A 7 Day Land Program: Rio de Janeiro and Salvador, Brazil

Culinary Brazil With Star Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten

Discover the food, people and rich culture of Brazil with world-renowned chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten.

Chef Jean-Georges welcomes you for two impeccable culinary presentations, including a demonstration of local cuisine and his specially prepared gala dinner, with ample opportunities to savor the variety of flavors and traditions of Rio and the Bahain capital of Salvador.

We will tour the highlights of Rio de Janeiro and Salvador, stay in the region's most famous hotels and relish in the music and dance of its people throughout our itinerary, including the Carnival Winner's Parade in the Sambadrome.

Overview of the Magnificent City of Rio - one of the most famous views in the world.

Price: $5,450* per person, based on double occupancy

Price Details: A 25% deposit is required to reserve your space. Second payment of 25% is due 6 months prior to traveling, with full payment required 3 months prior to departure.

Inclusions: Fare includes 6 nights' luxury accommodation with breakfast; meals, tours, transfers and admissions per itinerary; culinary events with Chef Jean-Georges per itinerary; internal air transfer from Rio to Salvador, English-speaking guides and program escort throughout the itinerary.

Exclusions: Fare does not include international air to Brazil; optional tours, transfers, alcoholic beverages and mealsnot included on itinerary; passport and visa fees; gratuities; phone calls; premium spa and other personal services.

 

Day 1: Thursday, Feb 18th

Arrive in Rio De Janeiro
Upon arrival, clear customs and meet your guide to transfer to the hotel, stopping en route at Sugar Loaf Mountain.

Visit Sugar Loaf at Sunset
Positioned at the entrance of the Guanabara Bay, a cable car ride to the top of Sugar Loaf Mountain affords an overview of the city and its beaches from high above.

Check into hotel with dinner and the remainder of the evening at leisure.

Overnight at Copacabana Palace Hotel (B,L)

 

Day 2: Friday, Feb 19th

Breakfast at your hotel.

Morning City Tour with Lunch

Jeep Tour of Downtown Rio and Santa Teresa
Begin with a walk through the city's center, where the architecture and traditional commerce provide a warm welcome to visitors. Stops at the São Bento Monastery, Praca XV (square), Candelaria Church, França-Brasil House, old Market Street and Imperial Palace. Finish at the famous delicatessen in Rio – Confeitaria Colombo.

Proceed to the charming historical district of Santa Teresa, famous for the yellow tram that crosses through it. Located high on a hill, enjoy great views of Guanabara Bay and the mountains, and beautiful 18th Century-era houses. While in Santa Teresa, enjoy lunch at Aprazível Sabor Restaurant, where the award-winning kitchen serves up a variety of Brazilian dishes with an emphasis on tropical flavors. Return to your hotel after lunch.

The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure.

Brazilian Barbecue Dinner

Zozô Restaurant
Located at the base of the Sugar Loaf Mountain, Zozô combines the beauty of the wonderful city and the warmth of the Carioca. Choose between four classic, uniquely-prepared Brazilian dishes: barbecue, grilled meats, parrilla, and rolete – all with distinctive sides. The buffet includes a delicious variety of salads, Japanese cuisine, and desserts. Return to your hotel after dinner.

Overnight at Copacabana Palace Hotel (B,L, D)

 

Day 3: Saturday, Feb 20th

Breakfast at your hotel.

The day is at leisure.

Gala Dinner Prepared by Chef Jean-Georges with Carnival Winner's Parade

Carnival Winner's Parade at the Sambadrome
Enjoy the top 6 samba schools of 2010 parading and celebrating their winning position. It's a late night party, and those who are interested will have the opportunity to return to the hotel early.

Return to your hotel and overnight at Copacabana Palace Hotel (B, D)

 

Day 4: Sunday, Feb 21st

Breakfast at your hotel.

The morning is at leisure with lunch on your own.

