September Newsletter 2018

Greetings!

Welcome to our September newsletter! We took a trip to Branson, Missouri in August and really had a great time. Branson is getting more and more like Las Vegas, as was evident in the high-quality shows we experienced. We saw 9 different shows, and they were all amazing! To see more about Branson, check out the Destinations section of our April newsletter by clicking here .

We just added an incredible cruisetour from Fairbanks, Alaska to Vancouver, British Columbia from September 2 - 14, 2019. Alaska is one of our favorite trips and Princess Cruises makes it fun to see the best of Alaska in style. This cruisetour has 5 nights of land, where you'll visit Denali National Park, and a 7 day cruise aboard the Royal Princess, which you're sure to enjoy! See below for more details.

Our Destinations section this month features Sydney, Australia, the departure and return point for our just added 10 day Queensland cruise from October 23 - November 2, 2019. This amazing trip aboard the Ruby Princess takes you to 5 beautiful Australian ports: Airlie Beach, Yorkeys Knob, Willis Island, Port Douglas and Brisbane. See more details on this incredible cruise below, and all of great things to see and do in Sydney.

There's still very limited availability to Join Us for the once in a decade, 11-Day escorted tour: Oberammergau Passion Play with Danube River Cruise from Budapest, Hungary to Regensburg, Germany. This incredible adventure begins on August 4th, 2020. Please see below for more details, and contact us today so we can reserve your space and assure that you can join us. If you miss it, you won't be able to see it again until 2030. We hope to see you on this exciting trip!

When is the best time to buy your next plane ticket? There are many rumors about this topic. Check out Travel Tips Corner this month and see what the latest study shows. You might be surprised at the changes in just one year!

Did you know? Whenever we're traveling, you can book your own air, hotels, car rentals, travel insurance and more by visiting our website or by clicking here .

Did you miss any of our previous newsletters? You can still view them by clicking here.

There are many trips to choose from, or contact us today and we'll plan your own personalized vacation!

Happy travels,

Betty & Frank Villani

(909) 980-6040
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Panama Canal
Ocean to Ocean!
15 Days, 7 Ports
Fort Lauderdale to
Los Angeles
March 2 - 17, 2019

Sail to these beautiful ports on this amazing cruise onboard the Coral Princess!

