EUROPEAN BARGING- Summer Steals!

Europe is calling- and if you’re looking to pack as many charming cities into a compact timeframe, without having to unpack and repack, trudge to (and through) airports and deal with all the extra transport, than a river cruise is for you. Oh, and did we mention, Explorateur readers get an EXCLUSIVE 50% off deal aboard itineraries on the modern, luxurious Premicon Queen? How about that…

This is the world’s most modern twin cruiser, an extraordinarily crafted vessel complete with a glass-domed ceiling and glass-enclosed gourmet restaurant to ensure you get the best glimpses of some of Europe’s most stunning architectural wonders. Here, you’ve got access to everything you’d ever want on a first-class sail through Europe’s most beautiful waterways- 24 hour room service, supremely cordial staff, panoramic views, elegant dining, library, wellness area, and gorgeous handsomely-equipped suites.

Save 50% on a vast selection of journeys throughout the summer…traverse the Rhine and Danube Rivers, with exciting stops between Cologne and Frankfurt, or Regensburg and Budapest…with architecturally-stunning cities like Vienna, Bratislava, Linz and Melk along the way.

EXPLORATEUR EXCLUSIVE- Save 50% on select multi-day journeys, one of our best deals yet! Prices start at just $1190* per person for a 3 day journey. Click HERE for more information and as always, be sure & tell em ‘The Explorateur sent you!

*per person, double occupancy on select dates in June and July for a 3 night journey, rates subject to change and vary depending on departure date and length of journey. Tax & service charges, and airfare additional.

DYLAN HOTEL- DUBLIN
Thinking Dublin? Think Dylan…our pick which also just happens to otherwise be known as the city’s hottest boutique hotel according to certain circles and publications (just sayin’). Décor is sophisticated, location is slightly suburban, lending itself to a traditionally Irish green leafy surrounding yet just minutes from all of the city’s most bustling areas. You’re greeted on arrival by their savvy dedicated Welcome Team clad in super swish garb, and it just gets better from there.

No two guests are alike, which is great because no two rooms at the Dylan are alike. They range from modern to mystical, stylish to sensual, wildly colored to softly monotone and everything in between. However, the constants are consistent and comprised of everything from Seventh Heaven memory foam beds, Frette linens, customized pillows from their signature menu, plasma TVs, free WIFI, iPod docking stations, Etro bath amenities and more. http://www.thecollektion.com/dylan1.html

When you get hungry in Dublin, some eats we might recommend (though a bit quirky, but we promise they’re good!) would be:

-Monty’s Of Kathmandu- Yes, because Nepalese food is the first thing you think of when in Ireland….seriously, it’s small, unassuming, majorly award-winning and delicious. - 28 Eustace Road- Temple Bar, Dublin

-Leo Burdock’s Fish & Chips- Proudly serving up the greasy, gorgeous grub since 1913- no inside seating but the outdoor nearby benches work well. - 2 Werburgh St, Dublin

-Queen of Tarts- Finish off either of these meals, or start your day rather with a sweet treat

from this local café. - Cow’s Lane, Dame St, Dublin

EXPLORATEUR EXCLUSIVE- Complimentary room upgrade, valet parking and freshly baked welcome brownies in your room upon arrival. Click HERE for more information and as always, be sure & tell 'em The Explorateur sent you!

THE WEIRDEST THING WE EVER ATE- by guest Explorateur blogger Greg A.
Living in a culture obsessed with expiration dates, the idea of eating something that is rotten on purpose seems as far fetched as life on Mars. Given the recent photographs from the Red Planet showing water and “99% pure ice”, it might be time to put aside all thoughts of “sell-by” dates as well. Enter hákarl, Iceland’s most potent food offering.

Hákarl, simply put, is putrefied shark meat. It is the meat of the Greenland Shark hailing from the North Atlantic waters. Oh, and, its flesh is poisonous due to the high levels of uric acid that build up in its body throughout its lifetime.

