One of a Kind Cruise in Fort Lauderdale

If you are drawn to the water, you will love the Jungle Queen Sightseeing Cruise in Fort Lauderdale. This 3-hour cruise takes you up the New River to see the sights in the comfort of a fully-equipped riverboat that is designed specifically for sightseeing. You will pass some gorgeous waterfront homes along the way that will make you want to relocate to the area just to be able to own something so beautiful!

The tour will stop off at the Jungle Queen Indian Village, where monkeys and exotic birds call home. The Village is full of life, with flourishing tropical foliage and brightly colorful wildlife. The captain on board keeps you informed throughout the trip as he points out different species and landmarks. This is a great option for those who are new to the area and may not have seen some of these animals and landscapes before.

Two of the sights you will see as you cruise are downtown Fort Lauderdale and part of the Everglades, a subtropical wetland that begins up in Orlando. The Everglades are shaped by fire and water and, thus, are always changing based on alternating flood and drought. You will want to keep your eyes open as the scenes will often change suddenly. Keep your camera snapping and you will definitely have some fantastic pictures to remember your trip by.

Reserve your seat online at www.fortlauderdaletours.net to save $5 per adult ticket.

In New York, the Sky is the Limit!

Traveling with kids to the Big Apple sometimes requires creative planning, especially when looking for something unique to do that doesn’t involve endless hours of walking as tourist trips often do. Since children are often easily bored, you will need something that can hold a child’s attention but that will not last all day. Luckily, there are plenty of options in the city that can fit both your interests and your schedule.

On the Manhattan Sky Helicopter Tour, you and your children will be thrilled as you hover over Yankee Stadium, and you will likely be taken aback by the outstanding aerial views of Central Park and the New York City skyline. Along the way there are some amazing photo ops as you see and experience the exquisite city scenes you could only have dreamed about.Manhattan is unlike any other city, and you are able to literally have a bird’s-eye view of it, all in about 15 minutes. You will feel light as feathers as you make your way around the city. Watch for the look of wonder on the faces of all the children and you will know that you planned your day just right.

Tours run every half hour from 11:00 am – 3:30 pm so you are able to pick the time that works best for your group. I will point out, however, that helicopter tours in New York book up fast. It is best to plan well in advance of your trip so your dates of choice will not be sold out. You definitely don’t want to miss out on this once in a lifetime experience!

Visit www.NYTours.us for more info on this tour and many amazing others.

Muir Woods and Sausalito Tours

Feeling old? I have the perfect solution. Visit Muir Woods, where you will be surrounded by some of the tallest and oldest redwood trees that exist today. Muir Woods, which is considered a National Monument, is comprised of 560 acres of redwood forest and 50 species of birds, steelhead trout, black-tailed deer, and hundreds of others. Travel through the Cathedral and Bohemian Groves, where the trees stand at up to 252 feet tall and 14 feet across and some are up to 1,000 years old! Take a self-guided tour and visit the paved main trail for educational exhibits on these monstrous redwoods.

For an excellent combination of nature and nurture, take the Muir Woods and Sausalito Tour by Bus. After an hour in Muir Woods, travel along a coastal road to Sausalito where you will be able to shop and enjoy the view from the bay or stop in a gallery or two. Sausalito, located just north of the Golden Gate Bridge, is home to some of the country’s wealthiest citizens, so on your travels make sure to take notice of the fabulous mansions along the way.

This tour lasts 3-4 hours, with an hour-long stop at Muir Woods and 45 minutes in Sausalito. Some of the other tour highlights include: Golden Gate Bridge, The Marina, Presidio, Marin Headlands, the Palace of Fine Arts, and Mt. Tamalpais. There are plenty of opportunities to take pictures, so don’t forget to stock up on batteries for your camera!

 

On a Roll in Long Beach

With the help of a Segway Human Transporter, learning the ins and outs of Long Beach, California is a snap! On the Historic Segway Tour, you can be off and running after only 15 minutes of training. The tour itself, which is narrated by three-time Olympic swimming gold medalist Janet Evans via an iPod, takes you back in history to the times when this now bustling city was used as a farming community.

The two hour journey includes views of Pike Pier, Rainbow Harbor, Shoreline Village, Rainbow Lagoon, Shoreline Park, Long Beach Marina, and the Aquarium of the Pacific. A trip over the Queensway Bridge leads you to the magnificent Queen Mary ocean liner, which has recently been restored to its state at the time of its final voyage in 1967.

