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BBQにリス園、温泉も！都内でも旅行気分が味わえる町田周辺を、松本ぷりっつさんファミリーが大満喫！

DIWIDA.NEWS foodies, tourist attractions, tours, travel destinations, travel recommendations

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 超インドア派だけど、美味しい&かわいいもの、楽しくて新しい体験が大好き！「夫婦漫才旅」でおなじみの松本ぷりっつさんご夫婦。


 新しい日常を過ごすことになったコロナ禍でも、家族の思い出は作りたい…！そんな思いがつまった夫婦漫才旅第3弾は、「3つの密」を避けながら大自然を満喫！そして身近なスポットをとことん楽しもう！というもの。


 いつもの旅とはいかないけれど、混雑を避けて近場でゆっくりのんびり。笑って癒される旅のエピソードをお送りします。


 ※本記事は松本ぷりっつ著の書籍『松本ぷりっつの夫婦漫才旅 ときどき3姉妹 NO密さんぽ編』から一部抜粋・編集しました。


 ・掲載内容はすべて旅をした際に体験した情報によるものです。


 ・お出かけの際は、旅行先の自治体や観光協会、各店舗のサイトにて最新情報をご確認ください。


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 著＝松本ぷりっつ／『松本ぷりっつの夫婦漫才旅 ときどき3姉妹 NO密さんぽ編』

BBQにリス園、温泉も！都内でも旅行気分が味わえる町田周辺を、松本ぷりっつさんファミリーが大満喫！

超インドア派だけど、美味しい&かわいいもの、楽しくて新しい体験が大好き！「夫婦漫才旅」でおなじみの松本ぷりっつさんご夫婦。新しい日常を過ごすことになったコロナ禍でも、家族の思い出は作りたい…！そんな思いがつまった夫婦漫才旅第3弾は、「3つの密」を避けな...

Step into the World of Taylor Swift: Explore NYC on Her Inspired Tour

DIWIDA.NEWS celebrities, celebrity and music, concert tours, entertainment, tours

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 Welcome to New York," introduces Alison Hagen. "My name is Alison, which shares the same spelling as Taylor's middle name.


 Hagen works as a tour guide.
 Exploring Taylor Swift’s NYC: A Guide to Her Popular Spots.
 The vibrant red of her shirt contrasts sharply with the muted brownstones typical of Soho. She catches the attention of fans who appreciate this style.
 superstar
 her spiel before they embark on a 90-minute adventure with 13 stops associated with the "Cornelia Street" singer.


 "We are going to walk around West Village and Soho, essentially anywhere
 Taylor Swift
 has touched either through her lyrics or in person," Hagen says in front of the Housing Works Bookstore Cafe, where Swift shot part of
 "All Too Well: The Short Film."


 
 Start the day smarter. Get all the news you need in your inbox each morning.
 


 Father-daughter duo Joe and Fiona Coakley signed up for the tour while visiting from Dallas.


 Fiona walks inside the bookstore and is directed by Hagen to the exact spot where Swift filmed. On the ground behind a book table are two pink footprints with the words "Taylor stood here." Coakley smiles in excitement.


 
 Long live the Eras Tour with our enchanting book
 


 As the Swift group leaves the bookstore, they stroll for several blocks across lower Manhattan.


 Hagen imparts interesting tidbits and narratives regarding the origins of things.
 Eras Tour
 The leader often hangs around, eats meals, and socializes with friends. From time to time, the tour guide directs questions towards Coakley for some trivia.


 Fiona, could you tell me which recording studio Taylor used for 'Folklore,' 'Midnights,' and 'The Tortured Poets Department'?


 "The Electric Lady," retorts the high school freshman without skipping a beat. Honestly, she might just have what it takes to come out as the winner.
 Taylor Swift
 trivia night.


 "Indeed, the studio has a modest appearance," Hagen remarks, leading into a conversation about the chocolate-colored structure.

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 GetYourGuide
 Launched in May, the Taylor Swift-themed walking tour aimed to capture the hearts of die-hard fans globally. This international travel platform threw out a glittering line to find the most devoted Swift enthusiasts for guiding duties.


