And if, right now, you prefer to stay in the USA, you can choose from a range of adventures and activities on both coasts, in our National Parks, the California wine regions, Charleston and Savannah, and in between. Think biking, hiking, kayaking, culinary adventures, walking and even yoga or other activities!

Adventure at Your Pace

On a Backroads tour, you are traveling with a small group and three or four tour leaders who are there to support you. You travel at your pace: on a Backroads biking or walking tour, you can choose from multiple itineraries at different levels each day. You choose how active you’d like to be. Need some help? A van will support you and take you back to your hotel if needed.

Backroads vacations are wonderful for couples or friends, but also for solo travelers. There are even family-focused departures!  And if you prefer to just travel with your own family or friends, let us know, and we can set up a private tour.

Backroads Active Vacations

• Walking and hiking
• Biking
• Multi-adventure (a combination of activities)
• Active culinary tours

Sample Backroads Adventures in the USA

• Biking Columbia River Gorge and Willamette Valley, Oregon
• Biking San Juan Islands, Washington
• Walking & Hiking: Utah’s Bryce and Zion
• Biking Utah’s Bryce and Zion
• Multi-Adventure Maine’s Acadia
• Walking & Hiking: Oregon’s Crater Lake and Cascades
• Multi-Adventure: Charleston to Savannah
• Walking & Hiking: North Carolina and Tennessee
• Biking Arizona

See .

For details, please call Q.

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If you love flowers and gardens, you simply must take a river cruise at tulip time in the Netherlands at least once. Stunning fields of colorful flowers, as far as the eye can see; the famous Keukenhof Gardens, Holland in the spring never disappoints.

And on an Avalon Waterways Tulip Time river cruise, you’ll enjoy modern ships featuring spacious Panorama Suites with wall-to-wall panoramic windows, creating an open-air balcony.

On top of that, you’ll have a chance to explore historical yet always modern Amsterdam. You’ll also cruise through Rotterdam harbor and then choose to visit Gouda, famous for its Gouda cheese, syrup waffles and elaborate city hall. Many of your fellow guests will choose to visit the Keukenhof this afternoon. Picture over 70 acres of parkland with lakes, sculpture gardens, greenhouses and a windmill. Every year, 7 million flower bulbs are planted.

Next is Antwerp, Belgium’s second-largest city and one of the world’s most ancient seaports. Here you’ll find fabulous architecture, chic shops (Antwerp is known for modern fashion and diamonds) and of course Belgian chocolates, beers and other culinary delights. Antwerp is followed by Ghent, a city full of medieval charm and power.  Your local guide will point out a showcase of medieval Flemish wealth and commercial success. Heard of The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb, created by the Van Eyck brothers around 1432?ÌýYou’ll get to see it in St. Baaf’s Cathedral.

Returning to the Netherlands, you’ll learn about the way this country that is largely below sea level protects itself from the sea at the Delta Works. Middelburg acquaints you with the Dutch East India Company and its rich history. Visit the fortifications of Willemstad before returning to Amsterdam. A canal boat ride along the elegant canals (grachten) will show off Amsterdam’s “Golden Age”.

Our April 20, 2018 departure date offers Q preferred pricing from as low as $2,099* per person, including prepaid gratuities.  More options are available: just call us for details.

Avalon Waterways Tulip Time River Cruise

Avalon Waterways Tulip Time River Cruise on the Rhine,
April 20-27, 2018, on Avalon Illumination

• Cruise from Amsterdam, the Netherlands on this 7 night/8 days river cruise.
• Your cruise includes river view accommodations; fresh, locally inspired meals with wine and beer at lunch and dinner; daily excursions with local guides; internet access and more.
• Fares from $2,099* plus $168 in taxes per person, based on double occupancy in a Category E room. Gratuities included. Call now for the best availability

For more details, download a flyer (pdf) about this Avalon Tulip Time Cruise 2018.  Additional dates available, just call us for details.

What you should know

Book by November 28, 2017 to benefit from the above fares and included gratuities. All fares and room types are subject to availability. Port charges and taxes, airfare, transfers, travel insurance and other expenses of a personal nature are additional. Prepaid gratuities are for shipboard personnel and based on Avalon’s recommended amount of EUR 15 per person per day.

To reserve your space, or for more details, please contact ÐÓ°É´«Ã½.