Toxic flesh might be enough to stop most of us from even considering any culinary use, but Icelanders took a different approach. They found that after gutting and beheading the shark, it could be buried in a shallow hole at a slight angle for six to twelve weeks. This process is used to drain the fluids out of the shark’s body. It is then cut into strips, and hung to dry in a covered, outdoor building for as long as six months. And when it’s dried, the meat is cut into small, bite-sized cubes and is ready to eat. Ready, that is, only for those with strong stomachs and a sense of adventure, as even many Icelanders themselves do not eat hákarl.

Given the overwhelming smell of ammonia emanating from the meat, it’s preferable to have a shot of the Icelandic spirit, Brennivín (a potato spirit flavored with caraway seeds) ready to wash the taste of hákarl down and then, perhaps, something else to wash away the taste of the Brennivín, also known as “black death”, itself.

If you’re still interested (seriously?), the Bjarnarhöfn Shark Museum is the place to have the authentic hákarl experience. While there, you can see a small museum dedicated to the hákarl business, a drying shack and there just might be a “fresh” catch somewhere on the premises. If you cannot make it to Bjarnarhöfn, rest assured, hákarl can be found in grocery stores in Reykjavík.

Guest blogger bio- When not traveling, Gregory has filled his time working as a landscaper, political advisor, graphic designer, child model and an alcohol taste-tester (strictly pro bono). He currently lives in Hoboken, New Jersey, the city that brought the world baseball and Frank Sinatra, and can be reached via his Twitter account @culverlake.

Want to guest blog too? Show us what you’ve got at info@theexplorateur.net

WORLD CUP FEVER
We've got it, and it's raging...we're not only counting the days until this maddeningly beautiful fusion of worldwide sport, passion and fervor begins, but also counting the minutes until we head back to South Africa to support our favorite teams live and in person.

In case you're still on the fence about going, we know where the available rooms are. In case you're still thinking the airfares are too expensive, we've got a few leads on best, most affordable routes. In case you're wondering if there are any match tickets left, there are. And, in case you had doubts as to whether or not South Africa would be ready....think again.

Just to get you in the mood, we'd love to share with you a bit of advertising brilliance. Take 3 minutes and watch this clip, it will have you chanting along in no time. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=idLG6jh23yE

If we can help with finding accommodations for you, let us know by clicking HERE. Hope to see you all there

and be sure to follow our World Cup Blog on our Facebook page!

HAMADRYADE LODGE- Ecuador

It’s quite literally in the middle of nowhere, but when you do reach Hamadryade, you’ll know when you’ve arrived at quite possibly one of the most harmonious spots on the planet. Bold statement indeed, but what else can be said about a place in the rainforest developed specifically to fix what had previously been destroyed, a place where no tree was cut to clear space, a place where soil was enriched to a level new strength needed to receive a larger range of flora, a place developed so that nature could regain its rights and display all the wonders it has to offer.

The owners, who have a beautifully harmonious love story of their own, built the lodge upon their wish that every guest feels that they’re a part of nature itself, and they proudly provide them with a glimpse into the way of life of the locals residing in the Amazonian Rainforest itself. For them, it’s not about "green accreditation" on paper, but rather about living a life that is respectful to nature and it shows in every possible way here.

Rainwater is the medium here, carefully filtered for use and even the pool is chemical free. Electrical wires are buried rather than exposed to avoid harming trees. Natural products of the forest necessary for locals’ daily life such as cocoa and plants for construction are never exploited, and even the decoration of each of the 4 bungalows is a living tribute to the aesthetic style and symbols of the ethnic groups of the Amazon. Take advantage here of being able to visit the communities, take a trip down the Napo River, walk through waterfalls, take a night trek through the jungle and just allow yourself to indulge in the mystical and magical... http://www.hamadryade-lodge.com/

EXPLORATEUR EXCLUSIVE- Save 10% on travel through May, 2011. Click HERE for more info and as always, be sure & tell 'em The Explorateur sent you!