 “I spotted this in Playbill,” Hagen remarks. At 23, she relocated to New York City following her graduation from the University of Utah with dreams of becoming a Broadway star. “I needed additional jobs, and Taylor Swift has been my idol ever since I was six. So when I applied, I thought, ‘If I’m going to gush about her anyway, why not try earning something?’ And look where we are now—it turned out great.”


 The conclusion of the tour happens at a public park mentioned in one of Swift’s “Folklore” tracks. For those who want to keep the surprises intact, consider bringing your “Cardigan” along for this picturesque final destination.


 For private tours with parties consisting of three people or more, the cost is $66 per individual. To register,
 visit GetYourGuide
 .


 Updated with a new GetYourGuide tour link.


 Don't want to miss out on any Taylor Swift updates? Sign up today!
 Free, weekly newsletter: This Swift Beat
 .


 Keep up with Bryan West, the USA TODAY Network's Taylor Swift correspondent, for updates.
 Instagram
 ,
 TikTok
 and
 X as @BryanWestTV
 .


 The article initially appeared in the Nashville Tennessean.
 Explore 'Welcome to New York': Take a Taylor Swift-Themed Tour of NYC

Step into the World of Taylor Swift: Explore NYC on Her Inspired Tour

Welcome to New York," introduces Alison Hagen. "My name is Alison, which shares the same spelling as Taylor's middle name. ...

당황스런 진실! 공공도서관에서의 충격적인 광경, 전등을 끄다

DIWIDA.NEWS culture, food and drink, korean, tourist attractions, tours

대만의 중심인 타이베イ에서 4박 5일 동안의 여정을 즐겼습니다. 그곳에서는 다양한 맛있는 요리를 마음껏 만끽했습니다. 하지만 단지 맛있는 음식뿐만 아니라 또 다른 추억 하나가 생겼는데요, 그것은 미리 준비해 방문했던 바이라투 공공 도서관입니다.


 베이터우는 타이베이의 온천 마을입니다. 타이베이 주요역에서 MRT를 이용해 약 20분 정도 이동하면 베이터우 역에 다다르며, 그곳에서 다시 도보로 약 20분이면 목적지까지 닿습니다. 거리는 좀 되지만 쇼핑몰들이 즐비한 길을 따라 걸으며 자연 향기를 느낄 수 있고, 넓게 자리잡은 베이터우 공원과 숲속에 위치한 도서관을 만나볼 기회가 있습니다. 또한 근처에는 온천 박물관도 있어 같이 방문하기 적합합니다.


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 길다면 길고 짧다면 짧은 4박 5일 일정 속에 굳이 도서관 방문을 계획한 이유는 이렇다. 베이터우 공공도서관은 아름답기로도 유명하지만 대만에 지어진 첫 번째 친환경 도서관이기도 하다. 지붕에서는 태양열로 전력을 생산하고, 기울어진 지붕으로 빗물을 모아 주변 식물에 주고 화장실 변기에도 사용한다고 한다. 건물은 재활용이 가능한 목재와 강철로 만들어졌고, 실내에는 불필요한 장식도 없다.


 전체 내용보기

당황스런 진실! 공공도서관에서의 충격적인 광경, 전등을 끄다

대만의 중심인 타이베イ에서 4박 5일 동안의 여정을 즐겼습니다. 그곳에서는 다양한 맛있는 요리를 마음껏 만끽했습니다. 하지만 단지 맛있는 음식뿐만 아니라 또 다른 추억 하나가 생겼는데요, 그것은 미리 준비해 방문했던 바이라투 공공 도서관입니다. ...

Indian Tourist Arrivals in Germany Soar 8.6% as Visa Demand and Flight Connections Rise

DIWIDA.NEWS german, migrants, tourists, tours, travel

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<div class="content count-br">
 
 
 By Shafali Nigam
 
 
 New Delhi [
 India
 ], April 16 (ANI):
 India
 n travel to
 Germany
 is experiencing significant growth! Recent data shows,
 India
 n tourist arrivals in
 Germany
 have increased by 8.6% in 2024, recording 8,97,841 overnight stays as opposed to 8,26,703 from the prior year.
 
 
 This notable expansion can be credited to improved aerial connections between
 India
 and
 Germany
 , with the number of flights per month rising by 28%, from 241 in January 2019 to 309 in January 2025.
 
 
 The number of visa applications has risen by nearly 20% during the initial quarter of this year when compared to the corresponding months from last year.
 
