Monday, July 28, 2008

PARADORES A MAGIC WAY TO SEE SPAIN


Arab fortresses, old convents, palaces, medieval castles, houses of the noble…Incomparable buildings from yesterday and from today…That is Paradores de España, a singular hotel chain with a brand renowned all over the world because of its quality and comfort, but above all, because it’s magic. Hotels that are different and combine harmonically the historical legacy of many of its buildings with an up-to-date service of high quality.

Many buildings have been recovered today so that the traveller has the chance to stay between old and noble walls, where the shadow of the past still shelter everlasting remembrances carved in stone, the adobe, the wood, in the stairs and the floors, in the restaurants and lounges, where the sculptures, the paintings and the architecture itself talk about the history of Spain.

These buildings allow the guest to sleep in impressive rooms, occupied in the past by distinguished celebrities of the history, and which today offer state-of-the-arte comfort for the most demanding traveller.

There are Paradores located within the heart of towns declared Patrimony of Mankind, or lost in open nature, or protected by millenary walls, or hanging on the cliffs above the seaside…without no doubt, they are exceptional boxes from which to enjoy the variety of landscapes, gastronomies and cultures which live all together in Spain.
But there are also Paradores for enjoying the sun and the sea, for playing golf of for enjoying holydays with the family.

More the 80 years of experience are the background of this hotel chain, which now is formed by 93 buildings located all over Spain and which was created back in 1928, when H.M. the King Alfonso XIII opened the first Parador.

Since then, hundred of thousands of guests from all over the Word take every year the decision to visit Spain, following the path of its hotels, discovering unrepeatable corners, breathing the culture and being part of the past…and on their way, always a Parador to rest at and to recover and, after a long journey, to enjoy the sleep and dreaming to find the next day more sites like this.

A traveller is not always in the same state of mind; for this reason, no Parador is the same as the rest. Today, each of the 93 Paradores offers its guests unforgettable experiences which will make their stay impossible to be deleted, and of course the chance to enjoy privileged surroundings and an unequalled gastronomic offer.



Beds with canopy which remember the rest of some of the most important personalities of history, large chests, writing desks which at some time could hide state secrets and a never ending series of details which furnish some of the most beautiful rooms of the Spanish hotel industry. Not to forget the meticulous treatment of the fabrics or the use of classic construction materials adapted to the comfort of the 21st century.

But there is still much more. In order to facilitate even more the possibility of enjoying the premises, today one may find in the market packages of routes from Parador to Parador, with three or seven nights, which combine three fundamental elements: the possibility of knowing the most important cultural, historical and natural patrimony of Spain; logically, to enjoy the buildings of this surprising hotel chain themselves; and, last but not least, to get access to very competitive price tariffs.

Those who already know the chain know where well that staying at a Parador means to enjoy many other added values than just staying a hotel. For many of their guests, Paradores is a travel destination for its own. The buildings, although made of stones by the masons one thousand years ago, offer the highest comfort; a luxury which combines the ancient with the modern, and an advanced technology at the service of the guests. In brief, the rooms of Paradores combine wi-fi connections with the fabulous canopy beds used by the medieval kings.

This unique character, together with the dimensions of the buildings –which on average have 61 rooms- favours that the staff working at Paradores may attend the guests in a personalized way; something that is very much valuated by the travellers.

There are little pleasures like enjoying a might in some of the “unique rooms” of Paradores. The architectonic splendour which is characteristic to many of them, only comparable to their incalculable historical value, but brings us back to the old times, involving us in an atmosphere difficult to be perceived in any standard hotel.

The program “unique rooms”, designed to give your partner a surprise, to make an unforgettable gift or simply to give oneself a whim, not only includes the stay of one night, but offers on top a special gourmet dinner at the restaurant, a very special breakfast served on the room and numerous welcome gifts. An experience to be recommended to everybody!

If your decision is to choose Paradores, your horizon is only limited by your imagination; ninety three hotels is a large number to choose from: seaside or mountain range, valley or river, to stay at a castle, a fortress, a convent or a Galician “pazo”; to play golf or tennis, to swim or to relax at a spa; or to enjoy any of the other activities in contact with the nature…these are only a few of the links of the chain.

