Fort Lauderdale, the ‘Venice of America’

Fort Lauderdale, located in Broward County, Florida, is often referred to as the ‘Venice of America’ because of its intricate and expensive canal system.  It is a popular destination for tourists and is a major yachting area with 42,000 yachts and 100 boatyards and marinas.  Conveniently located a few miles from Miami, there are a number of tours and activities that take you to this nearby city. 

For a day of fun with the kids, book the Swamp Safari Day Package from Fort Lauderdale.  This package includes a one hour eco tour on a Swamp Buggy, which is specially designed to provide elevated views of the frontier while passengers ride through the cypress heads and wetlands.  A 20-minute Airboat Tour and an educational Alligator and Snake Show or Swamp Critter Show are also included.  This is a great way to introduce your kids to Florida wildlife, and you will likely see deer, hawks, wild hogs, bison, water buffalo, and other rare species.  You will also learn a bit about Seminole legends and folklore as the safari takes you onto their Reservation where they have dutifully cared for the land and worked to preserve its natural balance.   

Additional tours are offered by airboat, airplane, boat, ferry, and more.  You can also travel to Miami to visit the homes of celebrities or take in the Mai-Kai Polynesian Dinner Show in Fort Lauderdale for a unique interpretation of traditional dinner theater.  No matter what you decide to do, you will never be bored.  The weather in the area is beautiful and allows you to take advantage of a wide array of outdoor activities like charter fishing in Miami, an Everglades Day Safari from Ft. Lauderdale, or a Jungle Queen Cruise.  When you are finished seeing all there is to see in Fort Lauderdale and Miami, take an Orlando Day Tour from Miami for a change of pace and some theme park fun!

For all the details on tours and activities like these, visit www.fortlauderdaletours.net.    

Posted under Florida Tours, Miami Tours, Orlando Tours, Sightseeing, Things To Do, Transportation, Travel

Rockin’ the Boat in Cleveland, Ohio

If you are visiting Cleveland, Ohio for the first time, you must see the city from the water.  There are several cruises given throughout the day so you are sure to find one that meets your needs.  The Rock N Roll Museum & Lunch Cruise gives you the chance to see the Cleveland skyline as you glide along the water to the sounds of incredible onboard entertainment as you make your way over to the Rock ‘N Roll Hall of Fame and Museum.  You will indulge in an unlimited buffet and take a walk along the open-air observation deck for fantastic views of the city. 

Tickets to the museum are included in the price of the cruise, and you will also visit the Nautica Entertainment Complex.  This cruise is an excellent way to see the city without the hassle of traffic and parking.

If you are looking for something to do with the entire family, consider taking this cruise which departs Monday through Saturday midday and runs 363 days a year.  The only days it does not operate are on Thanksgiving and Christmas.  For a great combination of food, entertainment, and sightseeing this trip can’t be beat. 

Visit http://www.clevelandtours.net for more travel ideas for your trip to Cleveland and be sure to book online for additional savings.

Posted under Sightseeing, Things To Do, Tickets, Travel

Grand Canyon Railway Adventures

Visitors to Arizona and the surrounding area, climb aboard the Grand Canyon Train for a unique look at the famous Grand Canyon.   There are several ways that you can spend your time in the area, including a one or two night getaway or a similar sightseeing package for one, two, or three nights.

Should you decide on the one-night getaway package, you will enjoy dinner and breakfast as well as a one night stay at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel in Williams.  You can either arrive in Williams the night before your trip or you can opt for the one-night getback package and use your hotel stay after you return from the Grand Canyon.  The choice is yours.  During your time in Williams, you can get out on your own and walk along historic Route 66 to check out some of the distinctive restaurants and other sites along the highway.  In the morning, you will dig into a delicious breakfast before getting on your way.  About a half hour before your departure time, you can catch an entertaining gunfight show that is not to be missed. 

Your train trip will take just over two hours, and you will take the same rail line that was developed over a century ago.  With all the fiddlers, guitarists, and gunfighters on board the train to keep you amused, the time will go by in a snap.  Once you reach your destination, you have a few options to choose from.  You can either take the three hour time slot and discover the wonders of the Canyon on your own, or you can choose from two narrated motorcoach rim tours, which can easily be added onto your ticket.  Lunch is included in these tours, and once you have seen the area you may decide to stay overnight.  The Grand Canyon Railway offers overnight accommodation in Grand Canyon National Park at the Maswik Lodge.  This is a great experience for those who have never been to the Canyon before, and you can wake up in the morning to watch the sun rise over the tremendous red rocks.  If you decide to forego the overnight stay at the Lodge, you will board the train back to Williams in the afternoon.