 
 This increase in non-stop routes underscores
 Germany
 's rising popularity among
 India
 For tourists, providing enhanced access and a more seamless travel experience.
 
 
 The
 German National Tourist Board
 (
 GNTB
 ) and the
 German Embassy
 in
 India
 held a shared press briefing on Wednesday, emphasizing
 Germany
 as a premier travel destination for
 India
 n tourists.
 
 
 The occasion presented an array of special deals tailored for pairs, enthusiasts of the natural world, and individuals looking for eco-friendly travel options. This was in reaction to the growing appeal among
 India
 n travellers,
 GNTB
 introduced custom-tailored packages to address their changing tastes.
 
 
 India
 Tourists are choosing to stay for extended periods.
 Germany
 , with an average duration of stay extending to 9.6 nights from 9.3 nights in 2023. Bolstering this growth, Skifter
 India
 's report revealed that
 India
 Tourist expenditures are increasing at a rate four times higher than the global average, highlighting the market's crucial importance.
 
 
 These curated offerings aim to firmly position
 Germany
 as the premier selection for
 India
 honeymooners and culture-seeking travelers alike.
 
 
 While speaking with ANI,
 Georg Enzweiler
 Deputy Head of Mission
 German Embassy
 ,, examined the present status of tourism collaboration between
 India
 and
 Germany
 he remarked, "There seems to be quite a positive trend emerging. It genuinely caught me off guard with how optimistic these figures appear. The German National Tourist Board has unveiled some remarkable statistics recently. This positivity can also be observed in our visa application data; specifically, during the initial quarter of this year compared to the same period last year, there’s been an increase of around 20%. This suggests considerable growth in tourist activity."
 Germany
 ."
 
 
 Moreover,
 Germany
 features 54 UNESCO World Heritage sites, numerous museums, and countless castles, rendering it a captivating cultural hub. It also has robust business connections with
 India
 and
 Germany
 prompt experts to stop by and delve into recreational pursuits.
 
 
 When questioned regarding the steps being taken by the German administration to draw in a larger number of
 India
 N travelers, Enzweiler stated, "I believe multiple elements contribute to this situation. As I noted previously, we're dealing with an exceptionally high number of
 India
 Nowadays, students nowadays in
 Germany
 , costing around 50,000, which naturally means you'll have numerous youngsters, along with their families and friends, coming to visit these student youths.
 Germany
 , which further enhances tourism. On the business front, there are entrepreneurs who engage in commerce.
 Germany
 and
 India
 are closely linked in the commercial and trading sectors, so they will include an additional two or three days for leisure activities.
 Germany
 Therefore, people won’t just visit these places to conduct their affairs; they’ll remain there during their free time for relaxation and enjoyment, which undoubtedly represents a highly favorable trend.”
 
 
 With around 50,000
 India
 n students in
 Germany
 , tourism receives an uplift from visits to family and friends.
 Germany
 is currently advancing the digitization of the Schengen visa process, aiming to streamline travel procedures.
 India
 n tourists.
 
 
 Regarding visa availability and forthcoming measures to streamline the Schengen visa procedure for
 India
 According to tourists, Enzweiler acknowledged, "Indeed, you are correct; discussing the Schengen visa application process is essential."
 Germany
 On its own, it shouldn’t alter any regulations or processes; however, one ongoing development is the increased digitization throughout the entire procedure. This transformation doesn’t happen quickly, but we initiated this shift with our national visa applications and plan to extend it further down the line, along with other types of visas.”
 
 
 When asked about the
 German National Tourist Board
 's (
 GNTB
 ) previous declaration to broaden its marketplace engagements
 India
 , Enzweiler added, "The key takeaway from our conversation today is that, for instance,"
 India
 n weddings in
 Germany
 is a highly intriguing sector within tourism. I believe that
 Germany
 offers a fascinating cultural experience with 54 locations recognized as UNESCO World Heritage sites. It boasts thousands of museums and numerous castles scattered throughout.
 Germany
 So I believe everything in the cultural sector is quite fascinating from a potential standpoint.
 India
 n tourists to
 Germany
 as well."
 
