Rhine Moselle

Ginger Carrot Soup

Recipe from Soup Cookbook: Health in the Bowl by Predrag Mrkalj. This dish is available on our ms River Discovery II!

Inspired by the favors of Morocco, this spiced carrot soup is delicious with wedges of toasted pita bread, or Middle Eastern Flatbread as a meal or on it's own as an appetizer. 

Ingredients:

2 tbsp sunflower oil

1 onion, chopped

3 garlic cloves, crushed

1 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp ground coriander

1 tsp fresh ginger, chopped

1/2 tsp paprika

1/2 tsp cayenne pepper

1 small potato, diced

About 1 lb of carrots sliced

4 cups vegetable or chicken stock

Juice of 1 orange

1 tbsp red wine vinegar

Handful of fresh coriander, chopped

Directions:

Heat the oil in a large saucepan. Add the onion and garlic, and cook for about 4 minutes. Stir in the cumin, coriander, ginger, paprika and cayenne pepper. Add the potato, carrots and stock. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and cover. Simmer for about 20 minutes until the vegetables are tender. Process the the soup in the food processor or blender until smooth. Stir in the orange juice, then add vinegar, salt and pepper to taste. Ladle the soup into bowls, sprinkle with coriander and serve.  

Predrag Mrkalj is one of Vantage's Executive Chefs who cooks for our guests aboard our newest European River cruise ship, the ms River Discovery II! Below is his amazing recipe for Ginger Carrot Soup! This soup is just one of the amazing creations by Chef Mrkalj that you'll find onboard.

Here is a list of our top 10 destinations that have received raving reviews:

• Castles Along the Rhine & Danube 
• Waterways of Holland & Belgium 
• Imperial Russian Waterways
• Romance of the Blue Danube
• French Waterways
• Best of Africa
• Gateway to the Black Sea
• Switzerland & the Heart of the Rhine & Moselle
• Grand Norwegian Coastal Voyage
• Heart of Africa

For trip information visit our website.
To read Customer Reviews click here.
For great travel tips, check out 151 Travel Tips.
For information on Small Group Travel, click here.

You can also connect with us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, LinkedIn,YouTube & Flickr.

Vantage Deluxe World Travel knows that it's important for our employees to experience our wonderful trips firsthand- that's why all employees are strongly encouraged to take a Familiarization (FAM) trip. These trips are intended to familiarize associates with the great products Vantage offers. They are an invaluable opportunity to live our customers' experience and to travel to exciting and varied destinations! Below Vantage employee, Eleonora Reitano, describes her time in Greece!

It has always been one of my dreams to visit Greece and learn more about the ancient Greek civilization.  On this trip, my mother and I had the opportunity to visit the most interesting archeological sights of the Acropolis Athens, Olympia and Delphi.

My favorite part of the trip was interacting with the local people. I especially enjoyed my time on the island of Egina, known for pistachios. As we went for a walk we stopped in a pastry shop owned by a sister and brother. They immediately greeted us with a smile and showed us around the shop as we admired their delicious cookies, cakes and chocolates.  I was very curious about their colored red eggs. Spoken with their best English, they communicated that the red eggs are part of a Greek Orthodox Easter tradition. They demonstrated the game that uses the red eggs explaining that if your egg remains unbroken - you are the winner!

Our trip started with one night in Athens at the Intercontinental Hotel. It was a nice hotel located in the business district not too far from the city center. The hotel provided us with club level where we enjoyed the terrace with a spectacular view of the Acropolis! We walked to the Plaka center for shopping. We found out that the hotel provided free shuttle service to downtown Athens so we took advantage of it on our last day and returned to the Plaka for last minute souvenir shopping.  The next morning we enjoyed a guided city tour and visit to the Acropolis before being transferred to our yacht, the Harmony G.

Our next seven nights were spent cruising on the Harmony G around the Peloponnese Peninsula. Every day we participated on an excursion to interesting archeological sites as well as afternoon lectures.  We had a local guide/archeologist on board including a tour director that were very knowledgeable. The crew members were very courteous especially the maître d’ who was very charming and made sure everyone was having a good time… especially when we were taught a few steps of Greek dancing! Of course we cannot leave out the chef who prepared the most delicious Greek cuisine I have ever tasted from lamb to calamari.

One of the stops took us from the port town of Katakolo by bus to Olympia, one of the most famous and important sites of the ancient world. Olympia is known as the birthplace of the Olympic Games. After our visit to the site, we stopped for wine and olive oil tasting and then enjoyed lunch at a traditional village taverna, where we ate scrumptious roasted chicken!  Another stop took us to Delphi, situated on the slopes of Mount Parnassos once believed by the ancient Greeks to be the center of the earth. Our bus ride took us from the port of Itea to the sanctuary of Delphi. What breathtaking views of the valley and sea!

Greece is a beautiful country full of history, culture, friendly people and delicious food! Yassous!!! 

Eleonora Reitano, Flight Coordinator/Air Operations at Vantage Deluxe World Travel
 

• Castles Along the Rhine & Danube 
• Waterways of Holland & Belgium 
• Imperial Russian Waterways
• Romance of the Blue Danube
• French Waterways
• Best of Africa
• Gateway to the Black Sea
• Switzerland & the Heart of the Rhine & Moselle
• Grand Norwegian Coastal Voyage
• Heart of Africa

For trip information visit our website.
To read Customer Reviews click here.
For great travel tips, check out 151 Travel Tips.
For information on Small Group Travel, click here.

You can also connect with us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, LinkedIn,YouTube & Flickr.

Vantage Deluxe World Travel knows that it's important for our employees to experience our wonderful trips firsthand- that's why all employees are strongly encouraged to take a Familiarization (FAM) trip. These trips are intended to familiarize associates with the great products Vantage offers. They are an invaluable opportunity to live our customers' experience and to travel to exciting and varied destinations! Below Vantage employee, Nibedita Parhi, describes her time in Greece!

Greece: Antiquity to Byzantium

This was our (my husband & I) first FAM (familiarization trip) and  trip outside of USA (except visiting family in India) and I must say it was a great experience visiting Greece. We had the opportunity to go on a small yacht and felt very private with a small group of co-passengers and highly professional crew.

We are used to the long flights and it was easy getting to Athens via Frankfurt. Upon arrival our ride and guide were ready to make our visit a remembrance. For me it’s the guide that made all the difference and throughout the visit we had one 24/7. Our ride from the airport to the hotel was not only a sightseeing tour but also a learning session as the guide took time to explain all the landmarks and history associated with them. Finally the hotel, one of top 3 in Athens, was a great place to land after a long flight. Our rooms were on the top floors giving us a spectacular view of Athens including the Acropolis & the Temple of Zeus.

In the evening we walked to PLAKA (ancient Greek market place for tourists) and came across several ancient excavations on the sides of the road on our way to PLAKA. Trees full of oranges are everywhere, people are friendly and we felt safe walking around the PLAKA. It’s full of gift shops & restaurants and don't forget to try the delicious Gyro (local food) and Ouzo (local drink) in PLAKA.