Afternoon Tour

Sightseeing Tour
We begin at Corcovado Hill, known by the famous Statue of Christ the Redeemer, one of Rio's most famous landmarks located 2300 ft above the sea level. We will ride the train up to the top and discover why Rio is known as the "marvelous city." We make our way back down, driving throughout the Tijuca Atlantic Forest, the largest urban forest in the World; stopping at Chinese View Belvedere with a magnificent view of Copacabana and Ipanema beaches, the Guanabara Bay and the Sugar Loaf. Inside the forest, we pass by a beautiful waterfall and view tropical animals such as monkeys, monkey's sloth and exotic birds along the walk.

Late afternoon transfer to Rio de Janeiro Airport for domestic flight to Salvador

Arrive in Salvador and transfer to hotel

Evening cocktail reception and overnight at Pestana Convento do Carmo (B)

 

Day 5: Monday Feb 22nd

Breakfast at your hotel.

Full Day City Tour with Lunch

Tour of Salvador
The tour begins at a local market where you will find all of the ingredients used in regional cuisine as well as wide selection of tropical fruits. Continuing onward, discover the essential sights of Salvador: the Pelourinho, a Unesco Heritage site and the largest complex of colonial architecture in South America, the church of São Francisco with its exuberant gold-leafed Baroque interior and the Pelourinho square, the heart of the old town.

For Lunch, Chef Jean-Georges will join Salvador's leading chef, Marc Le Dantec, in a hands-on cooking demonstration.

The tour continues to the Lower City, along the quiet waters of the Itapagipe Peninsula. Fishermen fish from dug out canoes, locals collect shellfish at low tide, schooners lie at anchor, all protected by the famous Bonfim church, one of the most important churches of pilgrimage in Brazil. Next, visit the Monserrat district with its panoramic view of the city and on to the Mercado Modelo, a thriving market for local artifacts and souvenirs where you can test your bargaining talents.

Evening Folklore Performance and Dinner

The Bahia Folklore Company
See the sacred dances of the Candomblé religion, which predominates in Salvador, including the puxada de rede, maculelê, an acrobatic stick and sword dance, capoeira, a martial art/dance of Angolan origin and the samba de roda, a spinning, swirling version of Brazil's national dance.

After the show, enjoy dinner at Restaurante Amado. This restaurant draws on northeastern Brazilian influences, not purely Bahian. The location is stunning on the shores of the immense bay. Chef Edinho Engel will present a special tasting menu.

Overnight at Pestana Convento do Carmo (B, L, D)

 

Day 6: Tuesday, Feb 23rd

Breakfast at your hotel.

Morning Schooner cruise of All Saint's Bay followed by Lunch

Paraíso Tropical Restaurant
Chef Beto Pimental will welcome you to this rustic local restaurant and give an overview of his favourite dishes. Chef Beto is considered a pioneer of a new approach to traditional Bahian cuisine. He hails from deep in the All Saints Bay hinterland, and many of his recipes have been handed down generation to generation.

Visit a traditional Candomblé Temple
Established at the turn of the century, the temple maintains the traditional religious and social values of African daily life. Learn the religious and social traditions of the people and visit the primary school whose curriculum includes Yorubá language studies and the study of the spiritual and medicinal properties of sacred plants in addition to the normal academic studies.

Dinner at Trapiche Adelaide

Trapiche Adelaide is one of the best restaurants in Salvador. With stylish ambience and a wonderful waterfront setting, the imaginative menu features nouvelle Brazilian-style cuisine Brazilian with an Italian touch and a wonderful wine list. Chef Joelson Peixinho has maintained many of the original dishes that have made this one of the most sought after restaurants in the city.

Overnight at Pestana Convento do Carmo. (B,L,D)

Day 7: Wednesday, Feb 24th

Breakfast at your hotel.

Enjoy the morning at leisure before transferring to Salvador airport for your connecting flight to return home. Or continue on a customized extension of the program.

Disclaimer: *Fares are subject to a minimum number of travelers. Guests and activities are subject to change due to unforseen circumstances.

