operators should they require cash.

For more information, please contact your Ensemble Travel® Group consultant.

38 Ensemble Lifestyles Fall 2015

prevalence, areas to avoid), stick to trusted sources (reputable tour guides), and make sure you’re aware of local laws as some destinations, such as Dubai, can be particularly strict.

LITER ARY ESCAPES To truly evoke a sense of place, there’s no substitute for a book set in your destination.

A talented author brings to life the sights, sounds and scents of a place and fuels your desire to see it.

Here are some noteworthy books, set in the countries covered in this issue of Ensemble LifestylesTM .

SCOTLAN D

WALES

N OT E S F R O M A S M A L L I S L A N D

4 4 S C OT L A N D S T R E E T

A W R ITE R’ S H O US E I N WALES

by Bill Bryson, 1995

by Alexander McCall Smith, 2005

by Jan Morris, 2002

“Suddenly … I realized what it was that I loved about Britain – which is to say, all of it.” The author grew up in Iowa but found his passion in England, where he lived for two decades before embarking on this long farewell tour. He meets odd people, visits local pubs and waxes philosophic on what it means to be British. With Bryson’s sharp eye and clever wit, this is a humorous yet poignant and insightful look at the author’s adopted home.

Author of The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency, McCall Smith writes light and engaging serial mysteries. Set in an Edinburgh boarding house, this novel follows the exploits of Pat, who discovers then loses a potentially valuable painting. The artwork ends up in the hands of an author who sounds a bit like McCall Smith himself, though not as cheerful. Originally written as a series in The Scotsman, 44 Scotland Street evokes the style of Armistead Maupin’s Tales of the City.

In this slim volume, the renowned British writer welcomes readers into her 18th-century stone home, which says so much about what it means to be Welsh. She offers a tour of her vast library, shows off her stuffed red kite, and delights in her bust of Admiral Jackie Fisher. Morris’s home, along a wooded section of the Dwyfor River in remote northwest Wales, had been a stable in the 18th century. It’s symbolic of the country: sturdy, stout, enduring and proudly defiant.

OLYMPICS

BR A ZIL

SPAIN

T H E A M AT E U R S

BRAZIL

D R I V I N G OV E R L E M O N S

by David Halberstam, 1985

by Michael Palin, 2012

by Chris Stewart, 2000

One of the best journalists of the 20th century, David Halberstam traces the lives of young oarsman as they strive to earn a slot on the U.S. rowing team for the 1984 Olympics. Unlike many professional athletes, who come from disadvantaged backgrounds, most of these rowers come from privileged families and attend Ivy League colleges. Why they endure the punishment it takes to be an Olympic rower is a central theme of this remarkable book.

The former Monty Python funnyman brought his sardonic humor to Brazil, originally for a BBC series. He encounters indigenous Yanomami tribesmen deep in the Amazon and visits famed beaches such as Copacabana and Ipanema. Palin interviews supermodels and gauchos (cowboys), among many others, providing vivid slices of Brazilian life as the South American country prepares to host the 2016 Olympic Games.

Subtitled “An Optimist in Andalucía,” this lighthearted nonfiction book by a former drummer of the band Genesis (the slot was later filled by Phil Collins) is about becoming a sheep shearer on an isolated farm outside of Granada.

After leaving a civilized life in England, Stewart and his wife move to Spain and struggle to corral their sheep, deal with droughts and floods, and live without electricity and good roads. In the end, they find their basic life has its rewards.

EN GLAN D

Ensemble Lifestyles Fall 2015 39

P RO F IL E : FR EQ UE N T T RAV E L E R

Global Soul Patricia Schultz O C C U PATI O N

Insatiable traveler; author of 1,000 Places To See Before You Die LI F E - C H A N G I N G J O U R N E Y

A solo journey at 15 to Santo Domingo for a two-week immersion in life with a Dominican family I D E A L G E TAWAY

Anywhere new

Patricia Schultz tirelessly travels the globe to write about its most spectacular places.

Her 1,000 Places books have become travel bibles, inspiring millions of devoted readers to follow in her footsteps.

by MICHAEL SHAPIRO

40 Ensemble Lifestyles Fall 2015

Patricia Schultz, the author of 1,000 Places to See Before You Die, was able to get an advance copy of the tome into the hands of the CEO of Barnes & Noble in 2003. “Great concept,” he said, “but with the word ‘Die’ in the title, it’ll never sell.” Schultz, who’d spent eight years researching and writing 1,000 Places, felt like she was “going to die,” she said.

“I just wanted to sell a few thousand so when I heard that from him, you can imagine, it took all the wind out of my sails.” In the 12 years since, 1,000 Places has sold more than 3.5 million copies in English and has been translated into 25 other languages, according to Workman Publishing. A second book, 1,000 Places to See in the U.S. and Canada Before You Die, has also made a profound impact.

Schultz, based in New York City, spends much of the year on the road to revise the book and to serve as a host on tours to some of the most inspiring places described in it. She’s become a popular keynoter on cruises and at travel shows, overcoming her fear of public speaking.

More gratifying than the sales numbers have been the countless people who have told Schultz that 1,000 Places has encouraged them to see the world. So many of them have shared the same message: “Your book changed my life.”

To what do you credit the success of 1,000 Places?

Where have you been recently?

I just returned from Norway. I’d never been.

Norway is just the most topographically beautiful place, with the fjords and the mountains and the islands. My husband and I were on the Hurtigruten, (a cruise ship that delivers supplies to isolated coastal towns).

Just prior to that we went to Cuba with a people-to-people group. We spent two days in Havana but the concentration was on the rest of the island. It’s much more authentic and real. … I think it’s really important that people visit now if they are so inclined. It’s a very transitional and really sensitive time.

I was in Nepal just before Cuba, just before the earthquake, and that was really special.

I had never been, so I’d never understood its magical quality.

When is the updated 1,000 Places hitting the shelves?

September. Hundreds of places were added in 2012 when I (thoroughly) revised the book. This time around I made a point of visiting (some of the few) places I hadn’t yet been to. My intention is keeping the book as fresh and up-to-date and relevant as one can hope for given that the world changes a lot.

Updating the book is like painting the Golden Gate Bridge: When you finish it’s time to go back and start painting it all over again.

How has the book evolved?

It’s become more concise, more informative.

It’s more packed with information without compromising the spirit of the book, which is the importance of travel and the romance and inspiration it can offer. I’ve changed, the book has changed, but who hasn’t over the course of many years? Travel changes you.

If travel is important to you, you need to make some kind of roadmap or plan or life list. That’s what this book does. It’s not so much about dying. It’s about living life to your fullest, and if travel is a way that you consider embracing life then this is the book for you.

Do you ever fear readers will stick too closely to guides and not venture out on their own?

Whatever gets you off the couch is a good thing, whatever gets you out the door and hopefully out of the country. This book is just meant to get you on your way. If you get to Uzbekistan or Cairo (or any far-flung destination), it’s only a good thing because you’ll return home with the experience of a lifetime that will open you up in ways that painting the deck back home is never going to do.

Do you hire guides or go on tours?

How do you explore the world?

If I am pressed for time, I’ll make sure I have a guide, but I will express what my interests are and what I hope to see so I don’t do just the cookie-cutter tour. Or I’ll go with a guide the first day to get the lay of the land and then explore in-depth and independently.

(When possible) I carve out time to just wander and purposely get lost because that’s some of the best stuff.

I do some organized tours because that’s the only way to experience destinations such

as Iran where I am going in the spring (2016) or the five Stans where I was last summer (2014). You are not permitted to just wander nor would you want to.

How do you deal with the inevitable snafus of travel?

It’s how you respond that counts.

Isolate the problem, resolve it and move on. A girlfriend and I showed up for an early flight in Morocco that was canceled.

So we hired a wonderful taxi driver named Mohammed who drove us from Casablanca to Fez. It took us a full day to get there because he kept stopping along the way to show us things and to bring us to his mother’s home for lunch.

The whole building came and watched us eat. That was the highlight of my trip to Morocco.

How has frequent travel affected your relationships?

Did I marry at 27 and have kids, dogs and a picket fence? No. It was not important to me because I was doing what was important to me. I am now 15 years with a fellow New Yorker of Greek descent; I am of Italian descent.

So we have that whole compatibility of things Mediterranean – family and tradition, cuisine and heritage – and we have been to Italy and Greece together a number of times. He is older than I. He goes on some trips with me but not all of them. He picks and chooses.

How perfect is that?

PAT R I C I A S C H U LT Z O N W O M E N T R AV E L I N G A LO N E I meet a lot of people (on trips), usually women who have left their husbands at home because they (the men) don’t have a similar passion about travel. That’s a really big issue: People don’t travel because their other half doesn’t want to and doesn’t encourage them to do it independently. And that’s the real sad thing.

Go off and do it yourself at least once. It’s very empowering. It’s very liberating.

People do it once and then three times and suddenly they discover they prefer to travel alone. The husband doesn’t care; he gives her his blessing, and everybody’s happy.

Ensemble Lifestyles Fall 2015 41

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

The Evolution of the Silversea enhances its luxury expeditions to the Galapagos THREE YEARS AFTER Silversea Expeditions launched its Galapagos expedition cruise on board the magnificent Silver Galapagos, it has made its expedition more convenient and affordable by introducing the Evolution of the Galapagos Experience, an all-inclusive program that includes economy airfare between Quito and the islands, airport transfers, pre-and post-cruise hotels, and an evening tour of Quito, Ecuador’s beguiling capital. Silversea will even take care of park entrance and immigration fees (including the mandatory Ingala Transit Card which controls entrance to the islands). Further, guests from select gateways in the US and Canada can enjoy roundtrip economy fares to Ecuador starting at just $199.

Arriving in Quito, the new Silver Galapagos Experience includes two nights at the Quito

42 Ensemble Lifestyles Fall 2015

JW Marriott, a first class resort-hotel located in the center of the city near the Mariscal neighborhood, known for its vibrant nightlife. One evening, explore Quito’s colonial buildings and churches in the moonlight before traveling to the top of Panecillo Hill for a breathtaking panoramic view of the city lights.

Once you reach the islands which are located just under the equator, about 600 miles west of Ecuador, you’ll step aboard the intimate, 50 suite Silver Galapagos for a thrilling, once-in-a-lifetime adventure. All accommodations onboard the Silver Galapagos are ocean-view suites with personal butlers and over 90% have private balconies. Complimentary beverages including fine wines, champagnes, and spirits accompany gourmet meals and an in-room bar is stocked with your favorite beverages.

THE GALAPAGOS ARCHIPELAGO, which consists of 31 volcanic islands, is home to an extraordinary variety of wildlife including indigenous animals that aren’t found anywhere else on earth. Your nine-day Silver Galapagos Experience will include complimentary tours on our private Zodiac boats which allow us to explore the islands’ most remote places. Swim and snorkel with sea turtles, sea lions, and manta rays and hike through lush forests and across stunning fields of lava. Every member of our expertlytrained Expeditions Team is made up of naturalists, geologists, biologists, historians, and ornithologists and our nature guides are certified by the Galapagos National Park Service. All welcome the opportunity to share their knowledge of this unique environment with you.

SILVERSEA OFFERS TWO DISTINCT ITINERARIES, both of which leave from Baltra Island. The itinerary across the western, southern, and eastern islands includes visits to the volcanic cone atop Bartolome; Isabela which strides the equator and is home to the world's only population of pink iguanas, the sea turtles of Floreana (which also has a wooden barrel where visitors can leave their unstamped mail for fellow travelers to deliver to their home countries), and the island of Fernadina, home to the flightless cormorant and a colony of marine iguanas found only in the Galapagos.

The second itinerary travels across the northeast, central, and southeast islands and includes Seymour Norte and Genovesa, both home to the highly amusing blue- and red-footed boobies and the majestic frigatebird, which puffs up its red throat to attract a mate. You’ll also visit the birder’s paradise of Española, which is the breeding ground for virtually the entire world population of waved albatrosses.

Both itineraries include the Charles Darwin Research Station where a team of over a hundred scientists, educators, volunteers, and students conducts research on conservation and natural resource issues in the islands and San Cristobal, where you’ll share city benches with the islands’s friendly sea lions.