The next day we visited the Acropolis, the Acropolis Museum, Temple of Zeus and the first stadium for modern Olympics. The stadium was full of school children in a program to support the Olympics in London. Now we are part of it too. We headed for our yacht around 4:00 PM and spent the next 7 days learning about a lot about ancient Greece, mythology, architecture, and art as we had lectures every day, visiting many islands and sailing around the “Peloponnese”.

The crew on board welcomed us with orange juice and took care of us during our stay with the sole objective to make us feel at ease and enjoy our time. The captain made us go thru a safety drill and before we knew we were on our way to explore Greece. We had many choices for breakfast, a buffet lunch and 5 course dinners, with wine and spirits from the bar. We both agree that the  food was excellent on board.

We cruised around the Peloponnese and visited many ancient places of Greece such as Egina – the Island of Pistachios, temple of Aesculapius, the wonderful Amphitheater – dating to the 4th century B.C. and arranged in 55 semi-circular rows, remains the great masterwork of Polykleitos the Younger where audiences of up to an estimated 14,000 have long been able to hear actors and musicians “unamplified” from even the back row of the architectural masterpiece, Napfio – the Venetian fortress from the 17th century, Mycenae – the site identified with Agamemnon and the Iliad & Agamemnon's tomb with a side treasure chamber & the Lion’s Gate to the ruins of the Agamemnon’s fort, Monemvassia – no streets but walkways broken by steps that ascend the steep hill where we visited a medieval Greek Orthodox church with great carvings, Olympia – where the first Olympic games were played in ancient Greece and the Olympic torch is still lit there for modern Olympics, Patras, The Corinth Canal – connects the Gulf of Corinth with

the Saronic Gulf in the Aegean Sea and Delfi – the ancient spiritual temples of Greece the home of “Oracle” best site with amazing views & the Olive trees. Most every site has a Museum with the collectibles from the excavations and our guide took the time to explain it all including a lecture on the boat the previous day to visiting the sites. We had a Captains dinner on the boat and a night of Greek dance where we performed with the crew after a quick lesson.

Upon return to Athens, we went to PLAKA to wrap up shopping for family and friends and that afternoon we visited cape Sounion – the site of ruins of an ancient Greek temple of Poseidon. It takes about 2 hours and as always, the guide kept us busy during our drive to the site.

On our departure day we were picked up by our driver and the guide who helped us at the airport and the security gates, wishing us a happy  & safe return flight to HOME. This was a great trip - one we love sharing with family and friends

Vantage Deluxe World Travel knows that it's important for our employees to experience our wonderful trips firsthand- that's why all employees are strongly encouraged to take a Familiarization (FAM) trip. These trips are intended to familiarize associates with the great products Vantage offers. They are an invaluable opportunity to live our customers' experience and to travel to exciting and varied destinations! Below Vantage employee, Nibedita Parhi, describes her time in Greece!

Greece: Antiquity to Byzantium

This was our (my husband & I) first FAM (familiarization trip) and  trip outside of USA (except visiting family in India) and I must say it was a great experience visiting Greece. We had the opportunity to go on a small yacht and felt very private with a small group of co-passengers and highly professional crew.

We are used to the long flights and it was easy getting to Athens via Frankfurt. Upon arrival our ride and guide were ready to make our visit a remembrance. For me it’s the guide that made all the difference and throughout the visit we had one 24/7. Our ride from the airport to the hotel was not only a sightseeing tour but also a learning session as the guide took time to explain all the landmarks and history associated with them. Finally the hotel, one of top 3 in Athens, was a great place to land after a long flight. Our rooms were on the top floors giving us a spectacular view of Athens including the Acropolis & the Temple of Zeus.

In the evening we walked to PLAKA (ancient Greek market place for tourists) and came across several ancient excavations on the sides of the road on our way to PLAKA. Trees full of oranges are everywhere, people are friendly and we felt safe walking around the PLAKA. It’s full of gift shops & restaurants and don't forget to try the delicious Gyro (local food) and Ouzo (local drink) in PLAKA.

The next day we visited the Acropolis, the Acropolis Museum, Temple of Zeus and the first stadium for modern Olympics. The stadium was full of school children in a program to support the Olympics in London. Now we are part of it too. We headed for our yacht around 4:00 PM and spent the next 7 days learning about a lot about ancient Greece, mythology, architecture, and art as we had lectures every day, visiting many islands and sailing around the “Peloponnese”.

The crew on board welcomed us with orange juice and took care of us during our stay with the sole objective to make us feel at ease and enjoy our time. The captain made us go thru a safety drill and before we knew we were on our way to explore Greece. We had many choices for breakfast, a buffet lunch and 5 course dinners, with wine and spirits from the bar. We both agree that the  food was excellent on board.

We cruised around the Peloponnese and visited many ancient places of Greece such as Egina – the Island of Pistachios, temple of Aesculapius, the wonderful Amphitheater – dating to the 4th century B.C. and arranged in 55 semi-circular rows, remains the great masterwork of Polykleitos the Younger where audiences of up to an estimated 14,000 have long been able to hear actors and musicians “unamplified” from even the back row of the architectural masterpiece, Napfio – the Venetian fortress from the 17th century, Mycenae – the site identified with Agamemnon and the Iliad & Agamemnon's tomb with a side treasure chamber & the Lion’s Gate to the ruins of the Agamemnon’s fort, Monemvassia – no streets but walkways broken by steps that ascend the steep hill where we visited a medieval Greek Orthodox church with great carvings, Olympia – where the first Olympic games were played in ancient Greece and the Olympic torch is still lit there for modern Olympics, Patras, The Corinth Canal – connects the Gulf of Corinth with 

the Saronic Gulf in the Aegean Sea and Delfi – the ancient spiritual temples of Greece the home of “Oracle” best site with amazing views & the Olive trees. Most every site has a Museum with the collectibles from the excavations and our guide took the time to explain it all including a lecture on the boat the previous day to visiting the sites. We had a Captains dinner on the boat and a night of Greek dance where we performed with the crew after a quick lesson.

Upon return to Athens, we went to PLAKA to wrap up shopping for family and friends and that afternoon we visited cape Sounion – the site of ruins of an ancient Greek temple of Poseidon. It takes about 2 hours and as always, the guide kept us busy during our drive to the site.

On our departure day we were picked up by our driver and the guide who helped us at the airport and the security gates, wishing us a happy  & safe return flight to HOME. This was a great trip - one we love sharing with family and friends

Nibedita Parhi, Vantage Deluxe World Travel

Here is a list of our top 10 destinations that have received raving reviews:

• Castles Along the Rhine & Danube
• Waterways of Holland & Belgium
• Imperial Russian Waterways
• Romance of the Blue Danube
• French Waterways
• Best of Africa
• Gateway to the Black Sea
• Switzerland & the Heart of the Rhine & Moselle
• Grand Norwegian Coastal Voyage
• Heart of Africa

For trip information visit our website.
To read Customer Reviews click here.
For great travel tips, check out 151 Travel Tips.
For information on Small Group Travel, click here.

You can also connect with us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, LinkedIn,YouTube & Flickr.

Best of Africa:
South Africa, Botswana, Namibia & Victoria Falls

#1 Land Tour – Unique Itinerary Including 4 Countries!