 
 When questioned regarding how tourism plays a part in bolstering economic bonds and fostering interpersonal connections between
 India
 and
 Germany
 --and considering its role as a sector with significant growth potential over the coming ten years--he highlighted its increasing significance and the opportunity it presents for enhancing mutual ties even further.
 
 
 I believe this is quite significant as through tourism, individuals can create direct connections with one another. This subsequently fosters stronger relationships across various domains since having visited each other’s countries enhances mutual understanding.
 Germany
 As you’ve witnessed firsthand, this initiative will serve as an inspiration and motivate further growth in your professional, academic, or personal connections. Therefore, I believe it’s crucial to promote tourism with the aim of fostering these relationships.
 Germany
 ," Enzweiler said.
 
 
 Travel and tourism is anticipated to significantly enhance economic bonds and foster interpersonal connections between various regions.
 India
 and
 Germany
 In the coming ten years. (ANI)
 
 
</div>
Provided by Syndigate Media Inc. (
Syndigate.info
).

Indian Tourist Arrivals in Germany Soar 8.6% as Visa Demand and Flight Connections Rise

By Shafali Nigam New Delhi [ India ], April 16 (ANI): India n travel to Germany is experiencing signifi...

‘당일 3만원 1박 2일 5만원’ 초특가로 국내 여행 즐기는 법

DIWIDA.NEWS asia, korea national news, korean, tours, travel

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 한국관광협회중앙회가 국내관광 활성화를 위해 ‘내나라 여행상품’을 특가로 판매한다. 당일 여행은 3만원, 1박 2일 일정은 5만원에 판매할 예정이다.


 특가 상품은 한국관광협회중앙회가 오는 3월 27~30일 개최하는 ‘2025 내나라 여행박람회’에서 구매할 수 있다.


 내나라 여행상품은 총 3종으로 이번 박람회의 주요 테마인 △역사 △미식 △액티비티를 담은 △당일 테마 여행(3만 원) △1박 2일 테마 여행(5만 원) 상품과 휠체어 리프트 버스를 타고 떠나는 △당일 열린 여행상품(3만 원)으로 구성했다다.


 테마 여행상품은 2전시관 ‘마켓관’에서 각 상품별 3월 28일과 29일, 오전과 오후로 나눠 선착순 판매한다.


 이번 박람회의 주요 테마를 활용해 지역의 매력과 다양성을 담은 4가지 상품이 준비되어 있다.


 상품으로는 △리빙인터내셔널의 ‘인생 네 컷! 성북동을 담다’(당일) △애니원투어의 ‘화천-비수구미 계곡탐방 : 오지/보트체험’(당일) △여행공방의 ‘고창 서해랑길&정읍 내장산 걷기여행(1박 2일)’ △한국정신문화의 수도, 경북탐방(1박 2일)’이 있다.


 열린 여행상품은 1전시관 ‘모두를 위한 관광 부스’에서 선착순 신청 가능하며, 문화체육관광부와 중앙회가 함께 추진하는 무장애 관광시장 조성 지원 사업의 일환으로 마련되었다.


 해당 상품은 열린 여행주간(4월 14~20일) 기간 중 서울 근교의 7개 코스로 총 200명을 대상으로 운영한다.


 구체적인 상품으로는 △킹카누 체험 강원코스 △건축과 미술의 만남 서울코스 △오로라쇼와 도자기체험이 있는 인천코스 △평화가 담긴 경기북부코스 △바다휠체어 체험 경기서부코스 등이 있다.


 현장 방문객들은 ‘2025 내나라 여행박람회’ 기간 동안 현장에서 상품을 예약할 수 있으며, 4월 중으로 여행을 떠난다.


 이번 특가 판매는 한정 이벤트인 만큼 조기 마감을 예상하며 큰 관심을 모을 전망이다.


 중앙회는 박람회를 방문해 단순히 새로운 여행 정보 얻는 것을 넘어 직접 여행을 떠날 수 있도록 참가기관과 함께 다양한 체험, 이벤트와 경품을 운영할 계획이다.


 한편, ‘2025 내나라여행 박람회’는 국내여행의 매력을 널리 알리고, 숨겨진 관광지를 소개하기 위해 올해 22회째 개최되는 행사다.