AFTER YOUR EXTRAORDINARY EXPEDITION, guests whose flights leave after 10:00 p.m. will enjoy a night at Guayaquil’s Hotel Oro Verde, a Leading Hotel of the World, not far from the Malecon boardwalk on the banks of the Guayas River.

In a USA Today survey, the Galapagos topped the list of readers’ “Best Bucket List Trips.” If Silversea’s Silver Galapagos Experience wasn’t on your bucket list before; it should be now.

Please see page 79 for special offers from Silversea. For more information, please contact your Ensemble Travel® Group consultant.

Ensemble Lifestyles Fall 2015 43

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

A Voyage for Every Traveler THE MONARCH COLLECTION

Guests can experience the world of Europe’s aristocratic families on select summer sailings of Uniworld’s popular “European Jewels” and “Enchanting Danube” itineraries. These special themed cruises offer insight into the lifestyles of European royalty over the centuries with visits to castles and palaces, exclusive epicurean explorations, and delightful concerts.

CONNOISSEUR COLLECTION

Uniworld proudly offers themed cruises in 2016 that highlight unique aspects of European culture, as well as family-friendly cruises that allow guests to share the gift of travel with their children or grandchildren. As with all Uniworld European cruises, these voyages are truly all-inclusive, featuring hosted shore excursions, all meals onboard with fresh local ingredients and unlimited beverages, complimentary in-suite butler service, all gratuities, and more.

Please see page 80 for special offers from Uniworld. For more information, please contact your Ensemble Travel® Group consultant.

44 Ensemble Lifestyles Fall 2015

Select summer sailings of Uniworld’s allinclusive cruises in France offer this delectable program, which showcases the food and wine that make France an irresistible destination for gourmands.

Guests will enjoy exclusive tastings, illuminating lectures, and delectable workshops.

HOLIDAY SEASON CRUISES

Each of Uniworld’s seven holiday season cruises take guests to festive villages and cities, where they’ll explore Europe’s great Christmas markets and uncover the origin of many beloved seasonal traditions. There is no better way to spend the holidays.

MULTIGENERATIONAL FAMILY CRUISES

Uniworld’s family-friendly cruises not only feature unique, fun-filled adventures that bring generations together, they’re also packed with culturally and historically significant experiences designed to spark creativity and life-long learning. Uniworld offers 13 familyfriendly departures on eight itineraries during summer and winter months, so every family can find the voyage that is perfect for them.

THE

PERFECT VACATION starts here.

When it comes to experiencing the difference from Cancun to Jamaica, with Vacation Express you’re spoiled with choices. Whether you’re after a plush, romantic suite or an outrageous, Hangover-style villa, we’ve got you covered. The experts at Vacation Express have made choosing the perfect vacation a breeze with our Exclusive Collections. Looking for luxury, familyfriendly or adults-only? We have hand-picked the best for you.

Adults-Only Collection

Family Collection

Want to get away and not be surrounded by kids? Vacation Express offers exclusive adults-only vacation packages with resorts that cater specifically to adults and couples. Whether you want to have a lively, free-spirited vacation or a tranquil and relaxing one, our adults-only resorts provide the perfect atmosphere to reconnect.

Vacation Express wants to make your family vacation fun and easy, so you can focus on what matters. With our exclusive family vacation packages, you can enjoy family-friendly resorts that have what kid’s love plus plenty of activities for adults! These beachfront resorts come highly recommended and offer spacious rooms with some even catering to three or more children!

Luxury Collection

SplashWorld

Experience an unparalleled collection of resorts offering the very best of style, quality and service, exclusively from your travel partners at Vacation Express! From the moment you arrive enjoy luxurious accommodations, delectable cuisine, exciting cocktails, relaxing spas, breathtaking rooms plus sophisticated daily activities and nightly entertainment.

For those visiting Mexico and the Caribbean, there is now an option that families are sure to enjoy!

Vacation Express’ SplashWorld hotels offer a unique experience pairing top-notch resorts together with firstrate water parks. The water parks are conveniently located within the hotel grounds or nearby, which allows easy access for all guests staying at the resort and ensures a full day worth of fun in the water!

Free First Checked Bag + Low $100 Per Person Deposit on All Vacation Express Exclusive Flights!

For more information, please contact your Ensemble Travel® Group consultant.

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

N E W

A D V E N T U R E S

Be among the first in the world to ring in 2016

C O U N T D OW N TO M I D N I G H T O N S Y D N E Y H A R B O U R

Don your elegant evening wear for a New Year’s Eve dinner party aboard the Magistic II, a sleek, luxury catamaran. The December 31, 2015 sailing is sold out to the public, however the yacht’s top deck has been reserved for guests of Swain Destinations. The 7-hour New Year’s Eve cruise features a five-course gourmet dinner, a fully stocked bar, champagne toasts, live music and dancing beneath the stars.

Aboard the Magistic II, spacious decks offer prime viewing of one of the world’s largest New Year’s Eve spectacles – with more than 80,000 fireworks launched from six locations including barges, skyscrapers, and the arch of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The tour includes four elegant nights at The Langham, Sydney; a guided city tour; NYE yacht party; and a thrilling Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb.

A S U M M E R DA Z E C E L E B R AT I O N I N N E W Z E A L A N D

The highlight of Queenstown’s Summerdaze Festival is a brilliant fireworks display overlooking beautiful Lake Wakatipu. With the Remarkables mountain range as a backdrop and a live music soundtrack, the event is certain to rank among your life’s most awesome experiences.

Queenstown’s New Year’s Eve celebration is the culmination of a Swain Destinations tour of New Zealand that includes much, much more. There’s a Mitai Maori cultural experience, with an astounding performance of the high-energy haka. An idyllic stay at the Wharekauhau Lodge & Country Estate, with a tour of a working sheep farm. A guided ice walk at Franz Josef Glacier. A helicopter flight over the Southern Alps, Milford Sound, and Fiordland. And, of course, an adrenaline-fueled jet boat wilderness safari adventure along the Dart River.

For special offers from Swain Destinations please see page 71, and contact your Ensemble Travel® Group consultant.

46 Ensemble Lifestyles Fall 2015

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

PAMPER YOURSELF WITH CELEBRITY CRUISE’S STUNNING NEW SUITES

The Suite Life

SIGNATURE SUITES AND REFLECTION SUITES,

CELEBRITY IS PLEASED TO INTRODUCE SUITE CLASS, which takes its guests to new levels of luxury and indulgence. All suite guests enjoy priority boarding and debarkation, the 24/7 service of a butler who will help you pack and unpack, and serve complimentary espresso and cappuccino from Cafe al Bacio, as well as lunch, dinner, afternoon tea, and evening hors d’oeuvres in your suite. You will also have access to you own private lounge and a restaurant, Luminae, that’s reserved exclusively for suite guests. Luminae serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and features exotic menus with dishes like creamy black truffle risotto and Jerusalem artichoke soup in an informal but luxurious setting. The wine list features over 400 selections from top vineyards around the world.

Dinner service ends with sumptuous desserts like mascarpone cheesecake and gourmet chocolates. Suite guests also receive complimentary premium beverages and unlimited dining at our specialty restaurants.* * Suite Class benefits vary by suite type.

For special offers on Celebrity Cruises please see page 72, and contact your Ensemble Travel® Group consultant.

Celebrity’s first two-bedroom suites, are only found on Celebrity Reflection. Signature Suites have high ceilings with floor-toceiling windows and a private veranda while Reflection Suites have a dining room with a table that seats ten, a private veranda, and a spectacular sea view bathroom. Both the Penthouse and Royal Suites (available fleet wide except on the Xpedition) have private verandas with whirlpools. Royal Suites have marble baths with whirlpool tubs and separate showers while Penthouse Suites also have a separate living area with a baby grand piano so you can release your inner Elton John. The Reflection, Penthouse, Royal, and Signature suites all feature our Premium Reverie® Dream Sleep System™ customizable mattresses and our Celebrity eXhale™ bedding, pillows, plush duvets, and pure cotton linens for a luxurious and relaxing night’s sleep.

Ensemble LifestylesFall 2015 47

GIRLS G E TAWAY

Peace

Love to you my friends &

by N ANCY HELLMRICH

The story of two girls and one hot Caribbean island

St. Lucia, Cap Estate, Pigeon Island National Park and Fort Rodney

48 Ensemble Lifestyles Fall 2015

“This time, it’s going to take more than a manicure and a massage,” Lisa said when she called from her home in California. Her timing was perfect. My husband, Marcus, and I were emerging from another brutal Colorado winter.

Gros Piton, St. Lucia

June had finally arrived but the snow was refusing to melt. When Marcus heard me talking with Lisa, he knew what to expect.

Nancy, sampling “Irie Ices” above Soufriére

L

isa and I have been friends for ages. In high school, she was in cheerleading and student government, I was a bookish type who rowed crew. Despite our differences we became college roommates and good friends. After graduation, Lisa climbed the corporate ladder to an enviable position with a company outside of Los Angeles. I built a career as a writer in New York, Boston, and Denver. Through it all, we always found time for the occasional girls’ getaway.

This time, the sale of a division had put Lisa through the wringer and she was thinking Hawaii. “Someplace tropical, where I can sit on the beach with a book,” she said. But we’d already done Maui and my passport was getting itchy so I pushed for someplace new. Lisa’s travel consultant suggested the adults-only BodyHoliday in St. Lucia. “Give us your body for a week,” they say, “and we’ll give you back your mind.” With included spa treatments and beachside beverage service, it sounded ideal.

One complimentary spa treatment had been penciled in for each day

Diamond Falls, St. Lucia

After landing at the airport on the south end of St. Lucia, we met our driver for the 90-minute ride past banana, mango, and cacao plantations to Gros Islet in the north. In reception, we were welcomed with cool drinks, keys to our rooms, an activities brochure, and a Week-at-a-Glance®style schedule with gaping blanks for every hour of the day. One complimentary spa treatment had been booked for each day. Otherwise, the boxes were ours to fill in, or not, as we wished.

Ensemble Lifestyles Fall 2015 49

GI RLS G ETAWAY

Luxury oceanfront room

The Wellness Center

The BodyHoliday, St. Lucia

Steel drum band

There was a white-sand beach, two swimming pools, three restaurants, 42 acres of gardens, and a stone staircase that climbed a steep hill to the Wellness Center, a resort within the resort with soft, pink Moorish arches, airy passageways, a deep blue lap pool ...

The BodyHoliday is laid out in a private cove overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Lisa and I had sea-view rooms at one end of the cove. From our balconies, we could see the penthouse suite on the opposite side, where a musician famous for stints in rehab was staying. Between us, there was a white-sand beach, two swimming pools, three restaurants, 42 acres of gardens, and a stone staircase that climbed a steep hill to the Wellness Center, a resort within the resort with soft, pink Moorish arches, airy passageways, a deep blue lap pool, gym, yoga studio, and treatment rooms.

Lisa and I started our rehab with cocktails in the piano lounge where we perused the activities list. It offered pro sessions in fitness, tennis, golf, archery, and fencing. Group 50 Ensemble Lifestyles Fall 2015

classes in yoga, Pilates, and Tai Chi. Diving, sailing, windsurfing, and oodles of island adventures. The more we talked, the more we warmed to the idea of leaving our books in our rooms. Then a striking gentleman introduced himself as Stan. He explained that he was a “bodyguard” who worked for the resort and asked if we might be interested in joining a few others at a table for dinner.

Flattered, and curious, we agreed.

From that first night, it was sheer torture tearing ourselves away A few hours later, we found ourselves dining on French-infused Caribbean fare and laughing with new international friends.

There was an English banker recovering from a breakup, a soft-spoken British manager,

a wickedly funny Scottish restaurateur, a Middle East security specialist, a free spirit from South Florida, and a Canadian psychologist with a weakness for white linen.

All were successful professionals. Save for the psychologist, all were women. And the accents were delicious. From that first night it was sheer torture tearing ourselves away to go back to our rooms to sleep.

Each morning, we met for coffee and proteins then dove into our activities. Lisa took a golf lesson. I played volleyball. We rode bikes to Pigeon Island and spin class to exhaustion, toured a cocoa plantation, and sipped rum cocktails as we sailed to Soufrière. When the psychologist raved about the resident guru (Magnifique!) several of us tried yoga.

