Across the Bridge of Sighs

By: Globus

The world’s most poetically-named bridge, Il Ponte dei Sospiri, the Bridge of Sighs, was built in 1614 so that prisoners of the Venetian state could be transferred in secret from the Doge’s Palace to the so-called Nuovi Prigioni, or New Prisons. 

The wistful name was actually conceived by the English poet Lord Byron in the early 1800s that imagined the horror of prisoners taking their last glimpse of Venice before going underground to captivity. Although Venice in the 1600s was a famously permissive society, it was overseen by shadowy oligarchy through their omnipresent secret police that sniffed out any hint of political treachery against the all-powerful Republic. The slightest suspicion could lead to a midnight arrest and secret trial; prisoners would be tortured and convicted without being told the charge or the length of their sentence. The cells for new prisoners were located around the torture room so they could hear the victims’ screams, designed to wear them down psychologically in advance. Today, this new Prison is part of the standard tour of the Doge’s Palace. 

One can follow the route of the prisoners across the covered bridge, which was divided for two-way traffic, and peer through the grille to the sparkling Lagoon as gondolas pass underneath. Visitors should also keep an eye out for the more recent graffiti – the cells were still in use for political prisoners in the 1930s for victims of Mussolini’s fascist regime. Don’t just bring home stories. Bring home unforgettable memories. Book your trip to Venice, Italy with Globus and The Little Travel Consultant today and get ready to see first-hand the most diverse architecture the world has to offer.

The Swiss Rhone Valley

By: Globus

Running through the belly of Switzerland, near the Italian border in the region of Valais, the Rhone River has its origins in the Swiss Alps runoff above the Gletsch Glacier. Picking up water as it flows east from Brig, through a glacier valley draining the highest mountains in Switzerland, it moves from a mountain stream to an important riverway.

Its silty torrent carves its way through some of Switzerland’s finest ski areas, including Crans-Montana and Zermatt, and its highest chalet towns and mountain villages. In summer, a boat ride on the Rhone offers grand views of the Swiss countryside. As it nears the French border city of Martigny, the Rhone veers northwest towards Lake Geneva. Here if forms the banks of some of Switzerland’s best vineyards, before hooking up with the flow from Lake Geneva and the Arve River where it enters eastern France. It then runs southeast through Lyon and some of France’s greatest vineyards before emptying in the Mediterranean near Montpellier. Destinations have stories. We bring them to life. What Globus story might you discover next in Switzerland with The Little Travel Consultant?

The Shades of Ireland Top 10

By: Collette Vacations

Shades of Ireland remains one of Collette’s most popular tours. Here’s a quick Top 10 with some major highlights.

1. Experience an overnight stay on the grounds of a castle.
2. Meet the locals on a visit to a working Irish Farm.
3. Enjoy a truly memorable evening of traditional Irish entertainment.
4. Travel one of the most beautiful coastal routes in the world, the Ring of Kerry.
5. View the spectacular Cliffs of Moher, soaring nearly 700 feet above the mighty Atlantic.
6. Take a jaunting car ride in beautiful Killarney.
7. Learn how Irish Whiskey is made and enjoy a tasting.
8. Tour the rollicking city of Dublin with a local guide.
9. Explore the medieval city of Kilkenny.
10. Kiss the famous Blarney Stone!

60 Second Geography - Jamaica

 

Jamaica is a world apart. Few locations on earth have been so graced with amazing natural beauty, wonderful climate, crystal clear water and rich culture. The Jamaicans say their land is the "biggest little island in the world. Indeed, one trip is not enough. To fully take in Jamaica you must travel there again and again. And why not? There are tropical rainforests, waterfalls, wonderful sand beaches, shimmering sands and a turquoise sea, a wide variety of resorts, and a culture with a rhythm all its own.

• Tourism in Jamaica is well established and the resort infrastructure is excellent with a wide variety of accommodations at every end of the budgetary scale. Properties range from independent hotels to all inclusive resorts.

• Most of the hotel development is on Jamaica's North Shore at Montego Bay, Ocho Rios and Negril. Jamaica is home to many all-inclusive resorts, but also offers alternatives from locally owned properties to luxury villas.

• The mountainous interior of Jamaica provides an idyllic setting. The island's Blue Mountains contain a wide variety of plant and animal life and ecotourism here is seeing a healthy interest.