To cross Spain from Parador to Parador is to recover the adventure of travelling, of learning, of enjoying…because on any travel, what you bring back with you is far more important than what you start the travel with…and after visiting Paradores, the sensations lived stay in the memory of the guests like unrepeatable experiences they can take back home and remember whenever they want.

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

MYTHICAL PLACE-PATAGONIA




Patagonia is a vast region in the southernmost tip of South America. Civilizations with magical rites, sailors and pioneers have contributed to its fame. It is a mythical place, synonymous with exploration.


Explora Patagonia, Located in the heart of Patagonia, 400 kms (249 miles) north of Punta Arenas, Torres del Paine National Park encompasses 242,242 hectares (598,000 acres). At 51º07’ south latitude and 73º10’ west longitude, the park is surrounded by the impressive Paine mountain range (Cordillera del Paine).

With unusually-shaped granite peaks, glaciers, lakes and waterfalls, plus unique flora and fauna, Torres del Paine Park is considered one of the most beautiful places on Planet Earth. It was
designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1978.
Explora Patagonia has several programs available for you , so that you can explore this mythical place.
For further information and reservations
Please contact:

CHILEAN AND BOLIVIAN ALTIPLANOS





South America is one of the least-known areas in the world, as well as one of the least explored. Traveling to South America promises an unforgettable trip and a grand experience.



The vast and remote region is centered along the Andes mountain range and the Patagonia area. It is a region open to our imagination, with much to discover: volcanoes, salt flats, 1000-year-old forests, lakes and rivers. But at the same time South America offers a journey through history, as the cultures that originated here thousands of years ago have maintained their ways to this day. Travesías explora give travelers the opportunity to explore other regions in South America that complement our traditional programs, and allow visitors to heighten their experience in this unique region.

For this trip, guests arrive at San Pedro de Atacama where, gradually and through explorations at different altitudes, they acclimatize themselves in order to continue the trip in the morning of Day 5.




Guests arrive at the Salar de Uyuni after 2 days of travel across the altiplano, and they remain there for 2 more days. The Salar de Uyuni is one of the largest and highest salt flats in the world. The last 2 days are spent traveling from Bolivia to the Chilean altiplano, arriving at Iquique on Day 10.



The travesía to these remote and attractive destinations constitutes perhaps one of the greatest travel experiences one can have.The San Pedro oasis in the midst of the Atacama Desert is undoubtedly a last frontier. In spite of its aridity and extravagance, it is an environment where man can live while conserving its large spaces.The altiplano reaches heights over 3,600 meters (11,800 ft.) and at its furthest point, the Salar de Uyuni, is a continuation of the Atacama in that, it provokes the imagination and provides romantic memories of purity and vastness while offering little hope of survival or a place to set down roots. If the driest desert symbolizes the end of habitable land, the altiplano appears as another world: an enigma more than an opportunity; food for thought, not for the stomach.

Location


The trip begins in San Pedro de Atacama and continues to Bolivia, entering at the Sur Lípez, at the extreme southwest of the country, and then traveling past the majestic line of volcanoes that begins with Volcano Licancabur. The trip continues through the Bolivian altiplano at 3,600 to 4,300 meters altitude, crossing geothermal fields, lakes and old mines, until reaching the Salar de Uyuni which is situated between 20 and 21 degrees latitude South, and 68 degrees longitude West, with a surface of more than 10,000 km squared. This zone is located within the Potosí province. As we travel towards Chile, we cross the Salar de Coipasa at 19 degrees South, arriving at the Colchane border and the Chilean town Enquelga in the Isluga National Park. Iquique is located at 20 degrees South and 66 degrees West.



How to arrive

Fly to Santiago on an international flight, and connect with a national flight to Calama, which take about 2 ½ hours from Santiago. explora shuttle takes guests by van to explora en Atacama hotel, a 1 hour trip. After completing the trip across the Bolivian altiplano, our journey concludes at the Chilean city Iquique, where guests can take a 2 ½ hour flight to Santiago. An explora shuttle will take guests to the airport in the morning of the 11th day.


Rates valid from January 01, 2009 , until December 31st, 2009.

4 nights at Explora in Atacama(Tulur) + 6 nights in Uyuni

10 nights/ 11 days Single room : USD $9,830.00
Double room: USD 6,760.00 per person


Plus air fares International and within Chile.