I was one with the hot stones on my Chakra zones After all the excitement, our spa treatments felt well earned. I savored the Lime & Ginger Scrub, was one with the hot stones on my Chakra zones, and let loose in hydrotherapy. Lisa recouped with the hydrating body wrap, Serenity Massage, and Indian Head Oil treatment, in which warm oil streams from a teapot onto the center of your forehead. On the day of our outdoor Coconut & Spice Chair Massages, we lost track of time and had to sprint up the stairs, arriving at the gazebo in the nick of time with lungs and leg muscles burning.

Late afternoon, the bodyguards would gather players for beach volleyball. Then we’d race back to our rooms to shower and

change for dinner and regroup with our friends. The banker was getting her groove back. The security specialist glowed. The Canadian oozed calm. And the Scot issued hilarious reviews that had us all in stitches.

After dinner, the nights would light up with hypnotic steel drum music, themed events, and carefree dancing. On trivia night, our flock handily won but only after the psychologist did 40 push ups (“press ups” if you’re English) as penance for helping.

On departure day, relaxed and refreshed, Lisa and I hugged our new friends goodbye and decided to take the helicopter back to the airport. As we lifted off, the cool, capable pilot echoed our sentiments beautifully when he signaled our departure to ground control with a warm, “Peace and love to you my friends.” b

UNIQUE SAILING ADVENTURE

Modern comfort & amenities of a private yacht coupled with an initimate small ship experience

Lisa and Nancy on the boat ride to Soufriére

Aromastone massage

ST. LUCIA TRIVIA Q St. Lucia is part of the

Windward Islands between what two bodies of water?

A Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea

Q Which country signed a

Q How many times did

St. Lucia change hands between France and Britain?

A 14

Q What year did St. Lucia

A Helen of the West Indies

(because it changed hands so many times).

St. Lucia’s three peaks?

treaty with St. Lucia’s Carib Indians in 1660?

A France

A Mount Gimie, Gros Piton,

Q Who took control of

Q What is the nickname of

A Economist Sir Arthur

St. Lucia in 1663?

St. Lucia?

7-14 Night rates from

Q What are the names of

become a sovereign state in the Commonwealth of Nations?

A 1979

A Britain

Caribbean Cruise Only

and Petit Piton.

$

1 , 2 8 5 PP

Q St. Lucia boasts two Nobel Laureates, who are they?

Lewis (1979) and poet Derek Walcott (1992).

For more information, please contact your Ensemble Travel® Group consultant.

To plan your trip to St. Lucia, please contact your Ensemble Travel® Group consultant.

Ensemble Lifestyles Fall 2015 51

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Living the

OLIFE

with Oceania Cruises

Exceeding expectations is at the heart of the Oceania Cruises brand. Aboard the company’s elegant, mid-sized ships “your world, your way” isn’t simply a saying, it’s a luxurious way of life made possible by a family of professionals with a passion for ensuring every cruise you take with Oceania is your best yet.

The OLife Advantage can be felt from the moment you’re welcomed aboard by Oceania’s friendly, personal, and authentic crew. A country club casual onboard lifestyle means no ties, jackets, or formal gowns are ever required. And Oceania’s acclaimed dining experiences never fail to delight with exquisite cuisine and innovative dishes, prepared à la minute and served in unique open-seating restaurants.

52 Ensemble Lifestyles Fall 2015

BE THERE WHEN THE CHAMPAGNE BOTTLE BREAKS

Join the festivities in Barcelona, Spain, as Oceania Cruises welcomes the elegant Sirena to their mid-size fleet.

The celebration will take place after a $40 million refurbishment that draws its inspiration from the recent transformation of sister-ship Insignia. Sirena’s inaugural voyage will begin with a champagne-infused christening ceremony on April 27, 2016 and continue with cocktail parties and special events throughout a 14-day journey to Venice, Italy.

Each thoughtfully designed itinerary includes popular ports and newer destinations that are ripe for discovery. Longer days and more overnight stays mean you can savor more time ashore on meaningful excursions, in seaside restaurants, and more. On board, you’ll find an array of spacious gathering places and inviting hideaways. Every stateroom and suite has been designed with relaxation in mind – from hand-selected works of art, soothing décor, and impossibly soft linens to residential-quality furnishings.

The OLife Advantage also means every new day brings new adventures. You can enjoy fresh air and exercise on the well-equipped sports deck, take a swim in the pool, or play a game of table tennis. The Canyon Ranch SpaClub® offers rejuvenating treatments and light, healthy cuisine. And professional cooking classes give you the opportunity to work with ingredients discovered during culinary discoveries ashore.

Value without compromise is an essential ingredient in Oceania’s OLife Advantage.

When you book your vacation, your fare includes: luxurious accommodations; FREE airfare; FREE specialty restaurants; unlimited FREE soft drinks, bottled water, cappuccino, espresso, teas, and juices; 24-hour Butler service for every suite; and so much more.

OCEANIA CLUB MEMBERS MARTY & FLORENCE SCHWARTZBERG

The Schwartzberg’s travel life began in the 1970s when they moved to France so Marty could manage his company’s business in Europe and Africa. “Our eyes were opened to a totally different way of life,” he says. “After two years abroad, we returned to the States wanting to do and see more.”

Marty and Florence took trips to the Caribbean and Alaska, then decided to try an

During her inaugural season, Sirena will introduce an entirely new collection of 10- to 14-day voyages, venturing as far west as Seville and Lisbon and calling upon 11 new ports – including the famed beaches of Gaeta, Italy; the pristine rainforest of Golfito, Costa Rica; and the beachside village of La Paz, Mexico.

Please see page 75 for offers from Oceania Cruises. For more information, please contact your Ensemble Travel® Group consultant.

other couple we’ve previously met on Oceania.”

Oceania cruise from England to Normandy, France. “Our first cruise with Oceania spoiled us,” Marty says. “Although the ship had fewer than 700 passengers, we were delighted to find a friend we hadn’t seen since I’d retired.

Now, when we go, we usually find at least one

Over the years they have been to Southeast Asia, Australia, New Zealand, French Polynesia, the Hawaiian Islands, the Caribbean, Alaska, Europe, the Amazon, and more. “We’ve gotten to know many of the staff and have seen them grow with the ships,” Marty says.

“When we get on board, we feel like we’re coming home.”

Ensemble Lifestyles Fall 2015 53

LUXURY IS JUST THE BEGINNING. Experience the luxury that awaits you in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Imagine staying in a five-star private villa, chartering a yacht to a quiet bay or enjoying the culinary delights of your own personal chef.

The authentic moments will make your getaway even more memorable, from our unique heritage to our colorful culture to our acclaimed international food scene.

Whether flying commercial or on private jet, you’ll experience the conveniences of a destination accustomed to meeting your every need. And all the luxury your heart desires.

To plan your next escape, contact your Ensemble Travel® Group agent.

©2015 U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism

54 Ensemble Lifestyles Fall 2015

RE AL PE O PLE REAL JOU RNEYS

Savoring the

BASQUE REGION of Spain

My favorite travel destination is always the “next” one. With a never-abating sense of wanderlust, I didn’t expect to find a locale that would prompt the desire to return so quickly.

The Basque region of Spain holds a wonderful mix of world-renowned culinary tourism, seaside beauty, modern art and architecture, old world culture and charm, and welcoming locals to make you never want to leave.

by G EORGANNE SHIRK

Pouring cider at a pintxo bar

La Concha beach, San Sebastian

Ensemble Lifestyles Fall 2015 55

R E A L P E O P LE R EA L J O URNEYS

Bar with traditional pintxos

Home to many Michelin-star restaurants, this region’s love of food is carried into even the smallest of spots with the local tradition of pintxos: small delectable appetizers (the Basque version of tapas).

Parte Vieja, San Sebastian

SAN SEBASTIAN (Donostia in Basque) is the perfect place to wander and savor the sights, sound, food and wine – for a day, a weekend, or a week. I flew in a day earlier than my friend, Steven Weisz, and was warmly welcomed at a local hotel in the Gros area of San Sebastian, a few blocks from the surfing beach, Playa de la Zurriola. A walk along the beautiful beach leading west to the mouth of the Rio Urumea, (the river running through the city), and crossing a bridge, quickly leads you to the crossroads of old town (Parte Vieja) and the city center (Centro). I then made my way to Monte Urgull. An easy hike up the wooded mount jutting into the sea provided amazing views of the three crescent-shaped beaches of the city and the town below. Winding back down to the coastal promenade, I found a charming fisherman’s cove with an aquarium to visit.

After working up an appetite exploring the city, I was ready for one of the reasons San Sebastian is most famous – its food. Home to many Michelin-star restaurants, this region’s love of food is carried into even the smallest of spots with the local tradition of pintxos: 56 Ensemble Lifestyles Fall 2015

small delectable appetizers (the Basque version of tapas). A bar counter full of treats to choose from, I pointed and tasted to my heart’s content.

The next morning with Steven’s arrival, I transferred to the amazingly beautiful and romantic Hotel de Londres. This historic, luxury boutique hotel sits directly on the main beach (Playa de La Concha). Our room was beautiful with French doors opening onto a small terrace overlooking the sea. But our guide awaited us and we proceeded on to a lovely tour of the city, working our way through the old town area (including a square which held bullfights) with stops at a farmer’s market and pintxo bars, and then on through the Centro shopping district with its late 19th-century buildings and cinemas. Back on our own and to finish our last day in the city, we walked west along the beach promenade for the full length of Playa de La Concha and Playa de Ondarreta to a rumbling funicular up the side of Monte Igueldo. It leads to not only beautiful views of the bay, but also an ancient but charming amusement park with old-time rides and games that take “retro” to

Peine del Viento

a new level. Making our way back down the peak and walking further out toward the sea, a modern sculpture (Peine del Viento) set among the rocks and surf reminds you that beyond the calm of the bay is the vast moody Atlantic Ocean.

Traveling inland by car, we were introduced to VITORIA-GASTEIZ, the capital of the Basque region and the first European Green Capital.

Surrounded by six parks making the Green Belt, Vitoria is speckled with parks and promenades within and around the medieval city center. A hard-hat tour of the ongoing restoration of the Old Santa Maria Cathedral uniquely highlights

Hotel Marques de Riscal, Elciego

Espacio de Cocina Alternativa

Baigorri Winery

A tour of vineyards and winemakers took us from the ultra-modern Baigorri Winery to the charming family-run Bodegas Luis Canas for wine and olive oil tasting.

the challenges of preservation while (safely) experiencing the tilt and crumbling of the structure. A Basque cooking class at the Espacio de Cocina Alternativa rounded out the day with talos (corn soft tacos) and Basque cake (jamfilled tart).

To experience the famed wine country, we moved further inland to RIOJA ALAVESA. A tour of vineyards and winemakers took us from the ultra-modern Baigorri Winery to the charming family-run Bodegas Luis Canas for wine and olive oil tasting, and a tour of the concrete wine vaults of Bodegas Carlos San Pedro under the medieval city of Laguardia. In ELCIEGO, a Michelin-starred

Wine and olive oil tasting at Bodegas Luis Canas

lunch at the Frank Gehry-designed Hotel Marques de Riscal and a tour of the winery was truly amazing. The architecture and wine pairing continued with our stay at the Eguren Ugarte Hotel and Winery.

Jeff Koons “Puppy,” Guggenheim Bilbao

We finished our stay by returning to the coast and the formerly-industrial city of BILBAO. Here you are greeted with the museum that made them famous, the Frank Gehry-designed Guggenheim Museum with Jeff Koons’ flowering “Puppy” at the entrance. A tour of the museum is as much about the exhibits as it is about the building itself. The afternoon was spent following the river to the sea, stopping to see the Bizkaia Bridge, the world’s first metal

transporter bridge and a UNESCO World Heritage site, and walking along the streets of the fishing village and old port (Puerto Viejo de Algorta) in Getxco. We completed our stay at the luxurious Gran Hotel Domine Bilbao.

A decadent rooftop breakfast overlooking the Guggenheim museum was the perfect sendoff. We will be back! b

To plan your trip to the Basque region of Spain, please contact your Ensemble Travel® Group consultant.

Iberia flies from Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, New York via Madrid to Bilbao and San Sebastian.

Ensemble Lifestyles Fall 2015 57

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

A Suite Summer in Scandinavia on Seabourn Quest

Seabourn offers travelers a wealth of compelling reasons to explore the shining, sophisticated cities, friendly folk and spectacular natural majesty of Scandinavia and the Baltic next summer.

