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USA

Go Miami™ Card

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From £37.03
Location: Miami, Florida

Explore Miami on your own way with the flexible Go Miami” Card. Do as much or as little sightseeing as you like, at your own pace while saving precious holiday dollars. Receive free admission to popular Miami attractions, and enjoy discounts on shopping and dining around town.

Highlights

FREE Full-Colour Pocket Guide Book
FREE Entry to over 40 attractions and tours
Discounts and value added offers at many restaurants and retailers
Conducted in English

The Go Miami Card leaves you in control, allowing you to have the best, customized experience possible. The Go Miami Card is available for one, two, three, five or seven days within a 14 day period. You may visit as many attractions as you like in one day, but you are limited to visiting each attraction only once per day.

The Go Miami” Card also offers a wide variety of free gifts and discounts at some of Miami’s best retailers and restaurants. Full details are available in your guidebook.

See ‘Itinerary’ below for full list of included attractions.

MIAMI TOURS

Miami Duck Tour
Fort Lauderdale Duck Tour
Gator Park Airboat Tour
Miami City Tour & short everglades tour
Key West Tour
Bar Hop Shuttle (must be 21 years of age)
Everglades Tour
Palm Beach Princess Cruise Casino Cruise
Schnebly Redland’s Winery (weekend winery tour and daily wine tasting)
Art Deco Walking Tour
Lion Country Safari

Special Offer – Buy any 3, 5 or 7 day pass and get a FREE Mai Kai Polynesian Dinner Show OR a one day Car Rental OR a Key West Day Tour – BOOK NOW!

Schedule

Departure Point: You must redeem your Go Miami” Card from one of the following location: Miami Beach Visitor Centre

Departure Time: Cards are activated the first time they are used at an attraction and are valid for the number of calendar days you have purchased out of a 14 day period after activation.

Valid from the time of first use, for the duration selected.

For additional information GO HERE!

COMPARE AND BOOK HOTELS IN FLORIDA FROM 30+ TOP SELLERS – HERE!

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USA

Tommy Gun’s Garage Dinner and Show – Chicago

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From £37.00
Location: Chicago, Illinois
3.5star based on 11 reviews

Welcome to the only speakeasy dinner show in Chicago Tommy Gun’s Garage! Just say the password and you’ll be transported back to the roaring twenties. You’ll be entertained by gangsters and flappers, dancing the Charleston to the music of Cole Porter and George Gershwin. It’s a night out in Chicago you’ll never forget!

Highlights

All taxes, fuel surcharges and service fees included
Tour is wheelchair accessible
All entrance fees included
Dinner included

Entering Tommy Gun’s Garage through the “El” tracks, you’ll swear you’ve time traveled back to the 1920s and the era of speakeasies! You’ll see silent movies playing, memorabilia from the 1920s, the Boss’s 1928 Model A Ford car, a replica of the wall from the St. Valentines Day Massacre and pictures of gangsters and coppers from those times.

The “Mugs” and “Molls” dance and sing to Cole Porter, George Gershwin, Fats Waller, Duke Ellington and more … All played by Chicago’s Sinfully Orchestra.

After a great dinner of pasta, steak, fish or chicken, join “Vito, “Gloves”, the “Mugs” and the “Molls” for non-stop comedy and dangerous fun, as they entertain you with singing, dancing, and a LOT of audience participation!

You’ll be raided by the cops, complete with raid sirens and flashing lights. Perhaps you’ll even be pulled up onstage to perform a hilarious sobriety test given by Officer Murphy, and be “interviewed” by Vito!

Special Offer – All kids 12 years and under receive a free Tommy Gun’s Garage souvenir! – BOOK NOW!

Schedule

Departure Point: Tommy Gun’s Garage

Departure Time:

Tuesday and Wednesday – 6:00pm (1 May to 31 October only)
Thursday – 6:00pm
Friday – 7:00pm
Saturday – 6:00pm
Sunday – 5:30pm

For additional information GO HERE!