Those looking to explore beautiful Long Beach out in the open air are in for a treat with this tour, which is safe for ages 14 and up. To learn more about this tour and to book tickets online, visit www.longbeachtours.net.

Answer the Call of the Yukon Territories

Situated on the Alaska Panhandle is the small city of Skagway, Alaska. Featured as one of the settings in Jack London’s book The Call of the Wild, Skagway has relatively much to offer in the way of history and charm despite its size. There are a number of options to choose from when visiting this area and its surroundings, including tours by bus, Jeep, and ATV as well as horseback riding trips and even a sled dog tour!

On the Skagway Summit and City Tour, the downtown area and Gold Rush Cemetery are highlighted as part of the fully narrated journey. Driving up the Klondike Highway, you will be surrounded by gorgeous cascading waterfalls and treated to amazing views overlooking the railroad route and other historical portions of the area. A history of the Gold Rush and visit to the grave of Jefferson Randolph “Soapy” Smith – famed con artist and gangster during the late 1880s – round out the tour nicely.

Yukon Tours, which specializes in destination travel products in the Yukon, also offers a Yukon & Sled Dog Tour, which allows guests to be guided into the wilderness along the 1898 Gold Rush Trail in a dog sled. This tour departs from Skagway and gives a peek into the lives of Gold Rush stampeders. Along the way, you’ll have a chance to see several trails including the White Pass Trail of ‘98 and the Fantail Trail, while also taking a look at Summit and Fraser Lakes and Carcross Desert. These are only a few of the places featured on this tour, which also includes an educational wildlife exhibit and barbecue chicken lunch.

Finally, the Yukon Jeep Stampede – also departing from Skagway – offers a private look at the Summit and the Yukon. You are in control as you cruise along the Klondike Highway and listen to stories told by your knowledgeable tour guide. Similar to the aforementioned tours, you will get a thorough schooling in the life and times of the Gold Rush, only this time you are literally in the driver’s seat.

For more info on how to book your own tour in the Yukon, visit www.YukonTours.net.

Trips Around Sonoma Wine Country By Van

To get a taste for some of the boutique wineries in California Wine Country, take a private 6-hour Winery Tour of Sonoma County by Van. This tour takes you inside 6 local wineries and allows you to sample fine wines and enjoy the views of the Russian River and the Dry Creek Appellations. The wineries that are typically visited are: Kendall-Jackson, Armida, Trentadue, Hop Kiln, Roshambo, and Korbel. Each has its own unique ambiance and Korbel and Kendall-Jackson also have an extensive collection of wine-related gifts and gorgeous, award-winning gardens.

Tours depart daily at 11:00 am and run for about 6 hours. This is a great way to relax and see the sights without worrying about coordinating your own transportation, which allows you to maximize your time and see a lot more in the time allotted. Also, tours are flexible and can be adapted to meet your needs if you wish to alter the time and selection of wineries. The guides are friendly and knowledgeable and the wine and picnic lunch are delicious.

To book this tour, make sure to plan early as you do not want to miss out on this opportunity because it is sold out. Reserve your space online at www.SonomaWineTours.net for a $5 discount per adult ticket and convenient e-ticketing.

Excitement and Fun in Calgary, Alberta

As the largest city in the Canadian province of Alberta, Calgary boasts a rich history and diverse set of attractions which bring in millions of tourists each year. Among Calgary’s most notable events is the Calgary Stampede – a ten-day summer event that includes a rodeo, exhibition, and festival done up in a western style.

Every year in July, the Calgary Stampede opens with a traditional Stampede Parade, kicked off by the Calgary Stampede Showband and attended by about 350,000 eager onlookers. Six major events are woven into the extravaganza: Bareback, Bull Riding, Ladies Barrel Racing, Saddle Bronc, Steer Wrestling, and Tie-down roping. For junior competitors, the wild pony races are a major draw. With all there is to do, it is no wonder, then, that the Stampede is billed as “The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth!”

While you are in town for the Stampede, take a turn on the Calgary City Tour for a more low-key look at the city. You will visit Canada Olympic Park – home of the 1988 Winter Olympics – and will ride up the Ski Jump tower at no additional cost. You will also see Fort Calgary Historic Park, where Fort Calgary was built in 1875 to force out whiskey traders. While a portion of the area has burned down, you will still be able to see a replica of the 1888 Men’s Barracks and the Deane House Historic Site.