There are several other Grand Canyon packages available, including the Canyon two and three night packages.  The two night package includes accommodation for one night in Williams and one night at the Maswik Lodge while the three night package includes two nights in Williams and one night at the Lodge.  For more information on these incredible Grand Canyon excursions, visit www.canyontours.net.

Posted under Grand Canyon Tours, Sightseeing, Things To Do, Tickets, Train Tours, Transportation, Travel

Exploring Beautiful Anchorage by Bike

Anchorage, Alaska is known for its abundance and diversity of wildlife including black bears, grizzly bears, moose, sheep, and wolves.  With so many species to locate and observe, there is no better way to fit it all in than on a bike tour of the area, and due to the popularity of such tours, there are several fabulous options to choose from. 

This year, you can choose from four different bicycle tours, each with its own unique attributes but all paying homage to the picturesque landscape and thriving wildlife population present in Anchorage.  On the Earthquake Park Bicycle Tour, which departs from Anchorage, you will cover a 10 mile span over the course of 90 minutes and will get better acquainted with the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail.  This tour is appropriate for all aptitude levels, and one of the best things about the trip is the amazing view of Mount McKinley.  Even if you are a true beginner at mountain biking, you have nothing to worry about, since there will always be a first aid and CPR certified tour guide on hand to make sure that you are safe and that your bicycle is being handled properly.  For a truly unique experience, take this trip for a rare look at the mountain trails of south central Alaska and the wildlife that call this area home. 

If you are up for a longer biking excursion, check out the Eklutna Lake Bicycle Tour, which also departs from Anchorage.  This 16 mile ride lasts anywhere from three to five hours and takes you along the shore of Eklutna Lake - the reservoir for the city of Anchorage - on the way to Serenity Falls where you will stop for lunch.  The lake was formed by glacial and freshwater streams that flowed into the valley and today it is a popular place to fish, canoe, kayak, sail, and windsurf.  To get an idea of the varied landscape, take a look at the ever-changing vegetation as you make your way around the lake.  At lower elevations you will see dense forests of birch and spruce trees while wildflower fields tend to dominate at higher elevations. 

Assuming you are up for an even bigger challenge, you can sign up for the Johnson Pass Bicycle Tour.  For 20 miles, you will surround yourself with the plant and wildlife of the Iditarod Trail as you make your ascent up to Johnson and Bench Lakes.  Not only is a trip like this one exciting, but it is also a great way to relax and become one with nature.  As with the other tours mentioned above, you will always have a tour guide to help you along the way and provide you with useful information about the area.

Finally, for those who would love to go biking but are physically unable to endure the physical exertion, the Indian to Girdwood Electric-Assist Bike Ride is perfect for you.  Seniors, large families, and others who are interested in participating are thrilled to find that they can keep pace with their guide with the help of silent peddle assistance and the ability to control the level of resistance on the bike.  Tag-a-long trailers are also available for small children so you don’t have to worry about leaving them at home.  Those who wish to tackle this trail without electric-assist bikes can choose a regular bicycle for no additional charge.    

Choose one of these adventure tours or take them all, but don’t delay signing up for your trip of choice.  Tours start up again in April and now is the perfect time to start planning your next vacation!  The tours mentioned here are available through www.anchoragetours.net.

Posted under Sightseeing, Things To Do, Tickets, Travel, Wildlife Tours

Swim with the Sea Lions in Honolulu

So you’ve heard about swimming with the dolphins, but have you ever thought about taking a swim with the sea lions? If this sounds like an activity you might enjoy, sign up for the Sea Lion Discovery Swim at Sea Life Park, located near Honolulu, Hawaii.  Offered with or without transportation from your hotel, this is a once in a lifetime chance to get up close and personal with these friendly little critters.  After a brief orientation given by one of the trainers, you will hop in the water and become part of the action.  Watch the sea lions as they swim underwater and give them a little rub; they will surely return the affection.  They may even give you a show as they jump over hurdles and mimic their guests. 