 

Call Admiral Travel Gallery at 1-888-722-3401 for more information

A 7 Day Land Tour: Sydney, Barossa Valley

Epic Australia with Chef Roy Yamaguchi

Experience Australia's freshest culinary fusion, dramatic natural beauty and cultural attractions with Chef Roy Yamaguchi as your special guest chef in the "Land Down Under."

Receive Complimentary Club Access at the Intercontinental Sydney and introductory pricing when you register by August 30, 2009. After 08/30/09, standard price of $5,650 per person applies.

One of the world's most beautiful harbour cities, Sydney will provide you with a cosmopolitan welcome. World renowned chefs and iconic panoramas set the scene for your dining delights.

Behold the opportunity for a magnificent evening bridge climb on the famous Sydney Harbor Bridge. The climb provides you with an unparalleled panorama of the city skyline as you watch the sunset and the city lights come to life.

The wines of Barossa Valley and Penfold's Grange are known the world over. Don a laboratory coat and, with the assistance of Penfold's resident winemaker, create your own blend of one year-old reds, straight from the barrel, which you will take home in a personalized bottle.

Price: Introductory fare is $5,350 per person, based on double occupancy

Price Details: Upgrades available - please contact us for details. A 25% deposit is required to reserve your space. Second payment of 25% is due 6 months prior to traveling, with full payment required 3 months prior to departure.

Inclusions: Includes four nights opera view room accommodation with breakfast at Intercontinental Sydney; two nights bed and breakfast accommodation at The Louise; domestic flight to Adelaide and ground transportation per itinerary; meals, events, activities, sightseeing and admissions per itinerary; services of English-speaking guide throughout.

Exclusions: Does not include international air; visa fees; travel insurance; roundtrip transfers for international flights; meals and other activities not stated in itinerary; gratuities; telephone calls; individualized services and other items of a personal nature.

Disclaimer: *Fare is subject to a minimum number of travelers. Activities, special guests, properties and itinerary are subject to change. We strongly recommend purchasing Travel Insurance to protect against illness, trip interruption and cancellation.

 

Day 1: Sunday April 11 [D]

Arrive Sydney
Transfer to your hotel
The afternoon is at leisure
Welcome reception
Evening harbor cruise with dinner onboard
Overnight InterContintental Sydney

Day 2: Monday April 12 – Sydney [B, L]

Sydney Fish Market Shopping Excursion
Breakfast at your hotel
Morning tour of The Rocks, Botanic Gardens and inner harbor

Embark on a short drive to Observatory Hill overlooking Darling Harbor, Bridge Street, the financial precint of Australia and Sydney, Macquarle Street with the Parliament House of NSW government, the Mint and Hyde Park Barracks. Traveling past St. Mary's Cathedral, you visit the Sydney Domain and Royal Botanic Gardens. Stop for a short stroll to view Mrs. Macquarle's Chair and enjoy and unsurpassed view of Sydney Harbor, the Opera House and Bridge.

Interactive Seafood Demonstration and Lunch at Rushcutter's Bay, Vibe Hotel

The tour continues in the afternoon at Watsons Bay and South Head where you discover breathtaking views of Sydney Harbor, the Heads, the North Shore and the city. Stroll along the cliff tops and continue onward to Bondi Beach and Centennial Park before returning to the hotel mid-afternoon.

Dine on your own at leisure
Optional Evening Bridge Climb, Sydney Harbor Bridge
Overnight InterContintental Sydney

Day 3: Tuesday April 13 – Sydney [B]

Breakfast at your hotel
Morning Tour: Quarantine Station, North Head and Manly Beach
Lunch on your own with the remainder of the afternoon at leisure
Overnight InterContintental Sydney

Day 4: Wednesday April 14 – Sydney [B,D]

Breakfast at your hotel
The day is at leisure
Gala Dinner prepared by Chef Roy
Overnight InterContintental Sydney

Day 5: Thursday April 15 – Barossa Valley [B, L, D]

Breakfast at your hotel
Domestic flight to Adelaide
Overland tour commences upon transfer to Barossa Valley with lunch en route
Vineyard Tour and Tasting, Peter Lehmann Wines
Arrive at your hotel and enjoy time at leisure
Wine Dinner with Chef Roy
Overnight The Louise

