A Swedish Friday. . .

Lance enjoyed a great weekend in Denmark and Sweden! On Friday, he visited the World Outgames Office in Copenhagen. The Outgames is similar to the olympics, except that it celebrates the accomplishments of homosexual, bisexual and transgendered people. 

They followed that with a visit to the posh, contemporary Hotel TwentySeven, which is also home to the exclusive ICEBAR by CPH. Then they got a little taste of politics by visiting the Copenhagen City Hall, and met with Klaus Bondam, the Technical and Environmental Mayor of the city. All this before 12:30!! Of course they were hungry so they lunched at Lunch Cafe Royal at the Radisson SAS Royal Hotel which was designed by the famed architect, Arne Jacobsen.

After a hectic morning, the group got to finally relax on a canal cruise which explores the old section of the city. Following a few hours of free time, the group visited the famous Tivoli Gardens, the oldest amusement park in the world! The park still has the same atmosphere it did at its inception in 1843. Some highlights include the Pantomime Theater, housed in an oriental style building, and Himmelskibet, the world's tallest carousel. Finally they will visit one of the newest hotels in the area Hotel Nimb. This luxurious property has just 13 uniquely designed suites. The hotel has a contemporary, but home-y feeling. Their goal is to make the guests forget they are at a hotel. Finally they will dine at Divan2 restaurant, which is the oldest restaurant at the Tivoli gardens.

Lance's Second Day in Sweden & Denmark!

The Hotel D'angleterre in Copenhagen, Denmark

Today Lance will go on a bicycle tour of Malmo, Sweden's third largest city. Then he will enjoy lunch at the Slottstradgardens Cafe. The Slottstragardens (meaning castle garden) is a fully organic garden featuring fresh vegetables and herbs, as well as 8 differently themed gardens. Then the group will transfer to Copenhagen, Denmark where they will check in to the Hotel D'angleterre. This evening, they will embark on a walking tour of Copenhagen. This lovely city is the capital, and largest city, of Denmark. In addition, as many nordic areas, it is recognized as one of the cities with the highest quality of life. The group will then enjoy a coffee at the Hotel Admiral, and later, an aperitif at the Skt. Petri Hotel's hot bar! They will then dine at Jailhouse Restaurant. This is a fun bar and restaurant offering hearty fare and a fun time! After this Lance will enjoy the Copenhagen nightlife!!

For more information on travel to Sweden or Denmark, please contact your Virtuoso Travel Agent at ClassicTravel.com at info@classictravel.com or by phone at 212-843-2900.

Lance is off to Sweden!

ClassicTravel.com's VP of Marketing, Lance Stamps is off to Sweden on a trip organized by the Swedish Government's Department of Tourism. 

The trip actually starts in Copenhagen, Denmark, just a hop, skip and jump away from Malmo, the 3rd largest city in Sweden and the Capital of the Skane Region. There they will stay at the Radisson SAS Malmo Hotel. On the first day, they will go on a guided tour of the region of Skane. The area is known for it's vast fertile plains and mild climate. Then they will enjoy a spa treatment at the Rang Spa, and enjoy a dinner in the quaint town of Skanor. Then they will enjoy a few cocktails as they explore the nightlife of Malmo!

Tune in for tomorrow's activities on this exciting trip!

For more information on travel to Sweden and Denmark, or for information on any of ClassicTravel.com's properties, please contact your Virtuoso Travel Agent at info@classictravel.com or by phone at 212-843-2900.

Sofitel Representatives visit ClassicTravel.com

Today we had representatives from the Sofitel London Heathrow, Sofitel London Gatwick, Sofitel Rome Villa Borghese, Sofitel Cartagena Santa Clara, Sofitel London St. James, Sofitel New York and the Sofitel Concierge office visiting us! They told us about all the great happenings with Sofitel. 