April 11-18, 2019
Vancouver to
Los Angeles
Pacific Wine Country
Your adventure on the Emerald Princess begins the moment you step aboard. With nearly 900 staterooms with balconies, you'll awaken each day to a new horizon. Experience the relaxed ambiance onboard and tantalizing cuisine in elegant dining rooms as you enjoy this wine country cruise! 
Join Us!
April 14 - 21, 2019
Los Angeles to Los Angeles
7-Day Mexican Riviera
Imagine BLISS!
Sail with us to the Mexican Riviera aboard NCLs newest and most incredible ship, Norwegian Bliss. Custom-built for the spectacular, Norwegian Bliss features a revolutionary Observation Lounge for you to soak in every stunning moment, such as dolphins splashing through warm turquoise waters. Come aboard and experience the best dining, entertainment and amenities at sea against a backdrop of unrivaled natural beauty.
Ala
Alaska Cruisetour
12 Days, 5 Ports
5 Nights on Land
Fairbanks to Vancouvera
September 2 - 14, 2019
Start your Alaska adventure in Fairbanks with a 5-night land tour. Travel by scenic motorcoach to Denali National Park and stay at the Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge, the Mt McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge, then on to Anchorage to begin your cruise!
Australia Queensland Cruise
10 Days - 5 Ports
October 23 - November 2, 2019
Cruise around the east coast of Australia aboard the Ruby Princess, round trip from Sydney, visiting these breathtaking ports:
Join Us!
Southeast Asia
11 Days - 6 Ports
January 7 - 18, 2020
Join Us! on board the Sapphire Princess as we explore these beautiful ports of Southeast Asia!
Contact us today and don't miss this chance to experience the magnificence of Southeast Asia with us!
Join Us!
Oberammergau Passion Play with Danube River Cruise
August 4 - 20, 2020
11 Day Cruisetour
aboard the Monarch Empress with Oberammergau Passion Play!
This amazing escorted tour includes 9 nights accommodations: 7 nights outside cabin aboard the Monarch Empress, and 2 nights Oberammergau region - Parkhotel am Soiersee, Bad Bayersoien, Germany, river and port charges of $190 per person, cruise and hotel porterage, 25 meals (10 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 9 dinners), shore excursions and entrance fees (per itinerary), and Category 1 Passion Play seating!
Land prices for for Category C & D staterooms (2nd level of the ship) start at $4199 per person. A deposit of $500 per person is required and reservations are subject to availability, so c ontact us today for reservations or more information.
See below for full itinerary and more about this cruisetour or click HERE for complete details!
Itinerary
DAY 1, Tuesday - Depart for Hungary
Depart for Hungary
DAY 2, Wednesday - Cruise Embarkation in Budapest
Arrive in Budapest, Hungary and transfer to the port. Embarkation will begin at 2 pm. After arrival formalities, time to relax on board. Tonight, a gala Welcome Dinner sets the mood for your delightful river cruise
 Overnight: River Cruise
 Meals: Dinner
DAY 3, Thursday - Bratislava City Tour
This morning, enjoy the tranquil scenery as the boat sails along the scenic Danube. In the late afternoon, arrive in Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, a mix of modern and Baroque architecture. This capital city is among the youngest in Europe, yet retains a rich history dating back more than 2000 years. Walk along the cobblestone lanes of the historic town center; view St. Martin's Cathedral, coronation site of the Kings of Hungary, the 13th century Old Town Hall and the Franciscan church. Time to explore this colorful city on your own before returning to the ship for dinner. This evening, the ship will set sail to Vienna
 Overnight: River Cruise
 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 4, Friday - Vienna City Tour
Your morning tour of romantic Vienna introduces you to this Imperial city with its legendary opulence and elegance. Drive along the famed Ringstrasse, Vienna's main boulevard lined with magnificent Baroque palaces, parks and monuments. View the lavish Hofburg Palace, and the impressive Vienna Opera House. Continue to majestic St. Stephen's Cathedral and the Parliament building. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure, or, join the optional tour to the magnificent Schonbrunn Palace, once summer residence of the Hapsburgs. Visit the gorgeous baroque apartments and stroll through the world-famous manicured gardens. Tonight, perhaps take the opportunity to attend an evening of Viennese culture in the "City of Music" at an optional concert performance of the classical masterpieces of Mozart and Strauss, two of Vienna's most famous citizens
 Optional: Schonbrunn Palace Tour (PM)
 Optional: Classical Viennese Concert (PM)
 Overnight: River Cruise
 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 5, Saturday - Melk Abbey
This morning, arrive in the village of Durnstein, one of the prettiest towns on the Danube. Free time to stroll this quintessential village in the heart of the Wachau wine district. Walk along medieval cobblestone streets revealing 16th-century town houses and wine taverns. Continue cruising late this morning and relax on board as the boat cruises through the scenic Wachau Valley, with lovely storybook views of vineyards, castles, hilltop ruins and monasteries. Later, disembark in Melk for a guided tour of the historic Benedictine Abbey, considered one of the finest examples of Baroque architecture in Europe. View the Abbot's chambers, the Kaiser's walk, and the lavish library. The ship will set sail as you dine on board this evening
 Overnight: River Cruise
 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 6, Sunday - Full Day in Linz
Early this morning cruise into Linz. Founded by the Romans, Linz has cultivated a strong artistic tradition, especially in the field of music. Today is free to explore the city independently, taking in such sites as St. Mary's Cathedral and Linz Castle, or just relaxing at a café sampling the famous Linzer torte which was named after this quaint city. Alternatively, join the optional full day excursion to Cesky Krumlov in the Czech Republic. Travel through the picturesque landscape of Southern Bohemia to Cesky Krumlov, a fairy-tale town with its maze of narrow cobbled streets. Declared by UNESCO a World Heritage Site in 1992, Cesky Krumlov has earned an international reputation for its State Castle and Chateau, one of the largest in Central Europe, superbly furnished with priceless art, tapestries and richly decorated weapons. The guided walk through town is highlighted by Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance houses once mansions of noblemen families
 Optional: Full Day Tour of Cesky Krumlov
 Overnight: River Cruise
 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 7, Monday - Full Day in Passau
Today presents a wonderful opportunity to join the optional full day tour to beautiful Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart and setting for the Sound of Music. The walking tour will include some of Salzburg's most historic sites including the Mirabell Palace, the Abbey, Salzburg Cathedral, and St. Peter's Cemetery. After lunch at a local restaurant, there will be time to discover Salzburg on your own before returning to the ship. If you choose to remain on board, the day is free to explore the 2500-year-old Passau. Well known for its pastel patrician houses, cafes, cobblestone lanes and riverfront promenade, Passau is a town with a mix of Roman, Italian Baroque and Gothic architecture. In the early evening, all passengers will rejoin the ship and set sail for Regensburg
 Optional: Full Day Tour of Salzburg
 Overnight: River Cruise
 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 8, Tuesday - Regensburg City Tour
Arrive in Regensburg this morning, one of Germany's largest and best preserved medieval cities designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The guided walking tour highlights the city's stunning architecture as you view the Old Town Hall, the Dom St. Peter, and the Porta Praetoria, gateway to an ancient Roman fort built in 179 AD. Marvel at beautiful churches and one of the oldest stone bridges crossing the Danube. Return to the boat or spend the afternoon at leisure discovering the delights of Regensburg on your own. The ship will remain docked in port this evening as you enjoy your final night on board
 Overnight: River Cruise
 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 9, Wednesday - Disembarkation, Travel to Oberammergau
This morning, disembark from the ship and drive towards the Bavarian hamlet of Oberammergau. Benefit from a guided tour along the way, where you will learn about the history of the region
 Overnight: Oberammergau region
 Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 10, Thursday - World-Renowned Passion Play
Morning is at leisure. This afternoon, attend a moving performance of the world-famous Passion Play that dates back to 1634. This epic play is held every 10 years and performed by the inhabitants of Oberammergau. During the break, join your travel companions for dinner before witnessing the stirring second half of the Passion Play performance. Afterwards, return to your hotel
 Overnight: Oberammergau region
 Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 11, Friday - Depart Germany
This morning transfer to the airport in Munich for your departure flight
 Meals: Breakfast
Once in a Decade - Oberammergau Passion Play The play that's been a tradition for the past 380 years continues, beginning in May, 2020 in Oberammergau, located on the edge of the Bavarian Alps in Germany. It's only there every 10 years! Click on the video below to see highlights from the 2010 play. Contact us today to become part of this spectacular event - it sells out quickly!