 

Day 6: Friday April 16 – Barossa Valley [B, L, D]

Breakfast at your hotel
Barossa Valley Vineyard Tour

The day begins with a visit to Penfolds Nuriootpa Winery, one of Australia's most famous wineries for its "Make your own Blend Tour." After touring the winery and cellars, you are invited to play winemaker for the day at the Winemakers Laboratory. Try your hand at making your own wine from a blend of Grenache, shiraz and mourvedre, just like Penfold's own Bin 138. Transfer to Hutton Vale at Angaston for a wine tasting and lunch with time on property to tour and enjoy the grounds.

Return to your hotel with the remainder of the afternoon at leisure.
Dine on property at The Louise's signature restaurant Appellation
Overnight The Louise

 

Day 7: Saturday April 17

Breakfast at the hotel
Visit Maggie Beers Farmshop to sample and purchase regional delicacies
Continue to Adelaide Airport for your domestic flight to continue with your extended program or return home

 

Call Admiral Travel Gallery at 1-888-722-3401 for more information

The Ancient Mysteries of Peru with Future Hall-of-Famer Shannon Sharpe

An 8 Day Land Program & Luxury Rail Journey By Orient Express

Benefitting the Humane Society of the United States

When you book this travel package hosted by Future Hall-of-Famer Shannon Sharpe, $300 will be directed to support the programs of The Humane Society of the United States. "I'm honored to have the opportunity to work with the Humane Society in an effort to raise money and support their continued work protecting animals" says Sharpe. For more information regarding The Humane Society of the U.S. programs and services, please visit www.humanesociety.org.

The Intihuatana Stone (Hitching Post of the Sun) has proven to be a precise indicator of the date of the two equinoxes and other significant celestial periods. Shamanic legend says, when a sensitive person touches their forehead to the stone, the Intihuatana opens one's vision to the spirit world.

Miraflores Park Hotel

Hotel Monasterio

Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge

TRIP PRE OPTIONS An Amazon Excursion aboard the M/V Aqua

The M/V Aqua Luxury Cruise Ship

Perched 2000 feet above the Urubamba River, the ruins of Machu Picchu are one of the most beautiful and mysterious ancient sites in the world. Completely self-contained, surrounded by agricultural terraces and watered by natural springs, Machu Picchu appears to have been used by the Incas as a secret ceremonial city.

Price: $5,250* per person based on double occupancy with single supplement of $2,245

Price Details: A 25% deposit is required to reserve. Second payment of 25% is due 6 months prior to traveling, with full payment required 3 months prior to departure. See Refund Policy below to learn how you can cancel for any reason and protect your trip investment.

Inclusions: Fare includes escorted airport assistance and private transfers; 7 nights accommodation at Peru Orient-Express properties including breakfast: 2 nights at Miraflores Park Hotel Executive suite with ocean view; 4 nights at Monasterio Deluxe room and oxygen; 1 night at Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge Room with view to the mountains and terrace. All private services, tours and meals as indicated, per itinerary.

Exclusions: Fare does not include international flights and airport taxes; internal air (additional $463 per person) and airport taxes; activities, beverages and meals not indicated on itinerary; passport and visas fees; personal services such as laundry, room service, excess baggage fees, phone calls and other items of a personal nature; gratuities to local guides and drivers.

Disclaimer: *Rate is subject to change based upon availability. Activities, special guests, properties and itinerary are subject to change. We strongly recommend purchasing Travel Insurance to protect against injury, illness and unforseen circumstances in the destination.

Day 1: May 18, 2010 - Lima, PeruArrive in Lima and transfer to your hotel
The remainder of the evening is at leisure
Overnight Miraflores Park Hotel

Day 2: May 19, 2010 - Cusco, Peru [B]
Breakfast at your hotel
Transfer for domestic flight to Cusco
Arrive and transfer to the hotel

City Tour of Cusco
Discover the city of Cusco, as we take a tour of the city, including the Cathedral and the Qoricancha (the Temple of the Sun).