Seabourn Quest’s 21-day St. Petersburg & Scandinavia voyages sail between Stockholm and Copenhagen, combining visits of the region’s most colorful capitals with picturesque, perfectly preserved medieval towns, tiny, rustic villages and breathtaking, scenic islands and fjords – all illuminated in endless summer sunlight. Nearly as important as what guests see will be how they see it. In 2016, Seabourn Quest will add significant enhancements to Seabourn’s award-winning, luxurious onboard lifestyle.

On departure, guests will get a taste of adventures to come as the captain skillfully threads between the myriad islands of Stockholm’s archipelago. White-sailed yachts flying the sky-blue and sunshine-yellow Swedish flag slice back and forth in the slanting sunlight, as children splash along sloping granite shores crowned with rustic red-painted cottages. After meeting their sociable new shipmates in the elegantly understated lounges, guests will retire to one of the ship’s several inviting dining venues and enjoy the first of many memorable meals on board.

A distinguished panel of experts assembled by Saveur magazine has named Seabourn the Best Culinary Cruise Line for two consecutive years, citing its consistently high quality cuisine, paired with an extensive wine selection and an exceptionally hospitable service brigade. In 2016, this superb dining experience is being enhanced by an exclusive partnership with celebrated American chef/ restaurateur Chef Thomas Keller. Seabourn will partner with Chef Keller to introduce a new signature restaurant that will be revealed in the spring of 2016 on Seabourn Quest before being rolled out to the entire fleet including the new ships, Seabourn Encore and Seabourn Ovation.

58 Ensemble Lifestyles Fall 2015

St. Petersburg, Russia culminated the ambition of one of Europe’s wealthiest and most powerful monarchs. Tsar Peter Romanov was enamored of the West, and set about to recreate Venice’s confectionary rococo palaces on the marshy banks of the Neva River. Sailing upriver to the English Embankment, guests aboard Seabourn Quest will survey the pastel facades and graceful bridges of Peter’s dream come true. The city embodies the phrase “an embarrassment of riches,” except that Peter and his royal retinue seem incapable of embarrassment.

The million masterworks on display in the Hermitage museum, the ornate, gilded Summer Palace, the baroque ballet theaters, onion-domed churches and extravagant statuary provide enough visual treasures to amply reward the three-day stay.

One of the beauties of Seabourn Quest is its intimacy. Guests quickly feel right at home.

Nothing is very far, and an inviting space of open deck is always near by. Lounges

One of the beauties of Seabourn Quest is its intimacy. Guests quickly feel right at home.

are stacked at the aft end of the ship for convenience, and the spacious, ocean-view suites are forward, enhancing tranquility.

Yet the ship provides features and amenities equal to many larger ships. The Spa at Seabourn is the largest on any luxury ship, with a sophisticated array of services and a large, fully equipped gym. Entertainment options range from production shows and cabaret performances in the Grand Salon to lively dancing or quieter spots for music and conversation. Seabourn Square is the ship’s inviting “living room,” where guests can get answers from a concierge, check email at a computer station, browse the library or enjoy a frothy cappuccino from the coffee bar.

Seabourn Quest has expanded the definition of ultra luxury cruising with the addition of a fleet of sturdy, stable Zodiac inflatable boats, enabling thrilling, sea-level cruising of scenic waterways, up-close wildlife viewing and landings on remote beaches.

Directed by veteran Expedition Leader Robin West and manned by an experienced team of naturalists, scholars and expedition specialists, optional Ventures by Seabourn was born in the unspoiled wilderness of Antarctica. In 2016 the program will further enhance the experiences of Seabourn Quest’s guests amid the rugged beauty and scenic grandeur of Norway’s majestic fjordlands.

For special offers from Seabourn please see page 78, and contact your Ensemble Travel® Group consultant.

Ensemble Lifestyles Fall 2015 59

WOR L D E V E NTS

Rings Around RIO

by SUZANNE GANNON

When August 5, 2016 rolls around, odds are there won’t be an unoccupied hotel room in all of Rio de Janeiro, as the playground of the Cariocas becomes the playground to the world, or at least to the world’s athletes and their fans.

Competing in the 31st Summer Olympic Games – the first in South America – will be some 10,500 rowers, sprinters, swimmers, archers, beach volleyballers, and others from 205 countries who, in 19 days, will square off in 306 medal events that will take place in four locations around the city, including Barra da Tijuca, hub of the Games, as well as Deodoro, Copacabana, and Maracanã.

Among the many cultural phenomena associated with Rio, and Brazil as a whole, is samba, a rhythmic musical dance featuring drums, whistles, and elaborate costumes. It is rooted in the African dance traditions brought over by slaves.

To prepare, Rio is in the throes of a revitalization. The old port is being outfitted with a boulevard and new museums – as well as an aquarium that will rank as the largest in South America. New and expanded transportation systems – airport, subway, bus, and tram – will improve crowd flow.

Whether you’re interested in the opening ceremony, the taekwondo matches, or in sticking around to take in some of the country’s singular sights, Francisco – a veteran tourism expert and on-location specialist – suggests hiring a destination management company which can be easily orchestrated through your Ensemble Travel® Group consultant.

“They have the expertise to help you in planning itineraries, negotiating great hotel rates,

60 Ensemble Lifestyles Fall 2015

introducing you to knowledgeable tour guides, recommending restaurants, and informing you about what’s in and what’s out,” he says.

And about those hotel beds? Francisco says a substantial block of rooms reserved by the International Olympic Committee will loosen up by the end of 2015 as they finalize their lodging plans. “Rio is going to double its hotel bed capacity for the Olympic Games next year,” he says.

Ready too, should be your appetite. As rabid as you may be about rhythmic gymnastics, you still have to eat and drink. Whether you wash down your “petiscos” (tapas) with a “caipirinha” (Brazil’s national cocktail made with “cachaça,” a sugar cane hard liquor) or get yourself invited to a “feijoada” feast with a local family, there are many gastronomic options from which to choose.

Cold beer and shrimp rolls can be found in Leblon at Bar Bracarense, an informal sidewalk café specializing in tapas or “petiscos.” In the evening, don your best Brazilian chic and venture to Al Mare, located in the Ipanema/ Arpoador district and designed to set a standard for sleek. True foodies might enjoy the fine fare being plated at Aprazivel, which is

Left: Caipirinha cocktail Below: Rio’s Maracanã Stadium, originally built in 1950 for FIFA World Cup, will host the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2016 Olympics

Copacabana beach

BEACH BOUND

Fernando de Noronha Baia do Sancho

located in Santa Teresa, Rio’s answer to Montmartre in Paris. Perched atop a hill that is home to artists and galleries, the restaurant offers a grand view of the city below. Here our man on the ground describes the cuisine as “‘nouvelle cuisine brésilienne’ with a slight Portuguese twist.”

Once you’ve hung up your medal and satiated your tastebuds, there are numerous excursions to consider outside of the Marvelous City.

They include the majestic Iguassu Falls, the northeastern beaches of Salvador da Bahia, Manaus and the great splendor of the Amazon, the marshlands of Pantanal, and, for culture and history, the cities of Minas Gerais including Ouro Preto and Mariana, Tiradentes and São João del Rei.

Rio’s Copacabana is a broad, flat beach that gently slopes into the waves and fronts some of the city’s grandest hotels, including the Art Deco monolith by the same name.

“The country is as large as the continental U.S.A.,” Francisco says. “Plan your trip to have as little flight time as possible. Don’t try to see it all in your first trip.”

Turtles, lemon and reef sharks, whales, and clownfish are among the species divers will see at Fernando de Noronha Baia do Sancho, a UNESCO World Heritage Site situated in the spectacular Atlantic archipelago that encompasses some of the country’s best beaches.

And, a note on safety from the pro. “Be street-smart, do not walk in back alleys or venture into areas that you are not familiar with, do not wear very shiny jewelry or carry large cameras. Try to act and dress as a local.”

U.S. and Canadian travelers should obtain visas, and they should also know that outside of local tour operators, few Portuguese-speaking locals speak English.

Jericoacoara Beach

So, what are you waiting for?

Venha visitar, as the Cariocas would say. b

BELMOND COPACABANA PALACE Rio de Janeiro, Brazil The Belmond Copacabana Palace is celebrated as a haven for relaxation, fine living, and international glamor.

This grand property, which has served as the meeting place for kings, princes and presidents, has welcomed generations of guests to Rio with its own

There’s a reason the nation known for its expansive rain forest has also gained a reputation for skimpy bikinis, colorful flip-flops, and gravity-defying plastic surgery: its lengthy coastline features a slew of beautiful beaches, a ribbon of shimmering sand that wraps around the country’s eastern edge.

special brand of elegance and service. The impeccable Mediterranean-style building is home to opulent restaurants, lounges, and bars – including the Hotel Cipriani with its Northern Italian cuisine – as well as superb accommodations.

Ensemble Exclusives: Brazilian buffet breakfast for two daily • $100 spa treatment credit per room, per stay • Upgraded room at time of check-in when available • Early check-in and late check-out when available

Now a national park of dunes and lagoons, Jericoacoara, in the northernmost state of Ceará, attracts windsurfers, kitesurfers and other water and beach sport enthusiasts.

The clear water and shallow pools made of stone at Praia Taipús de Fora in Bahia are irresistible to families and snorkelers alike, as are the nearby waterfalls and mangroves.

To plan your trip to the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio, please contact your Ensemble Travel® Group consultant.

Ensemble Lifestyles Fall 2015 61

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

LEADING THE WAY

Legendary waterways. Rich history.

Food that’s as inspiring as the scenery. ® On a Viking cruise, expect all that and a whole lot more.

A Better Way to Explore Legendary waterways. Inspiring itineraries. Delicious, regional cuisine.

On a Viking cruise, you can expect all that and more. “Today’s travelers are looking for immersive experiences that bring them right to the heart of a destination,” says Viking’s Chairman Torstein Hagen. “That explains a lot of the growth in river cruising – and the demand Viking has experienced.”

near Amsterdam or the porcelain factory in Meissen, so guests can gain insight into the Working World; and Viking offers guests the option of experiencing Privileged Access to museums, private collections and after-hours events curated especially by Viking, such as exclusive behind-the-scenes tour partnerships with Lobkowicz Palace in Prague, Czech Republic and the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia.

The Viking Way

The Viking Difference

Viking not only delivers the expected and iconic (such as museums and landmarks), they also go beyond, and on most itinteraries offers a Local Life experience and a Working World experience, as well as an optional Privileged Access experience. For example, Viking offers a number of home-hosted visits or trips to local markets so guests can experience Local Life; they provide experiences like the Kinderdijk windmills

Enjoy exciting cities, rich cultural experiences, fine dining, and deluxe accommodations on board the most modern ships - with everything from meals to shore excursions included in your fare.

62 Ensemble Lifestyles Fall 2015

For 2016 Early Booking Discounts from Viking River Cruises, please see page 80 and contact your Ensemble Travel® Group consultant!

AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND 14-Day Auckland to Sydney (or reverse) ms Noordam

discover the world with four offers valued up to us$1,700* Book select January 2016–April 2017 cruises and receive all four offers below:*

10/25/16; 11/8/16*; 1/31/17; 2/14/17 Verandah from

Oceanview from

2,199*USD

$

2,899*USD

$

ASIA PACIFIC 14-Day Hong Kong to Singapore (or reverse) ms Volendam

10/27/16; 11/22/16*; 12/6/16; 1/3/17, 1/17/17; 2/14/17 Oceanview from

1,999*USD

$

Vista Suite from

$

3,899*USD

1 FREE Signature Beverage Package (up to us$1,400 value)

2 FREE Pinnacle Grill Dinner (us$58 value) 3 Reduced CRUISE FARES for 3 /4 guests 4 50% reduced deposit rd

th

BoOK A suite and receive the above PLUS US$300 onboard spending credit per stateroom and a FREE Canaletto dinner!

For more information, please contact your Ensemble Travel® Group consultant.