‘당일 3만원 1박 2일 5만원’ 초특가로 국내 여행 즐기는 법

한국관광협회중앙회가 국내관광 활성화를 위해 ‘내나라 여행상품’을 특가로 판매한다. 당일 여행은 3만원, 1박 2일 일정은 5만원에 판매할 예정이다. 특가 상품은 한국관광협회중앙회가 오는 3월 27~30일 개최하는 ‘2025 내나라 여행...

새로운 시티투어 시작! 춘천역에서 떠나는 당일 여행코스, 18일부터 시작됩니다

DIWIDA.NEWS asia, korea national news, korean, local news, tours

새로운 시티투어 시작! 춘천역에서 떠나는 당일 여행코스, 18일부터 시작됩니다

양구군은 오는 18일부터 지역의 주요 관광지를 순회하는 '양구 시티 투어' 서비스를 시작합니다. 이번 연간은 18일부터 11월 30일까지 매주 금·토·일에 서비스를 제공하는데, 여행은 춘천역을 시작점으로 하여 지역의 주요 명소...

Cruise Line Aims to Become World's Premier Luxury Brand

DIWIDA.NEWS adventure travel, adventures, cruises, tours, travel

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1Bf7C6" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1Bf7C6.jpg"/>

 How long are you aboard for in weeks?


 It was my initial night aboard, and surprisingly, it marked the third occasion I had encountered this query. This time, it came from Torren, an elegantly dressed Dane, who seemed to be asking what must have become a routine question.


 He mentioned to me that he and his wife, Suzanne, were in the midst of their second week aboard the Explora II. In contrast, Elise, who was traveling alone from Toronto, had reserved an additional two weeks on board following our cruise.
 Barbados
 to
 Puerto Rico
 concluded.


 In the meantime, Elena and Thomas, a couple in their late thirties, mentioned they were "only planning to stay for a week" since they had entrusted their young child to their grandparents' care.


 Obviously, Explora Journeys — the premium luxury division of the MSC Group established by the Italian maritime dynasty, the Aponte Vogas — has garnered a significant following since launching in 2021. This is evident from my personal experiences aboard their ships as well as the numerous accolades the company has received.

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 Eager to discover if it met the expectations, I boarded Explora II (the fleet's lackluster moniker for its second vessel, introduced in 2023) for a four-night journey—a duration that prompted understanding nods from Torren, Thomas, Elena, and Elise—as she embarked on a week-long cruise through the Caribbean.


 Even though the 922-passenger vessel has an unexciting moniker—Explora III, Explora IV, Explora V, and Explora VI will join the fleet in the coming years—it certainly doesn’t appear dull at all.


 The exterior of Explora 11 boasts an elegant navy color, and from afar, the ship looks like a superyacht (which isn’t surprising considering its hawkish silhouette was designed by seasoned British yacht creator Martin Francis).


 Board the ship, though, and it feels as if you've stepped into a luxurious five-star resort.


 The lobby features an expansive two-story space adorned with a gleaming white-and-gold bar complete with a backlighted drink display wall. Up above, you'll find an open-air sky bar. Throughout the area, custom art pieces from Emilio Isgrò and Yves Dana can be spotted across various levels. The property boasts four visually stunning swimming pools designed for social media fame—one pool even has a roof that opens and closes. In addition, there are multiple hot tubs available for guests' enjoyment. High-end shopping options include stores like Piaget, Panerai, Cartier, and Buccellati.

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 In other locations, the lodgings are designed as suites—beginning at an ample 35 square meters for the basic "ocean terrace suite," which was the type of accommodation I chose. Spacious enough—it rivaled my flat in South London in terms of space—even though it carried only a base classification. The room featured a king-size bed adorned with Frette linens, included Steiner binoculars, had a capacious dressing zone equipped with a robust Dyson hair dryer, boasted a marble-clad bathroom fitted with radiant floor heating alongside custom-made Mandara Blue bath products; additionally, there was a distinct lounge area opening onto a balcony furnished with an exceptionally comfy Manutti daybed.


 Visitors who manage to escape from their minimalist-toned rooms (which is quite an accomplishment) have the option to cleanse themselves at the spa—where a 60-minute deep-tissue massage (£194) had all the tension in my neck skillfully alleviated by Gineesh’s adept fingers—or utilize the expansive fitness zones equipped with high-end Technogym machines. Afterward, they can indulge again at one of the vessel’s twelve bars and six dining venues.

