PREVIEWS - REVIEWS  CHINA TUSCANY AMTRAK - USA ANTARCTIC A CHINA TOUR Review ………   Our tour group of 35 people, eager to find out what China had to offer, arrived in Beijing and made the most of the spring afternoon in the gardens, galleries and living spaces of the Summer Palace, then took a leisurely boat ride across the Kunming Lake in the palace gardens. The next day we explored the underground tomb of the 13th Ming Emperor, before arriving at the famous Great Wall. Some took just a few steps along the wall but others climbed to great heights to earn certificates of achievement for their accomplishment. Tian’anmen Square, the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven had the group goggle eyed at the sheer enormity of it all, and a rickshaw ride through the hutongs, including a visit to a private home, was an added bonus to the Beijing experience. Our special highlight in Xian was our visit to see the incredible Terracotta Warriors of the buried army, where we also met the farmer who discovered the site in 1973 (and lots and lots of school children).  We visited, the Huaqing Hot Springs, the Wild Goose Pagoda, and the ancient city wall, and topped our visit to Xian with an outstanding Tang Dynasty dinner and fine entertainment.  Our Yangtze River cruise started at Fengdu, one of the many cities that was being demolished to enable the flooding of the river for the new Three Gorges Dam. The cruise was scenic and full of interest, including a raftboat ride up the Shennong Stream, but the prize for many was the dam project itself. We anchored close to the action and took up the offer of a guided tour over the dam site claimed to be the biggest engineering project in the world. It was totally devoid of water and about to be filled. The following year the first stage of the dam project was completed enabling us to actually cruise through the massive locks. In Shanghai we bargained with the hawkers along the Bund, saw the white jade Buddha, cruised canals, strolled ancient gardens (in the heart of the city), watched an amazing acrobatic performance, and marveled at an informative and complete silk story, complimented by an incredibly diverse range of products. Guilin was the ‘beauty spot’ of our tour – - we walked by the famous Elephant Hill, and through the lovely Seven Star Park, before a visit to the magical Reed Flute Cave. We cruised the beautiful Li River to Yangshuo, a pretty village wrapped in spectacular sculptured limestone hills. Here we met the challenge of riding bicycles through the scenic countryside, and then took an unexpected opportunity to go cormorant fishing with a local fisherman. From Yangshuo we visited the tiny 600 year old fishing village of Xingping, where daily life is almost unaffected by the modern world outside. Back in Guilin, a dinner and colourful ‘Minority’ show, was followed by a fun day out at ‘Merryland’ – Guilin’s answer to Disneyland, and a night cruise on the city lakes adorned with beautiful lights, musical fountain, a spectacular glass bridge and stylized bridges from around the world enchanted us all. A visit to an amazing breeding park for endangered bear and tiger species topped off a wonderful tour of China. Our tour group arrived home fit and well, with indelible memories of an exciting three weeks in an amazing country. Click here to read comments about our China Tours.     A FABULOUS TUSCANY TOUR A SHORT REVIEW ............... The weather was warm and sunny for our entire tour.  Three nights in Rome gave us the time to experience much more than we had hoped – the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, St Peter’s Square and Basilica, and the Sistine Chapel within the Vatican City.  Add in the Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain and you’re beginning to get the picture. In the countryside, we strolled through the magnificent Villa d’Este Gardens in the pretty little ‘cameo’ town of Tivoli.  A fun filled dinner followed, accompanied by musicians who charmed and amused us with their Italian music and serenades. We travelled via the hilltop town of Orvieto, to the gorgeous old spa town of Montecatini, our home for the next eight nights to explore the landscape and charming towns of fabulous Tuscany. Montecatini is a most delightful old Tuscan town to stay in, with delightful shops and markets, cafes, parks and avenues to stroll - or ride the cable car up to the old hilltop town of Montecatini Alto to dine, or just take in the view.  Pisa, the must see of Tuscany, was our first stop, followed by the absolutely charming old walled city of Lucca.   Another day and another treasure trove of ancient city and landscape at enchanting Siena and the even more enchanting San Gimignano, like a fairy tale stage set come to life - tasting Chianti wines in an ancient castle setting in Greve and the most amazing scenic ride to Vinci to visit the old stone museum, and home where Leonardo was born. Florence was all you have read and heard about and more – the famous Duomo, Baptistry and Bell Tower, the sculpture adorned piazza and the incredible Ufizzi Art Gallery - and to our delight, (the girls anyway) shops and market stalls, cafes and ice cream parlours everywhere. We arranged an optional journey to the famous Cinque Terre, five ancient coastal villages overlooking the northern coastline of Italy. Walking from one village to another along the high coastal track and boating to the others was a highlight of the tour. Reluctant to leave Montecatini, but so much more to do and see……. We journeyed to Verona (Romeo and Juliet) en route to Venice for our final two night stay in Italy.  Venice is a treasure trove of excitement – the waterbound architecture, St Marks Square, the charming gondolas, art, glass, lace and history – the mind blows. We wave our goodbyes to this incredible city to travel on to new and exciting European destinations. and our MEDITERRANEAN CRUISE........ Waving our farewells to Venice, we cruise to waters bluer and new exciting ports of call – marvelous Dubrovnik, ancient Athens, the fabulous Greek Island of Santorini, then Naples, Civitavecchia (the port of Rome), Livorno in Italy, and the quaint and delightful Villefranche on the French Riviera, to our cruise destination - exhilarating Barcelona. Our time in this amazing city of art and culture had us all on the run – didn’t want to miss a thing – the Ramblas and the Sagrada Familia, Guell Park, and mansions representing the work and art of the inimitable Gaudi.  The panoramic view from Montjuic, and the magnificent display of the musical fountain - Barcelona seems to have it all.  No we haven’t seen it all yet, but we must leave, vowing to return again another day. Read tour comments   AMTRAK TRAIN TOUR of the USA 2010 - PREVIEW The Journey............  Enjoy the leisure and comradeship as you travel on AMTRAK train over the 4,500 miles through 23 states to view a land of amazing contrasts. From Los Angeles we hit the Santa Fe trail taking us through 'cowboy' country, and traverse the lower Rockies climbing to a height of over 7,500 feet. we will pass by wheat fields, ranches, missions, mountains and deserts and then further along cross the mighty Mississippi and Missouri Rivers. We arrive in Chicago to an architectural landscape and one of the most handsome and hospitable cities in the USA.  On to Niagara Falls to witness this awesome spectacle and to experience the ‘Maid of the Mist’ boat ride almost into the falls.   On our day train from Niagara we relax as we travel through the countryside and along the beautiful Hudson River Valley before arriving at Penn Station. New York is a vibrant city  - here we can take in a magical Broadway Show, walk through Central Park, take a boat ride to the Statue of Liberty and of course, test the shopping.  In Washington DC we will witness the solemn ceremony of the Changing of the Guard at Arlington National Cemetery, explore the famous Smithsonian Museums and galleries, and visit George Washington’s Mount Vernon homestead and farm in Virginia.  From Washington DC, we watch the classical city morph into landscapes of pine forests, sprawling farmlands, and the sleepy towns of the deep south where we reach the bayou country of New Orleans where trees drip with Spanish moss.  The southern hospitality of New Orleans greets us with food and jazz and the mighty Mississippi river where we will enjoy the ‘Natchez’ paddle steamer ride. From New Orleans we fly to spectacular Las Vegas where the eye popping architecture and images of the new casinos rival the lure of the gambling machines.  In Anaheim, take the opportunity to visit Disneyland and Universal Studios, then on Sunday morning, a service at the spectacular Crystal Cathedral. You will leave with wonderful and inspiring memories of the USA and it’s people. Read some comments from previous travellers    ANTARCTIC  DISCOVERY Review.......... In November 2004, Garry and Marie Mulvanah, traveled to the Antarctic to fulfill a long time dream. Here is their story………… The moment we had anticipated had arrived at last. We were about to board our cruise ship for the travel experience of a lifetime. The Antarctic was as yet unknown territory to us and even in our most vivid imagination we could not have conceived the wonders we would encounter during our adventure into the realm of the White Continent. Our emotions were shared with 95 fellow passengers from all parts of the world – German, Dutch, Russian, British, South African, Swedish, American, Australian and New Zealand and numerous others. While it is usual for New Zealanders to have to travel long distances to a destination, most other passengers on this occasion also had to experience the long haul to begin their adventure. We were all in it together with the common objective of experiencing the thrill of an Antarctic.  We boarded our five star cruise ship ‘Explorer 11’ in the Uruguayan port of Montevideo, and cruised down the east coast of Argentina to our first scheduled landings on Carcass and New Islands on the western extent of the windswept archipelago of the Falkland Islands. Zodiac craft, manned by the ship’s crew/lecturers, were to escort us safely to and from each amazing beach landing and sea excursion. We were well clad in warm clothing – hats, gloves, and gumboots, complimentary padded red jackets and backpacks, and lightweight life jackets. The coastline of Carcass Island looked desolate and rugged, but through the mist that seemed to prevail over it, we sensed adventure. We were soon off on foot over new terrain accompanied by specialist cruise lecturers, and ready for the discovery of new landscapes, flora and bird life. Back to our ship for a short cruise to our next stop - New Island.  We were about to experience our first and unforgettable encounter with a large colony of nesting rock hopper penguins sharing their territory atop rugged sea cliffs, with the black browed albatross and the attractive blue eyed shag. We were riveted to this amazing breeding ground and able to spend an hour or two observing the antics of the birds and taking lots and lots of photographs – thank goodness for the digital camera and a high capacity film chip. The challenge of the crossing of the Drake Passage was not far from our thoughts as we left the Falklands behind, but amazingly we had cruised quite a distance south before realizing that we had passed through the entire passage without noticing so much as a ripple. There were two days cruising ahead of us before our scheduled arrival in the waters surrounding the Antarctic Peninsula. Life aboard our cruise ship was very comfortable and we were well served by friendly lecturers on all aspects of life and history in the Antarctic. As well, an extensive library was available to gain further information about anything we could possibly want to know associated with the Antarctic. This was the time to learn and read up the available information to better prepare us for what we might encounter in the white wilderness. During this time we were to experience our first glorious Antarctic sunset, and the first iceberg sighting - a pristine and colossal vision alone in the vast ocean. Both spectacles were well recorded on film and the excitement of being among such splendour was mounting. Everyone rushed to a vantage point to see dolphins playing alongside our ship, and Humpback whales spurting out fountains of water from their blowholes. As we cruised southwards the outside temperature lowered, but we were able to venture out on deck whenever we chose, to breathe in the freshness of the air, to watch and photograph the ever increasing number of icebergs, the albatross and other seabirds circling above, and the islands and images of the southern continent as we approached the Antarctic Sound. Though our cruise was one of the first of the Antarctic cruise season, weather conditions couldn’t have been more amicable.  