Terms & Conditions: Fares and Explore4 offers are based on Promo(s) KA/KC/JA. Featured fares are per person based on double occupancy, cruise or Land+Sea Journeys only. Fares are in U.S. dollars and based on *dates. Taxes, Fees & Port Expenses are additional. Subject to availability. Explore4 offers are per stateroom based on double occupancy, for 1st and 2nd guests sharing a stateroom and excludes 3rd/4th guests, except as provided herein. Explore4 offers are available for new bookings only, apply only to the cruise portion of Alaska Land+Sea Journeys, are not combinable with any other discounts, are not transferable, are capacity controlled, and may be modified or withdrawn without prior notice. Offers are applicable on select 2015, 2016 and 2017 departures. For more information about our stateroom categories and suite descriptions, and to view deck plans and for full terms and conditions applicable to your cruise, please refer to hollandamerica.com/Explore4 or the appropriate Holland America brochure. Other restrictions may apply. Explore4 offers end October 15, 2015. Ships’ Registry: The Netherlands.

U.S. CIT Y S POTL IG H T

S A N DI E G O FO R AL L AGES

S H O P P I NG

➊ PIGMENT This home decor shop has a well-curated selection of kitchenware, jewelry, stationery, and more. For a little DIY, make a succulent arrangement at Pigment’s plant station, which is stocked with planters, colored sand, cacti, and more.

by ARCHANA RAM

Perennially perfect weather, palm tree-lined avenues, a relaxed surfer culture – San Diego is quintessential SoCal at its best.

But thanks to an expanding gourmet food scene, design-minded boutiques, and adventurous water sports, the city has evolved into a diverse play land for all ages and interests.

➋ MAKE GOOD Make Good is filled with clothing, home goods, paper products, and more all made by artisans from San Diego and nearby Tijuana. The store was also the recent recipient of a makeover courtesy of American Express, Shop Small, and Etsy Wholesale.

FOOD & DRINK

➊ PUESTO Located in The Headquarters at Seaport Village, an old police command center-turnedshopping center, Puesto specializes in gourmet street tacos. For a secret, off-menu dish try the Baja Supremo Taco, piled with beer-battered shrimp, melted cheese, mango habañero pico, and chipotle crema.

➋ JUNIPER & IVY Top Chef

➌ HOLSEM COFFEE Holsem

➍ STONE BREWING WORLD

feels like a sophisticated cafe in Europe, and though the caffeine hub offers traditional coffee, their “creations” – espresso blends infused with unique ingredients like rose water and nutella – are a must-try.

BISTRO & GARDENS Clocking in

64 Ensemble Lifestyles Fall 2015

winner Richard Blais has brought his brand of elevated Americana to Little Italy, with sleek decor and a menu with items such as gourmet toast topped with beef tartare, quail egg, and cotija. Save room for the yodel: a devil’s cake with white chocolate, hazelnut brittle, and hot chocolate.

at 23,000 square feet, the sprawling brew temple is stocked with 40 craft beers, more than 100 on tap, indoor and outdoor dining areas, a bocce ball court, garden, and outdoor cinema space.

Photo: Jon Hall

OU T D O O R S

HOTEL

➊ STAND-UP PADDLEBOARDING Though

A RT S & C U LT U R E

➊ BALBOA PARK This 1,200acre park has something for everyone, including art museums, hiking trails, an archery range, organ pavilion, and Japanese Friendship Garden. To refuel, find a seat at Panama 66, a stylish brewpub adjacent to the San Diego Museum of Art. ➋ NEW CHILDREN’S MUSEUM This downtown museum is dedicated to providing toddlers through teens with interactive experiences. Expect climbable structures, art workshops, and engaging performances. Make sure to visit The Garden Project, an outdoor installation that teaches children about growing fruits and veggies.

maintaining balance can be tricky at first, this low-impact workout results in a tranquil cruise around Mission Bay, where waves are hardly a problem.

There are many outfitters along Mission Boulevard, but Surfari Surf School is one of the best.

➋ WATERFRONT PARK A new addition to downtown, the Waterfront Park is lined with fountains and splash areas. It’s an ideal spot to cool down, let little ones run off some energy, and picnic with the skyline as a backdrop.

➌ SUNSET CLIFFS This aptly named coastal area is one of the best spots to catch San Diego’s golden hour. The area spreads wide, from Sunset Cliffs Natural Park to sandy paths along the cliffs, but there isn’t a bad place to watch the sun go down.

HOTEL DEL CORONADO San Diego, California The legendary Hotel del Coronado is located on 28 oceanfront acres on Coronado Island. The Del – built in 1888 and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1977 – has played host to celebrities, presidents, and dignitaries from around the world. Rated one of the “top ten” hotels in the world by USA Today, this superb retreat continues to maintain its rich history while also offering contemporary conveniences, such as unique beachfront dining experiences, an award-winning spa, upscale shopping, and a variety of recreational activities. Tucked next to the hotel on the “#1 Beach in America,” discover Beach Village – an exclusive enclave of luxurious oceanfront cottages and villas.

Ensemble Exclusives: • Breakfast for two daily • Commemorative Hotel del Coronado book (room accommodations) • $100 spa credit (suite accommodations) • Upgraded room at time of check-in when available • Early check-in when available • Late check-out when available

ROA D T R I P S

➊ CORONADO ISLAND A short drive across the San Diego-Coronado Bridge leads to this charming and wellmanicured enclave. Grab a beach towel and head for Coronado Beach to see sparkling sand dotted with mineral mica, and take a stroll around the pristine grounds of the Hotel Del Coronado, where Some Like it Hot was filmed.

➋ LA JOLLA La Jolla combines sweeping ocean views with a quaint village of shops and restaurants. Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve has trails for a variety of experience levels, while Windansea Beach is a relatively hidden spot to lay out. For dinner, head to the haute George’s at the Cove for seafood by the ocean, or try their casual new sister eatery, Galaxy Tacos, for a family-friendly option.

➌ ENCINITAS Twenty-five miles north of San Diego sits this peaceful coastal community with a surfer vibe. Grab a cuppa at Pannikin Coffee & Tea, a cafe housed in a historic railroad station, before getting a dose of Zen at the Self-Realization Fellowship’s Meditation Garden. To see surfers in action, nearby Moonlight Beach comes equipped with bathroom and shower facilities.

Ensemble Lifestyles Fall 2015 65

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Onboard Experiences That Rival Those Ashore From ancient lands and dazzling cities to misty fjords and idyllic islands, the world is full of fascinating cruise destinations. Each port offers new opportunities to discover faraway lands and explore local cultures. After exhilarating days ashore, Princess Cruises keeps the party going with everything from culinary demos, photography classes, wine tasting, and Wi-Fi, to cultural presentations and thrilling live shows.

Four NEW Musicals from Stephen Schwartz In an extraordinary move, Princess has partnered with three-time Oscar-winner – and composer of ‘Wicked,’ ‘Pippin,’ and ‘Godspell’ – Stephen Schwartz, to produce four new musicals exclusively for guests of Princess Cruises.

Unique Princess Cruises offerings include Movies Under the Stars® with blankets and popcorn, street performerstyle entertainment in the ship’s

“I’m excited about the

Piazza, Lotus Spa treatments, and

possibility of using the

tranquil hours spent luxuriating in

enormous resources

The Sanctuary adults-only retreat.

available with Princess to

But the secret ingredient in Princess Cruises’ onboard experience is the exclusive partnerships that make every day a once-in-a-lifetime event.

66 Ensemble Lifestyles Fall 2015

create new and innovative theatrical entertainment.” ~ Stephen Schwartz

During his 40-year career, Mr. Schwartz has won four Grammys and three Academy Awards (“Best Song” and “Best Score” for Pocahontas and “Best Song” for The Prince of Egypt). He’s been nominated for six Tony Awards. And he is the only songwriter in Broadway history to have three shows run for more than 1,900 performances.

Schwartz’ first musical for Princess Cruises, ‘Magic to Do,’ will debut this fall. The show will combine illusions created by Jim Steinmeyer (think David Copperfield and Doug Henning) with Schwartz’ most famous musical compositions … including a brand new song written exclusively for Princess Cruises.

An All-New, Premium Chocolate Experience The Chocolate Journeys� premium chocolate experience, now available onboard all Princess Cruises ships, includes an array of opportunities to sample chocolate creations crafted by one of the world’s foremost experts – Master Chocolatier, Norman Love.

You can complement your favorite drink at the Captain’s Cocktail Reception with a heavenly Chocolate Love Pop. Taste marvelous, new desserts in the main dining rooms and explore unique creations in your ship’s specialty restaurants.

For the ultimate sensory experience, visit Vines Wine Bar and enjoy a flight of premium chocolates and fine wines, paired by Norman Love.

A special Chocolate Drink Menu includes decadent cocktails like the Chocolate Chili Margarita, Chocolate Salted Caramel Rum Shake, and the Chocolate Bacon Bourbon Special. In Chocolate Cooking Demonstrations, you can learn to prepare Love’s recipes at home, with expert tips from a pastry chef. And, of course, no Princess Cruises journey is complete until you’ve tried the Lotus Spa® Chocolate Indulgence Body Treatment, which combines a chocolate renewal scrub, whipped chocolate body mask, and chocolate oil massage.

Clocolate Tart

Pistachio Dome

Praline Timbale

Sable Breton

Choc’elit Mintini

S’more Chocolate

Chocolate Mistress

Wild, New Adventures in Discovery at Sea Princess Cruises has teamed up with Discovery Communications to bring your favorite television shows to life in onboard activities inspired by Shark Week, MythBusters, the Science Channel, Animal Planet, and more. In Stargazing at Sea, you’ll embark on a cosmic voyage from the top deck of the ship, learn how to find your bearings, and identify major constellations. In Shark Week at Sea, a 4-D Great White Shark gives you a close-up look at the inner workings of the planet’s most perfect predator.

All new questions, photos, and video footage make the Discovery at Sea Trivia Challenge even more fun. In Princess Cruises’ Finding Bigfoot challenge, you can search the ship for the elusive Sasquatch. How It’s Made takes you backstage to learn the secrets to producing a hit show. Discovery & Animal Planet Exclusive Tours provide exciting, immersive shore excursions. And Princess’ Alaska cruises are a thrill a minute with onboard fun inspired by the hit show, Deadliest Catch.

For special offers from Princess Cruises please see page 77, and contact your Ensemble Travel® Group consultant.

Ensemble Lifestyles Fall 2015 67

T R AV E L E R ’ S N O T E B O O K

On Safari in Botswana, Victoria Falls & Zimbabwe • 9 days on safari in Southern Africa

Yangtze Sojourn • 11 days (including 3-night cruise) touring China • Beijing to Shanghai

• Botswana to Zimbabwe

• Select departures now through May 31, 2016

• Select departures now through May 31, 2016

• From $5,499 per person, land only

• From $5,899 per person, land only

• Web ID: EL1143

• Web ID: EL1142

This diverse Botswana safari features Southern Africa’s best luxury camps and Africa’s most incredible wildlife. Explore the legendary Okavango Delta, experience Victoria Falls, track herds of elephant and buffalo in the Hwange National Park, and partake in game drives in deluxe open vehicles, nature walks, canoe expeditions, and night safaris with superb safari guides.

E

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Delight in China’s finest and most intimate ship, luxury hotels, fine dining and special excursions with an attentive Trip Leader on a small group journey with never more than 16 guests. Travel from Beijing (3 nights) to Xian (overnight), Chongqing, Yichang, Suzhou, and Shanghai (3 nights), including a 3-night cruise along the Yangtze River.

E

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XCL U SIVE

Receive a complimentary helicopter sightseeing flight at Victoria Falls.

Book now.

Receive a complimentary one category cabin upgrade from Main Desk to Xiling Deck aboard MS Yangzi Explorer. Book now.

Cinque Terre & Tuscany Walking & Hiking Tour

New! Cuba People-to-People Multisport Tour

• 6 days touring Italy

• 8 days touring Cuba

• Pisa to Florence

• Roundtrip Miami

• Select departures April through October, 2016

• Select departures December 2015 – June 2016 and November – December 2016

• From $3,198 per person, land only

• From $5,998 per person, land only

• Web ID: EL1144

• Web ID: EL1145 Discover two distinct and beloved regions of Italy in one amazing trip! Hike the Cinque Terre’s spectacular coastline, with brightly colored cliffside villages, then savor outstanding seafood by the Mediterranean and simple hearty fare in Chianti. Stroll through archetypal Tuscan villages, vineyards and cypress-flanked lanes, and taste crisp Ligurian white wines and full-bodied Tuscan reds.