I was adamant about how much Tommy Gun’s would be worth it, and after viewing the show, I would recommend it as a must see to anyone who visits Chicago! My boyfriend and I attended and dressed accordingly – just made the experience that much more memorable – and we would’ve gone back again if we had the time. The show was hilarious and filled with wonderful 1920’s music and dance. We were thoroughly impressed that the waitresses were also performers, what a task for them! Before the show, during dinner, we were kept entertained as the “owner” of the establishment and a few of the other male performers came around to talk to us – asking our names and where we were from, what we were in Chicago for. It felt like the performers legitimately cared to speak with us. The food was great, nothing upscale but totally satisfying, and the show was knee-knocking hysterical. The audience participation was all too fun to watch! If you’re considering this show, my advice is, do it. And guys, don’t forget your password!!

Reviewed by: Alison H, United States of America, April 2009

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USA

Chicago CityPass

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From £42.55
Location: Chicago, Illinois
4star based on 63 reviews

Chicago CityPass is the best deal in the Windy City, giving you discounted admission to five of the city’s premier attractions. The Chicago CityPass ensures you’ll get the most out of your vacation – yet it is so compact it will fit into your back pocket. It’s all you need to see the best of Chicago!

Highlights

Save on admission to selected attractions
Perfect introduction for first-time visitors
Flexibility to customize your itinerary to your own preferences
Ideal choice for families

Chicago CityPass includes entry to:

Hancock Observatory including Sky Tour OR Sears Tower Skydeck
Field Museum including Underground Adventure
Museum of Science and Industry including Omnimax
Adler Planetarium and Astronomy Museum including Sky Theater Show
Shedd Aquarium: VIP entry including Oceanarium, Wild Reef, Amazon Rising and Special Exhibit

This is the best way for you to save time and money. Each ticket booklet is packed with useful information, including hours of operation, contact and transportation information and insider tips.

Save up to US$50 on five attractions with one Chicago CityPass that’s a 47% saving, plus you won’t wait in long ticket lines!

Most venues included in the pass have different minimum ages for free entry. It is your choice whether you purchase a pass for infants and children to avoid standing in ticket lines to verify ages and pay admission upon entry. You may purchase a Child Pass for infants and children, however this may not be cost saving.

Inclusions:

Admission to Shedd Aquarium
Admission to The Field Museum
Admission to Museum of Science and Industry
Admission to Hancock Observatory and Sky Tour OR Sears Tower Skydeck
Admission to Adler Planetarium and Astronomy Museum including the Sky Theater
Savings certificate from Bloomingdales, as well as a free gift with a $50 or more purchase

Schedule

Departure Point: The ticket office of any one of the five listed Chicago CityPass attractions

Departure Time:

Adler Planetarium and Astronomy Museum and Sky Theater

9:30am to 4:30pm (6:00pm in summer)

The Field Museum
9:00am to 5:00pm, last admission at 4:00pm

Museum of Science and Industry
9:30am (11:00am on Sunday) to 4:00pm

Shedd Aquarium
9:00am to 5:00pm (6:00pm on weekends and during summer)

Hancock Observatory
9:00am to 11:00pm

Sears Tower Skydeck
Daily from 10:00am

For additional information GO HERE!

We liked not having to wait in long lines with our City pass. We certainly got our money’s worth! We went to every place the City Pass paid for in Chicago and had a great week-end. Loved the view from the top of the Sears Tower at night!

Reviewed by: Anonymous, United States of America, December 2008

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USA

Boston Whale Watching Cruise

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From £24.60
Location: Boston, Massachusetts
3.5star based on 41 reviews

Looking for a whale watch that requires less travel time, offers the most comfortable ride available and gives you more time viewing some of the world’s most magnificent creatures? Look no further! Here is Boston’s ONLY 3-Hour Whale Watch on a high-speed catamaran. They will get you to and from the whales in half the time, which allows you more time to watch the whales.