For further information and reservations



Please Contact:



eugenio@altatours.com



http://www.altatours.com/









Monday, July 14, 2008

PORTUGAL BEST KEPT SECRETS



TRAVEL SECRET 1:

Portugal’s Fountains of Well Being Historic spa resorts across Portugal are being reborn for the modern traveler. And, new luxury spas are dotting up across the landscape. The country has always been thought of as "a garden by the sea," with green inviting landscapes, and in some places the waters are known to be therapeutic.

Now spa towns like Luso, Curia and Porto Santo Island, are attracting a new generation of spa-goers with upgraded facilities and the latest spa treatments, all amid beautiful, natural settings. Since Roman times, the water in Portugal has been used for therapeutic purposes, healing the sick and helping people to relax. Today's spa resorts also offer the chance to relax outdoors with a game of golf, bicycling and hiking, canoeing or swimming. Monfortinho Spa: Some 2000 years ago, the Romans enjoyed the therapeutic properties of the Monfortinho springs. Today the spa, which sits on a wind-protected plateau, has its own micro-climate. Hydro-treatments are offered year-round. Visitors can drop in to the historic village of Monsanto, considered one of the prettiest and best-preserved in all of Portugal.

Luso Spa: May through December is spa season the Luso Spa, located at one of the most well-known springs in Portugal. Located at the foot of the Serra do Buçaco hills, the spa offers visitors healing waters and a great location in the ancient settlement of Luso. In the Serra nearby, Portuguese and British generals joined forces to fight Napoleon's invading armies.Curia Spa: Pure waters are the hallmark of this spa, which also happens to have an ideal location for travels between the town, Curia, and Luso and Buçaco, a mountainous region in central Portugal. The spa is located within Curia Park and is surrounded by rich gardens. A nearby lake is used for relaxing boat trips.


The Palace Hotel da Curia serves guests with an Art Deco style. Porto Santo Sands: Porto Santo's island is rimmed with fine golden sand beaches. The water is clean and warm. The waters of Porto Santo are rich in iodine, calcium and magnesium.


Porto Santo offers the only Thalassotherapy clinic in Portugal. In addition to beauty treatments, visitors can opt for treatments that are said to prevent and cure bone and muscle ailments and to help with stress and fatigue. The island now has three spas – all new.


Caldas de Monchique Spa: Located in the green valley of the Serra de Monchique hills, this spa is still unknown in this part of the Algarve region because it's off the beaten track. Romans used the Serra waters, which they called sacred, to treat bodily and spiritual fatigue. The spa is an excellent location from which to explore the region's traditional architecture and its abundant fruit trees and gardens. In the nearby town of Silves, guest can visit a castle made of red sandstone, in a region that was once the Moorish capital.


TRAVEL SECRET 2:

Come to the GardensPortugal is full of luscious gardens from north to south, where visitors can catch a cool breeze on the warmest of days and, possibly, learn the secrets of Portugal's history. In the Bussaco forest, perched on a mountain above the town of Luso, visitors can stay at what was once a palace for the King of Portugal. Now it is a luxury hotel and the gardens surrounding the hotel are a national park. Miles of pathways meander through baroque sculptures, centuries-old trees, and lakes and waterfalls. In Coimbra, the Garden of Tears is so named because here a love story to rival Romeo & Juliet played out in the 13th Century. The garden occupies a spot along the Mondego River.


In Sintra, now a UNESCO World Heritage site, two palaces offer plenty of gardens for exploring--Royal Pena Palace and the 18th century Seteais Palace. The grounds surrounding the Quinta da Regaleira estate, built in the middle of a dense forest, are Quinta da Regaleira are said to hide symbols the Masons, the Knights Templar and the Rocicrucians.


Vast gardens can be found surrounding the sites and monuments throughout the city of Lisbon, such as the Parque das Nações (Nations Park), Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian, Belém Cultural Centre, Estufa Fria, Jardim Amália Rodrigues, Jardim Botânico da Ajuda, Jardim do Campo Grande, Jardim das Amoreiras, Parque Eduardo VII and Monsanto Park.


The baroque Gardens at the Palácio Nacional de Queluz were inspired by France's Versailles. A wide variety of flowers blooms on Madeira Island, often referred to as the "floating garden of the Atlantic." With six distinct climate zones, much of the island has been protected and its gardens and parks carefully maintained.