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When you sail along Europe’s most storied rivers aboard AmaWaterways Wine Cruises, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy signature twin-balcony staterooms, multiple dining venues and a sun-deck pool with swim-up bar. Your floating luxury hotel is designed specifically to maximize every aspect of your experience. Savor exquisite, locally-inspired cuisine complemented by distinctive wines, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner. And with always included excursions, along with guided hiking and biking tours, you can be as active as you want to be while you’re exploring.

But when you join AmaWaterways Wine Cruises in Europe, you’ll be guided into an even more appetizing side of Europe. AmaWaterways Wine Cruises feature an inspiring Wine Host from some of America’s best wine makers. Your Wine Host will help in creating the perfect pairing of onboard and onshore epicurean experiences. Meet local wine makers, stroll through vineyards and private cellars, toast to the good life in renowned wine regions and participate in insightful wine discussions. On board, join your Wine Host and have fun learning how to tantalize your taste buds with a food and wine pairing dinner, or a casual conversation about differences between wines of the Old World and the New World.

AmaWaterways is one of our favorite river cruises.  With a near perfect review score from our Virtuoso guests, AmaWaterways river cruises allow you to explore Europe in detail, from the comfort of your floating hotel.

Where in Europe can you enjoy AmaWaterways Wine Cruises?

Drink up all the splendor of idyllic Burgundy ²¹²Ô»åÌýProvence while sailing along the Rhone River – the perfect place to pair French wines and chocolate. Visit magnificent chateaux in Bordeaux. Enjoy France’s Alsace region as well as Germany’s Moselle and Rhine valleys along the Rhine.  Soak up the beauty and the Port from Portugal’s UNESCO-designated Douro River Valley. Enjoy a sparkling Brut Reserve or a peppery, fruity Gruner Veltliner while cruising through another UNESCO-designated region, Austria’s Wachau Valley.

Whether you’re a foodie, wine connoisseur or simply indulge in a sip here and there, this epicurean adventure with AmaWaterways Wine Cruises gives you a delicious taste of the sweet life.

2017 and 2018 AmaWaterways Wine Cruises

• Romantic Danube from Vilshofen to Budapest, 7 nights from $1,749*
• Melodies of the Danube, from Budapest to Vilshofen, 7 nights from $1,749*
• Captivating Rhine, from Amsterdam to Basel, from $1,749*
• Enchanting Rhine, from Basel to Amsterdam, from $1,849*
• Rhine & Moselle Splendors, from Luxembourg to Basel, from $2,149*
• Europe’s Rivers & Castles, from Nuremberg to Luxembourg, from $1,949*
• Taste of Bordeaux, roundtrip from Bordeaux, from $2,349*
• Paris & Normandy, roundtrip from Paris, from $2,149*
• Colors of Provence, Lyon to Arles or reverse, from $2,149*
• Enticing Douro, roundtrip from Porto, from $3,249*

For details and alternative dates, view our AmaWaterways Wine Cruises 2018 pdf.  Please give the river cruise experts at Q a call if you’d like to learn more about AmaWaterways Wine Cruises.

What you should know

Promotional fares are valid on select departures for new bookings only, made by November 30, 2017. All rates are per person in USD for cruise only, based on double occupancy in a base category stateroom (Category E) unless stated otherwise and may vary by departure date. $1,500 savings is per stateroom based on double occupancy; solo travelers receive $750 savings. Portugal sailings receive $250 savings per person. Single supplement waived promotion is applicable on select dates listed (excluding Portugal); applicable on cruise portion only on all staterooms except category AA+ and higher. Port charges, land programs, roundtrip airfare and other expenses of a personal nature are additional. Savings are per stateroom, based on double occupancy. Offers are not combinable with other promotions and limited to availability, capacity controlled and subject to change/termination without notice. Please refer to our AmaWaterways Wine Cruises 2018 for further details.

Where you can go

Visit our .  The above listed promotions don’t apply to all cruises shown.  Just give one of Q’s river cruise experts a call and we’ll check the best fares and availability for you.

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In addition to the savings on your river cruise, airfares to Europe are lower too in November and December. Combined, this might just make an affordable getaway or an opportunity to get unique gifts while you get your holiday shopping done on vacation!