Highlights

All taxes, fuel surcharges and service fees included
Informative, friendly and professional pilot/guide
Travel by boat and see the sights from the water
Conducted in English

You’ll visit Stellwagen Bank, the East Coast’s most famous whale watching destination. Stellwagen’s heavy concentration of humpback, finback, and minke whales guarantees an adventure filled with opportunities to view and learn about whales as they frolic in their natural habitat.

Each Boston Whale Watching Cruise is narrated and guided by a naturalist from the noted Whale Center of New England (WCNE). The WCNE has been studying the whales of New England for more than 20 years and its members are recognized worldwide as authorities on whales.

One of the whales you’re likely to spot during a Boston Whale Watching Cruise is the humpback. These Northern hemisphere humpbacks reach an average length of 50 feet, and a weight of about 37 tons! Sadly, they’re also among the most endangered, and its estimated that only 8 percent of their original population remains.

With the data collected on each cruise, WCNE is able to further the understanding of whales and their world. And, their presence on board ensures that your whale watch will be an exciting and educational trip.
Whale sightings on every whale watch. If you do not see a whale on your trip, you will receive a free ticket for a future Boston Whale Watching Cruise.

The catamarans feature 3 outside decks for optimum viewing capability. Inside you will find climate controlled cabin space with cushioned seating, tables, state-of-the-art audio-visual, and a galley offering snacks and beverages for purchase.

Schedule

Departure Point: Cruise departs from Long Wharf in Boston

Departure Times:

April 11 – 26, 2009
Departure Time 1: 10:30am weekends

April 27 – May 17, 2009
Departure Time 1: 10:00am weekdays, 10:30am weekends

May 18 – June 14, 2009
Departure Time 1: 10:00am weekdays, 10:30am weekends
Departure Time 2: 2:30pm weekends

June 15 – 26, 2009
Departure Time 1: 10:00am weekdays, 10:30am Saturday, 8:30am Sunday
Departure Time 2: 12:00pm (noon) weekdays, 12:30pm Saturday, 10:30am Sunday
Departure Time 3: 2:30pm Saturday and Sunday

June 27 – September 7, 2009
Departure Time 1: 10:00am weekdays, 10:30am Saturday, 8:30am Sunday
Departure Time 2: 12:00pm (noon) weekdays, 12:30pm Saturday, 10:30am Sunday
Departure Time 3: 2:30pm Saturday, 12:30pm Sunday
Departure Time 4: 5:30pm Saturday, 2:30pm Sunday

September 8 – 20, 2009
Departure Time 1: 10:00am weekdays, 10:30am weekends
Departure Time 2: 12:30pm weekends
Departure Time 3: 2:30pm weekends

September 21 – October 4, 2009
Departure Time 1: 10:00am weekdays, 10:30am weekends
Departure Time 2: 2:30pm weekends

October 5 -30, 2009
Departure Time 1: 10:00am weekdays, 10:30am weekends

Return Details: Returns to original departure point

For additional information GO HERE!

We saw plenty of whales. The trip was narrated with a lot of info on whales and the history of each one that they have been following for years! If you don’t see any whales, they will give you a rain check to go again. Very informative. If you don’t get any pictures, they take pictures as well and will sell you a disk. LOVED IT!!

Reviewed by: Deborah W, United States of America, May 2009

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USA

Mauna Kea Summit and Stars Small Group Adventure Tour

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From £117.17
Location: Hawaii, Hawaii
3star based on 3 reviews

Experience an intriguing and provocative journey through space and time as you go where no rental cars can go! Discover Hawaii from the top of the Island’s tallest peak, the Mauna Kea, which also known as “White Mountain”, stands majestically at 13,796 feet (4,200 meters) above sea level. Be sure not to miss this enchanting summit and star gazing small group tour!