Visitors can explore the Madeira Botanical Garden, Monte Palace Tropical Garden, Palheiro Gardens and the Ribeiro Frio Forest Park, among others. And, each April the island stages the Madeira Flower Festival.On the island São Miguel, visitors can use the Terra Nostra Garden Hotel as the starting point for exploring the calderas, geysers, steam vents and springs of the Furnas Valley. Here a former orange grove has been transformed into botanical gardens, filled with exotic trees imported from every corner of the Portuguese empire.


The Solares de Portugal-- the network of 96 manor houses, family homes and stately palaces that offer lodging throughout the country with visits to these gardens


For further information:

please contact: eugenio@altatours.com

Saturday, July 12, 2008

LAKE TITICACA' S NEWEST PROPERTY


TITILAKA HOTEL



Indulge and immerse in the splendor and spirit of the lake at Titilaka. Surrounded by stunning scenery and astounding Andean geography, Titilaka’s contemporary design integrates with the natural environment, paying homage to the ancient Titicaca, origin of the great Inca culture.

Titilaka Experience Concept

Our comprehensive experience starts with a personalized welcome and transfer to the hotel, where guests have the freedom to choose their activities, by selecting from the diverse half- or full-day excursions available (some special featured excursions offered at an extra cost), depending on guest’s length of stay, personal preferences, abilities and subject to weather conditions.

Wake up call is at 6:30 am and breakfast is served from 7:30 am at the lake view dining room, giving enough time for getting ready for the first excursion departing at 8:30 am. Lunch is served at 12:30 pm giving plenty of time for a siesta and enjoying the hotel’s facilities before tea time which begins at 3:00 pm. The afternoon excursions start at 3:30 pm, cocktails are served from 6:30 pm and dinner is served from 7:30 pm.

We suggest the following suggested itineraries to help you make the best out of your Titilaka experience.

Typical Day Itinerary – the following is the regular itinerary







7:30 am: Breakfast
8:30 am: Morning Excursion on route
12:30 pm: Check-In, Lunch & Siesta
3:00 pm: Tea time
3:30 pm: Afternoon Excursion
6:30 pm: Cocktail
7:30 pm: Dinner & Overnight.

Arrival Possibilities
There are two arrival possibilities, thus, we have the following itinerary options for arrival and departure days.

a) Early arrival:
Welcome at Juliaca Airport and transfer to Puno Lake Port to Board a Motor Boat to the floating reed islands of Uros / Boat transfer to Titilaka / Check – In / Lunch & Siesta / Tea Time / Afternoon Excursion around the hotel / Cocktail / dinner & overnight.

OR Welcome at Juliaca Airport and transfer to Titilaka by road / Stop on route at Sillustani Archaeological Site / Check-In / Lunch & Siesta / Tea Time / Afternoon Excursion around the hotel / Cocktail / dinner & overnight.

b) Late arrival:
Guests arriving late have the possibility of taking a half day excursion on the departure day thus, their arrival day will be:

Welcome at Juliaca Airport or Puno Train Station and road transfer directly to Titilaka, including box lunch / Check-In / dinner & Overnight.

DAY 1
Welcome at Juliaca Airport by our Guest Services representative and transfer to Puno Lake Port to board a boat to begin your excursion to the floating reed islands of the Uros, inhabited by local tribe descendants of one of the most ancient cultures of the continent, living in an archipelago of more than 40 man-made reed islands on the Lake, a few kilometers away from the lodge-refuge. Learn how natives live by catching fish like pejerreyes and carachis, using boats also made of reeds which are abundant in the National Reserve of Titicaca Lake. The man-made islands are made out of totora reeds, with patience and constant re-filling, until they form a thick base called Khili where they build their rustic huts also made of same material. Check-in upon arrival at the Lodge, rest and enjoy the scenery as you acclimatize. Lunch is based on the region’s local cuisine with superb ingredients and is served from 12:30 pm to 3:00 pm. We recommend you to have a siesta, take it easy and drink plenty of liquids in order to get used to the altitude. Enjoy tea time and at 3:30 pm and join an excursion rowing through the reeds on the lake near the hotel, where you can observe interesting endemic birds, striking landscapes of the unique highlands geography, its fauna and the totora reeds with different colors. Then, return to the hotel for lunch.
Enjoy sunset cocktails from the panoramic terraces overlooking the lake. Dinner is served in the Main Dining room from 7:30 to 9:30 pm. Then, you may luxuriate in your appointed suite or join with other guests and interpreters to talk about your highlands experience.