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 During a coffee at Crema Café – the bustling hub of Explora II, always brimming with visitors chatting, savoring newly baked pastries, and typing on their laptops – General Manager Marco van Belleghem shared with pride that "guests have been extremely pleased with our cuisine."


 We receive numerous positive remarks. In contrast to other cruise lines, we feature solely independent restaurants, each possessing its distinct character and incorporated into the overall fare.


 The coziest place to eat is Emporium Marketplace – a high-end buffet that I frequented for lunches (imagine options like salads, stone-baked pizzas, and all sorts of pastas you can think of).


 Meanwhile, Marble & Co acts as the ship's sophisticated steakhouse, offering lobster and Black Angus beef essentially on demand. The Med Yacht Club menu embraces a Mediterranean twist, whereas French-inspired Fil Rouge presents dishes like fish soup and prawn risotto.


 The standout venue was undoubtedly the pan-Asian Sakura. There, seated at the sushi bar alongside another lone traveler named Susan from Wisconsin, we enjoyed juicy gyoza and a delicately tender yet crisp seaweed salad—overlooking the bustling activity of the chefs in the open kitchen.


 There’s an additional fee of £118 for the "upscale Italian dining" at the restaurant Anthology, but I didn’t want to spend that much. On the other hand, Susan, who recently retired and decided as a reward for herself, spoke highly of both the service and the seven-course Italian meal. She particularly praised the radicchio risotto, saying it surpassed anything she had tasted even in premier restaurants in London.
 New York
 hotel.”

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 Susan, much like Toronto residents Andrea and Paul and numerous other visitors I talked with, was inexperienced with cruising. She chose Explora II because of what it lacks—boisterous nightclubs, flashy casinos, and unexpected additional fees (tips are even included).


 These visitors—well-educated, widely traveled, and connoisseurs of luxury—thoroughly enjoyed the understated nightly performances (a pianist played elegantly on a Steinway in the lobby bar, while Broadway alum Zoe Tyler earned a standing ovation in Journeys Lounge), along with the ample personal space and notable guest-to-staff ratio of 1.25:1 ("hosts," as Explora refers to their crew members).


 Van Belleghem’s face lit up when I shared everything with him during our coffee break. "Our aim isn’t to draw customers away from other cruise lines," clarified the friendly Dutchman, who had accumulated 16 years of experience at Holland America before taking a turn on solid ground.
 in the Netherlands
 At a modest hotel group.


 Our owners, the Aponte Vago family, have developed an exceptionally distinctive offering. You know, Explora II feels more like a private residence than a typical vessel, doesn’t it? We stand out entirely from all other cruise lines.


 Perhaps none stands out as much as MSC Cruises does; with MSC World America set to launch in April, this impressive vessel can welcome an astounding 6,762 guests aboard, making it both daring and dazzling compared to its sibling fleet.


 “Definitely,” he concurred. “However, what sets Explora Journeys apart is that we aren’t merely another upscale cruise line; our aim is to revolutionize how individuals perceive sailing vacations.”

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 The brand aims to achieve this by concentrating on experiential travel—Explora prefers the term "experiences" over "excursions"—exploring less-frequented destinations, and extending stay times at each location.


 “During our previous cruise, we stopped at the ABC islands.”
 Aruba
 and
 Bonaire
 “We remained until 9 PM, and in Curaçao, we stayed till 11 PM,” disclosed Van Belleghem. “Our aim is for our guests to fully experience the different places we visit.”


 In
 St Lucia
 I enrolled in Explora’s "Scenic West Coast Hike with Chocolate Tasting" experience (£100), which involved hiking along the Tet Paul Nature Trail to view the iconic landmarks of the island—the UNESCO-protected Pitons, two distinctively pointed mountains situated on the southwest coast. Our knowledgeable and engaging local guide, Vina, led us through this scenic route before we embarked on a comprehensive tree-to-bar tour. This educational journey covered every step of cocoa production, from grafting trees to sampling the fruit and even roasting the beans right there to create our own bars.


 In Bequia, I chose to explore on my own and took the route from Port Elizabeth to Lower Bay — a stunning expanse of pale golden sand where I enjoyed nearly complete solitude.