Sandrine of The Sofitel London Heathrow & Sofitel London Gatwick informed us that The Sofitel London Gatwick has recently undergone a 12 million pound renovation, and is now at the standard Sofitel Hotels are known for! The Sofitel London Heathrow is the only hotel at terminal 5 of Heathrow airport, and has over 200 standard rooms, so they hardly ever run out! If your flight is not at terminal 5 then don't worry as there is an express train that will take you there for free. 

Denis Dupart of the Sofitel London St. James informed us of a new spa opening up soon! It will be a "French Spa" meaning that it will have more of a lounge atmosphere. While you are getting your manicure you can be sipping a martini! He also told us of a new feature of the fitness center which is a rejuvanating ultrasound massage chair. He gave us some Eau Egyptienne (Egyptian water) in a spray form, by Cinq Mondes, their spa partner as well as Cotton Cream from Carita, their other spa partner. 

Carmen Otero de Milan informed us about Sofitel's 7 South American properties, primarily the Sofitel Cartagena Santa Clara in Columbia. She said the hotel is in a historic building from the 17th century and used to be a royal residence. The property still retains a luxurious residential boutique hotel feeling. The hotel will even arrange for a boat ride to a luxurious private beach owned by the Sofitel Cartagena Santa Clara.

The Sofitel Rome Villa Borghese is unique due to its central but quiet location in Rome, within walking distance of the Spanish Steppes. It is decorated in classical Roman style and oozes opulence. Our favorite rooms are the suites on the top floor which have private terraces and amazing views of Rome! Don't miss their rooftop lounge with unobstructed 180 degree views of Rome's city center!

And then of course there is the Sofitel New York! The art-deco restaurant Gaby is a New York favorite with French and Asian cuisine. It is just blocks from the financial district, as well as many popular tourist attractions!

Last but not least, we met with Mariela Hernandez, who works in the New York Sofitel Office and is the liaison between travel agents and properties to get their guests VIP amenities and upgrades! She is the gal to know!

For more information about Sofitel properties or any other properties on ClassicTravel.com, please contact your Virtuoso Travel Agent at info@classicTravel.com or by phone at 212-843-2900.

Virtuoso Agent Denny Goes to London!

Denny, one of our Virtuoso Travel Agents recently took a 4 night trip to London for pleasure. He took the time out from his busy schedule to tell us the highlights!

Denny stayed at The Mayfair Hotel, a great hotel for business travellers since it is in the financial district of London. It recently underwent a renovation, and now is a great property for leisure or business travellers, with great service and amenities.

The changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace

While there, Denny saw "Waiting for Godot" at The Theatre Royal Haymarket, which is one of London's oldest, most historic, and well known theaters. He also saw two concerts at the historic St. Martin's in the Field. One concert was Bach and Vivaldi, the other was Mozart and Mendelssohn. Amongst the regular tourist attractions, he saw the National Gallery, which houses one of the greatest collections of Western European art. It is also free! He went to The British Museum, which houses one of the greatest collections of human artifacts. Lastly, he visited the ever popular, Buckingham Palace, which to this day is the official London residence of the British Royalty.

Book Tickets here for shows & events in London!

His two favorite restaurants from his trip were Langan's, which is a Bistro right near The Ritz Hotel London. Of course he had the Fish and Chips! His other pick was Fishworks London, a great seafood restaurant.

His insider travel tip? Bring good walking shoes and an umbrella!

For more insider information on London, contact Virtuoso Travel Agent Denny Goetz at denny@classictravel.com or by phone at 212-404-6726.

Beaches on St. Barth's

While organizing our honeymoon for NBC's "Today Throws a Wedding," we couldn't help thinking about the 14 amazing beaches of St. Barths! We wanted to share with our readers and clients the unique character of each beach.

Anse des Cayes

Best beaches for surfing:

Anse des Cayes

Lorient Beach

Flamands Beach

Best beaches for privacy:

Saline Beach (favored by nudists)

Gouverneur Beach

Petit Cul de Sac

Best beaches for families:

Corrosol Beach

Marigot Beach

Petit Cul de Sac Beach

St. Jean Beach

Colombier Beach

Best beach to grab a drink or dinner:

Shell Beach

Grand Cul de Sac Beach

Flamands (with Hotel Isle de France right on the beach!)