Save $1,000 per couple!

17 Days from only:
$5,049* land only

19 Days from only:
$6,199* including international airfare from selected cities

Details, Dates & Prices

The Heart Of Africa:
On Safari in Kenya & Tanzania

All Meals and Sightseeing Included!

Save $1,000 per couple!

15 Days from only:
$5,299* land only

16 Days from only:
$6,499* including international airfare from selected cities

Details, Dates & Prices

Take your pick of two fabulous African journeys in 2013 — a Deluxe Kenya and Tanzania safari tour, or a fascinating exploration of the culture and wildlife to Best of Africa. What’s more, both journeys are limited to 18-24 travelers, so you’ll be able to mingle with the local people and enjoy a front row view of the wildlife we encounter!

Both trips include incredible accommodations: deluxe hotels and safari lodges, many inside the parks! You will also enjoy included guided game drives in special safari vehicles, Vantage's exclusive Learning Discoveries, most meals, the services of a Discovery Leader from Africa, and so much more!

All 2013 departures are now available and space is already selling quickly! You must act now to ensure your spot on these limited 2013 departures and to take advantage of all the benefits of booking early, such as:

• Advance Purchase Savings of $1,000 per couple
• Best Selection of departure dates
• Maximize Your Savings - up to 10% - with our SmartPay Discount Plan SM
• Example: Save up to $1,640 per couple if you pay in full by May 2, 2012 for a
• June 13, 2013 departure date of our Kenya and Tanzania trip.
• FREE and Reduced Price Single Supplements — Save up to $799 (limited availability)
• Simplified pricing - When you purchase your air from Vantage, all fuel surcharges and government taxes and fees are included– even transfers between your airport and hotel!

Call 1-800-322-6677 to book. One of our experienced, courteous Vantage Travel Consultants would be happy to answer any of your questions and assist you with every detail of your trip. Remember, don’t delay because this is a limited-time offer, and space on our small groups tours is sure to sell quickly.

Here is a list of our top 10 destinations that have received raving reviews:

• Castles Along the Rhine & Danube 
• Waterways of Holland & Belgium 
• Imperial Russian Waterways
• Romance of the Blue Danube
• French Waterways
• Best of Africa
• Gateway to the Black Sea
• Switzerland & the Heart of the Rhine & Moselle
• Grand Norwegian Coastal Voyage
• Heart of Africa

For trip information visit our website.
To read Customer Reviews click here.
For great travel tips, check out 151 Travel Tips.
For information on Small Group Travel, click here.

You can also connect with us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, LinkedIn,YouTube & Flickr.

Croatia to Venice: The Treasures of the Adriatic

Depart for Mostar, the main city of the Herzegovina region, on Day 5. Take a guided tour and visit the city’s famed Old Bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The historic stone bridge crosses the Neretva River, dividing the city into Croat and Muslim sections. Constructed in the 16th century, the ruling Sultan claimed that he would be executed if the bridge collapsed once its wooden supports were removed. However, the miraculous bridge remained standing for four more centuries, and the Sultan lived. The original bridge was destroyed by a bomb during the Bosnian conflict in 1993 and has since been reconstructed.

Then, continue on to Dubrovnik, where you’ll enjoy four nights in a guaranteed sea-view room. You’ll be enchanted by the towered, crenelated city wall as you explore the cobbled gem that lies inside. A morning panoramic walking tour on Day 6 takes you past the city’s historic sites: the Pile gates, Franciscan Monastery, St. Blaise Church, Town Hall Square, Little Onofrio’s fountain and clock tower, and the Jewish neighborhood and synagogue. During the tour, note that the size of your group allows us to explore the hidden gems and narrow side streets that would not be otherwise accessible. Cultural Connection: Your evening is capped off by a home-hosted dinner with a local family, a true highlight of your trip and only possible because you’re in a small group!

Enjoy Dubrovnik on your own on Day 7. Or, join an optional morning tour along the Dubrovnik Riviera to the seaside resort of Cavtat, with a light lunch included in a restaurant located near the town’s ancient watermills. Cultural Connection: In the early evening, attend a Vantage-exclusive classical music concert at the 16th-century St. Saviour’s Church.

Visit the Republic of Montenegro, the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” on Day 8, where you’ll stop in Kotor, a medieval, stunningly scenic walled city and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your panoramic tour includes the Cathedral of St. Tripun and the Church of St. Nicola. From Kotor, you’ll set out for the charming seaside resort of Sveti Stefan. Enjoy panoramic sightseeing of the former island before transferring to Budva where you’ll enjoy an included lunch and a walking tour of the Old Town.
 

See what else this journey has in store! Click here for trip details! 

Here is a list of our top 10 destinations that have received raving reviews:

• Castles Along the Rhine & Danube 
• Waterways of Holland & Belgium 
• Imperial Russian Waterways
• Romance of the Blue Danube
• French Waterways
• Best of Africa
• Gateway to the Black Sea
• Switzerland & the Heart of the Rhine & Moselle
• Grand Norwegian Coastal Voyage
• Heart of Africa

For trip information visit our website.
To read Customer Reviews click here.
For great travel tips, check out 151 Travel Tips.
For information on Small Group Travel, click here.

You can also connect with us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, LinkedIn,YouTube & Flickr.

Strewn like gems across the turquoise waves of the Aegean Sea are the Dodecanese Islands, singing a siren song to the nearby coastlines of Greece and Turkey. New for 2013, you're invited to give in to the temptation and cruise these idyllic islands, discovering their golden beaches, enchanting villages, spiritual sites, and rich history that dates back to prehistoric times... all in small groups of just 20 travelers!

Sail the ancient Aegean aboard a glamorous, exclusively-chartered yacht, the M/Y Harmony G. And not only will you enjoy seven nights on this beautiful cruise, you'll also delve into the region's magical past with a seven-night land tour of Turkey, visiting the melting pot that is Istanbul, the St. John Monastery and Cave of Patmos, and many other sites that have intrigued visitors for centuries.

Journey Highlights

• 8 days aboard the exclusively-chartered M/Y Harmony G, newly refurbished for 2013
• Sail the sparkling waters of Turkey’s Turquoise Coast and the Aegean Sea
• 4 days in Istanbul with visits to the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and Hagia Sophia
• Visit 4 UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Istanbul, Hagia Sophia, Samos, and Rhodes

Click here for trip info!

Here is a list of our top 10 destinations that have received raving reviews:

• Castles Along the Rhine & Danube 
• Waterways of Holland & Belgium 
• Imperial Russian Waterways
• Romance of the Blue Danube
• French Waterways
• Best of Africa
• Gateway to the Black Sea
• Switzerland & the Heart of the Rhine & Moselle
• Grand Norwegian Coastal Voyage
• Heart of Africa

For trip information visit our website.
To read Customer Reviews click here.
For great travel tips, check out 151 Travel Tips.
For information on Small Group Travel, click here.

You can also connect with us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, LinkedIn,YouTube & Flickr.