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 However, everything didn't go entirely smoothly—there were minor hitches. For instance, my suite was cleaned only once daily instead of the advertised two times, and I needed to leave a note asking for the shower gel dispenser to be replenished.


 First-world problems aside, if Explora aims to achieve its objective of turning into – as Van Belleghem shared with me – "the top luxury brand globally," then these concerns must be addressed accordingly.


 Resolve their issues, and based on the bustling activity I noticed at the upcoming cruise desk, the line seems to have a very promising future ahead.
 the Caribbean sun
 .

<h2 class="u-heading-size-medium u-heading-style-normal">
 Essentials
</h2>

 Kaye Holland was a visitor
 Explora Journeys
 (0800 031 8935) provides a Bridgetown to San Juan sail for £3,200 per person, covering an ocean terrace suite, beverages, dining, internet access, and tips. Flights are not included.


 
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Cruise Line Aims to Become World's Premier Luxury Brand

How long are you aboard for in weeks? It was my initial night aboard, and surprisingly, it marked the third occasion I had encountered...

Explore Egypt's Ancient Mysteries Anew on This Exciting New Cruise

DIWIDA.NEWS egypt, egyptology, tours, travel, travel in egypt

I am gently drifting calmly up above the hustle.
 Luxor
 The dusty streets were silent, broken only by the sporadic bursts from the burners of the hot air balloons.


 Our pilot, captain Mahmoud, gently turns us around so we get an unbeatable God’s eye view reaching from the lush green corridor of the
 Nile
 To the craggy hills where the renowned Valley of the Kings lies hidden.


 I spin around to see a mesmerizing display of a dozen balloons outlined against the glowing amber hue of the rising sun, glistening as it ascends above the skyline.


 As Mahmoud brings the balloon down toward Earth, the support team springs into motion, clutching the basket to guarantee a smooth landing. They call out to one another as they gather and secure the fabric during its deflation, ensuring it doesn’t sustain damage from the uneven desert terrain.


 
 Read more:
 
 
 The top activities to enjoy in Luxor
 

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 The captain says to me, "Observe us Egyptians in action; this is how the pyramids were constructed."


 My airborne escapade is among multiple ground-oriented pursuits offered on a fresh cruise journey.
 Egypt
 is primarily defined by its major waterway, the Nile.


 For the very first time, the tour operator
 Tui
 has broadened its river cruise options beyond
 Europe
 With its five-star all-inclusive Al Horeya (meaning freedom), featuring 72 staterooms, a rooftop swimming pool, and two hot tubs, this vessel is set to be joined by another ship in November 2025 for additional operations.


 Before we set sail, I have some free time to visit Luxor.


 After catching sight of the Valley of the Kings from an altitude of 1,500 feet, I later explore it with a feeling of amazement that these concealed marvels nestled far within the mountains were ever discovered.


 As I near the black opening in the stone, my vision takes a second to adapt from the blinding sunlight to the dim lighting within the passageway that leads deep into the subterranean burial site of Ramses VI.


 
 Read more:
 
 
 Is the Grand Egyptian Museum worthwhile to visit before it’s completely opened? What attractions are available – and what elements are still lacking?
 

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 The meticulously created scenes illustrating the journey of the divine monarch guide my gaze along the passage, causing my skin to tingle with the thrill that the initial discoverers might have felt when unearthing these relics from antiquity’s past.


 As I delve into the tunnels housing the remains of the 62 pharaohs in the valley, the surreal imagery ranging from jackal-headed deities to the ankh symbol of life feels utterly otherworldly—almost like these designs were created by extraterrestrial beings using flying saucers instead of traditional tools.


 I save the entrance to Tutankhamun's tomb for last and make my way through the brief passageway into the burial chamber where the young pharaoh was interred after his death at the age of 19 around 1323 BC, following a reign of merely a decade.


 
 Read more:
 
 
 The individual, aged 26, was the first to complete the 550 km Sinai Trail in Egypt, assisted by the Bedouins.
 

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 His premature demise resulted in his interment within an unused chamber, which was inadvertently uncovered by the British Egyptologist Howard Carter in November 1922. This discovery occurred while Carter was digging into the sepulcher of Pharaoh Ramses VI, positioned immediately overhead.