DAY 2
After rising at the hour that suits you enjoy breakfast in bed or in the lake-view dining room, with choices of a variety of fresh fruit, local cereals and products, or if you wish, join the morning excursion to Taquile Island. Taquile is considered the most interesting island on the Peruvian side of Lake Titicaca, located in front of the Chucuito Peninsula. The Taquile people of Quechua origin, as opposed to the majority of region’s locals who are of Aymara origin, live at 4,000 meters above sea level (13,000 ft). You may get to know their way of life and experiences. As formerly part of the Inca Empire, you may also see some archaeological remains in the island, such as stone quarters, doors, windows and pathways on the peak of its mountain, where you can also view the impressive panorama of Lake Titicaca and the snow covered mountains of Cordillera Real. Due to the thermal effect of the lake on the weather which provides more oxygen to the atmosphere and warmer temperatures, the island enjoys a favorable micro-climate for agriculture, producing crops which don’t normally grow at these altitudes. As you walk around the island, you will see local men knitting outdoors, one of the finest knitted handicrafts in Peru. Return for lunch and siesta at the hotel. After tea time, move on to your next excursion towards Socca Beach, east of the lodge-refuge, to visit the rustic town community of Socca, through the broad sandy shores of the Lake Titicaca, between wetlands and farms where you can appreciate the agricultural practices of the locals and know the customs. Take pleasure at the magnificent scenery around the highest navigable lake of the world; watch the idyllic sunset and the first stars coming out as night sets in. Upon return to the hotel, continue to enjoy the intense sunset. At 6:30 pm you may enjoy a Cocktail. Dinner is served from 7:30 pm. Then, overnight at your luxurious lake-view suite.

DAY 3
After enjoying an energy-restoring breakfast in bed or in the lake-view dining room, prepare for check-out and transfer. Farewell at the Juliaca airport or Train Station where you will board your transport to your next destination.

For current prices and further information:

please contact : eugenio@altatours.com













Thursday, July 10, 2008

BARCELONA'S SAGRADA FAMILIA




BARCELONA’S ICONIC SAGRADA FAMILIA TO FINALLY BE ROOFED

Gaudí’s Masterpiece Ever Closer to Completion


Barcelona, SPAIN, July 10, 2008 - Barcelona’s emblematic, yet incomplete monument, La Sagrada Familia will soon receive a roof. It has been 125 years since architectural genius Antoni Gaudí took on the project in 1883 (though 126 years since the first stone was laid). Welcoming over two million visitors annually, the Cathedral of La Sagrada Familia is now expected to be completely roofed by 2010, when work on the vaults of the transepts and apse will be concluded. Though not quite the finishing touch, this will mark an important milestone in the life of the Cathedral, as it will finally be able to welcome religious observances and cultural events within its walls.
Gaudí is the most renowned exponent of the architectural and artistic movement known as Modernisme, or Catalan Art Nouveau, which flourished in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. UNESCO first recognized Gaudí’s accomplishments in 1984 when it declared several of his structures as World Heritage Sites. Subsequently in 2005, that was expanded to include portions of the Sagrada Familia completed during his lifetime.
The Cathedral is a breathtaking vision come to life of Gaudí’s architectural, artistic and spiritual philosophies. Inspired by Gothic architecture, Gaudí believed he could surpass what he perceived as its architectural weaknesses. Though beautiful, the parts of a Gothic cathedral were too interdependent, the destruction of one part could lead to the destruction of the whole, and major structural supports, like flying buttresses, were too vulnerable, as they were constructed outside of protective walls. Gaudí embraced modern technological innovations and developed complex inverted weight studies to develop his plans for the Sagrada Familia. Additionally, drawing on his love of nature, he developed columns that tilted like trees and forked at the top like branches. Upon entering the nave and as light filters in from its stained glass windows, visitors have the sensation of walking under a forest’s canopy. For Gaudí, not only the decoration, but the actual structure of the church should reflect religious symbolism. The Cathedral’s stunning silhouette with its many towers has become Barcelona’s icon and when completed, is destined to have 18 towers, representing the twelve apostles, the four evangelicals and Mary and Jesus.
Gaudí obsessively dedicated the last forty years of his life to his masterpiece, but did so with utmost patience. Since its beginnings, the Sagrada Familia has been funded by private donations (and in recent times by entrance fees). Gaudí carefully planned the building to be completed in stages by subsequent generations, and in fact, never expected to see his opus magnum finished. Rather, as he put it, his client was not in a rush, since God had all the time in the world.
Today, many others have dedicated large portions of their lives to carrying out his vision. The artist Josep Maria Subirachs has worked for the past twenty years in creating sculptures for the Passion Façade. The current chief architect, Jordi Bonet, has spearheaded the works for over twenty years. Bonet, an octogenarian, proclaims that he will continue to do so as long as he remains able to climb the Cathedral’s many stairs. He follows in the footsteps of his own father who worked on the project through 1983. Bonet believes, however, that like Gaudí and his own father, he will not see the Sagrada Familia completed.
The current prediction is that the crowning element of the Sagrada Familia, the central tower (The Tower of Jesus), which is to measure over 550 feet, will be finished in 2025.
Standard admission to the Sagrada Familia is about $15.75, or 10€ (students and seniors about $12.60, or 8€), and can be purchased at the entrance, online at http://www.telentrada.com/ or by calling: 011-34-902 10-12-12.
For more information about the Sagrada Familia, go to http://www.sagradafamilia.org/ (though the English language version of the site is currently under construction). For further information about tours to Spain