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Receive one Backroads Timbuk2 backpack per booking.

Book by November 1, 2015.

Legally travel to Cuba on this special People-to-People Multisport trip—the very first trip of its kind! Explore Matanzas on foot, discovering caves and white sand beaches, and meeting farmers and some of Cuba’s famous artisans. Pedal alongside members of Cuba’s National Cycling club through beautiful natural areas, rural villages and colonial towns. Bike and hike the Vinales Valley, tobacco farm capital and World Heritage site, and be enchanted by the vibrant history, beautiful architecture and seductive vibe of Havana.

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Receive one Backroads Timbuk2 backpack per booking.

Book by November 1, 2015.

68 Ensemble Lifestyles Fall 2015

For reservations, call us today.

Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa

Wailea Beach Marriott Resort & Spa

• 5 days at Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa

• 5 days at Wailea Beach Marriott Resort & Spa

• Maui, Hawaii

• Maui, Hawaii

• Now through December 18, 2015

• Now through December 18, 2015

• From $889 per person, Deluxe Ocean View room

• From $949 per person, Ocean View room • Web ID: EL1147

• Web ID: EL1146

Surrounded by 40 lush, oceanfront acres, this breathtaking resort is a vacation paradise where you are free to relax, indulge and have an adventure. Frolic in the water playground, pamper yourself at the Marilyn Monroe™ Spa, play championship golf and tennis, snorkel at Black Rock, and ride the Pacific waves at the white sand beach. This spectacular Ka’anapali beach hotel is a wonderful family getaway with fun pools with a 150-foot lava tube slide.

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Experience the aloha spirit at one of the most unique Wailea resorts Maui has to offer. Capture the essence of the oceanfront setting from our new infinity-edge pool, which features overwater cabanas and views simply not found at other Maui beach hotels. Enjoy a round of golf at the nearby Wailea Golf Club, or unwind at Mandara Spa. Guest rooms provide an array of upscale amenities, and our dining options include a luau dinner show.

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NSEMBL E ®

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Receive a $275 credit (reflected in price shown), every 5th night free, and daily buffet breakfast for two. Book by December 14, 2015.

Receive a $300 credit (reflected in price shown), every 5th night free, and daily breakfast for two (breakfast gratuity not included). Book by December 13, 2015.

Luxury in New Zealand

New Zealand Self Drive

• 12 days touring New Zealand

• 10 days touring New Zealand

• Auckland to Christchurch

• Auckland to Wellington • October 1, 2015 February 4, 2016 & February 15 March 24, 2016

• October 1 through December 15, 2015 • From $9,665 per person, land only

• From $2,699 per person, land only

• Web ID: EL1148

• Web ID: EL1149

Be taken to the farthest reaches of this mysterious land as you wine and dine beside panoramic vistas. Luxury in New Zealand brings you deeper into Kiwi culture than you thought possible. Jet off on a helicopter ride over Milford Sound, relax in the beautiful Wairarapa region and marvel at the majesty of Canterbury. Luxury lodges set amongst picturesque backdrops await you at each stop through this one-of-a kind country.

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Receive a complimentary New Zealand cell phone.

Book by November 31, 2015.

From mountain peaks to deep fjords to rolling plains, New Zealand’s landscapes offer incomparable beauty with a relatively small - yet very hospitable population. This self-drive tour includes a 7-day Hertz car rental, a coach tour to the Bay of Islands, a guided tour of the Waitomo Glowworm Caves including a cruise in the grotto, Tamaki cultural village tour with traditional Maori Hangi dinner, and a full day guided wine tasting in the Hawkes Bay wine region.

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Receive a complimentary entry ticket to Kelly Tarlton’s Sealife in Auckland. Book by March 12, 2016.

Ensemble Lifestyles Fall 2015 69

T R AV E L E R ’ S N O T E B O O K

Spain: Seven Cities

Spain by Rail and Private Car

• 10 days touring Spain

• 10 days touring Spain

• Barcelona to Madrid

• Barcelona to Malaga

• Select departures April 11 through October 10, 2016

• Select departures now through February 2016 • From $6,181 per person, land only

• From $6,395 per person, land only

• Web ID: EL1151

• Web ID: EL1150

Explore the Boquería in Barcelona, and visit an authentic bodega to privately sample sherry in the famed region of Jerez. Make a Culinary Connection in Seville on an evening tapas tour. Take a horse-drawn carriage to a private palace in Seville, and enjoy an unforgettable private performance by local flamenco dancers and singers on an exuberant Musical Connection.

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Discover the best of Spain: Barcelona, Madrid, Seville, Costa del Sol, Toledo, Cordoba, and Granada. Visit the breathtaking La Sagrada Familia. Take a private walking tour of Cordoba. Enjoy an evening of tapas hopping followed by a fiery Flamenco show. Conclude your journey at the chic resort of Marbella, playground to the rich and famous.

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Save $150 per person off the price shown.

Book by December 31, 2015.

Save $500 per couple off the price shown. Book by October 31, 2015.

Barcelona & Madrid

A Week in Spain

• 6 nights experiencing Barcelona and Madrid

• 8 days touring Spain

• Barcelona to Madrid • Departures April November, 2016

• Select departures April 3 through October 23, 2016

• From $1,600 per person, land only

• From $3,590 per person, land only

• Web ID: EL1152

• Web ID: EL1153

Monograms makes it easy for you to travel to the great cities of Barcelona & Madrid. Your hotel reservations, sightseeing in both cities, daily breakfast, transportation via high-speed train (firstclass) between the cities, transportation to/from the train stations, and materials to familiarize you with both cities is all arranged for you. Plus, you’ll have a Local Host® in each city – someone to translate for you, offer you suggestions, and answer questions.

Discover the country’s rich cultural heritage in Barcelona, Granada, Ronda, Seville and Andalucía, Córdoba, and Madrid. Enjoy a private flamenco performance ... a horse-drawn carriage ride through Maria Luisa Park in Seville ... a visit to Seville Cathedral ... a guided tour of Madrid’s Museo del Prado ... an included on-tour flight from Barcelona to Málaga ... and much more.

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• Barcelona to Madrid

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Save $100 per person off the price shown. Book by October 27, 2015.

70 Ensemble Lifestyles Fall 2015

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Receive a Longitude Book gift set (valued at over $100) per booking.

Book by November 15, 2015.

For reservations, call us today.

New Year’s Eve in Sydney

Thailand Discovered

• 5 days touring Sydney

• 10 days touring Thailand

• Sydney

• Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket

• December 30, 2015 – January 4, 2016

• Now through March 31, 2016

• From $4,485 per person, land only

• From $4,125 per person, land only

• Web ID: EL1154

• Web ID: EL1155

Celebrate New Year’s Eve Down Under with an unmatched view of the Sydney New Year’s Eve Midnight Fireworks. This is one of the most spectacular shows that takes place in the world’s best open theater - fireworks firing from barges, skyscraper rooftops and across the iconic arch of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Stay in luxury accommodations and take part in a Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb and a tour of the city to complete this unforgettable experience.

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Rambunctious cities, religious sanctuaries, ancient kingdoms and tropical beaches contribute to this well-rounded Thailand trip. Explore the bustling city of Bangkok. Chill out in Chiang Mai, the perfect place to visit elaborate temples, get face-to-face with massive elephants and feast at a local night market. And relax in Phuket, a Thai beach haven with incredible views of the famed limestone structures, isolated beaches and top notch snorkeling.

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Receive a complimentary Sydney Opera House Tour and Tasting Plate.

Book by November 31, 2015.

Receive a complimentary Floating Markets morning tour in Bangkok.

Book by November 31, 2015.

Classic Mediterranean

Amalfi Coast to Greece

• 11 days cruising the Mediterranean aboard Azamara Journey®

• 7 days cruising the Mediterranean aboard Azamara Journey®

• Venice to Barcelona

• Rome to Athens

• July 10 – 21, 2016

• June 16 – 23, 2016

• From $5,449 per person, Club Veranda

• From $3,449 per person, Club Veranda

• Web ID: EL1156

• Web ID: EL1157

This six-country adventure to great cities and small villages offers rich experiences of local people, culture and cuisine all along the way. Discover Dubrovnik’s marble streets and the beautiful Dalmatian Coast. Soak up the panoramic views and savor some of Italy’s freshest, finest cuisine on the Amalfi Coast. Sail from Venice to Dubrovnik, Argostoli, Sorrento, Rome, Florence/Pisa, Monte Carlo, Cassis, and Barcelona.

Panoramic vistas and beautiful little towns are the theme of this idyllic week-long escape. Explore cliffside towns, ancient Pompeii, the gardens of Capri and fantastic local cuisine with two days on the incomparable Amalfi Coast. In Sicily, discover the views and little plazas of medieval Taormina. Sail from Rome to Sorrento, Amalfi, Giardini Naxos Taormina, Santorini, Mykonos, and Athens.

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Ensemble® Hosted Cruise with Ensemble® Experience in Monte Carlo.

Book now.

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Ensemble® Hosted Cruise with Ensemble® Experience in Santorini.

Book now.

Ensemble Lifestyles Fall 2015 71

T R AV E L E R ’ S N O T E B O O K

Western Caribbean Getaway

South America & Canal

• 7 days cruising the Caribbean aboard Celebrity Reflection®

• 14 days cruising South America & the Panama Canal aboard Celebrity Infinity®

• Roundtrip Miami • November 7, 2015 & January 30, 2016

• Valparaiso to Miami

• From $1,699 per person, AquaClass Stateroom

• From $3,499 per person, AquaClass Stateroom

• March 13 – 27, 2016

• Web ID: EL1159

• Web ID: EL1158

Celebrity offers the perfect Caribbean cruise vacation for every sun lover. Enjoy some of the world’s most stunning beaches, explore villages for unique treasures, and finish the perfect day with a refreshing cocktail and sumptuous seafood fare, as you watch the sun melt into the blue horizon. Sail from Miami to Cozumel, George Town, Montego Bay, and Cococay.

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From the picturesque neighborhoods of Valparaiso, sail on to the natural wonders and fascinating history of Arica, Lima, Manta, and Willemstad, before concluding your trip in the exciting city of Miami.

Along the way, experience cruising through the awe-inspiring Panama Canal - a marvel of engineering, with a surrounding area that is also a sanctuary for sloths, eagles, ocelots and toucans, thanks to a lush rainforest environment and tropical temperatures.

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Receive $150 onboard credit per AquaClass stateroom. Book now.

Taxes, Fees & Port expenses of up to $139.82 per person are additional and subject to change.

NSEMBL E ®

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Receive $150 onboard credit per AquaClass stateroom. Book now.

Taxes, Fees & Port expenses of up to $407.28 per person are additional and subject to change.

Australia & New Zealand

Far East Discovery

• 14 days cruising Australia & New Zealand aboard ms Noordam

• 14 days cruising Asia aboard ms Volendam • Hong Kong to/from Singapore

• Sydney to/from Auckland • October 25 & November 8, 2016 and January 31 & February 14, 2017

• October 27; November 22 & December 6, 2016 and January 3, 17 & February 14, 2017

• From $2,899 per person, Verandah Stateroom

• From $3,899 per person, Vista Suite

• Web ID: EL1160

• Web ID: EL1161

Under the star-filled skies of the Southern Cross, Holland America Line creates memorable Down Under experiences for guests cruising to Australia and New Zealand. Ports of call include Sydney, Melbourne, Hobart, Milford Sound, Port Chalmers, Akaroa, Picton, Wellington, Napier, Tauranga, and Auckland.

Discover the wonders of the Far East: Hong Kong, Halong Bay, Da Nang, Nha Trang, Phu My, Sihanoukville, Laem Chabang, Koh Samui, and Singapore. You’ll travel aboard Holland America’s elegant and spacious ms Volendam, where you’ll be able to take advantage of modern spa amenities, culinary presentations, exceptional food and wine, and our legendary service.

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Receive $75 shipboard credit per stateroom. Book now.

72 Ensemble Lifestyles Fall 2015

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Receive $75 shipboard credit per stateroom. Book now.

For reservations, call us today.