• Contemporary Jamaican culture, epitomized by the music of Bob Marley, expresses the national pride in the island's heritage.

• The English wrested Jamaica away from the Spanish in the mid-1600s and used the island as a base throughout the Caribbean. They permitted pirates to hold sway over some areas of the island like Port Royal to continue to threaten Spanish interests in the rest of the Caribbean.

• Jamaica has more churches per square mile than any other place in the world. Every denomination finds a home here, as well as Jews, Hindus, Muslims and Rastafarians.

• Most resorts and hotels will arrange for guided drives around the island for visitors. It is a great way to get off of the beaten path, see the real Jamaica, and to slowly acclimate to a side of the island not found behind the gates.

Contact The Little Travel Consultant and start planning your Jamaica vacation.

Unplug and Unwind in Eight Remote Destinations

By: Abercrombie & Kent

Venture off the grid with Abercrombie & Kent's eight recommended Unplugged journeys in destinations far from wireless access. Delve into the heart of the Sahara desert — 400 miles from Marrakech — on Splendors of Morocco or journey to the ends of the earth, the White Continent, on Antarctica, South Georgia & the Falkland Islands.

Here are a few more options from Abercrombie & Kent to help you find your the perfect place completely off the grid.

• Desolation Canyon, Utah: Majestic Canyons River Rafting
• Galápagos Islands: Wonders of the Galápagos
• Kakadu National Park, Northern Territories, Australia: Tailor Made Journey
• Los Glaciares, Argentina: Tailor Made Journey
• South Luangwa National Park, Zambia: Wings Over Zambia

Contact The Little Travel Consultant for more information.

Freestyle on a Budget in St Lucia

 

By: Lea Ann Fessenden

St. Lucia is one of the most beautiful islands of the Caribbean basin with its breathtaking natural resources such as the emerald green covered Piton Mountains, dense bird- filled rainforests and mind blowing waterfalls. Most tourists end up in the northern area of the island near the capital city, Castries. Rodney Bay, Cap Estate and Gros Islet are home to some of the most sought after luxury resorts in the world, where celebrities are frequently spotted winding to some good reggae, Soca or calypso music

But you don't have to be a celebrity to enjoy the luxuries of this exceptional vacation spot. Some truly hidden gems that will not pinch your pocketbook can be found in the south of the island. The best sites of the island are near Soufriere anyway. One thing to keep in mind about St Lucia, that unlike some of the other Caribbean islands, this island is not known for a lively night scene, except on weekends. During the week, spend your energy hiking, swimming, snorkeling, walking, diving, wind surfing, sunbathing, taking leisurely drives and relaxing under waterfalls. Most of these activities are very reasonable, some even free.

The currency used on the island is Eastern Caribbean (EC) which is currently 2.65 to 1 US dollar. Basically, if something is 15EC, divide by 3 to get a price of US5.00. On a calculator it actually translates to $5.66 US dollars, but I just divide by 3 to make it easy on my brain. When you are visiting the craft shops in Choiseul, and there are several, this will help you to quickly calculate how much that beautiful wood carving will cost.

Budget accommodations are easily found if you know where to look. Try the Villa Caribbean Dream in Vieux Fort which offers rates as low as $45 (single) or $55 (double). Included is a stunning view of the ocean and perhaps a Salsa lesson or two. Just minutes from the Hewanorra International Airport are The Reef Beach Huts and Café. Rates are only $50 (single) and $60 (double) and this includes breakfast on the beach. The Reef is located on a beautiful stretch of white sand beach overlooking the Maria Islands where leatherback turtles and the rare turquoise and black zandoli iguana reside. This is also the perfect spot to kite and windsurf the Atlantic Ocean. Meals at The Reef are also reasonably priced: lobster in season is about $13.00 and a cheeseburger with fries will run $5.00. This is also a free Wi-Fi spot so don't forget your laptop.

Renting a car is the best way to enjoy the island but for budget conscious travelers, there is island wide bus service that is very affordable. The buses will have license plates that start with an M and the fare to ride from Vieux Fort to Castries, about a one hour, trip runs $3.00 each way. Typically they just run along the one main highway but if you need to go off this road a short ways, ask the driver and they will usually comply. Tip them a little if they do.