Click on the video below for more about Oberammergau:
Sydney, Australia
Sydney is a beautiful beginning for your trip down-under. There are so many sights to see and things to do. We suggest you spend some days in Sydney before or after the Australia Queensland Cruise (above), which we just added this month! Visit the iconic Sydney Opera House, Darling Harbor, Sydney Harbor Bridge or Bondi Beach. See below for more suggestions.
Get a Sydney Pass and enjoy admission to 5 of Sydney's top attractions: Sea Life Sydney Aquarium (Australia's largest!), Sydney Tower Eye, Wild Life Sydney Zoo, Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum and a choice of sightseeing cruises on picturesque Sydney Harbour.
Sydney is always beautiful from the water. Book a table for the romantic Sydney Harbour Dinner cruise and gaze at the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge while international chefs prepare a 3 course meal for you.
Experience the stunning beaches, vistas and beauty of the South Coast as you travel the Grand Pacific Drive on a full-day private tour. Marvel at the Sea Cliff Bridge, Kiama Blowhole, and the gorgeous Georgian village of Berrima with its craft and produce stores.
Take an all-inclusive full day trip from Sydney to the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains. Highlights include Featherdale Wildlife Park, Scenic Railway, Skyway and Cableway at Scenicworld, an Aboriginal performance and a river cruise back to Sydney.
Travel Tips Corner
When to Buy Your Next Airline Ticket

We book a lot of airline travel, so we see the best times to book your plane ticket when we're planning your trips. The latest annual study by CheapAir shows the change from the previous year. On average, the lowest fares for domestic flights are available about 70 days before your departure date. This is a significant change from the prior year when the least expensive fares were available about 54 days in advance.

This study also shows that the best deals aren't available at a certain time of day, or a specific day of the week. But, the day of the week you're traveling does have a big impact on your fare. In the continental U.S., lower fares are available for travel on Tuesday, Wednesdays and Saturdays.

For international travel, the lowest prices are found 2 - 5 months before your departure date. The study shows that booking in this window will get you a fare within 5% of the lowest fare available. This is important because international airfares cost about 2.5 times more than domestic flights.

We always look for the best fares for you and will recommend how far in advance they should be purchased. We strongly suggest travel insurance for any trip. For a small cost, you can cover many situations that could prevent or interrupt your trip.

If you'd like to read the entire article from Travel + Leisure about when to purchase the lowest airfare, click here .
909-980-6040