Archive for May, 2009
Friday, May 15th, 2009
Enjoy a visit to the Palais Garnier in Paris. The unrivalled décor and richness of architecture is second to none. Built at the end of the 19th century, this world-famous palace of marble and gold has a spectacular grand staircase and foyers richly decorated with paintings and sculptures which makes it a living art theatre. The magnificent room where the productions take place is decorated in red and gold and its ceiling was painted by Marc Chagall in 1964 with scenes of world renowned performances.
Allow Select Travel to enhance your visit to Paris. A professional guide will take you around this fantastic venue and will relate its historical and social aspects as well as its architectural splendour and its artistic life. The visit includes the library museum, the Rotonda and Glacier Gallery, the Grand Foyer and the theatre itself.
Tags: Art Tours, Custom Group Tours, Dance, European group tours, Theatre
Posted in Art Tours, Dance, Performing Arts, Student Tours, Theatre | No Comments »
Wednesday, May 13th, 2009
Interlaken is ideally situated for enjoying scenic views and excursions in Switzerland. Positioned by two beautiful lakes, Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, and nearby to the lofty peaks of the Jungfrau, Monch and Eiger,
Allow Select Travel Service to arrange a full day sightseeing tour followed by a traditional Swiss Dinner cruise on Lake Brienz. Spectacular views of mountain peaks and soft slopes with typical swiss chalet villages along the shores of the deepest lake in Switzerland. On board you will find a dinner buffet with Swiss specialties such as Fondue, “Rösti” (potatoes), alplermagronen” (pasta dish) and a fresh garden salad. An excursion not to be missed….
Tags: European group tours
Posted in Switzerland | No Comments »
Tuesday, May 12th, 2009
Opening in June 2009, this wonderful new museum will enhance Amsterdam’s reputation as a world class city for the Arts. In 2004 the Neerlandia Building was opened in Amsterdam as a branch of the world famous Hermitage in Saint Petersburg, the famous Russian state museum with an impressive collection of more than 3 million objects. Following a number of successful exhibitions, the brand new Amstelhof building will be opened in June, as the main branch. It will increase the exhibition space tenfold! The opening of the Hermitage Amsterdam will mean yet another top attraction of the caliber of the Rijksmuseum and the Concertgebouw(Concert Hall) for the Dutch capital and the works that will be presented in the museum will come from the vast collection of the Hermitage in Saint Petersburg. But the Hermitage Amsterdam will be more than just a museum – it will also accommodate a study centre, where anyone visit the exhibitions will find information on different topics. Furthermore, it will contain a concert hall, an auditorium, lecture rooms and a restaurant. Check out the new Hermitage Amsterdam, along with the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum and many other fine attractions on a tailored programme to Holland with Select Travel Service.
Tags: Art Museums, Art Tours, Custom Group Tours, european art tours, european study tours
Posted in Art Tours | No Comments »
Monday, May 11th, 2009
For many group planners Germany and 2010 means just one thing; Oberammergau Passion Play. While we, like many, have some exciting packages available for this special event, there are some other equally deserving reasons to visit Germany in 2010.
- 325th birthday of Johann Sebastian Bach. Leipzig – the home of Bach hosts the Bach Festival in June 2010, celebrating his 325th birthday.
- 200th Munich Oktoberfest in September 2010.
- 300 years of porcelain manufacture in Meissen. Since 1710 the first European porcelain factory has been producing the world-famous Meissen porcelain in its traditional form. Table services, figurines and accessories are still hand-crafted, painted and artistically decorated by hand in a range of styles by our specialist team at the factory. Meissen porcelain still remains today the model of European table and fine dining culture. The Meissen porcelain manufactory’s third centenary in 2010 will mark the start of the fourth century of Meissen manufacturing and will be celebrated with exhibitions, limited editions, celebratory events and gastronomy. Groups will be able to see the traditional porcelain being made and decorated and this is definitely a must-see if you are planning a visit to the Saxony region.
Tags: custom art tours, Custom Group Tours, European group tours, european study tours, Festivals
Posted in Festivals, History, Performing Arts | No Comments »
Thursday, May 7th, 2009
A heart-rending yet captivating exhibition at the Imperial War Museum North, is “Captured: The Extraordinary life of Prisoners of War” (23 May 2009 - 3 January 2010), which is the first exhibition of its kind and marks the 70th anniversary of the outbreak of the Second World War. This unique exhibition will look in detail at what was needed to survive in an often harsh environment. Using an engaging mix of objects, art, documents, photographs, film and sound from Imperial War Museum’s unrivalled collections, Captured will reveal incredible personal stories during periods of captivity that in many cases lasted for several years. Select Travel Service has a wide variety of military history tours available for groups. Visit http://www.selecttravel.com/tours_military_history.asp
Tags: british history, European group tours, medieval history, Military History, Visit Britain
Posted in Educational Tours, History, Student Tours, Uncategorized | No Comments »
Wednesday, May 6th, 2009
When you think of Verona, Italy the first thing that most often comes to mind is Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. A visit to see the charming balcony is on every itinerary. Except, Verona has something else equally famous and that is an exceptional Opera Festival which is held every summer.