Indochine Reflections

Oriental Odyssey

• 19 days cruising Southeast Asia & China aboard Crystal Serenity

• 14 days cruising Asia aboard Crystal Serenity

• Singapore to Shanghai • March 12 – 31, 2016

• March 31 – April 14, 2016

• From $8,545 per person, Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom

• From $6,375 per person, Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom

• Web ID: EL1162

• Web ID: EL1163

An immersive tour of Vietnam, including three days in Ho Chi Minh inviting overland adventures to Angkor Wat, while a junk cruise is an absolute must during a call in Hanoi. Sail from Singapore (overnight) to Koh Samui, Bangkok/Laem Chabang, Sihanoukville, Ho Chi Minh City (2-nights), Chan May, Hanoi/Hongai, Hong Kong (overnight), Xiamen, and Shanghai (overnight).

This voyage to China, South Korea and Japan includes a two-night Crystal Overland Adventure in Beijing to see the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, the Great Wall, the Temple of Heaven and more.

Sail from Shanghai (overnight) to Beijing/Xingang (2-nights), Incheon, Jeju Island, Pusan, Fukuoka, Shimizu, and Tokyo (overnight).

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• Shanghai to Tokyo

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Ensemble Hosted Cruise with Ensemble Experience shore event in Hong Kong. Book now. ®

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Ensemble Hosted Cruise with Ensemble® Experience shore event in Jeju Island. Book now. ®

Brazilian Holiday

Malaysian Mystique

• 15 days cruising South America aboard Crystal Symphony

• 12 days cruising Southeast Asia aboard Crystal Serenity

• San Juan to Rio de Janeiro

• Bali/Benoa to Singapore

• December 19, 2015 – January 3, 2016

• February 29 – March 12, 2016

• From $6,495 per person, Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom

• From $4,545 per person, Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom

• Web ID: EL1164

• Web ID: EL1165

Indulge in the treasures of Brazil - its famed beaches, sultry samba, lush rainforests and cosmopolitan vibe - and enjoy a spectacular holiday of rare experiences. Stroll the breezy boulevards of San Juan, then sail to Scarborough, Devil’s Island, Fortaleza, Recife, Salvador da Bahia, Rio de Janeiro (overnight), Buzios, and an encore overnight in Rio de Janeiro.

From Kuala Lumpur’s Batu Caves and Petronas Towers - the world’s tallest twin building - to Penang, a foodie’s paradise renowned also known as the Silicon Valley of Malaysia...an itinerary blending both history and modernity. Sail from Bali/Benoa (overnight), Semarang/ Borobudur, Kuala Lumpur/Port Kelang (overnight), Penang, Langkawi, and Singapore (overnight).

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Ensemble Hosted Cruise with Ensemble Experience shore event in Fortaleza. Book now. ®

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Ensemble Hosted Cruise with Ensemble® Experience shore event in Kuala Lumpur. Book now. ®

Ensemble Lifestyles Fall 2015 73

T R AV E L E R ’ S N O T E B O O K

Westbound Transatlantic Crossing

Exotic Voyage

• 7 days between New York & England aboard Queen Mary 2®

• 11 days cruising Asia aboard Queen Mary 2®

• Southampton to New York

• April 7 – 18, 2016

• Select departures October 11, 2015 through December 8, 2016

• Web ID: EL1167

• Singapore to Dubai • From $7,497 per person, Queens Grill Suite

• From $3,798 per person, Princess Grill Suite • Web ID: EL1166 You can reach New York in classic style. And you’ll be refreshed and ready to explore after seven nights on Queen Mary 2 – the most magnificent ocean liner ever built. Days on board can be totally relaxed and carefree, or you can fill them with almost endless activities, while evenings are glamorous, sociable and fun.

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Leaving Singapore’s incredible skyline behind, this 11-night cruise carries you west to Arabia. You can appreciate Kuala Lumpur’s diversity and its Petronas Towers, before the resort of Langkawi, emerald Sri Lanka and Cochin, with its Chinese fishing nets, guide you to Dubai.

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Receive up to $200 onboard credit per stateroom. Book now.

Receive up to $300 onboard credit and a tray of canapés per stateroom. Book now.

Mediterranean

Iberia

• 10 days cruising the Mediterranean aboard Queen Victoria®

• 7 days cruising Spain & Portugal aboard Queen Elizabeth®

• Rome to Southampton

• Roundtrip Southampton

• November 5 – 15, 2016

• September 30 – October 7, 2016

• From $4,558 per person, Princess Grill Suite

• From $3,370 per person, Princess Grill Suite

• Web ID: EL1168

• Web ID: EL1169

Set a 10-night course home from ancient Rome. The dazzling Renaissance treasures of Florence await one day and attractive Toulon harbor the next, best viewed by a cable car ascent of Mount Faron. Vibrant Barcelona, striking Valencia and Gibraltar’s Rock provide the finale.

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Receive up to $300 onboard credit per stateroom. Book now.

74 Ensemble Lifestyles Fall 2015

On this seven-night discovery to the Iberian Peninsula, you’ll first reach Vigo, close to the pilgrimage center of Santiago de Compostela.

In Portugal, the elegant capital Lisbon and Oporto, with its ornately tiled Sao Bento Station, await before a final call in Cherbourg.

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Receive up to $200 onboard credit per stateroom. Book now.

For reservations, call us today.

Imperial Exploration

Atolls & Islands

• 20 days cruising Asia aboard Nautica

• 10 days cruising the South Pacific aboard Marina

• Hong Kong to Bangkok • January 24 – February 13, 2016

• Roundtrip Papeete

• From $7,499 per person, Ocean View Stateroom

• From $5,349 per person, Veranda Stateroom

• Web ID: EL1170

• Web ID: EL1171

Gilded temples, legendary history and diverse cultures await your discovery throughout majestic Asia. Sail from Hong Kong (overnight) to Manila, Boracay Island, Borneo, Muara, Singapore, Ko Samui, Ho Chi Minh City (overnight), Sihanoukville, and Bangkok (overnight).

As you approach the isles of the South Pacific, put away your watch, breathe in the fresh sea air and surrender to island time – this magical place has a mindset all its own. Sail from Papeete (overnight) to Moorea, Raroia, Fakarava, Rangiroa, Bora Bora (overnight), Raiatea, and Huahine.

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• March 25 – April 4, 2016

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Receive Free Airfare and $200 Shipboard Credit per stateroom.

Plus, for a limited time, receive an additional $500 Shipboard Credit, Pre-Paid Gratuities and Unlimited Internet. Book now.

Receive Free Airfare and $200 Shipboard Credit per stateroom.

Book now.

Northwest Wonders

Greek & Turkish Charms

• 10 days cruising Alaska aboard Regatta

• 10 days cruising the Mediterranean aboard Sirena

• San Francisco to Vancouver

• Istanbul to Athens

• May 10 – 20, 2016

• June 3 – 13, 2016

• From $5,099 per person, Veranda Stateroom

• From $6,299 per person, Veranda Stateroom

• Web ID: EL1172

• Web ID: EL1173

Wildflowers sprout from fissures in rocks worn smooth by the wind, and time is measured by the groan of glaciers, not the hands of a clock. This is Alaska, and you are invited to experience all of its many wonders. Sail from San Francisco to Astoria, Sitka, Juneau, Wrangell, Ketchikan, and Vancouver.

On this remarkable voyage from the mosques and minarets of Istanbul to the imposing Acropolis of Athens, you will discover new wonders at every turn. Go island hopping through the Greek Isles, and delve deeper into Turkish treasures as you sail from Istanbul to Mitilini, Ephesus, Rhodes, Alanya, Limassol, Antalya, Aghios Nikolaos, Patmos, Mykonos, and Athens.

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Receive Free Airfare, 4 Free Shore Excursions, Pre-Paid Gratuities, Unlimited Internet and $200 Shipboard Credit per stateroom.

Book now.

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Receive Free Airfare, 4 Free Shore Excursions, Pre-Paid Gratuities, Unlimited Internet and $200 Shipboard Credit per stateroom.

Book now.

Ensemble Lifestyles Fall 2015 75

T R AV E L E R ’ S N O T E B O O K

Tahiti & Society Islands

Marquesas, Tuamotus & Society Islands

• 7 nights cruising Tahiti & French Polynesia aboard m/s Paul Gauguin

• 14 nights cruising Tahiti & French Polynesia aboard m/s Paul Gauguin

• Roundtrip Papeete

• Roundtrip Papeete

• Select departures December 16, 2015 through December 14, 2016

• November 21, 2015; April 15, June 25 & November 19, 2016 • From $6,995 per person, Oceanview Stateroom including roundtrip airfare LAX/Tahiti

• From $3,995 per person, Oceanview Stateroom including roundtrip airfare LAX/Tahiti

• Web ID: EL1175

• Web ID: EL1174 Draw close to the islands that inspired Gauguin and many others. Call on Huahine, the “Garden Island.” Spend a day on a private islet off the coast of Taha’a. Explore magical Bora Bora (overnight) and bask on the private white-sand beach on a motu off the coast, and discover Moorea (overnight), said to be the model for Michener’s Bali Hai.

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First call on the Tuamotu Islands, specifically Fakarava, known for its pristine beaches, rare wildlife, and exceptional diving. Next, explore the mist-covered Marquesas, where you’ll discover the islands of Fatu Hiva, Hiva Oa, Tahuata, and Nuku Hiva. More enjoyment awaits in the Society Islands, calling on Huahine, Bora Bora, Taha’a, our own private motu, and Moorea.

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Dec 30, Mar 26, May 14, Jul 9, Sep 3 & Oct 1 sailings feature an Ensemble® Hosted Cruise with Ensemble® Experience in Bora Bora.

Other sailings feature $100 shipboard credit per person. Book now.

Receive $100 shipboard credit per person. Book now.

Cherry Blossoms & Lotus Flowers

Jewels of the Adriatic

• 18 nights cruising Asia aboard Seven Seas Voyager®

• 10 nights cruising the Mediterranean aboard Seven Seas Navigator®

• Tokyo to Beijing

• Rome to Venice

• March 7 – 25, 2016

• April 23 – May 3, 2016

• From $10,999 per person, Deluxe Veranda Suite including FREE Air

• From $5,799 per person, Deluxe Window Suite including FREE Air

• Web ID: EL1176

• Web ID: EL1177

Half a world away, ancient dragons and exotic jade landscapes await, and jasmine-scented landscapes and contemplative temples meld into memories for a lifetime. Sail from Tokyo to Shimizu, Osaka (overnight), Okinawa, Taipei, Kaohsiung, Hong Kong (overnight), Xiamen (overnight), Shanghai (overnight), and Beijing (overnight).

Days of wonder stretch into star-filled nights of grandeur as you sail aboard the luxurious Seven Seas Navigator from the Eternal City of Rome to Sorrento/Capri, Taormina, Zakynthos, Corfu, Bari, Kotor, Dubrovnik, Koper, and conclude your journey in romantic Venice (overnight).

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Ensemble® Hosted Cruise with Ensemble® Experience shore event in Hong Kong. Book now.

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Ensemble® Hosted Cruise with Ensemble® Experience shore event in Kotor. Book now.

For reservations, call us today.

Hawaiian Islands

Panama Canal

• 15 days cruising Hawaii aboard Grand Princess® • Roundtrip San Francisco

• 15 days cruising Panama aboard Island Princess®

• January 19, March 4 & April 2, 2016

• Los Angeles to Fort Lauderdale

• From $2,599 per person, Balcony Stateroom

• February 18 – March 4, 2016

• Web ID: EL1178

• From $2,859 per person, Balcony Stateroom • Web ID: EL1179

Why settle for one island when you can visit four Pacific gems? With a Princess Hawaiian cruise vacation, getting there by sea is far more exciting than a long plane flight because you’ll experience the local color, culture and flavors of the region right on board through our “Aloha Spirit” program activities. Sail from San Francisco to Hilo, Honolulu, Kauai, Maui, and Ensenada.

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A dream more than 400 years in the making, the Panama Canal opened in 1914 and this epic man-made marvel changed the world in the process. There’s no better way to discover this colossal wonder than with Princess. Sail from Los Angeles to Puerto Quetzal, Puntarenas, Fuerte Amador, Panama Canal (full transit), Cartagena, Aruba, and Fort Lauderdale.

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Receive $75 onboard credit and tray of canapés per stateroom.

Book now.

Receive $50 onboard credit and tray of canapés per stateroom.

Book now.