LE BURGUNDY- Paris

Oooh how we love to spill new scoop…and today we’ve got a good one. Le Burgundy Paris is the city’s newest 5-star hotel which we are in love with because it’s got everything we feel a fab boutique property should have- elegance, a fiercely bold blend of impressive contemporary art and architecture, luxurious décor, exquisitely personalized service and a quietly discreet, almost confidential location.

Rooms here offer a striking combination of modern ornate luxury with brilliant colors contrasting with soothing light stone and chrome in the bathrooms, while the suites, aptly named for districts like Vendôme and Saint-Honoré pay homage to the splendor of their affluent nature. Don’t miss the impressive monumental fresco across the ceiling of Le Baudelaire, the hotel’s cozy restaurant, and for relaxation after a long day out and about in this gorgeous city, there’s a Zen retreat awaiting your return with a Hammam, array of available treatments and a beautiful pool. C'est absolument magnifique! www.TheCollektion.com/paris1.html

EXPLORATEUR EXCLUSIVE- Complimentary upgrade to next available room category, late check-out, complimentary room amenity such as Champagne, and complimentary daily breakfast. Click HERE for more information and as always, be sure & tell 'em The Explorateur sent you!
*2 night minimum stay required, late check out and upgrade subject to availability.

GORILLA TREKKING- UGANDA & RWANDA- by Immersion Journeys
You’re tired, legs are aching, you’re unable to tell any longer whether you’re covered in perspiration or precipitation as you walk through the cloud forest…you just about say to yourself that you can’t go any further. And then you see it and you think, can this really be? Am I actually staring into the eyes of a mountain gorilla, standing in his environment, playing by his rules? Then it hits you, yes- this IS real, this is possibly the most emotional, beautiful and curious moment in your entire personal history of travel. This is the gorilla experience, and together with Immersion Journeys, we invite you to come along on this incredible journey.

The trek will take you from Rwanda to Uganda and all points in between, climbing the famous Virunga volcanoes, traversing through spectacular hills, forests and across lakes, strolling through villages, even giving you an opportunity for involvement in local community projects, a visit to an orphanage, and even time to see Dian Fossey’s grave. And, lest we forget, the gorilla experiences.

You’ll track gorillas in both countries with the assistance of an expert guide, through the mountain cloud forests where you can have up to an hour of uninterrupted time to spend observing them in their daily routine. This is definitely not for the faint of heart- you WILL get muddy, you WILL get tired, you WILL need to walk far distances through vegetation, passing animals along the way. On the other hand, you truly WILL have the experience of the lifetime. Trust us.

EXPLORATEUR EXCLUSIVE- This package is available exclusively for Explorateur readers, complete with accommodations, necessary permits, some meals, and special unexpected surprises along the way. Click HERE for more info and as always, be sure & tell 'em The Explorateur sent you!

ILHA DE TOQUE TOQUE BOUTIQUE HOTEL- Brazil
Toque Toque (or Tap Tap, depending on where you’re from) is about as far away from the hectic yet beautiful chaos of any Brazilian metropolis. It’s a tiny haven in the middle of lush, relatively uninhabited nature reserves, serving as home to this spirited boutique hotel so remote that you’d find it hard to believe Sao Paulo is a mere 3 hours away. 10 rooms in the middle of 17,500 square meters of landscape fits quite comfortably as you’d well imagine. And here, you’ll find dirt roads, not paved- the artesenal work of caiçaras fishermen, not commercial boats nor yachts trawling the shoreline...and total, complete privacy in an ultra-romantic setting.

Couples will dig the startling views, the private hot tubs designed for deliciously sublime baths, the seclusion of it all. Eco-friendly travelers will dig the owners’ commitment to the Earth- no trees were harmed in the construction of this hotel, water here is collected from a waterfall, and the only energy here is solar powered. There’s even a nutritionist and spa therapist on property to help restore your balance. http://www.ilhadetoquetoque.com.br/

EXPLORATEUR EXCLUSIVE- 15% off of the Honeymoon Package including 3 nights in an Essencial Suite with private Jacuzzi, daily breakfast, 1 romantic candlelight dinner, one hour-long massage per person and totally romantic decorations and goodies en suite upon arrival, plus complimentary Natura sunblock for those days in the Brazilian sun. Valid for travel June through September, 2010, rates starting at US $699* . Click HERE for more info and as always, be sure & tell 'em The Explorateur sent you!