Warm up with a hot Rudesheimer Kaffee in its name sake town on the Rhine river. Sip a glass of Gluhwein as you stroll through cozy markets full of stalls with holiday treats and beautiful gifts and handicrafts. Admire the architecture ²¹²Ô»åÌýholiday decorations of some of Europe’s largest cathedrals and gorgeous churches and buildings. And relax in your comfortable river view room, knowing that daily excursions with experienced local guides, wonderful meals, wine and beer at lunch and dinner and even a glass of bubbles at breakfast are included in your cruise fare.

AmaWaterways is one of our favorite river cruises.  With a near-perfect review score from our Virtuoso guests, AmaWaterways river cruises allow you to explore Europe in detail, from the comfort of your floating hotel.

2017 AmaWaterways Christmas Market River Cruises

• Magnificent Europe Christmas Cruise, Budapest to Amsterdam, 14 nights from $4,099, Dec 20
• Christmas Markets on the Danube, Nuremberg to Budapest, 7 nights from $2,149, Nov 20 through Dec 20
• Christmas Markets on the Rhine, Basel to Amsterdam, 9 nights from $2,149, Dec 23, including two free nights in Amsterdam
• Christmas Markets on the Rhine, Amsterdam to Basel, 7 nights from $2,049, Nov 23 through Dec 21
• Treasures of the Main & Rhine, Nuremberg to Amsterdam, 7 nights from $1,849, Dec 27

Please give us a call if you’d like to learn more about AmaWaterways Christmas Market river cruises in 2017.

What you should know

Promotional fares are valid on select departures for new bookings only, made from October 1 to October 31, 2017. All rates are per person in USD for cruise only, based on double occupancy in a base category stateroom unless stated otherwise and may vary by departure date. Port charges, land programs, roundtrip airfare and other expenses of a personal nature are additional. Savings are per stateroom, based on double occupancy. Offers are not combinable with other promotions and limited to availability, capacity controlled and subject to change/termination without notice.

Where you can go

Visit our .  The above listed promotions don’t apply to all cruises shown.  Just give one of Q’s river cruise experts a call and we’ll check the best fares and availability for you.

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Enjoy exhilarating excursions, delicious meals onboard deluxe coaches with panoramic views. At night, you’ll sleep comfortably in luxury hotels for every overnight. To learn more about this magnificent experience, view our .

Rocky Mountaineer Sample itineraries:

• Coastal Passage Classic Vacation – 5 nights – Climb Seattle’s Space Needle before embarking on two rail journeys through the Pacific Northwest and the scenic Canadian landscape. Enjoy overnight stays in Vancouver and Banff.  Itinerary: Seattle – Vancouver – Kamloops – Banff.
• Western Explorer with pre-tour Sonora resort – 10 nights – Two nights at the ultimate Pacific Northwest wilderness retreat, Sonora Resort, and the awe-inspiring sights of the Canadian Rockies. Itinerary: Vancouver – Sonora – Vancover – Kamloops – Jasper – Lake Louise – Banff – Calgary.
• Canadian Rockies Getaway – 8 nights – Keep a look-out for a jaw-dropping range of wildlife on a Circle journey that includes two of our rail routes, a visit to Yoho National Park, and a gondola ride with beautiful views of Banff and six mountain ranges. Itinerary: Vancouver – Kamloops – Jasper – Lake Louise – Banff – Kamloops – Vancouver.
• Please refer to our .

What you should know:

Offer will not be automatically allocated or retroactively added. Offer is only valid on new 2017 bookings made in the USA between December 30, 2016 and May 15, 2017. Offer valid on eligible travel dates between April 1-May 31, 2017 and applies to select Rocky Mountaineer packages of five or more days on select dates only. Not available in conjunction with any other offer. Pricing does not include Canadian tax (GST) or flights.  Pricing is expressed in USD as a guideline only and may vary at the time of booking based on changes in exchange rate with the CAD. Offer is capacity controlled and may be modified, withdrawn or amended without prior notice. Additional conditions apply.

Want to know more? Give the a call.

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Some suggested itineraries:

• Costa Rica & Panama Canal, from $979 per person
• Caribbean, from $979 per person
• Northern Europe, from $2,679 per person
• Mediterranean, from $1,179 per person
• Morocco and the Canary Islands, from $979 per person
• Tahiti, from $1,279 per person
• Transatlantic, from $779 per person

ÐÓ°É´«Ã½ Windstar Cruises

Best known for its three motor-assisted sailing yachts, Windstar recently added three small motor yachts to its collection of intrepid explorers. With relaxed, smaller ships that can access ports out of reach of the giants of the cruise industry, you can truly explore some of the most beautiful places in the world.