Make 2013 the year to join us on one of two incredible journeys into Southeast Asia and discover unique golden temples, timeless river villages, and traveled waterways. Both of these journeys are exclusive only to Discoveries by Vantage and feature small groups limited to 20 travelers, cruising aboard the privately chartered Pandaw river ships. 

Our brand-new Angkor Wat & the Mekong itinerary now includes Hanoi and an improved river cruise itinerary aboard the newly refurbished RV Tonle Pandaw. Plus, we are the only company to include an overnight stay in Halong Bay at no extra charge! We have added more optional extensions to compliment your journey. 

We've also enhanced our 2013 Journey to Burma & The Irrawaddy River, with improved pacing and a brand-new extension to beautiful Inle Lake in Myanmar. 

Book now for the best selection of departure dates & cabins

Angkor Wat & the Mekong: A River Cruise in the Heart of Indochina

Burma & the Irrawaddy River: Cruising the Road to Mandalay

Here is a list of our top 10 destinations that have received raving reviews:

• Castles Along the Rhine & Danube 
• Waterways of Holland & Belgium 
• Imperial Russian Waterways
• Romance of the Blue Danube
• French Waterways
• Best of Africa
• Gateway to the Black Sea
• Switzerland & the Heart of the Rhine & Moselle
• Grand Norwegian Coastal Voyage
• Heart of Africa

For trip information visit our website.
To read Customer Reviews click here.
For great travel tips, check out 151 Travel Tips.
For information on Small Group Travel, click here.

You can also connect with us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, LinkedIn,YouTube & Flickr.

Vantage Deluxe World Travel knows that it's important for our employees to experience our wonderful trips firsthand- that's why all employees are strongly encouraged to take a Familiarization (FAM) trip. These trips are intended to familiarize associates with the great products Vantage offers. They are an invaluable opportunity to live our customers' experience and to travel to exciting and varied destinations! Below Vantage employee, Lynn Noll, describes her time in Greece!

Greece: Antiquity to Byzantium

This was my first FAM. It was great. My husband and I both loved Greece, and the overall quality of the experience was superb. It was packed with activities, and Greece in April had excellent weather for sight seeing. Greek Orthodox Easter added color.

Here is a log of what we did.

Start: Flight on Lufthansa. Flights are always long, but being with the group helped make the time pass faster. Enjoyed a nice German beer on the flight and supper on the flight.

Arrived in Athens. Met at airport by efficient manager from Britain (married to a Greek and living in Athens) who narrated tour as we rode back from the airport. The Acropolis and the Temple of Zeus tells us we are in really in Greece!

Hotel proved excellent, with an attentive staff and efficient check-in. Great view of the Acropolis.  Beds and lighting were top quality.  There is a shuttle to the Plaka.

A drink and a shower left me feeling much more alive, and I headed for the Plaka (market place) with the group for a bit of shopping. By the subway stop we passed, we found an Athenian feature:  whenever a hole is dug, it reveals new antiquities, so the sites are covered with glass and preserved.  There was such a site by the subway stop on our way to the Plaka.

Friday: After breakfast, a new guide met us. She was very knowledgeable. We passed the stadium for the first modern Olympics as it was filling up with school children from all over Greece. Then we explored the Acropolis and the Acropolis museum.  The Acropolis Museum, a new museum, was built over part of the old Athenian market place, so most of the floors are glass so you can see the ancient store and house foundations.  We could see the foundations continuing under areas without glass floors; they looked like they ran on forever.

We enjoy gyros and drinks at a restaurant in the Plaka before heading for the ship. The food is delicious.

The ship’s staff greeted us with orange juice. My husband and I arrange our luggage under the beds, and plug in my computer under the TV to charge.  (We brought an adaptor.) We hang a couple of outfits in the closet, but don’t spend much time unpacking; we head up to the lounge immediately to watch the mainland and islands roll by.  

The bar and lounge proved very inviting, whether inside or out. I enjoy a cold beer. Today is quite warm: about 75. After I finish my beer, I go up to the roof deck, where the movement of the ship creates a steady breeze.  I get a bit of a sunburn; I should have remembered sunblock! I meet some of my fellow passengers, who are from California and the UK.    

We headed for an unscheduled stop at nearby Egina, the Island of Pistachios, where Greeks vacation, and reached it before dinner. The island was delightful, with a pleasure boat harbor and a pretty harbor side church. (There is an archeological site at one side, but we don’t visit it.) Little dwellings along the alleys had pretty patio gardens with bright flowers; we stopped at an inviting mom and pop store. The proprietors smile shyly and give each of us a red Easter egg; we buy pistachios and chocolate. Some of us go swimming. Later, the guide led an evening tour to watch the full moon rise.

Saturday: The ship anchored off shore at our first scheduled stop, and we took the ship’s boat to the town: Palea Epidavro. From there, we visited the temple of Aesculapius,  and the wonderful Theater, very well preserved and restored, and still used for special productions. We had it mostly to ourselves. One of the guests entertained us with an aria to demonstrate the acoustics. Eugenia (our guide) proved informative and enthusiastic. Views from the theater were spectacular, and wild flowers were everywhere (as at every stop.)  I take a picture of red poppies framed against ancient marble columns. Afterwards, we had some free time in town, and then returned to the ship, where we enjoyed a bit of swimming. The Aegean proved chilly but swimmable, like the Cape in June, and very clear.

We made an unscheduled stop at Poros that evening. We enjoyed a climb through the back alleys (which in Poros are stairs and walkways) to the watch tower; we also visited an old chapel.

Sunday: Napfio. That afternoon we took a bus to the Venetian fortress (they call it a castle but I think cannon holes make it a fortress—it is from the 17^th century) at the top of the hill. Views were spectacular.   In the 17^th century, people ascended by the ‘999 steps’, which zigzag back and forth up the hill;  the next day, my husband and I climb them for the experience.  There is a long sea walk by the ocean; we walk along it for about a mile, and then turn back, as it seems to go on forever.

Monday: Weather was a bit rainy and nippy for the visit to Mycenae, the site identified with Agamemnon and the Iliad. Agamemnon's tomb is a marvelous old beehive, with a side treasure chamber (empty now).   The Lion’s Gate greets us as we enter the ruins of the walled town. Access is good: one guest was able to explore it in a wheelchair. When we first arrive, there are few other visitors, but the crowds gather while we are exploring, and the rain seems more serious.  We retreat to the museum, and then return to town. As the ship is docked at Nafplio, we could wander off at will; this is when Brad and I climb the stairs. We explore a second fortress, lower down, but decide not to take the little taxi boat to the third. We shop a little in town.

On the ship that evening, the crew demonstrated Greek and Arabic dancing. The guests (very clumsy) join in, and everyone gets very silly. Afterwards, some guests leave to enjoy the bars along the waterfront (they close around 5 a.m.).

Tuesday: Scheduled stop in medieval Monemvassia. It barely had streets at all, but rather walkways broken by steps that ascend the steep hill; the garbage truck is a weird little tractor with tank treads.  We visited a very fine medieval Greek Orthodox church with great carvings and a twelfth century icon, and then climbed to an old closed church on the peak to enjoy the view. (Monemvassia has a huge number of churches—I saw two different totals—one for 27 and one for 45.) I take a picture of the overlapping orange tile roofs making patterns down the hill.