For more information on St. Barth's, please contact your Virtuoso Travel Agent at info@classictravel.com or by phone at 212-843-2900.

New Virtuoso Hotels added to ClassicTravel.com: The Fairmont Family

Fairmont Hotels, a hotel brand known for quality, luxury and comfort, recently opened up their Virtuoso Rates at many of their Virtuoso Properties to ClassicTravel.com. This means that we will be able to offer our clients even more variety with amazing properties to choose from, with the best amenities and best value rates. 

The Fairmont Southampton in Bermuda

From the Fairmont Southampton in Bermuda to the historic Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac in Quebec City, expect the best from Fairmont. Most of their properties feature a Willow Stream Spa, which offers the best in modern and traditional treatments and will complete your travel experience. They also have some of the best golf resorts in the world. The Fairmont Empress in Victoria, Canada is just one of their resorts that offers an award winning golf course. Enjoy some of the best skiing in the world at the Fairmont Banff Springs, in Canada or the Fairmont Chateau Whistler, also in Canada!

The Fairmont Banff Springs - A skier's paradise!

Fairmont Hotels have a hotel that is right for anyone looking for a luxury travel experience with attentive service and great amenities!

For more information on Fairmont Hotels or any of ClassicTravel.com's other Virtuoso Properties, please contact your Virtuoso Travel Agent at info@ClassicTravel.com or by phone at 212-843-2900.

Canadian Impressions DailyCandy Cocktail Reception

Last night, Lance Stamps, VP of marketing for ClassicTravel.com, Dayva Segal, Director of Social Networking and New Media Marketing, and Michael Byrne, a content writer for ClassicTravel.com attended an exclusive cocktail hour at the Canadian Impressions DailyCandy art exhibit. This cocktail hour was only for associates of Virtuoso and their affiliates. We enjoyed delicious hors d'oeuvres, great wine and even had our pictures drawn! The event featured art by Sujean Rim, the artist for DailyCandy, a popular website and e-mail newsletter. Each art piece depicted something about Canada! One piece showed tourists on a Polar Bear watching excursion, while another one featured skiiers, and another, wine tastings. 

The event was part of a Virtuoso promotion of some amazing Canada Travel Packages, available at exclusive Virtuoso rates and with all the usual Virtuoso VIP treatment and amenities. Here are our top picks out of the 12 packages:

1) Montreal and Quebec City Package from Monograms

Experience these two unique cities with guided sightseeing tours. Included is 6 nights accomodation, all land transportation including trains, tours and an onsite concierge on call. Montreal has been referred to as a mini-New York, as well as a little slice of Europe and Quebec City still holds colonial old world charm everywhere you go.

2) Culturious Manitoba from Tauck Culturious

This is a one of a kind Polar Bear Arctic Adventure! See Arctic nature up close and personal, including its' most famous resident, the polar bear. This package includes 6 nights accommodation, all meals, snacks and non-alchoholic beverages and a private cocktail reception and the Manitoba Museum. Also included is a guided naturalist hike on Hecla Island, a part of the Hecla Provincial Park. The park is home to many wildlife species and unique plant life, and is a paradise for nature lovers. In addition, professional guides will be on staff for the entire stay.

3) Clayoquot Wilderness Resort Adventure from Entree Destinations

This extravagant package puts you both in the center of nature and in the lap of luxury. It all starts with your private town-car transfer from the airport, to a two night stay at the Shangri La Hotel in Vancouver City, British Columbia, where you will enjoy an Executive King Suite with a balcony. You will be chaufferred in an SUV for an Ultimate Vancouver City and Nature Tour. Enjoy a gourmet picnic in the Coastal Virgin Rainforest and Scenic seaplane flights between Vancouver and Tofino, your next destination for 4 nights. You will stay at the Clayoquot Wilderness Resort in a deluxe sleeping tent, and all gourmet meals, snacks and beverages will be included. Also included are all guided and unguided activities including hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, marine activities and wildlife viewing. Relax with two one hour massage treatments after your two half days of ocean fishing. Finish off your luxurious voyage with one night at the Fairmont Vancouver Airport Hotel in a Fairmont Room. In addition Clayoquot Wilderness Resort guests will receive a complimentary additional 1 hour massage or a 1 hour cooking class with the hotel's chef. If you wish to travel early or late in the season (which is mid May to late August) you will receive your fourth night at Clayoquot Wilderness Resort free!