Onboard, enjoy the nautical feel of a yacht, fresh cuisine, a unique to Windstar event and a casual, elegant atmosphere.

What you should know

Sale ends November 7, 2016. All fares are per person in US Dollars, cruise only, based on double occupancy in the lowest category. Government fees and taxes are additional (about $80-$395 per person).  New bookings only, select departures and subject to availability.  Not combinable with any other promotional offer or discount. Bookings are non-transferable and no name changes can be made, nor can this offer be applied retroactively. Cancellation penalties apply. Further restrictions apply – call us for details and to check on availability.

Where you can go

Take a look at our .  Not all cruises are available at the Windstar Cruises Flash Fare offer listed above, but just call us and we’ll gladly check for the best availability and fares.

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7 things you can expect when traveling in a Cunard Line Grill Suite:

1. Enjoy priority embarkation
2. Step into a luxuriously furnished, spacious suite
3. Select your preferred pillow type from the Pillow Concierge Menu
4. Take pleasure in fine bath amenities by Penhaligon’s
5. Mingle with fellow Grills guests in the exclusive Grills Lounge and Terrace
6. Dine at any time at your reserved table in the world-renowned Grills restaurants
7. Experience Cunard’s prestigious White Star Service, including a Grill Concierge. What’s more, if you sail in a Queens Grill Suite, you’ll enjoy the services of a Butler.

Available Transatlantic sailings:

• December 8, 2016: Queen Mary 2 from New York to Southampton: Princess Grill Suite from $1,999* per person; Queens Grill Suites from $2,799*
• December 15, 2016: Queen Mary 2 from Southampton to New York: Princess Grill Suite from $1,999* per person; Queens Grill Suites from $2,799*
• January 3, 2017: Queen Mary 2 from New York to Southampton: Princess Grill Suite from $1,999* per person; Queens Grill Suites from $2,799*
• January 5, 2017: Queen Victoria from Southampton to Fort Lauderdale: Princess Grill Suite from $3,299* per person; Queens Grill Suite from $5,999*
• January 7, 2017: Queen Elizabeth from Southampton to New York: Princess Grill Suite from $2,199* per person; Queens Grill Suites from $2,599*
• January 7, 2017: Queen Elizabeth from Southampton to Fort Lauderdale: Princess Grill Suite from $2,299* per person; Queens Grill Suites from $2,699

Available Caribbean sailings:

• December 22, 2016: 12 nights on Queen Mary 2, roundtrip New York: Princess Grill Suite from $5,999*; Queens Grill Suites from $9,899*

What you should know

Fares are per person, based on double occupancy, in US Dollars and subject to availability and change. Taxes, fees and port expenses ranging from $70 to $175 per person are additional and subject to change. Free gratuities is based on pre-payment by Cunard of suggested gratuities in the amount of $13.50 per person per day for Grill Suites and not available for third/fourth berth guests. This promotion is for new bookings only for select sailings. and fares apply to minimum lead-in categories on a space-available basis at time of reservation. More restrictions apply – please call us for details.

ÐÓ°É´«Ã½ is a Cunard Inner Circle travel agency and our cruise travel advisors are all certified Cunard Commodore Experts.

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In this issue of Virtuoso Life

• The real Italian – a primer on regional foods, from Italy’s boot’s top to its heel.
• The borough of Kings; our Brooklyn insider’s guide to great dining and drinking across the East River.
• An entertaining world: seasonal celebrations from some of North America’s most hospitable small hotels.
• Santiago’s sizzle: Chilean chef’s step into the spotlight with flavors that soar like the Andes
• Style & Design: Parties on Wheels – the hotel drink dolly makes a comeback.

ÐÓ°É´«Ã½ Virtuoso Life

Virtuoso Life is an award-winning travel magazine exclusively for clients of Virtuoso travel agencies like ÐÓ°É´«Ã½. Our clients can receive a printed copy every other month. We’re also happy to share our latest travel news and trends via the electronic version.  Simply click this link to open the.

We also make previous issues of Virtuoso Life, and the Virtuoso Traveler magazine available on our website – the perfect way to get some travel ideas!

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