*Photo by www.hiddenpousadasbrazil.com

FIREFLY MUSTIQUE & FIREFLY PLANTATION BEQUIA
When it comes chilled-out-island-chic, there’s Bequia & Mustique, and then everything else. No hassle, no fuss, no hustle nor bustle, no street hawkers, no high rises, no oppressively-loud clubs, no driving over 20 mph. Rather, it’s yes to brilliant deserted white sand beaches, beautiful flora, unique boutique hotels, and the low-key atmosphere that continues to attract celebrities and royalty the world over. Want to be treated like a rock star when you’re here? The password is…Firefly.

Firefly Mustique is one of the best kept secrets on the island, wrapped in a private villa discreetly perched on a hill resulting in some of the most magnificent views of neighboring islands and astounding sunsets. When you’re here, you’re treated to thoughtful touches from luxurious linens to gorgeous homemade sunset snacks, sarongs & flippers for beach days, pre-loaded iPods with sultry mixes, even use of an electric car. Sister property Firefly Plantation in Bequia cuts a slightly different figure- an active working plantation with hillsides of orchards growing exotic fruits welcoming guests with four lovely guest rooms and the privacy and personalized attention any guest deserves.

Save yourself the ridiculously difficult decision of deciding which one to visit and take advantage of their “Best of Both Worlds” offer with 3 nights in Bequia and 4 nights in Mustique The celebrity treatment kicks right in with your upgrade upon check-in to the best available room, complimentary breakfast and dinner daily. They’ll even throw in free flights from Barbados to Bequia, a boat transfer between islands and return flight back to Barbados. Or, indulge in the uber-chic option of a private air charter which can gladly be arranged for you at a special rate.

They’re so far south that the weather remains pretty darn perfect all year round. Have we made this easy enough for you yet? Just in case we haven’t, read on…

EXPLORATEUR EXCLUSIVE- Two massages for the price of one in either Bequia or Mustique when booking the Best of Both Worlds package. Click HERE for more information and as always, be sure & tell 'em The Explorateur sent you!

CLICK TO HELP US BE STREET SMART!

One of the amazing benefits of travel is that it opens your eyes to so many amazingly brilliant new worlds. The other side of that is exposure to all-too-unfortunate realities that we sometimes need to be reminded about. If you're reading this, chances are you're doing pretty well- you have a computer, a phone, you've traveled, you have something to eat and a roof over your head. As we sit here on our latest trek to southern Africa, we've seen children walk barefoot on a rocky, busy street trying to get to a makeshift school. We've seen hovels on top of hovels with no electricity or clean water. We've been embarassed during a rare moment of carelessness to have thrown away crusts of a sandwich that someone took out of the bin to eat.

This is why we volunteer, and why we work hard to raise funds and awareness for global causes like Streetsmart. Born in South Africa, expanded into the UK, US and Australia, this non-profit org raises money for street children via local restaurants. Diners are asked to contribute a small amount to their bill which goes towars local causes that help children on the street.

One of our VERY amazing partners has offered to help make an extremely generous donation based on our own Explorateur fan race. For each new Facebook Fan, Twitter follower or subscriber we get now through Sunday midnight, they'll make a contribution per person so all you have to do is pass this along! Circulate it as best as possible, please, and if you feel so inclined, you can donate directly at http://www.streetsmart4kids.org/

Thank you for your help- no child should ever go hungry, and you can make a huge impact just by forwarding this email and raising awareness. Ready set GO!
Click HERE to subscribe

VILLETA MIMMA VITTORIA- Calabria
Take a look at a map of Italy and follow along the boot-like peninsula. At the toe of this boot, at the very tip of the toe lies the final frontier of Italian splendor. A land of unparalleled beauty where mountains melt into clear blue waters, where shores tell tales of thousands of years of history, and where you can tuck in to some of the most incredibly authentic dishes this magical land has to offer. This is Calabria, and it’s best enjoyed when based at your own homestead…just like Villeta Mimma Vittoria.