Highlights

Free snacks included
All taxes, fuel surcharges and service fees included
See the sights illuminated at night
Dinner included
Conducted in English

View a spectacular sunset from the top of Mauna Kea and enjoy a unique stargazing experience on this Big Island adventure tour. Travel from Kona through Hawaii’s historic Parker Ranch in a specially equipped 4×4 luxury van to the summit of Mauna Kea on the Big Island of Hawaii. Learn about the Big Island of Hawaii’s cultural, natural and ecological history from your naturalist tour guide as you journey to the top of Mauna Kea for this once-in-a-lifetime sunset and stargazing tour.

Ride to the summit of Mauna Kea in comfort and safety with specially equipped 4×4 tour vans and gain access to parts of the Big Island of Hawaii that most travelers will never see! Enjoy a special hot, picnic style lunch at a historic Hawaiian ranch where you’ll be provided with a warm, hooded parka (you must specify size when booking) and prepare to make the climb to the top of Mauna Kea.

Once on Mauna Kea’s summit, enjoy views of Mauna Loa and see Maui’s volcano, Haleakala, along with other special points of interest. Stand among some of the earth’s most powerful telescopes and advanced observatories as you enjoy the once-in-a-lifetime sunset view. After sunset, you’ll travel to the Mauna Kea Visitor’s Center at 9,000 feet (2,750 meters) where your tour guide will set up a telescope for a personal, entertaining and educational star party. Learn how Mauna Kea’s unique geography that draws scientists from all over the world to study the heavens also allows for incredible nighttime views of the stars. Enjoy hot beverages and chocolate macadamia nut cookies as your guide gives a personal astronomy lesson.

Special Offer – Save almost 5% off the recommended retail price when traveling through December 31, 2009 – BOOK NOW!

Schedule

Departure Point: Tour departs from Queen Kaahumanu Highway, or Waikoloa Kings Shops.
Departure Time: Departure time varies between 1:40pm and 4:00pm, depending on the time of year and accommodations

Return Details: Returns to original departure point

For additional information GO HERE!

Our guide gave us lots of interesting facts on the way up Mauna Kea. The view was incredible from the top! The stars were amazing; I have never seen so many stars in all my life! It was romantic and perfect for the day after our wedding.

Reviewed by: Jodie H, United Kingdom, September 2007

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USA

Big Island Hawaii Volcano Adventure

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From £41.31
Location: Hawaii, Hawaii
3star based on 8 reviews

See the lava fields on a comprehensive full-day tour of the Big Island’s volcanoes. You’ll explore Volcanoes National Park and the Big Island of Hawaii’s lava flows and craters, and learn about the natural history of this amazing part of the world along the way.

Highlights

Fully narrated tour
Day trip (destination A to B)
Free hotel pickup and drop-off included
Conducted in English

The recent eruptions of Hawaii’s Kilauea Volcano in Volcanoes National Park have captured the world’s imagination. This narrated excursion features the closest approach to recent lava flows allowed by Civil Defense and local authorities.

You’ll explore Volcanoes National Park, Thurston Lava Tube and Kilauea Iki Crater, and visit the Jagger Museum and Volcano House. If conditions are deemed safe by the National Park Service, you’ll also have the opportunity to hike out onto the lava flow.

This Big Island Hawaii Volcano Adventure also takes you through Hilo Town and Banyan Drive, the waterfalls at Rainbow Falls (if time permits), a macadamia nut factory (seasonal), and an orchid and anthurium nursery.

Special Offer – Save over 10% off the recommended retail price when travelling through December 31, 2009 – BOOK NOW!

Schedule

Departure Point: Tour departs from Hilo hotels or Airport
Departure Time: Hotel pick up is between 8:00am and 8:30am

Return Details: Returns to original departure point at approximately 5:00pm to 6:00pm

For additional information GO HERE!

This was such a fantastic experience. Didn’t see lava flow though as the only way to see it while we were there was in a helicopter. Got to walk on past lava fields which was pretty cool. Definitely worth doing.