 Despite the numerous artifacts discovered in the tomb—such as Tutankhamun’s stunning gold funerary mask—which are awaiting relocation to a recently constructed $1 billion museum, his preserved corpse still rests within the burial chamber enclosed in a glass casing.

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 Instead of believing that I've incurred King Tut's curse by venturing into his burial site, I consider myself fortunate for being able to catch a view of his visage, preserved through the ages, gazing upon his chamber adorned in rich oranges, where the walls depict scenes of his journey to the afterlife without significant signs of deterioration.


 Fortunately, my guide, Sarwat—one of our two accompanying Egyptologists—had suggested we begin at 6 am sharp to dodge the throngs of tourists. This way, we could relish exploring both the tomb and its imagery virtually undisturbed.


 Sarwat tells me that the artists employed a mixture of stone dust and vegetable paste combined with egg whites to form a plaster layer for protecting the illustrations.


 He states, "They were narrating the tales of the kings for the gods to peruse, ensuring their narratives endured forever."


 
 Read more:
 
 
 How this rock climbing club from the Middle East is attracting more women to adventure sports
 

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 I head back to the Nile and hop aboard a traditional felucca sailboat, much like those employed by merchants through the ages, for a leisurely journey back to the Al Horeya where I enjoy a delightful meal of spicy chicken wraps at the fittingly named Felucca rooftop eatery.


 The following day, I am left astounded by the sheer size and magnificence of the Karnak and Luxor temples.


 Upon entering the main hall, I feel small beneath the 134 pillars that dominate the central area of Karnak, which are famously remembered from "The Spy Who Loved Me" where Roger Moore’s James Bond fights against Jaws. Just after an uneven scaffold falls, Bond makes a somewhat unjust comment: “Egyptian builders.”


 However, at Karnak, the ancient architects left behind evidence of their architectural brilliance through large mud-brick ramps still standing beside the incomplete exterior walls, demonstrating how the massive stones were initially positioned.

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 The temple is connected to its Luxor equivalent via the ancient Avenue of the Sphinxes, an almost 5 millennia old pathway adorned with numerous sphinx statues featuring both humanoid and ram heads. This route was utilized during a ceremonial procession honoring the deities who were transported on boats by the high priests as they celebrated the sun god Amun-Re.


 The primary entryway at Luxor was constructed under the reign of Ramses II, with his imposing statue overseeing the area.


 It’s a brief ride back onto the boat docked next to the temple, marking our readiness for departure as we set off on our voyage up the Nile.


 I sit under the shade of the ship’s top deck bar, a gentle breeze from the river acting as natural air conditioning, watching as the city landscape gives way to the green farmlands that the river creates all the way down this desert country.

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 The unhurried rhythm of life aboard ensures that I feel rejuvenated each morning, prepared to explore Egypt’s most comprehensive temple.


 The final stop is
 Aswan
 During our trip, we will see the renowned dam, a testament to Egypt’s contemporary engineering prowess, along with a Nubian village to understand the traditional way of life in the southern part of the country.

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 Holding a beverage, I observe a farmer along the verdant riverside where sandy hills rise in the background. This scene instills an enhanced appreciation for the vital role this waterway plays in sustaining everyone within this nation, be they common laborers or legendary deities from olden myths.


 Just as the ancient Greek historian Herodotus stated, "Egypt is the gift of the Nile," and my voyage aboard the Tui Al Horeya has been an ideal means to discover this treasure.

<h2>
 How to do it
</h2>

 Tui (
 tui.co.uk
 ) provides a seven-night Legends of the Nile cruise aboard the Al Horeya for £1,799 per person (based on double occupancy), which includes everything plus gratuities.
 Transfers
 and flights from
 London Gatwick
 or
 Manchester
 to Luxor, Egypt, on April 17, 2025.


 
 Read more:
 
 
 Where can one go during winter for sunny weather, beautiful shores, and zero jet lag?
 


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Explore Egypt's Ancient Mysteries Anew on This Exciting New Cruise

I am gently drifting calmly up above the hustle. Luxor The dusty streets were silent, broken only by the sporadic bursts from the burner...

万博前売り券が1000万枚超える見通し修学旅行向けなど上乗せ

DIWIDA.NEWS asia, commerce, news, sports, tours

万博前売り券が1000万枚超える見通し修学旅行向けなど上乗せ

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