ALCATRAZ ISLAND.

The most notorious federal prison in US history. Today Alcatraz swarms with tourists - over one million per year - but for 30 years it was the most infamous prison in the country. It housed prisoners too notorious or dangerous to be held elsewhere. Its inhabitants included Al Capone, George “Machine Gun” Kelly, and Robert Franklin Stroud, the Birdman of Alcatraz. In 1933, the Federal Bureau of Prisons used the facility as a maximum security prison. It was closed in 1963 due to its expense. During the award-winning Alcatraz Cell House Audio Tour, history will come alive as you gain a deeper knowledge with actual interviews from former guards and inmates, and learn about “The Battle of ‘46″, the Spaghetti Riot of 1950, solitary confinement accounts, and legendary escape attempts!

From executive producer J.J. Abrams (FRINGE, “Lost,” “Star Trek,” and the recent blockbuster “Super 8”) comes ALCATRAZ, a thrilling new series on FOX that follows a unique trio investigating the mystifying reappearance of 302 of Alcatraz’s most notorious prisoners and guards, 50 years after they vanished. The series stars Sam Neill, Sarah Jones and Jorge Garcia, and premiered on January 16, 2012 with a chilling 2-hour episode. The series now airs on Monday evenings at 9:00 PM ET starting tonight. For more info on the hit show, click here.

Become a detective of the mysteries for yourself, studying the clues, hearing the interviews, and roaming the chilling cell blocks that many have claimed to be haunted. See where the club lounge and bowling alley were located for entertaining the guards, not too far from the Firing Range. Hear the tales of Saturday night card parties the guards would host, inviting women over to the island to visit. Unravel the clues of prisoners who attempted escape, who were never seen again. Unlock the secrets of an island shrouded in mysteries, rumors, madness, and legends. Do you dare to explore ALCATRAZ?

The brave may continue on to to secure cruise tickets at www.Alcatraz.us and visit the mysterious island prison on self-guided tours. Advance reservations are required, as tours will sell out days and even weeks in advance. While in San Francisco, I highly recommend taking advantage of a sightseeing tour of the beautiful City By the Bay. Our Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus Tour is a very popular favorite. This bus tour is very flexible and lasts for two full days for visiting exciting attractions, museums, shopping and dining facilities. Create your own adventure by choosing your stops! Enjoy the luxury and comfort of these new buses with the added benefit of a two-day unlimited use ticket. Buy your Alcatraz Tour & San Francisco Open Top Double Decker Hop-On & Hop-Off Bus Tour tickets now!

Posted under California Tours

Have you ever been to Banff, Alberta? It kind of reminds me of the magical land of Narnia from C. S. Lewis’ epic fantasy tale, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Even if you don’t spot Aslan, you may very well see a rare Grizzly Bear. Nestled high in the Canadian Rockies, Banff is the kind of place that you will never forget. Explore the great outdoors and natural wonders of Banff National Park, discover the charming Town of Banff, and you simply can’t miss out on the picturesque beauty of Lake Louise.

Banff offers visitors a spectrum of unspoiled wilderness, both modern and rustic choices of amenities, and endless opportunities for adventures you will cherish for a lifetime. With such a breathtaking landscape, it’s really no surprise that Banff is continuously voted as a “must-see” destination for travelers around the world. Winter Tours are far more than just ski trips these days. Icewalks , Snowshoing, Dog Sledding, Sleigh Rides, Snowmobiling, Helicopter Sightseeing, Wildlife Watching,  or simply relaxing in the mineral-rich, therapeutic hot springs are just a few options to choose from in Banff.

One of my top picks is the Johnston Canyon Icewalk Bus Tour from Banff. Gigantic pillars of ice are the highlight of this cool tour. Ice climbers can often be seen scaling the frozen columns. Venture past the lower falls, and you will discover the breathtaking upper icefalls. The tour includes hotel pick-ups & drop-offs from Banff, your friendly, certified tour guide, ice cleats & hiking poles, plus hot chocolate & maple cookies! YES.

I would also recommend our Aboriginal Dog Sledding Adventure near Canmore. A short 20 minutes from Banff, this dog sledding excursion is an exciting and hands-on way to explore and enjoy the amazing scenery of the Rocky Mountains! Gain a deeper understanding of the Aboriginal people, and immerse yourself in the clean mountain air as you venture out into the sparkling, white snow on a dog sledding adventure. You will also have the opportunity to put the dogs into their harnesses and attach them to the sled. Then begin your exhilarating ride!

Visit Banff Tours now to reserve your Hotel Accommodations and all of your favorite Banff Tours & Activities in this pristine wilderness paradise. Book online, or call us toll free at 800-719-2185 for friendly assistance!

Posted under Alberta Tours, Banff Tours

“Are you a Believer?” That was the very first question posed to our group by our Ghosts of Atlanta Walking Tour guide, dressed up as a ghostly host from beyond. She was, of course, referring to believing in Ghosts. Being that this was Halloween Night 2011, I was of course dressed up as a cute, sultry Vampiress. “Discover the history of war, murder, suicide and the tragic spirits who were left behind.” So, did we spy a few spirits still haunting downtown ATL? Why would I spoil the surprise?? Do YOU believe in Ghosts???

I will, however, let you in on a few fun secrets… are you familiar with Ghost Hunting equipment? No, I’m not talking about Ghostbusters Proton Packs. I’m talking about EMF Meters, EVP Equipment, Radars, Temperature “Cold Spot” Gauges, and yes, there are even popular Apps for Ghost Hunting. We all got to try out some of this cool equipment along the way, and saw TONS of creepy old places in downtown Atlanta. One that still haunts my memory is the old abandoned Medical Arts Building on Peachtree Street. It is one of the few remaining oldest structures in Atlanta, and has been vacant for over 20 years… or has it? Find out more tales of mystery and gore on the tour. We also saw a hotel where there was a deadly fire where hauntings still occur, as well as several cemetery sites and haunted Victorian-style houses that have so far survived being renovated or torn down. And that is is only the tip of the iceberg as far as what you will see and learn on the tour.

Guests are also highly encouraged to take photos all along the way. InfraRed cameras may be hard for the average person to feel the need to indulge in for ghost hunting. However, a little brightening in Photoshop for night photos can sometimes do the trick. The photos below are an example. The one of the left is the original photo taken at night of a haunted cemetery on the tour, said to have several ghosts of Civil War soldiers. The one on the right is the same photo, simply brightened up a bit with Photoshop. Is the camera lens suddenly dirty (while all of the other photos were perfectly clear), or are the small “orbs” in the photo more than meets the eye? You be the judge. One thing is certain - you could choose to enjoy some coffee or “spirits” at the nearby Café Intermezzo afterward. Welcome to the Dark Side of Atlanta…

Posted under Georgia Tours, Ghost Tours, Walking Tours