This two-floor independent townhouse is jam-packed with amenities you’d want in your own home- an open plan living room with leather sofa bed, stainless steel full kitchen with modern appliances, marble staircase, skylights, balconies., even a wood burning Franklin fireplace for the occasional chilly evenings. It’s been in the owner’s family for generations, and they proudly share this sanctuary and their love for this vibrant region resplendent with friendliness, proud enthusiasm and the signature Italian passion for life. The Vileta is secluded, special and splendid, just like the region itself so discover this smooth side of Italy when next you visit.

EXPLORATEUR EXCLUSIVE- Stay a week and it’s yours for only US $1800, that’s a savings of over $3000! Plus, they’ll throw in a cooking class and excursion to the family olive orchard and mill. Click HERE for more info and as always, be sure & tell 'em The Explorateur sent you!

ONE OCEAN EXPEDITIONS
Summer’s coming, and for some, it’s beach blanket bingo bliss while the other half see only hot weather, steamy sidewalks, thick air and bad hair. If you’re a card-carrying member of the latter group, there’s a ship about to set sail due north on 02 Aug that has a cabin waiting with your name on it. Where? Greenland.

The Clipper Adventure, your trusted expedition vessel on this cool journey, is reminiscent of the great ocean liners of yesterday…lots of varnished wood, brass, international cuisine, club room, but outfitted also with state of the art navigation and safety technology, and modern rooms with outside views and en-suite bathrooms.

You’ll begin your journey at Lancaster Sound, a veritable wildlife super-highway connecting the North Atlantic to the Arctic Ocean, passing majestic fjords, ice floes and the dramatic mountains of Greenland along the way. Once docked in this intriguing land of ice and snow. Adventures abound in the form of tundra hikes for wildflowers and indigenous birds. Perhaps one of the most important aspects however relates to culture and the opportunity to visit with the Inuit people, who live in some of the world’s most remote communities. You’ll marvel at their mix of ancient and modern, their stories of overcoming hardship, and their inherent respect and understanding of the Arctic ecosystem as well as the contrast between their compatriots’ style of life in West Greenland. Surprised? Great, imagine how you’ll feel when you’re actually there.

EXPLORATEUR EXCLUSIVE- FREE charter flights for the High Arctic portion- Edmonton to Resolute Bay, Nunavut for embarkation, and outbound returning from Kangerlussuaq, Greenland back to Toronto. A $1600 value per person! Plus, complimentary bottle of wine in cabin upon arrival. Click HERE for more information and as always, be sure & tell 'em The Explorateur sent you!

GO AHEAD TOURS
Folks, you’ve been putting off that European jaunt long enough. The economy’s getting a BIT better, the US Dollar is getting a TAD stronger versus the Euro…plus there are some great steals just for Explorateurs so we’re ready to get you to go, with Go Ahead Tours.

Why Go Ahead? Why not…they’ve got over 20 years of experience in custom-crafting incredible experiences that go beyond the normal multi-city tour. Their belief that every trip of yours should be a trip of a lifetime means that they’re going to introduce you to the fabric of a destination and immerse you in the culture. They’re going to get you involved with surprising activities, set you up in excellent accommodations, provide you with a taste of local fare, all the while guided by an expert in the destinations. i.e. no headaches, no stress of having to plan each component on your own, just pick a trip, plan the dates and leave the rest to them.

Try a Venice, Florence & Rome 12 day tour leading you through these three great cities, giving you time to enjoy the majesty and romance of Venice, get swept away by the history and art of Florence and become engrossed in the traditions of ancient Rome.

Or, cast a wider net through three of Europe’s great capitals, London, Paris & Rome with a blend of culture, tradition, charm and grace as you travel through palaces, landmarks, modern museums, fabulous shops and more on an 11 day journey.