We would wrap up to venture out if conditions deemed it wise, but it was not uncommon to take a walk out on the deck to check out the surroundings without donning warm jackets, hats and gloves. Exploring Antarctic waters among the icebergs by Zodiac, and many landings on islands and the Antarctic peninsular, was to be our experience for another full week in this amazing world of blue and white.  We first stepped on the Antarctic Continent at Hope Bay in the Antarctic Sound.  This was the Argentine base, Esperanza, home to a community of research and scientific personnel and their families, well established with accommodation, cookhouse, schoolrooms, a small museum, and many working vehicles.  Everything was painted orange.  We were greeted warmly – We were their first visitors since the beginning of their winter - and after meeting the delightful children in their school rooms, we roamed freely, enjoying the massive snowscape and the hundreds of gorgeous Adelie penguins. Photograph opportunities aplenty. That was the first of many landings on the Antarctic peninsula and surrounding islands. The privilege of being able to make so many landings was due in part to the small numbers on this cruise. Each landing site was studded with an abundance of wildlife – Weddell, Leopard, Fur and Elephant seals, many varieties of penguins – we had no idea there were so many but soon learned to identify them and were ever in search of one we hadn’t yet discovered - and again so many species of seabirds – so many we found it hard to remember them all. Prior to each encounter with the wildlife we were reminded to keep a little distance, and allow them access along their chosen path. The penguins in particular were happy to stop to observe us or just wander by at a leisurely pace. The cloud formations here were spectacular - quite different to what we see at home and sent the photographers running for their cameras, but it was in the ocean itself that we saw some of the most impressive sights – the icebergs. We cruised the ocean in the comfort of our cruise ship and zoomed around in Zodiacs among an incredible array of ice forms. Big ones, colossal ones, white, blue and striped, flat topped and pointed, and even one that looked like a Boeing 747 jet liner. The floating ice forms are identified by specific names from the biggest, to the almost melted drift that we could touch from the Zodiacs. The global warming phenomena has been charged with the reason for the many flat tabular icebergs that have broken away from the massive ice shelves. The consequences of this drift away from the continent enabled us to cruise closer and make landings where previously we could have only cruised on by. The cruise itinerary allowed us to take in both sides of the Antarctic Peninsula to 64º south – just short of the Antarctic Circle, and all this in the comfort and style of a five star ship – we couldn’t have asked for more. Our cabin had a picture window, twin beds, ensuite, and facilities such as telephone, television, and even a CD player – CD’s were available to use free of charge.  There was a theatre, a large lounge/lecture room where our highly qualified lecturers gave us so much wonderful information, email facilities, and two lounge bars. Drinks at no extra charge were available here and in the dining room. Everyone could be accommodated at one sitting and dine at their leisure. The food offered was undeniably first rate and abundant - firm control had to be taken not to over eat, but most admitted to feeling a little heavier than when they first started out. The lunchtime selection included delicious ‘homemade’ soups and were a welcome option to satisfy the midday hunger, real or imagined, without leaving the table with regrets. While our entire time in the Antarctic was wonderful, and all of our landings spectacular, the memory of our visit to Deception Island made an everlasting impression. Who could forget swimming in Antarctic waters. The land mass of Deception Island surrounds a crater lake which provided us with a hot water pool dug out for us by the ships crew (including the ship’s doctor) and surrounded by Antarctic temperature waters. The purpose here was to soak in the luxury of the hot pool, then plunge into the almost freezing temperatures of the surrounding water. This challenge was acted out by a number of reckless souls who qualified as members of the  ‘Whalers Bay Hot Tub Club’ and proven for posterity, by a personally named certificate. Deception Island was our last landing – it was straight cruising back to our final port of Ushuaia, the southern most city in Argentiina.  We relaxed and took in the seascape, the cloud formations, and the sunsets, though the sighting of a migrating Minke whale with her baby had us all scuttling to a vantage point – the ship circled for half an hour for us to watch and photograph them.  All part of the friendly service we had come to know and appreciate from the generous captain and crew. We absolutely recommend the Antarctic experience to every able bodied person. You can go anywhere else in the world, but nowhere will inspire and excite you like the Antarctic Continent.                     Garry and Marie  returned with a tour group to the Antarctic in November 2005 - a completely new experiences.