No clubbing that evening—we travel overnight.  We have a brief port slot at which we will disembark very early, because the captain has heard there will be three big cruise ships arriving the same day. We want to reach Olympia while we can still have it mostly to ourselves.   While we explore by bus, the captain will continue on, and we will rejoin him in Patras.

Wednesday: We get on our bus by 7:30 a.m., which didn’t keep me from enjoying breakfast since I arranged a early wake up call. The port lacked charm, but we didn’t spend very long there.  We did watch one of the big ships arrive; the captain docked it very carefully; it dwarves our yacht. Nicholas (head of the serving staff) remembers working on one of those; he says it meant waiting in lines for everything. Just because it has docked does not mean their first wave of tourists can compete with us; we get to Olympia way before anyone from that ship.

Olympia has flowering trees all over the site among the ancient columns. This site is a lot flatter than the mountainous areas we have been exploring, and it is easy to walk around. We go mad taking pictures. Most impressive is a fallen column from the temple of Zeus; you can see how big it was and how the pieces fitted together.  The stadium is grass covered; we pretend to run foot races there.

After the site, we stopped for a wine and olive oil tasting, and then ate a very fine lunch at a small restaurant. They make their own red wine; Brad buys a carafe for our table.

That evening, we rejoined the ship in Patras, and can see the Peloponnesus on one side and the mainland on the other for the rest of the trip.   

Thursday: we visited Delfi (best site yet, with absolutely amazing views from the bus down the valley to Itea and the sea, and great ruins, very well preserved). Eugenia gave a great tour, and then we explored on our own. Brad and I climbed up to the stadium at the top; we don’t go as far as the top of the mountain because time is getting short. We can see three or four snow covered peaks; people do ski on these slopes. But the weather is a comfortable 65 degrees.

After that we rejoined the ship for lunch, and then headed back to Marina Zea. We spend the night in the port, and do our repacking. We say good-bye to Eugenia, who is leaving a bit early. It seems sad that the cruise is at an end.  

Friday:  Good Friday. Brad and I go off on our own. We walk through the public parks up to the highest point in Athens (Lycabettus Hill); there is a cable car, but you can walk from little park to little park almost all the way. Then we decide to skip the planned tour, and head over to the Archeological museum to view the Mycenean gold (the originals) and the Minoan frescos. On the way back, we cut through the markets where the Athenians are buying Easter supplies (whole skinned lambs and goats on display, as well as bins of beans and lentils.) The rest of the group heads up the coast with a Greek guide. Later, we rejoin the group for a drink. Afterwards, several people dress up a little so they can visit a local church to see Christ brought out; I am tempted but don’t want to change.  

Saturday: Long flight back. The little TV’s on the back of the seats let us choose fairly recent movies; I watch Sherlock Homes 2, and Brad watches that and the new Mission Impossible.      

Lynn Noll, Senior Programmer/Analyst at Vantage Deluxe World Travel

Interested in traveling to the Mediterranean with Vantage? Click here!

Here is a list of our top 10 destinations that have received raving reviews:

• Castles Along the Rhine & Danube 
• Waterways of Holland & Belgium 
• Imperial Russian Waterways
• Romance of the Blue Danube
• French Waterways
• Best of Africa
• Gateway to the Black Sea
• Switzerland & the Heart of the Rhine & Moselle
• Grand Norwegian Coastal Voyage
• Heart of Africa

For trip information visit our website.
To read Customer Reviews click here.
For great travel tips, check out 151 Travel Tips.
For information on Small Group Travel, click here.

You can also connect with us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, LinkedIn,YouTube & Flickr.

Vantage Deluxe World Travel knows that it's important for our employees to experience our wonderful trips firsthand- that's why all employees are strongly encouraged to take a Familiarization (FAM) trip. These trips are intended to familiarize associates with the great products Vantage offers. They are an invaluable opportunity to live our customers' experience and to travel to exciting and varied destinations! Below Vantage employee, Lynn Noll, describes her time in Greece!

Greece: Antiquity to Byzantium

This was my first FAM. It was great. My husband and I both loved Greece, and the overall quality of the experience was superb. It was packed with activities, and Greece in April had excellent weather for sight seeing. Greek Orthodox Easter added color.

Here is a log of what we did.

Start: Flight on Lufthansa. Flights are always long, but being with the group helped make the time pass faster. Enjoyed a nice German beer on the flight and supper on the flight.

Arrived in Athens. Met at airport by efficient manager from Britain (married to a Greek and living in Athens) who narrated tour as we rode back from the airport. The Acropolis and the Temple of Zeus tells us we are in really in Greece!

Hotel proved excellent, with an attentive staff and efficient check-in. Great view of the Acropolis.  Beds and lighting were top quality.  There is a shuttle to the Plaka.

A drink and a shower left me feeling much more alive, and I headed for the Plaka (market place) with the group for a bit of shopping. By the subway stop we passed, we found an Athenian feature:  whenever a hole is dug, it reveals new antiquities, so the sites are covered with glass and preserved.  There was such a site by the subway stop on our way to the Plaka.

Friday: After breakfast, a new guide met us. She was very knowledgeable. We passed the stadium for the first modern Olympics as it was filling up with school children from all over Greece. Then we explored the Acropolis and the Acropolis museum.  The Acropolis Museum, a new museum, was built over part of the old Athenian market place, so most of the floors are glass so you can see the ancient store and house foundations.  We could see the foundations continuing under areas without glass floors; they looked like they ran on forever.

We enjoy gyros and drinks at a restaurant in the Plaka before heading for the ship. The food is delicious.

The ship’s staff greeted us with orange juice. My husband and I arrange our luggage under the beds, and plug in my computer under the TV to charge.  (We brought an adaptor.) We hang a couple of outfits in the closet, but don’t spend much time unpacking; we head up to the lounge immediately to watch the mainland and islands roll by.  

The bar and lounge proved very inviting, whether inside or out. I enjoy a cold beer. Today is quite warm: about 75. After I finish my beer, I go up to the roof deck, where the movement of the ship creates a steady breeze.  I get a bit of a sunburn; I should have remembered sunblock! I meet some of my fellow passengers, who are from California and the UK.    

We headed for an unscheduled stop at nearby Egina, the Island of Pistachios, where Greeks vacation, and reached it before dinner. The island was delightful, with a pleasure boat harbor and a pretty harbor side church. (There is an archeological site at one side, but we don’t visit it.) Little dwellings along the alleys had pretty patio gardens with bright flowers; we stopped at an inviting mom and pop store. The proprietors smile shyly and give each of us a red Easter egg; we buy pistachios and chocolate. Some of us go swimming. Later, the guide led an evening tour to watch the full moon rise.

Saturday: The ship anchored off shore at our first scheduled stop, and we took the ship’s boat to the town: Palea Epidavro. From there, we visited the temple of Aesculapius,  and the wonderful Theater, very well preserved and restored, and still used for special productions. We had it mostly to ourselves. One of the guests entertained us with an aria to demonstrate the acoustics. Eugenia (our guide) proved informative and enthusiastic. Views from the theater were spectacular, and wild flowers were everywhere (as at every stop.)  I take a picture of red poppies framed against ancient marble columns. Afterwards, we had some free time in town, and then returned to the ship, where we enjoyed a bit of swimming. The Aegean proved chilly but swimmable, like the Cape in June, and very clear.