Reviewed by: Kelly W, Australia, November 2007

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USA

Oahu Day Trip: Pearl Harbour, Honolulu and Punchbowl tour…

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From £160.77
Location: Hawaii, Hawaii
4star based on 3 reviews

This historic Oahu Day Trip from the Big Island will take you on a patriotic journey from the site of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor to the signing of the armistice on the USS Missouri. You will board the Navy launch for a trip into history across Pearl Harbor to the Arizona Memorial. Explore the USS Missouri, the last battleship built by the US Navy, which served from World War II through to Desert Storm. The Missouri was the site of the 1945 Japanese surrender to the Allies.

Highlights

Roundtrip airfares
Day trip (destination A to B)
Qualified and professional pilot
All taxes, fuel surcharges and service fees included
Conducted in English

Your historic journey will continue with historic attractions of downtown Honolulu including Kawaiahao Church, Iolani Palace – the only royal palace on American soil, State Library and Archives, the famous statue of King Kamehameha, Honolulu Hale and the Mission Houses Museum. Before you return to the Big Island you will experience the serenity of Punchbowl National Cemetery of the Pacific and Courts of the Missing.

Attractions

Arizona Memorial and Visitor Center at Pearl Harbor
Guided tour through USS Missouri
Punchbowl National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific and Courts of the Missing (drive through)
Kawaihao Church, State Library, City Hall, Mission Houses (drive through)
Iolani Palace and Kamehameha Statue
Waikiki Beach
Diamond Head Crater (drive through if time permits)
Nu’unanu Rainforest and Pali Lookout

Schedule

Departure Point: Meet the Airport Representative at Kona Airport
Departure Time: Flights depart at 5:00am, please check in at the Kona Airport at least 90 minutes prior. Exact time to be advised at time of reconfirmation

Return Details: Returns to original point of departure between 8:00pm – 9:00pm

For additional information GO HERE!

It was the most enjoyable tour we have ever taken. We saw more than we expected and learned so much. The tour of the USS Missouri was so interesting and our guide was terrific, so many details. We recommended the trip to a family we met while in Hawaii and they couldn’t wait to go. Thank you for such a memorable day.

Reviewed by: Ruth B, United States of America, October 2008

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Sri Lanka

PJ Hotels to build four seven star hotels in…

Charumini DE SILVA

PJ Hotels (Pvt) Ltd., will develop a range of hotels and will open four seven star hotels under the brand name ‘Our Way’. Most of the investors are Asians and mainly Indians and Chinese investors will contribute, since they are in the region, as they understand the necessity.

“The investment of these hotels is nearly US$ five billion. Through the development of these hotels the GDP and per capita income will grow substantially. The company will open a hotel with 1,000 rooms in Mannar under the tagline ‘Northshore Icon’.

These hotels will be constructed with an eco-friendly method and construction work will commence in the next four years.

The target market for the range of hotels is mainly Asians as they have shown a huge interest in exploring Sri Lanka”, said Chairman, PJ Hotels (Pvt) Ltd., Prasanna W. Jayewardene.

Asia has half of the world’s population and it has the fastest growing economies. This population is keen on travelling around the world and Sri Lanka has the potential of attracting more tourists to the country with the dawn of peace.

Sri Lanka as a tourist destination has great potential among investors who are eager to invest in the Northern and Eastern provinces. The coastal lines in these areas are very attractive, as it has not been affected due to the war, which drove the country backwards for three decades.

“There are possibilities of developing games since tourists will arrive and be a part of it while travelling around the country. The surfing beach in Arugam Bay will capture the attention of many local and foreign tourists. In addition these activities will contribute to increase foreign exchange earnings”, he said.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa has already declared the year 2011 as the ‘Visit Sri Lanka Year’ and is expecting 2.5 million tourists by the year 2016. The Northern province will be one of the most developed provinces within the next few years.