Interested in a more Iberian immersion? Consider the 14 day Grand Tour of Spain which traverses through the festive squares of Madrid to the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, down to the stunning Mediterranean coastline, showcasing the landscape, history and regional traditions along the way. Now GO!

EXPLORATEUR EXCLUSIVE- Save $200 per person on any European tour through 2011 (ps NO BLACKOUT DATES!) Hurry, must book by 21 May 2010. Visit http://www.goaheadtours.com/explorateur for more information and as always, be sure & tell ‘em The Explorateur sent you!

TIVOLI HOTELS- Portugal

A trip to Portugal is best spent on the move…there are so many gorgeous hidden towns, ancient cities, gleaming beach resort areas and castles set upon rolling hills to explore that it’s nearly impossible to narrow it down to just one. Choosing an area may be challenging but here’s a little secret- Tivoli Hotels, a group comprised of some of Portugal’s most desired accommodations in all of the areas you want to be.

Lisbon’s got it all, but try taking a few days and combining a more serene are with a city break. Meet Tivoli Palacio de Seteais, long a personal favorite from childhood days where we’d run up and down the majestic palatial halls and pretend we were royalty. (ok, maybe we still do that today but so what!) Head straight up the mountains in stunning historical Sintra just a short drive from Lisbon and you’ll come upon this incredibly romantic 18th century regal structure complete with dazzling interiors, period furniture and magnificent frescoes. Linger over high tea served by white-gloved butlers and gaze out into the seemingly endless gardens and allow yourself to feel like a king or queen.

Prefer the beach? Try out the brand new Tivoli Victoria in the stunning Algarve region resort town of Vilamoura, complete enclave designed to include everything you’d want from a European coastal holiday. The adults have the golf, the spa, the splendid design and the nearby fab Nikki Beach Club, while kids will love the 4 pools, signature children’s butlers, and a phenomenal activities program. http://www.tivolihotels.com/ Need additional suggestions to make your Portugal adventure perfect? Just ask!

EXPLORATEUR EXCLUSIVE- Stay 3 nights at Tivoli Palacio de Seteais and pay for 2! Or, book Tivoli Victoria and receive a free 30 minute Rejuvenating Back Massage.
*Tivoli Victoria valid through 30 Jun 2010, Tivoli Palacio Setais valid through 31 May 2010 and valid on stays Sunday through Thursday only. Click HERE for more information and as always, be sure & tell 'em The Explorateur sent you!

AQUA MARINE DIVING- Bali
If you’re a scuba diver, you’re certainly spoilt for choice when it comes to the “where to conquer next” question. If you’re having challenges narrowing down the site of your next expedition, let us make it nice and easy for you with a fab deal to beautiful Bali.

Aqua Marine Diving is who we recommend, a small shop owned by a lovely British couple who are hands-on with all facets of operations and constantly ensuring all guests that they are indeed guests to be looked after, and not just names on a reservation. They handcraft special itineraries at some of the region’s best sites and best accommodations, and today’s 8 day/7 night Explorateur package is fantastic.

This exploration extraordinaire has you starting at Candidasa, the laid back coastal town in East Bali where you’ll take short transfers daily to nearby incredible dive sites and retreat to the chic chill of the Watergarden Hotel, one of Bali’s best kept secrets. Moving on then to Ubud, one of Bali’s major arts and culture centers, where you’ll be treated to dives in more intriguing locals, an expedition to the Blue Lagoon, and a spectacular white water rafting adventure. Retreat and relax at night into the Champlung Sari Ubud, a boutique hotel replete with charm.

The package includes all accommodations, daily breakfast, airport transfers, dives including lunch & bottled water, land and boat transport, PADI Dive master, PADI insurance, equipment and local fees.

EXPLORATEUR EXCLUSIVE- Save $110 per person on this spectacular package, based on double occupancy. Click HERE for more information and as always, be sure & tell 'em The Explorateur sent you!