We made an unscheduled stop at Poros that evening. We enjoyed a climb through the back alleys (which in Poros are stairs and walkways) to the watch tower; we also visited an old chapel.

Sunday: Napfio. That afternoon we took a bus to the Venetian fortress (they call it a castle but I think cannon holes make it a fortress—it is from the 17^th century) at the top of the hill. Views were spectacular.   In the 17^th century, people ascended by the ‘999 steps’, which zigzag back and forth up the hill;  the next day, my husband and I climb them for the experience.  There is a long sea walk by the ocean; we walk along it for about a mile, and then turn back, as it seems to go on forever.

Monday: Weather was a bit rainy and nippy for the visit to Mycenae, the site identified with Agamemnon and the Iliad. Agamemnon's tomb is a marvelous old beehive, with a side treasure chamber (empty now).   The Lion’s Gate greets us as we enter the ruins of the walled town. Access is good: one guest was able to explore it in a wheelchair. When we first arrive, there are few other visitors, but the crowds gather while we are exploring, and the rain seems more serious.  We retreat to the museum, and then return to town. As the ship is docked at Nafplio, we could wander off at will; this is when Brad and I climb the stairs. We explore a second fortress, lower down, but decide not to take the little taxi boat to the third. We shop a little in town.

On the ship that evening, the crew demonstrated Greek and Arabic dancing. The guests (very clumsy) join in, and everyone gets very silly. Afterwards, some guests leave to enjoy the bars along the waterfront (they close around 5 a.m.).

Tuesday: Scheduled stop in medieval Monemvassia. It barely had streets at all, but rather walkways broken by steps that ascend the steep hill; the garbage truck is a weird little tractor with tank treads.  We visited a very fine medieval Greek Orthodox church with great carvings and a twelfth century icon, and then climbed to an old closed church on the peak to enjoy the view. (Monemvassia has a huge number of churches—I saw two different totals—one for 27 and one for 45.) I take a picture of the overlapping orange tile roofs making patterns down the hill.

No clubbing that evening—we travel overnight.  We have a brief port slot at which we will disembark very early, because the captain has heard there will be three big cruise ships arriving the same day. We want to reach Olympia while we can still have it mostly to ourselves.   While we explore by bus, the captain will continue on, and we will rejoin him in Patras.

Wednesday: We get on our bus by 7:30 a.m., which didn’t keep me from enjoying breakfast since I arranged a early wake up call. The port lacked charm, but we didn’t spend very long there.  We did watch one of the big ships arrive; the captain docked it very carefully; it dwarves our yacht. Nicholas (head of the serving staff) remembers working on one of those; he says it meant waiting in lines for everything. Just because it has docked does not mean their first wave of tourists can compete with us; we get to Olympia way before anyone from that ship.

Olympia has flowering trees all over the site among the ancient columns. This site is a lot flatter than the mountainous areas we have been exploring, and it is easy to walk around. We go mad taking pictures. Most impressive is a fallen column from the temple of Zeus; you can see how big it was and how the pieces fitted together.  The stadium is grass covered; we pretend to run foot races there.

After the site, we stopped for a wine and olive oil tasting, and then ate a very fine lunch at a small restaurant. They make their own red wine; Brad buys a carafe for our table.

That evening, we rejoined the ship in Patras, and can see the Peloponnesus on one side and the mainland on the other for the rest of the trip.   

Thursday: we visited Delfi (best site yet, with absolutely amazing views from the bus down the valley to Itea and the sea, and great ruins, very well preserved). Eugenia gave a great tour, and then we explored on our own. Brad and I climbed up to the stadium at the top; we don’t go as far as the top of the mountain because time is getting short. We can see three or four snow covered peaks; people do ski on these slopes. But the weather is a comfortable 65 degrees.

After that we rejoined the ship for lunch, and then headed back to Marina Zea. We spend the night in the port, and do our repacking. We say good-bye to Eugenia, who is leaving a bit early. It seems sad that the cruise is at an end.  

Friday:  Good Friday. Brad and I go off on our own. We walk through the public parks up to the highest point in Athens (Lycabettus Hill); there is a cable car, but you can walk from little park to little park almost all the way. Then we decide to skip the planned tour, and head over to the Archeological museum to view the Mycenean gold (the originals) and the Minoan frescos. On the way back, we cut through the markets where the Athenians are buying Easter supplies (whole skinned lambs and goats on display, as well as bins of beans and lentils.) The rest of the group heads up the coast with a Greek guide. Later, we rejoin the group for a drink. Afterwards, several people dress up a little so they can visit a local church to see Christ brought out; I am tempted but don’t want to change.  

Saturday: Long flight back. The little TV’s on the back of the seats let us choose fairly recent movies; I watch Sherlock Homes 2, and Brad watches that and the new Mission Impossible.      

Lynn Noll, Senior Programmer/Analyst at Vantage Deluxe World Travel

Interested in traveling to the Mediterranean with Vantage? Click here!

Here is a list of our top 10 destinations that have received raving reviews:

• Castles Along the Rhine & Danube 
• Waterways of Holland & Belgium 
• Imperial Russian Waterways
• Romance of the Blue Danube
• French Waterways
• Best of Africa
• Gateway to the Black Sea
• Switzerland & the Heart of the Rhine & Moselle
• Grand Norwegian Coastal Voyage
• Heart of Africa

For trip information visit our website.
To read Customer Reviews click here.
For great travel tips, check out 151 Travel Tips.
For information on Small Group Travel, click here.

You can also connect with us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, LinkedIn,YouTube & Flickr.

Vantage Deluxe World Travel knows that it's important for our employees to experience our wonderful trips firsthand- that's why all employees are strongly encouraged to take a Familiarization (FAM) trip. These trips are intended to familiarize associates with the great products Vantage offers. They are an invaluable opportunity to live our customers' experience and to travel to exciting and varied destinations! Below Vantage employee, Nancy L'Heureux, describes her time in Greece!   

Greece: Antiquity to Byzantium itinerary

The Intercontinental Athenaeum in Athens is a beautiful hotel with fantastic views of the Acropolis and the Temple of Zeus.  The staff was friendly and accommodating and the hotel was very clean and spacious. The neighborhood has some seedy elements (several strip clubs around the corner), but it was not a far walk to tourist sights.  The hotel also provided a free shuttle to the Plaka (tourist shopping) and other local sights.

The Harmony G is a sleek yacht. The staff was efficient and courteous. Stefanos, the Maitre d’ was excellent. His night of Greek Dancing was much fun. In fact, onboard activities were both fun and informative. The lecturer, Evgenia, was fantastic. She really knows her Greek History!  Cruise Director, Ranan, was also very congenial and knowledgeable.