Visitors aged eight and above can enjoy this rare opportunity to get a peek at these friendly animals, and everyone will be thoroughly entertained during the special interactions with the sea lions.  These swims are very interactive, and you will learn a lot about how sea lions communicate, both by seeing it and through the informative commentary of the trainers. 

Don’t forget to bring a swimsuit, a towel, and a smile on the day of your park visit.  Safety vests are provided at the time of the swim.  For more information on this activity and many more, visit www.honolulutours.net

Posted under Hawaii Tours, Things To Do, Tickets, Travel, Water Tours, Wildlife Tours

This post was written by jamies on February 17, 2009

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Heli Tours of St. Augustine

If you have never had the privilege of taking a helicopter tour, now is your chance.  On your next visit to St. Augustine, Florida, make seeing the city from above a top priority for you and your loved ones and you will not regret it. 

On the Helicopter Tour of Porpoise Point & Old Downtown from St. Augustine, you will get a bird’s eye view of St. Augustine and the beaches of northern Florida.  Not only will you get to catch all the city highlights, but you can also scope out the area for boats and dolphins.  You may even see a dolphin or two jumping up out of the water as if to welcome you to the area.  The view of the coastline is amazing, and you will get down close to it as you whip across the beaches and over to Porpoise Point.  Some of the sights you will see along the way include the St. Augustine Lighthouse, Castillo de San Marcos, Flagler College, and Bridge of Lions.  When all is said and done, you will have covered 16-17 miles of ground!

For a slightly more comprehensive tour, take the Helicopter Tour of Fort Matanzas and Old Downtown in St Augustine.  This trip, which covers much of the same area as the aforementioned tour, also incorporates Menendez Park, Fort Matanzas, and Conch Island along with several other important landmarks.  Children and adults will love the feeling of being scooped up and carried across the magnificent coastline as they look down over the sparkling water below and admire its brilliance.

There are several other heli tour options, including the Romantic Sunset Helicopter Tour which is often used for wedding proposals and other special occasions.  No matter which one you choose, you are in for a great adventure as you check out one of America’s oldest cities.

For more information on helicopter tours like those mentioned above, visit www.staugustinetours.net.

Posted under Florida Tours, Sightseeing, St. Augustine Tours, Things To Do, Tickets, Travel

Riding High in Vancouver

The scenic coastal city of Vancouver, Canada has been named one of the three most livable cities in the world time and time again, and with good reason.  Among its most impressive attributes is its gorgeous scenery, including picturesque Stanley Park, which is the largest urban park in North America.  The weather is also a major plus for the city, since residents enjoy more temperate winters than most of the rest of Canada.

One of the most popular ways to spend a day in Vancouver is on the Vancouver City Highlights & The North Shore Van Tour.  On this ride through the city, you will watch as you pass by some of the most prominent sights including Science World and the city of Gastown, where the city of Vancouver actually began.  You will also cross the Burrard Inlet, which was formed during the last Ice Age and separates Vancouver and the rest of the Burrard Peninsula from the North Shore Mountains.  Admission to the Grouse Mountain Skyride is also included, and the view from inside the enclosed gondola is absolutely breathtaking.  There is nothing quite like the feeling of seeing the city from above, and if you bring along your camera, you are sure to capture the perfect photo to share with everyone back home.

Another way to see everything from the sky is on the Vancouver Scenic Flight Tour.  The aerial views of Stanley Park, Lions’ Gate Bridge, the North Shore Mountains, and Horseshoe Bay are magnificent, and this tour gives you an excellent overview of the general layout of the city.  As you ascend, you will be able to pause and appreciate the natural beauty of the area, looking down at what is truly one of the most attractive downtown skylines in all of North America.

Depending on how much time you have to spend sightseeing in Vancouver, either of these two tours would be wonderful options.  The former lasts six hours while the latter runs for thirty minutes.  To find the perfect tour to fit your needs, visit www.vancouvertours.net and discover all that beautiful Vancouver has to offer.

Posted under Canada Tours, Sightseeing, Things To Do, Tickets, Transportation, Travel, Van Tours, Vancouver Tours

See What’s in the Cards at Foxwoods Resort Casino

Looking for a fun activity that you can do with friends or loved ones at any time year-round? Visit Providence, Rhode Island and make a stop at the famous Foxwoods Resort Casino, the largest casino in the world.  Located just 45 minutes from the city of Providence in nearby Mashantucket, Connecticut, you are in for a trip that is not only fun but extremely convenient.