Please contact:eugenio@altatours.com

Wednesday, July 9, 2008

SPAIN & PORTUGAL BUS TOUR



We had an amazing time! The tour was well planned and everything went smoothly. I think our favorite time was 3 nights in Lisbon- it is beautiful there and we had plenty of time to relax and enjoy the city. Everything else seemed to go too fast. None of us enjoyed the trip to Fatima and I wish we'd have skipped it and slept in that day. Getting up so early everyday started to take a toll on all of us.Costa Del Sol was beautiful and I could have stayed there for a week! Our favorite hotel was Los Angeles in Granada. Absolutely perfect. If you are interested, I posted reviews for each hotel at tripadvisor.com.It was nice to have the 3 nights added on at the end to just relax before traveling again. The airport transfer was seemless and they even had a booster seat ready in the van for my 4 year old.It was a great trip and we made lots of memories with the kids. Even though the tour was exhausting at times and we all got tired of getting back on the bus, I know we saw and learned much more than we would have on our own. When we were on our own time we tended to spend too much time sitting at the outdoor cafes drinking cervezas and cafe con leche. :)Thanks for all of your efforts.I'll attach a picture of the 8 of us in Cordoba.Sincerely

Tina

Thursday, July 3, 2008

PATAGONIA & TIERRA DEL FUEGO CRUISES

Mare Australis is an expedition Cruise ship that sails through the strait of Magellan and the Beagle channel and explores one of the wildest and most beautiful regions of the world:
Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego, at the southernmost tip of the South American continent.

Offering and alternative of 3 or 4 night cruises, from October to April each year, Mare Australis sets sail every Saturday from the Chilean City of Punta Arenas, and every Wednesday from the Argentinian city of Ushuaia in Tierra del Fuego.

The journey begins by sailing along channels, bays, fjords, passing glaciers, snow-capped mountains, island and unexplored forests of incomparable beauty. You will be acoompanied by penguins, elephant seals and sea-lions. The imposing Serrano,D'Agostini,Condor, Pia, Garibaldi and other Glaciers will oversee your journey, and thier majesty will remain engraved in your memory forever.
You will bring back to your mind exciting adventures until we reach CAPE HORN, the last promontory before crossing to the Antarctica and the point where the Atlantic and Pacific Ocerans merge through the Drake Passage.
You will enjoy daily excursions to a land where our guides will teach you about the regional flora and fauna, as well as about the history of its first inhabitants.
In fact, this will be one of the most pleasant and unforgettable experiences, because PATAGONIA explored from the Mare Australis will leave no one unimpressed.
For further information and current prices,please contact