Tourists will not only arrive by air, but the ferries will also increase, especially with India. In addition the Sri Lankan diaspora will also join to build and invest in Sri Lanka since their response is tremendous.

“With the development of these hotels in the Northern and Eastern provinces many job opportunities will be created and many jobs will be created within the area. Meanwhile, the other sectors related to tourism and the hotel industry will motivate their business”, Jayewardene said.

“Sri Lanka is enriched with vibrant cultures. Many religious and cultural celebrations will take place in every nook and corner and the people will be enthusiastic to experience these events. The whale and dolphin watching trade has many opportunities and these sectors have to be enhanced with innovative ideas, as they will contribute to the country’s economy vastly”, he said.
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Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka post-war tourist arrivals pick up

Sri Lanka’s tourist arrivals rose 8.1 percent in June from a year ago, its first rise since May last year, the Indian Ocean island nation’s tourism board said, a month after the government ended a 25-year war.

Arrivals in Jan-June fell 16.3 percent to 187,729 compared to 224,363 a year ago, mainly due to a drop in visitors from western Europe and south Asia, data showed on Thursday.

Sri Lanka received 438,475 visitors in 2008, a drop of 11.2 percent from a year earlier. Tourist revenue declined by 11.2 percent to $342 million as visitors stayed away because of intense fighting.

“We expect the arrivals and revenue to remain the same this year as all rooms are already sold. But next year we expect half a million arrivals and $400 million in earnings,” S. Kalaiselvam, director general at the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority told Reuters.

Britain last week relaxed an advisory warning of travel to Sri Lanka but continued to caution citizens of visiting the north. The United States said last month its travel warning was still active. Britain and the United States together made up a quarter of last year’s arrivals.

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Sri Lanka

Aitken Spence to upgrade oldest hotel in its Sri…

Sri Lanka’s Aitken Spence group said it was upgrading the oldest hotel in its chain to its premium ‘Heritance’ brand which is built to reflect the history of an individual hotel as well as the country it is situated in.

Neptune Hotel, which will be closed for refurbishment, was the first hotel in Aitken Spence group. Built in 1973-76, it was designed by Geoffrey Bawa, a celebrated Sri Lankan architect who gave birth to a new style of hotel design in the Asian region.

The chain operates a chain of 26 hotels in Sri Lanka, the Maldives, India and Oman.

There are now two hotels under the ‘Heritance’ brand in Sri Lanka and one in India. A hill country hotel, the Tea Factory, is also to be re-branded.

The group’s Maldivian hotels are branded ‘Adaaran’.

The hotel will be re-branded ‘Heritance Mahagedera’. Mahagedera is a Sri Lankan term that refers to the ancestral or parent’s residence.

“A special effort has been made to respect and retain the historical ambience of the property,” Aiken Spence said in a statement.

“The Heritance brand mission is aimed at travelers experiencing, connecting with, and learning from Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage.”

The group says the hotel will have yoga, meditation and traditional ayurveda medicine service providing a ‘wellness’ experience.

“Ayurveda is a science of life that has been practiced in Sri Lanka for thousands of years,” Aitken Spence managing director Malin Hapugoda said in a statement.

“It is central to our cultural inheritance.

“‘Heritance Mahagedera’ will specialize in providing the inner and outer rejuvenation that ayurveda, yoga and meditation, combined with Heritance Cuisine, can provide.”

The Neptune Ayurveda Village which is situated next door to the hotel will be in operation throughout the renovation.

Hapugoda says the refurbishment will see the hotel offering modern quality standards while being “aesthetically and spiritually Sri Lankan.”

“We also believe the time is opportune for the refurbishment and as the new property opens its doors as a Heritance, it will be to an economy in upswing.”

A 30-year war ended in the island with the defeat of Tamil Tiger separatists in May. The leisure industry has been crippled by travel advisories. Britain last week relaxed its travel warning to some areas in the East of the island.

Website: Neptune Hotel

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