The town of Soufriere has some fantastic attractions. Among my many favorite things to do is a visit to the Diamond Falls Botanical Garden which has mineral baths from the days of King Louis XXIV, where you can soak and take in the therapeutic waters that pour straight from a volcano in a breathtaking waterfall. Entrance to the Gardens is $5.00, mineral bath in outdoor pool is an additional $4.00 or for a private indoor bath the cost is $6.00. The gardens are a visual treat with luscious tropical flowers, homemade benches and stunning waterfalls.

Some of the very best snorkeling on the island is in this southwest corner near Soufriere. Anse Chastanet has a buoyed off snorkeling area called Fairy Land which drops from 20 to 140 feet into a wall of coral and spectacular underwater life which is an underwater photographer's paradise. Nearby Jalousie Plantation also has some fantastic snorkeling, hit their spectacular wall dive, Superman's Flight beneath the Piton Mountains. The wall drops to a depth of 1600 feet and boasts excellent visibility via the crystal clear waters. You can get equipment rental and directions at any local dive shop.

Ladera Resort was rated by Conde Nast 2005 as Best Hotel in the World. If the accommodation rates for their three sided ocean view rooms is to steep for your budget, at least stop in for a drink at their bar snuggled between the majestic Piton Mountains. The view is worth the slightly higher drink price.

Across the street, the new Hotel Chocolat, on the historical Rabot Estate, is busy growing and harvesting the best cocoa for delicious chocolates and treats. Two more excellent working plantations that encourage visitors are also in this region: Fond Doux Estate, which includes guest cottages, restaurant and hiking tours, and Mourne Coubaril, a reconstructed 18th-century village which provides visitors with a historical glance into Creole life.

On the road to the Jalousie Plantation Hotel, be sure to stop at the Piton Falls. Entrance to this little paradise is only about $2.00 US. A 10 minute walk through the tropical gardens leads you to a mineral waterfall cascading into a refreshing waist high pool. After you take in the warm thermal waters of this pool, all of your aches and pains will melt away. Therea's also a cooler pool to invigorate your senses. Be sure to go to the Sulphur Springs Volcano and take their short tour of the bubbling sulphur and the volcano's history. Treat yourself to some sulphur soap hand made by locals while you are there, it is great for aching joints and those who have arthritis pains.

Enjoy southern St Lucia, there is so much rich culture and beautiful scenery, there isn't enough time to see all the waterfalls, snorkel all the coves or hike all the trails that abound. Plan to go back, really soon.

Ready to enjoy St. Lucia? Contact The Little Travel Consultant and get started!

 

A Taste of South Africa

By: Silversea

The sweet aroma of barbecue (or braai, as it's called in Afrikaans) permeated the outdoor air as Silver Whisper, sailing on her 115-day World Cruise, hosted a special poolside lunch on Wednesday that gave guests a chance to sample authentic South African cuisine before the ship departed East London.

The culinary tradition of South Africa is rich and varied, and reflects not only its African roots, but its historical connection with Dutch, British, Malaysian, Indian and other cultures, resulting in uniquely flavourful delicacies.

As it so happens, Silver Whisper's very own executive chef, Anne-Mari Cornelius (pictured above), hails from South Africa and was delighted to personally introduce our guests to the fascinating cuisine of her homeland.

Presiding over the barbecue, Chef Anne-Mari skillfully cooked up such local delicacies as boerewors (pronounced bor-eh-vors ). This homemade sausage — whether served with a traditional porridge called pap (pronounced pop), or a sweet and spicy chakalaka sauce, or placed in a bun in the style of a hot dog — is a signature food cherished throughout the African nation.

Of course, it doesn't hurt to have a few bottles of Mrs H.S. Ball's Original Chutney on hand, also a popular accompaniment for boerewors, or any braai. Probably the most famous South African chutney, it's made in Johannesburg using a 19th-century recipe of dried fruits and spices. A favourite among South Africans living abroad and looking for a taste of home, it's exported to England, Germany, Britain, New Zealand and Australia.

And what South African barbecue would be complete without a few handcrafted ritual dolls to adorn the table? The ones pictured above are from the Ndebele tribe. Their presence created an atmosphere of authenticity and a connection with Africa's spiritual heritage that we hope resulted in a culinary experience that was not just culturally enriching for our World Cruise guests, but maybe a bit enchanting.