For more information on these and other special Canadian Tourism packages from Virtuoso, contact your Virtuoso Travel Agent at info@classictravel.com or 212-843-2900.

King George Palace General Manager Says "free upgrade no matter what!"

Haris N. Neofytidis, General Manager of The King George Palace in Athens, Greece told us that anyone booking with ClassicTravel.com at The King George Palace in the month of May will receive a free room upgrade no matter what! He came to visit us at our office to give us the inside scoop on the Hotel and Athens!
The Virtuoso Property features the latest in amenities such as Bulgari toiletries. All rooms either face the scenic courtyard or offer astounding views of the historical surroundings, such as the acropolis and Syntagma Square. However, the suite everyone is vying for is The Royal Penthouse Suite. It has a private rooftop pool, a limousine available for use, and a whirpool and steam bath. This suite also comes with butler service. 

In addition, The King George Palace hosts one of the most hip lounges in Athens, Space Bar. This is where all the young and sophisticated Athenians meet for cocktails.
Haris also gave us some insider dining information! One of his favorite seafood restaurants in Athens is Plous Podilatou. This restaurant has a frequently changing menu with dishes inspired by tradition mediterranean flavors. Another favorite in the seafood category is 7 Seas, located right in downtown Athens. His last recommendation for travelers is the Greek Restaurant, Kentrikon, which serves completely home made Greek food, just like Ya Ya makes!

(The King George Palace at night)

Guests booking at The King George Palace with ClassicTravel.com will receive a free room upgrade through the month of May. Guests booking at The King George Palace at the Virtuoso Rate with Classic Travel.com will also recieve a buffet breakfast daily, lunch for 2 at the Tudor Hall Restaurant once during your stay, early check-in and late check-out (subject to availability). For more information about The King George Palace or any of ClassicTravel.com's other Virtuoso properties, please contact Virtuoso Travel Agent Jerry Hirshon at 212-404-6777 or Jerry@ClassicTravel.com.

Lou Young of CBS2 (NY) interviews ClassicTravel.com Virtuso Agent Charlie Scmitt

Travel agents get a unique view of the world through travelers' trends. The hottest locations, hotels and activities change from year to year, and give industry insiders a look at cultural and social tendancies. Luxury travel agents also have a unique responsibility to their clients, which is to provide the upmost service, best information possible and also be a sort of safety guide. This is why Lou Young of CBS2 News interviewed ClassicTravel.com Virtuoso Agent Charlie Schmitt about the dangers of, and alternatives to travelling to Mexico during the current swine flu pandemic.

"This is an open season" says Charlie, indicating that May is a low time for typically winter time getaways such as the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico, so there will most likely be last minute openings at many hotels and on flights for travellers wishing to change their plans. He also advises travellers that most travel insurance does not cover epidemics or pandemics, but there is "cancel for any reason" insurance, which is what travellers should purchase if they're concerned about having to change their plans. Some airlines are refunding passengers flights to Mexico in the form of vouchers, and some airlines such as Air Canada have stopped all their flights to Mexico. Charlie reiterates that this is one reason why it's important to use a travel agent. The agent knows the ins and outs and will ensure that you are able to transfer your ticket or get a refund, as opposed to booking with a service where you don't exactly know who is on ther other end. But if you are stuck in that situation, Charlie says, just don't go. It's better to be safe and healthy.

For more information on being safe and healthy while traveling during the swine flu pandemic, please contact Charlie Schmitt at 212-404-6727 or by e-mail at charlie@classictravel.com.