What makes this festival so exceptional is the remarkable opera house, the Arena di Verona. A Roman amphitheatre, 2000 years old with perfect sound creates an atmosphere that can not be forgotten. It is in this unique and historic open air setting that opera lovers can experience the finest productions and electrifying performances by many of the world’s renowned performers and musicians. One of the reasons for these outstanding productions is that, the Italian audience is extremely knowledgeable and demanding. When they like something in the preformance they will applaud and call out for a performer to repeat an aria. However, do not be concerned, not everyone in the audience is an aficionado, there are many, casual opera-goers who attend. The programme will have something that is familiar to all, making this a memorable experience for anyone who attends. The thing is, once you have attended a performance at the Arena di Verona you are spoiled, nothing else can compare. It is magical!
A group tour to Italy should include memorable experiences. A custom group tour with Select Travel Service is sure to do that. We especially want you to be absorbed into the culture and that is why we included unique opportunities such as the Verona Opera Festival into our tours. Contact Select Travel and find out more about our customize itineraries.
Tags: Art Tours, Choir Tours Italy, group tours italy
Posted in Art Tours, Educational Tours, Italy, Theatre | No Comments »
Tuesday, May 5th, 2009
Everybody has heard of Windsor Castle, but Windsor now has two new reasons to visit: The Royal Windsor Wheel is now almost a permanent fixture allowing groups to enjoy the panoramic views whatever the weather and from the comfort of their climate controlled capsules. Visitors can soar over 50 metres into the skies above historic Windsor, with views over the Castle battlements, River Thames and countryside beyond. On a clear day or night you can even see as far as the gleaming arch of Wembley Stadium and the glittering skyline of Central London. Each of the 36 capsules can seat up to six people. Groups can also enjoy a glass of Pimms or champagne at the licensed Wheel Café Bar. Each flight will encompass a number of rotations and will last approximately 12 minutes.
Royal Windsor has also introduced a new Land Train providing a much needed service for groups and less able visitors from the coach park up to the Castle entrance and town centre shopping area, and return. The Land Train seats up to 72 passengers, including access for one wheelchair. A commentary is provided, and the train will run at a relaxed pace enabling passengers to take in the town as they travel. The journey will take approximately 15 minutes each way. So, no excuses not to make Windsor one of your “Top Ten Must-sees” when visiting! In fact if any of your groups have mobility problems, then just let us know and we’ll be pleased to try and find a solution for you, so that each and every member of your group can get the most enjoyment they can from their tour!
Tags: Custom Group Tours Britain, english garden tours, Family Tours, London, Visit Britain
Posted in Educational Tours, History | No Comments »
Monday, May 4th, 2009
The Garden Museum in London is host to the “Festival of Small Nurseries” taking place through spring and summer. Why not take the opportunity to meet those passionate about their plants and learn from the experts. Allow Select Travel to organise your special themed garden tour of the UK and this time of year is the perfect time to combine the Chelsea Flower Show with a visit to the Garden Musem. The museum explores and celebrates British gardens and gardening through its collection, temporary exhibitions, events, symposia and garden. Whether you are an enthusiastic amateur gardener, more of a specialist or someone with a passion for museums, history even architecture the Museum has something for you. Situated on the South Bank of the Thames, opposite the Houses of Parliament, the Museum has a spectacular home in the former St Mary-at-Lambeth parish Church, which itself its steeped in history and has some interesting stories to tell. There is plenty for comtemporary gardeners too. The potting Shed offers practical seasonal gardening advice in an imaginative setting, and the Museum is a focal point for garden-related events and activities.
Tags: Austria group tours, Custom Group Tours Britain, english garden tours, Garden Tours, London, Visit Britain
Posted in Gardens | No Comments »
Friday, May 1st, 2009
Everyone knows that France produces some of the best wine in the world. Most often wine tours will focus on the continuously outstanding wines in of the Burgundy, Bordeaux or Loire regions. However, there is another area of France that produces not only great wine bu, also exceptional gourmet food. Alsace, is perhaps not as well known to many wine lovers as the other regions but, it is one of the most pleasurable areas to visit and discover something new and wonderful. This is an area of France that is filled with history, beautiful scenery, great food and memorable wines and au du vin. The small towns are a photographer’s dream, with cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, flowers galore in the spring and summer, and friendly people who are enthusiastic to educate visitors about the wines produced in the area. The cellars here contain mostly white wines Riesling and Gewürtztraminer and a variety of the best au du vin.
Take one of the renowned “Route du Vin” and stop in the beautiful villages for tastings of their local wine. The cuisine is also noteworthy, foie gras is the specialty at many of the Starred Michelin restaurants. There are excellent museums throughout the area such as, Muse d’ Unterlinden in Colmar,or the Place du Château in Strasbourg. And a must visit, is Le Corbusier’s famous chapel “Notre-Dame-du-Haut” in Ronchamp.
This is just a sampling of what Select Travel Service can include in an exclusive Wine and Gourmet Food Tour. When you tell your friends all about the custom tour to Alsace you were on they will be sorry they did not join you.
Tags: Culinary Tours France, Custom Group Tours, European group tours, Food and Wine Tours, group tours italy
Posted in Culinary | No Comments »