Cape Horn & Strait of Magellan

Cape Horn Route to Rio

• 14 days cruising South America aboard Star Princess®

• 14 days cruising South America aboard Star Princess®

• Santiago to Buenos Aires

• Rio de Janeiro to Santiago

• January 18, February 1, 15 & 29, 2016

• January 4 – 18, 2016 • From $2,219 per person, Balcony Stateroom

• From $2,599 per person, Balcony Stateroom

• Web ID: EL1181

• Web ID: EL1180

South America is a feast for the senses. Cruise the coastlines of South America exploring its exotic ports of call: Santiago, Puerto Montt, scenic cruising Amalia Glacier, Punta Arenas, Ushuaia, scenic cruising Cape Horn, the remote Falkland Islands, Puerto Madryn, charming Montevideo, and romantic Buenos Aires (overnight).

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Receive $75 onboard credit and tray of canapés per stateroom.

Book now.

“Passionate” best captures the wild beauty and heady sensuality that is Rio de Janeiro. For Rio is the Cidade Maravilhosa - the “Marvelous City” that throbs to a samba beat and revels in the hedonism of Carnival. From Rio, sail on to Buenos Aires (overnight), Falkland Islands, scenic cruising Cape Horn, Ushuaia, Punta Arenas, and Santiago.

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Receive $75 onboard credit and tray of canapés per stateroom.

Book now.

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T R AV E L E R ’ S N O T E B O O K

St. Petersburg & Scandinavia

Grecian Splendors & Adriatic

• 21 days cruising Northern Europe aboard Seabourn Quest

• 14 days cruising Greece & Turkey aboard Seabourn Odyssey

• Stockholm to Copenhagen

• Istanbul to Venice • May 7, June 4, July 30, August 27 & September 24, 2016

• May 21 & June 18, 2016 • From $12,999 per person, Oceanview Suite

• From $8,999 per person, Oceanview Suite

• Web ID: EL1182

• Web ID: EL1183 Quiet fjords and quaint villages are more accessible than ever, following the shoreline to lesser-known ports of call. Sail from Stockholm to Tallinn, St. Petersburg (2-nights), Helsinki, Copenhagen, Flam, scenic cruising Sognefjord, Alesund, Svolvaer, scenic cruising Trollfjord, Tromso, Honningsvog, scenic cruising North Cape, Olden, scenic cruising Nordfjord and Hjelterfjord, Bergen, Stavanger, cruising the Skagerrak Strait, and Copenhagen.

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Let your eyes follow the sunlight as it dances from Corinthian columns to winding canals and back to your glass of wine, all in a region celebrated for centuries. Sail from Istanbul to Myrina, Cesme, Bodrum, Rhodes, Santorini, Spetses, Athens, Monemvasia, Olympia, Nydri, Corfu, Dubrovnik, Primosten, and Venice.

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Ensemble® Hosted Cruise with Ensemble® Experience shore event in Rhodes. Book now.

Ensemble® Hosted Cruise with Ensemble® Experience shore event in St. Petersburg. Book now.

Rivieras & Spanish Splendors

Yachtsman’s Mediterranean

• 10 days cruising the Mediterranean aboard Seabourn Sojourn

• 7 days cruising the Mediterranean aboard Seabourn Sojourn

• Barcelona to Monte Carlo

• Rome to Monte Carlo • September 29 – October 6, 2016

• August 22 September 1, 2016

• From $4,999 per person, Oceanview Suite

• From $6,999 per person, Oceanview Suite

• Web ID: EL1185

• Web ID: EL1184

With Seabourn as your guide, cruise marquee ports as well as unsung gems where largers ships cannot follow. Discover the joys of an intimate yacht experience as you sail from Barcelona to Valencia, Ciutadella de Menorca, scenic cruising the Calanques, Portoferraio, Santa Margherita Ligure, St. Tropez, San Remo, Marseille, Hyeres, and Monte Carlo.

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Ensemble Hosted Cruise with Ensemble Experience shore event in Portoferraio. Book now. ®

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The hallmarks of cruising with Seabourn are felt from your very first moment on board, when you’re greeted with a warm smile and chilled glass of champagne. Seabourn Sojourn enchants her guests with an array of public areas scaled to encourage a relaxed sociability as you sail from Rome to Bonifacio, Le Lavandou, Palamos, Sete, Cannes, Portovenere, and Monte Carlo.

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Ensemble Hosted Cruise with Ensemble® Experience shore event in Sete. Book now. ®

For reservations, call us today.

Singapore to Singapore

Hong Kong to Singapore

• 12 days cruising Asia aboard Silver Shadow

• 15 days cruising Asia aboard Silver Shadow

• Roundtrip Singapore

• Hong Kong to Singapore

• February 13 – 25, 2016

• March 22 – April 6

• From $9,250 per person, Veranda Suite

• From $11,350 per person, Veranda Suite

• Web ID: EL1186

• Web ID: EL1187

Experience the exotic allure that has entranced so many before you: Buddhist temples and pristine beaches; historic capitals and record-setting skyscrapers; gleaming modernity and ancient, abiding cultures. Allow yourself to fall under the spell of this region. Sail from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Phuket, Yangon (2-nights), Langkawi, and Malacca.

On this Far East voyage, you’ll discover infinite possibilities: A junk cruise across Ha Long Bay, a Vietnamese cooking class, riding on an elephant’s back, or learning the art of Peranakan beading. Sail from Hong Kong to Halong Bay (overnight), Chan May, Nha Trang, Ho Chi Minh City (overnight), Bangkok (2-nights), Koh Samui, and Singapore (overnight).

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Ensemble Hosted Cruise with Ensemble Experience shore event in Yangon. Book now.

Ensemble Hosted Cruise with Ensemble® Experience shore event in Ho Chi Minh City. Book now.

Singapore to Hong Kong

Hong Kong to Singapore

• 14 days cruising Asia aboard Silver Shadow

• 12 days cruising Asia aboard Silver Shadow

• Singapore to Hong Kong

• Hong Kong to Singapore

• November 12 - 26, 2016

• November 26 December 8, 2016

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• From $10,650 per person, Veranda Suite

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• From $9,050 per person, Veranda Suite

• Web ID: EL1188

• Web ID: EL1189

Experience the Far East like an insider – from Singapore’s feng shui to Bangkok’s mesmerising blend of culture, the urban buzz of Ho Chi Minh City and glittering Hong Kong. Along the way, hidden gems also shine bright: Koh Samui’s pristine beaches and Nha Trang’s ornate pagodas, the historical treasure chest of Hoi An, and secluded grottoes amidst Ha Long Bay.

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Ensemble Hosted Cruise with Ensemble Experience shore event in Chan May. Book now. ®

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Immerse yourself in Asia’s infinite diversity. Admire a spectacular view of Hong Kong atop Victoria Peak, and explore the glittering cityscapes of Singapore as you sail from Hong Kong to Chan May, Nha Trang, Ho Chi Minh City (overnight), Bangkok (2 nights), Koh Samui, and Singapore.

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Ensemble Hosted Cruise with Ensemble® Experience shore event in Ho Chi Minh City. Book now. ®

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T R AV E L E R ’ S N O T E B O O K

Enchanting Danube

Bordeaux, Vineyards & Châteaux

• 8 days cruising the Danube River aboard River Beatrice

• 8 days cruising France aboard River Royale

• Passau to Budapest

• September 4 – 11, 2016

• June 26 – July 3, 2016

• From $4,449 per person, Riverview Stateroom

• Roundtrip Bordeaux

• From $4,099 per person, Riverview Stateroom

• Web ID: EL1191

• Web ID: EL1190

German poet Friedrich Hölderlin called the Danube “a refreshing, melodious river, sometimes foaming with high spirits, at other times dreaming serenely.” For centuries, this exquisite waterway has cast its spell on poets, musicians, and artists of all kinds. Now it’s your turn to be inspired, as you sail from Passau (overnight) to Linz, Melk, Dürnstein, Vienna (overnight), and Budapest (overnight) on this allinclusive journey.

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Ensemble® Hosted Cruise with Ensemble® Experience Vienna concert.

Plus, save $100 per person and receive $50 shipboard credit per person.

Book now.

Explore lovely Bordeaux and visit wine estates in Cadillac, Pauillac, and Saint-Émilion. Enjoy this truly all-inclusive boutique river cruise where everything is included, from prepaid gratuities, to all meals with unlimited beverages onboard, fully hosted shore excursions, arrival and departure day transfers, and more.

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Ensemble® Hosted Cruise with Ensemble® Experience shore excursion to Rémy Martin Cognac estate. Plus, save $100 per person and receive $50 shipboard credit per person. Book now.

Rhine Getaway

Grand European Tour

• 8 days cruising the Rhine River aboard new Viking Longships

• 15 days cruising Europe aboard Viking Longships

• Amsterdam to Basel

• Select departures throughout 2016

• Amsterdam to Budapest

• Select departures throughout 2016

• From $3,962 per person, Riverview Stateroom

• From $2,056 per person, Riverview Stateroom

• Web ID: EL1193

• Web ID: EL1192

In Germany, see the many charming castles as you sail by, and experience the lush landscape of the Black Forest region. Explore Holland’s famous windmills, and take part in the inviting nightlife in Drosselgasse. Sail from Amsterdam to Kinderdijk, Cologne, Koblenz, Rudesheim, Heidelberg, Speyer, Breisach and Basel.

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Receive $50 shipboard credit per stateroom. Book by October 31, 2015.

Experience 15 magical days alone the Rhine, Main and Danube Rivers. From Holland’s windmill-studded tulip fields to Germany’s fairytale castles, from the engineering marvel of the Main-Danube Canal to the picturesque vineyards of Austria’s Wachau Valley.

Sail from Amsterdam to Kinderdijk, Cologne, Koblenz, Miltenberg, Würzburg, Bamberg, Nuremberg, Regensburg, Passau, Melk, Austria, Krems, Vienna and Budapest.

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XCL U SIVE

Receive $50 shipboard credit per stateroom. Book by October 31, 2015.

FOR ALL ENSEMBLE LIFESTYLESTM OFFERINGS: Prices are per person, double occupancy unless otherwise stated. Prices and terms are displayed throughout this catalog as received from individual suppliers. Certain offers carry restrictions and penalties to be advised at time of booking. Validity differs with each offer. Offers are subject to change without notice, subject to availability, and may be withdrawn at any time. Offers apply to new bookings only. Some blackout dates apply. Ensemble Travel® Group does not assume any responsibility for the accuracy of prices and terms. Ensemble Travel Group and its sub-agents act solely as agents for the companies providing services and facilities to travelers and have no responsibility or liability for loss of or damage to property, injury, or death due to errors, omissions, or intentional acts of the companies providing services.

80 Ensemble Lifestyles Fall 2015

Let Our Experience Enhance Yours!

TRAVEL WITH CONFIDENCE: We are among the distinguished travel specialists of Ensemble Travel® Group – an international network of creative, inspiring individuals who excel at designing superb vacations for a discerning clientele.

Our membership means that you will always find complimentary ENSEMBLE® EXCLUSIVES on thousands of exciting vacations from our valued partners – the world’s best cruise lines, most distinguished tour companies, and finest hotel and resort properties.

FOR YOU OUR PREFERRED CLIENT, let us open the door to a world of exclusive experiences, intriguing adventure, and consummate service.

These special cruise departures feature an Ensemble® Host, a private cocktail party and complimentary Ensemble® Experience shore event.

Receive a warm welcome at hundreds of hand-picked properties worldwide. Enjoy bonus gifts plus free upgrades, early check-in and late check-out when available.

Choose a villa from thousands of appealing options in the Caribbean, Europe and Hawaii. Save money and find your own oasis of comfort and style.

Your entrée to a global network of in-destination partners, all experienced in creating authentic experiences tailored to suit your individual taste, style and budget.

Imagine a world where exclusive, once-in-a-lifetime experiences are always within your reach. Let us provide you with VIP insider service and unique access to elite travel and the most highly desirable sports, entertainment, culinary, fashion and cultural experiences worldwide.

You are invited to experie­nce life at its best … a vacation designed just for you by

YOUR AGENCY NAME Find your inspiration at http://mycur.es/agencyname Whenever the passion to travel strikes you, be assured we are ready with the knowledge, the exclusive programs, and the insider connections to help you realize your dreams.