Among the amenities at Foxwoods, there are numerous slot machines, gaming tables, a state-of-the-art bingo hall, a poker room, and a Keno lounge.  The casino is in a continual growth process, so there may be something new to see and do every time you visit.  Currently, there are 24 restaurants to choose from in addition to several lounges where you can relax, dance it up, and have a drink. 

If you are looking for top-notch entertainment, Foxwoods is a great place to go, and with their Cinetropolis, which includes the illustrious Fox Theatre, there is always something to see and hear.  Headlining shows, major sporting events, theatrical productions, and other live performances are available, with options to keep visitors of all ages amused and entertained for hours. 

As if all this wasn’t enough, Foxwoods offers the best in retail shopping.  Brands like Puma, Bose, Chanel, and Cartier can be found all along Foxwoods’ shopping concourse in a wide range of specialty shops that are at your disposal.

Book your trip to Foxwoods today at www.providencetours.net and, as an added bonus, you will receive a Casino Bonus worth $30.00, courtesy of the casino - not a bad head start!

Posted under Providence Tours, Rhode Island Tours, Shows, Things To Do, Tickets, Travel

Flexible Trolley Tours in San Antonio

If you haven’t had the chance to visit the most visited city in Texas, now is your chance.  San Antonio has plenty to do, so it makes sense that there are a number of organized tours and activities to keep you busy throughout your stay. 

For a wonderful overview of the city, take the San Antonio Trolley Tour.  This one-hour narrated tour takes you all around San Antonio to the most popular and historical landmarks including the Alamo, where American defenders fell at the hands of Mexican General Santa Anna’s army.  The IMAX Theatre is another stop on the tour, so you can relive the Battle of the Alamo on the big screen with “Alamo…the Price of Freedom.”

The trolley makes several other stops along the way, including the Institute of Texan Cultures, Mission San Jose, Market Square, and Mission Concepcion.  This is by no means an exhaustive list, and if you are in the mood for a little shopping, you can take advantage of the stop at Rivercenter Mall. 

If you wish to upgrade your tour, you can take part in the 2-day hop on and hop off option, which allows you to explore the city at your leisure.  You can pick up the trolleys every 45 minutes or so at designated spots so you can continue to see the sights that you choose until the end of operating hours.

For more information on this amazing tour and others, including the San Antonio Highlights Tour and the Hill Country Tour, visit www.sanantoniotours.net.

Posted under San Antonio Tours, Sightseeing, Texas Tours, Things To Do, Tickets, Transportation, Travel, Trolley Tour, Trolley Tours

Berlin and Hamburg: Two Cities, One Price

If you are interested in having a wider view of Germany and its historic cities, try the Berlin City & Hamburg City Combination Tour.  This package combines the two individual city tours so that you can have the chance to see both on your trip to the area.  You can choose to see Berlin first or start in Hamburg depending on your accommodations.  This will determine the tour route, as will activities going on in the area that may impact travel. 

In Berlin, you will do a sightseeing tour that allows you to hop on and off the bus for up to 15 landmarks.  You can decide when and where you would like to jump off to take a closer look and it is simple to rejoin the tour since there are many designated pick up and drop off points in the city.  With all that flexibility you can check out the Berlin Museum or Memorial Church and then come back and see the Princesses Palace.  There is so much to do and so many choices for how to do it that you will never be bored and you may even discover some places you never knew existed. 

In Hamburg, you will board a double decker bus and ride around Germany’s second largest city, stopping at St. Pauli entertainment district, der Michel, and many other notable locations.  Hamburg is also the second largest European port after Rotterdam. Return tickets are valid for up to 4 months so you can stay a while in Hamburg and return to Berlin later or you can return to Berlin the same day. 

This is a wonderful introduction to these two great cities, and the added flexibility with the return tickets really makes it easier to do the tour on your terms.  You can even take the opportunity to stay in Hamburg for a few days and really soak up the culture of the city, and then when you return to Berlin you are able to focus some more time there as well.  This tour is a definite hole in one.  Check out www.germanytours.net for further information on this tour and other activities to fit into your trip.

Berlin City & Hamburg City Combination Tour

Posted under Double Decker Bus Tours, Germany Tours, Sightseeing, Things To Do, Transportation, Travel