The Captain made us feel safe and confident.  One of the benefits of small yacht cruising is that you can be flexible.  The Captain made a decision to skip the port of Gythion due to inclement weather in order to keep us safe and healthy.  He communicated his decisions to the group directly and clearly.  Although 

I was disappointed to miss the stop, safety should always be the first consideration and we appreciated the communication.  Due to the change, we visited the small island of Egina, also known as Pistachio Island by the Greeks. This island was extremely charming and was the setting for our first dive/swim in the Aegean Sea.

The itinerary was extremely interesting.  I learned a lot about ancient Greece, Mythology, Architecture, and Art.  We had lectures every day. 

Nancy L’Heureux

Vantage Deluxe World Travel Employee

Interested in traveling to the Mediterranean with Vantage? Click here!

Here is a list of our top 10 destinations that have received raving reviews:

• Castles Along the Rhine & Danube 
• Waterways of Holland & Belgium  
• Imperial Russian Waterways
• Romance of the Blue Danube
• French Waterways
• Best of Africa
• Gateway to the Black Sea
• Switzerland & the Heart of the Rhine & Moselle
• Grand Norwegian Coastal Voyage
• Heart of Africa

For trip information visit our website.
To read Customer Reviews click here.
For great travel tips, check out 151 Travel Tips.
For information on Small Group Travel, click here.

You can also connect with us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, LinkedIn,YouTube & Flickr. 

Gene Sloan of USA Today recently shared a comprehensive photo tour of our newest European River Cruise Ship, the ms River Discovery II, which was christened in Amsterdam in late March. Click here to see the photo tour!

To read more coverage on the ms River Discovery II, click here! 

Here is a list of our top 10 destinations that have received raving reviews:

• Castles Along the Rhine & Danube 
• Waterways of Holland & Belgium  
• Imperial Russian Waterways
• Romance of the Blue Danube
• French Waterways
• Best of Africa
• Gateway to the Black Sea
• Switzerland & the Heart of the Rhine & Moselle
• Grand Norwegian Coastal Voyage
• Heart of Africa

For trip information visit our website.
To read Customer Reviews click here.
For great travel tips, check out 151 Travel Tips.
For information on Small Group Travel, click here.

You can also connect with us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, LinkedIn,YouTube & Flickr. 

Predrag Mrkalj is one of Vantage's Executive Chefs who cooks for our guests aboard our newest European River cruise ship, the ms River Discovery II! Below is his recipe for Mustard Cream Soup!

Mustard Cream Soup

With a subtle aniseed flavor cut by sharp tangy mustard, this creamy smooth soup makes an utterly luxurious feast, served with chunks of crispy bread. 

2 tablespoons butter

2 onions, chopped

1 large carrot, sliced

1 celery stick, sliced

1 potato chopped

4 cups vegetable stock

3/4 cups cream

1/4 cup mustard

Salt and black pepper

Melt the butter in a large saucepan. Add the onions and cook gently for about 4 minutes. Add the carrot, celery, potato ands tock to the pan. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for about 20 minutes, until the vegetables are tender. Blend the soup to a food processor or blender until smooth. Stir in the cream, and mustard. Add salt and pepper to taste. Warm through, then ladle the soup into bowls. 

Here is a list of our top 10 destinations that have received raving reviews:

• Castles Along the Rhine & Danube 
• Waterways of Holland & Belgium 
• Imperial Russian Waterways
• Romance of the Blue Danube
• French Waterways
• Best of Africa
• Gateway to the Black Sea
• Switzerland & the Heart of the Rhine & Moselle
• Grand Norwegian Coastal Voyage
• Heart of Africa

For trip information visit our website.
To read Customer Reviews click here.
For great travel tips, check out 151 Travel Tips.
For information on Small Group Travel, click here.

You can also connect with us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, LinkedIn,YouTube & Flickr.

George Bernard Shaw once stated, “Those who seek paradise on earth should come to Dubrovnik.” We agree, and thought it only fitting that this medieval gem should be a stop on your 2012 President’s Royal Clipper Voyage: Venice, the Adriatic & Islands of the Mediterranean. 

On this Small Ship cruise you'll enjoy the bright white sails of a regal ship glimmering against the crystalline waters of the Adriatic and Ionian seas while stopping in the Adriatic's most amazing ports. 

Exclusive Presidential Features

• 10-night Royal Clipper cruise from Venice to Sicily, exclusively chartered for Vantage travelers
• Presidential Gala Evening in Dubrovnik with dinner, dancing, and entertainment
• Presidential Welcome and Farewell Dinners in Verona and Taormina
• Presidential Cocktail Reception and Dinner aboard ship
• Private Venice Lagoon Boat Tour with wine and Venetian pastries
• Private Visit to a Greek wine estate with folk dancing, music, and local food and wine tasting
• Many additional Presidential surprises in store

Here is a list of our top 10 destinations that have received raving reviews:

• Castles Along the Rhine & Danube 
• Waterways of Holland & Belgium 
• Imperial Russian Waterways
• Romance of the Blue Danube
• French Waterways
• Best of Africa
• Gateway to the Black Sea
• Switzerland & the Heart of the Rhine & Moselle
• Grand Norwegian Coastal Voyage
• Heart of Africa

For trip information visit our website.
To read Customer Reviews click here.
For great travel tips, check out 151 Travel Tips.
For information on Small Group Travel, click here.

You can also connect with us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, LinkedIn,YouTube & Flickr.

Discovery. You'll agree that this is the vital element that transforms just another trip into an enriching, life-changing event. That's why we're thrilled to unveil the new exclusive collection of Discoveries – most taking place in small groups of 10 to 26 travelers. We've also enhanced our cultural explorations, called Learning Discoveries, so they'll immerse you in local culture more deeply. 

Our new Discoveries by Vantage isn't the only cause for celebration: We're announcing 2013 departures here for the firs time! Next year is just around the corner – just like your next discovery! – so we suggest you reserve you spot soon! 

To join us call toll-free, 1-800-322-6677!

Here is a list of our top 10 destinations that have received raving reviews:

• Castles Along the Rhine & Danube 
• Waterways of Holland & Belgium 
• Imperial Russian Waterways
• Romance of the Blue Danube
• French Waterways
• Best of Africa
• Gateway to the Black Sea
• Switzerland & the Heart of the Rhine & Moselle
• Grand Norwegian Coastal Voyage
• Heart of Africa

For trip information visit our website.
To read Customer Reviews click here.
For great travel tips, check out 151 Travel Tips.
For information on Small Group Travel, click here.

You can also connect with us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, LinkedIn,YouTube & Flickr.

We were recently featured in Travel Weekly! Read below to see how our newest European River cruise ship, the ms River Discovery II, is catering to solo travelers!

Vantage's River Discovery II aims to meet growing demand for solo cabins

By Michelle Baran

AMSTERDAM -- Vantage Deluxe World Travel named the 176-passenger River Discovery II here in mid-March, a river vessel that caters to solo travelers with single cabins, an option absent from most of the newer river cruise ships.

The River Discovery II features the requisite 330-square-foot owner's suite and 12 deluxe suites at 250 square feet, but it also houses eight 125-square-foot single cabins on the ship's lower deck, accounting for nearly 10% of all the cabins. Company executives said the move to include cabins for solo travelers was in response to a growing demand from passengers traveling alone.