Other featured destinations on the City Tour include downtown Calgary, Prince Island Park, and the Chinese Cultural Centre. The tour covers the most famous and historically important areas in this great city. For other suggestions on how you can spend your time in Calgary, visit www.CalgaryTours.net.

Scoot Around Barcelona in a GoCar

Visiting Barcelona? If you are looking for a no-fuss way to spend your day, a GoCar rental is the thing to do. GoCars are a sporty and fun alternative to renting a full-size vehicle, and with their built-in GPS feature, you have everything you need to enjoy a day of sightseeing in the city.

These bright yellow convertibles do more than just getting you from point A to point B. The car itself provides audio directions as well as an entertaining commentary on each of the places you will visit. You have the freedom of choosing the order of your trip, without the responsibility of having to be your own tour guide. You can take all the time you need to make a photo stop or two and enjoy a meal.

Potential stops on the GoCar tour vary depending on whether you choose an All Day, Uptown, Downtown, or Highlights Express Tour. The All Day Tour is the most economical in terms of the hourly cost, and it takes you uptown, downtown, and everywhere in between. The Downtown Tour, which lasts between two and three hours, brings you to the core of the city where you can check out the remains of the city walls and several ancient buildings. You also get the chance to visit the incredible Montjuic Mountain.

The Uptown Tour is also about two to three hours, and lets you explore the open roads outside the old town. During this tour you can discover Gaudi’s most important creations. If you are looking for a briefer tour, the Highlights Express Tour lasts about an hour with the option to stay on longer. This compact tour takes you around to the main sights in Barcelona.

The easy-to-drive GoCars are street-ready and fully equipped. Their size makes them especially easy to park, which is a plus since there are likely many places you will want to stop to take a look at. For more on this tour, visit www.ToursinSpain.net.

Seattle Dinner Cruises

Cruises around Seattle are a great way to unwind at the end of a long day of sightseeing. Those looking for a way to relax and see the sights at night can take advantage of Seattle Dinner Cruises, which are offered year round and include special cruise packages for Father’s Day, Thanksgiving, the Fourth of July, and Valentine’s Day.

See gorgeous Elliott Bay aboard a fully-equipped state-of-the-art boat with its smooth velvet seats, cork decks, granite bars, and beautiful marble dance floors to experience the dramatic views of the waterfront and Seattle’s city skyline. This cruise is a great way to celebrate a special occasion, and it is also appropriate for a regular night out. The food is delicious and freshly prepared by the chefs from Elliott’s Seafood Restaurant. The staff on board are very accommodating and their goal is to make every guest happy and comfortable.

For a twist on the traditional dinner cruise experience, check out the Murder Mystery Dinner Cruise in Seattle for a 3-hour cruise with 3-course dinner while enjoying an entertaining live murder mystery. You can sit back and watch the mystery unfold, or you might end up being involved in the investigation! The actors do an excellent job of hiding the identity of the “murderer” and at the end of the night it is interesting to see what actually had happened.

Depending on the day, type of tour, and season, you will find these cruises departing at 4, 6, 7, 7:30 or 8 pm. The price of tickets includes your meal and beverages. Book early at www.SeattleTours.us to ensure availability on the date you are requesting.

Anaheim to Los Angeles

The Los Angeles Grand Tour from Anaheim is just what you need to add a little glitz and glamour to your day. Walk down the same path as the stars by visiting Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Melrose Avenue, Rodeo Drive, and more of the famous spots known across America and abroad. Because Los Angeles is so huge, your tour will depend on the area you are staying in. If your hotel is in the Los Angeles area, you can take the Los Angeles Grand Tour from Los Angeles, while those staying in Hollywood, Pasadena, the Valley, and surrounding areas can participate in the Los Angeles Grand Tour or the combination Grand Tour and Movie Stars Homes Tour.

A great way to get the overall vibe of a city is to see it at night. Take the Los Angeles by Night Tour from Anaheim to see the Chandler Pavilion at the Music Center, where the Academy Awards were originally held. Then make your way over to City Walk at Universal City, the site of Universal Studios, for some fine dining and something Los Angeles is known for – shopping. Finally, check out Grauman’s Chinese Theatre and the Hollywood Walk of Fame before heading down the Sunset Strip to Beverly Hills where you can shop like the stars do on famous Rodeo Drive.

As you can imagine, there is much more to see in Los Angeles than can possibly be covered in one blog post, so visit www.losangelestours.us for more fun ways to spend your vacation in the ‘City of Angels.’