Additionally, more than three-quarters of the cabins have French balconies. There is free WiFi onboard and U.S. electrical outlets in the cabins.

Another unusual feature of the ship is a casual lounge at the aft, with a retractable skylight roof that allows for open-air dining and seating when weather permits or for an enclosed space with natural light when temperatures are cooler.

The River Discovery II brings Boston-based Vantage's company-owned fleet in Europe to three. Vantage also owns the 140-passenger River Navigator and the 170-passenger River Odyssey. It retired the 170-passenger River Explorer from its fleet this year. To continue reading, click here!

Here is a list of our top 10 destinations that have received raving reviews:

• Castles Along the Rhine & Danube 
• Waterways of Holland & Belgium 
• Imperial Russian Waterways
• Romance of the Blue Danube
• French Waterways
• Best of Africa
• Gateway to the Black Sea
• Switzerland & the Heart of the Rhine & Moselle
• Grand Norwegian Coastal Voyage
• Heart of Africa

For trip information visit our website.
To read Customer Reviews click here.
For great travel tips, check out 151 Travel Tips.
For information on Small Group Travel, click here.

You can also connect with us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, LinkedIn,YouTube & Flickr.

Jackie Lewis, Response Marketing Manager at Vantage Travel

Here is a list of our top 10 destinations that have received raving reviews:

• Castles Along the Rhine & Danube 
• Waterways of Holland & Belgium 
• Imperial Russian Waterways
• Romance of the Blue Danube
• French Waterways
• Best of Africa
• Gateway to the Black Sea
• Switzerland & the Heart of the Rhine & Moselle
• Grand Norwegian Coastal Voyage
• Heart of Africa

For trip information visit our website.
To read Customer Reviews click here.
For great travel tips, check out 151 Travel Tips.
For information on Small Group Travel, click here.

You can also connect with us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, LinkedIn,YouTube & Flickr.

Vantage Deluxe World Travel was recently featured on BostonHerald.com!

Hub travel operator cruises ahead

By Ira Kantor

Sunday, March 25, 2012

Vantage Deluxe World Travel’s upcoming 30th anniversary may prove a watershed moment.

The international tour operator, with corporate headquarters in the Hub, is investing $120 million toward expanding its fleet of ships overseas, including building and launching a 442-foot cruise vessel that made its maiden voyage from Amsterdam on Friday.

Christened the ms River Discovery II, the ship holds 220 passengers and crew members and boasts LED lighting; wireless Internet; 79 single and double staterooms and 12 deluxe suites; a 1,425-square-foot kitchen; and a hydraulic sliding roof at its stern that can be fully opened and closed within three minutes.

“This particular ship is the blueprint of what we’re going for with our entire fleet,” Vantage Chief Operating Officer Bret Gordon told the Herald during a phone interview from the Netherlands while aboard the ship. “We’re giving the competition a run for its money.”

“The manning of this ship is fabulous,” added Discovery II’s captain, Roger Spoor. “It’s just like driving a Porsche. She’s holding up very good.” To continue reading click here.

Here is a list of our top 10 destinations that have received raving reviews:

• Castles Along the Rhine & Danube 
• Waterways of Holland & Belgium 
• Imperial Russian Waterways
• Romance of the Blue Danube
• French Waterways
• Best of Africa
• Gateway to the Black Sea
• Switzerland & the Heart of the Rhine & Moselle
• Grand Norwegian Coastal Voyage
• Heart of Africa

For trip information visit our website.
To read Customer Reviews click here.
For great travel tips, check out 151 Travel Tips.
For information on Small Group Travel, click here.

You can also connect with us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, LinkedIn,YouTube & Flickr.

New for 2013! Includes Milford Sound Cruise!

The Best of Australia & New Zealand
Syndey, Queenstown,
Milford Sound, Great Barrier Reef, Mount Cook, Auckland

Save $1,000 per couple!
from $284 a day with Air!

19 Days from only:
$5,399* including air

Vantage Travel Exclusive Itinerary

India & Nepal: Mountains, Maharajahs & the Taj Mahal
Delhi, Agra, Khajuraho, Varanasi, Kathmandu, Chitwan

Save $1,000 per couple!
from $289 a day with Air!

20 Days from only:

$5,799* including air 

Take your pick of two fabulous small group journeys for 2013—the Best of Australia and New Zealand or India & Nepal: Mountains, Maharajahs & The Taj Mahal.

Discover the best of Down Under in a Deluxe small group of just 18-24 travelers! You'll find incredible diversity on this magnificent journey from Australia's tropical Great Barrier Reef to the snow-capped heights of New Zealand's Southern Alps. Plentiful small group lectures, demonstrations, and more bring these inviting countries to life. Plus, NEW for 2013, enjoy a full-day on the Milford Sound luncheon cruise, now included in your itinerary!

Or choose our India & Nepal deluxe small group journey — a spiritual and colorful, mystical and majestic area of the world. Unravel these nations' revered traditions by participating in home visits, village explorations, and more. From bustling Delhi to Agra's Taj Mahal to the Himalaya's and Chitwan National Park, no other tour operator combines these amazing destinations together in one journey!

However, these are two of our most popular trips and 2013 departures will sell quickly! You must act now to ensure your spot on these limited 2013 departures and to take advantage of all the benefits of booking early, such as:

• Advance Purchase Savings of $1,000 per couple
• Best Selection of departure dates
• Maximize Your Savings - up to 10% - with our SmartPay Discount Plan
• FREE and Reduced Price Single Supplements — Save up to $1,599 (limited availability)

Call 1-800-322-6677 to book using promotional code EM33150! One of our experienced, courteous Vantage Travel Consultants would be happy to answer any of your questions and assist you with every detail of your trip. Call us today!

Here is a list of our top 10 destinations that have received raving reviews:

• Castles Along the Rhine & Danube 
• Waterways of Holland & Belgium 
• Imperial Russian Waterways
• Romance of the Blue Danube
• French Waterways
• Best of Africa
• Gateway to the Black Sea
• Switzerland & the Heart of the Rhine & Moselle
• Grand Norwegian Coastal Voyage
• Heart of Africa

For trip information visit our website.
To read Customer Reviews click here.
For great travel tips, check out 151 Travel Tips.
For information on Small Group Travel, click here.

You can also connect with us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, LinkedIn,YouTube & Flickr.

We’re on Pinterest!

If you aren't familiar with Pinterest, it's like one giant scrapbook- but with images you find on the web!

Follow us on Pinterest to share beautiful photos from our many memorable journeys! 

Here is a list of our top 10 destinations that have received raving reviews:

• Castles Along the Rhine & Danube 
• Waterways of Holland & Belgium 
• Imperial Russian Waterways
• Romance of the Blue Danube
• French Waterways
• Best of Africa
• Gateway to the Black Sea
• Switzerland & the Heart of the Rhine & Moselle
• Grand Norwegian Coastal Voyage
• Heart of Africa

For trip information visit our website.
To read Customer Reviews click here.
For great travel tips, check out 151 Travel Tips.
For information on Small Group Travel, click here.

You can also connect with us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, LinkedIn,YouTube & Flickr.