Peru Experiences Benefits:

• Complimentary 25 min massage at the hotel
• 1 hour of internet

 

Day 3: May 20, 2010 - Cusco [B,L]

Chinchero and Ollantaytambo - Inc Huayocari
Full day visit of the Sacred Valley, starting in Chinchero, a small Indian village high up on the windswept plains of Anta at 3762 meters. Continuing this magical journey you will go to Ollantaytambo, an Inca town where time has stood still.

Afternoon at leisure
Overnight at the Hotel Monasterio

Day 4: May 21, 2010 - Machu Picchu [B,L,D]
Transfer from the hotel to the Poroy train station.

Hiram Bingham Train: Poroy - Machu Picchu
This luxury train service runs between Poroy and Machu Picchu.
Its distinctive blue and gold livery and elegant interior upholstery in warm, inviting tones, consists of 4 cars - 2 dining cars, a bar car and a kitchen car.

Hiram Bingham to Aguas Calientes. Brunch on board, soft drinks, Peruvian wine and pisco included.
Arrival and depart by bus to Machu Picchu (30min)
Tea time at the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge.

Machu Picchu half day private visit
Private Visit to Machu Picchu.

Peru Experiences Benefits:

• Complimentary 25 min massage at the hotel
• 1 hour of internet

Overnight at the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge

Day 5: May 22, 2010 - Machu Picchu, Cusco [B, D]
Machu Picchu full day private visit

Hiram Bingham: Machu Picchu - Poroy
Take the bus to Aguas Calientes.
Board the Hiram Bingham, trains departs to Cusco. Dinner on board (soft drinks, Peruvian wine and pisco).

Transfer from Poroy train station to the hotel.

Overnight at the Hotel Monasterio

Day 6: May 23, 2010 - Cusco, Peru [B]
Day at leisure
Overnight at the Hotel Monasterio

Day 7: May 24, 2010 - Lima, Peru [B]
Transfer from the hotel to the airport.
Flight from Cusco to Lima
Arrival and transfer to the hotel.

City Tour of Colonial Lima and Larco Herrera Museum

Visit the Lima's historic center including "Plaza San Martín", the Plaza Mayor with it's colonial architecture, The cathedral, the government palace, the municipal palace, the Desamparados train station as well as the Moorish-style houses and balconies along Lima's old streets.

The next stop is San Francisco convent featuring the best exhibition of Colonial art in Latin America and its mysterious catacombs.

The Larco Herrera Museum features an exquisite collection of Peruvian gold and silver, and an erotic art salon. The museum with over 45,000 archaeological pieces exhibits the largest private collection of pre-Colombian and pre-Hispanic Peruvian art in the world.

Peru Experiences Benefits:

• Complimentary 25 min massage at the hotel
• Bath butler service
• 1 hour of internet

Overnight at the Miraflores Park Hotel

Day 8: May 25, 2010 - Lima, Peru [B]
Transfer to the airport for your international flight home.

 

 

Call Admiral Travel Gallery at 1-888-722-3401 for more information

Hosted by Salvatore Ferragamo

A 7-Day Escorted Journey in Florence and Tuscany

Your day at the races features the absolute best balconies in Sienna in the Pannochietti d'Elci's Palace. It was the first palazzo built on the Piazze del Campo and THE place everyone would like to be to see the race. From here you can literally almost touch the horses.

The Palio bareback race is steeped in folklore and legends of bribery, bravado and rivalry - sometimes even life and death.

Twice annually, visitors and residents from the 17 contrada (neighborhoods) pack into the Piazza del Campo to witness the spectacle. Dating back to the early 1300's, the race lasts only 90 seconds and is the culmination of months of preparations as well as a full day's pageantry.

Coveted balcony views are nearly impossible to obtain, but AuthentEscapes travelers will be hosted by Countess Enrica Rocca at a comfortable distance from the fray at the Pannochietti d'Elci's Palace, a palazzo right over the Piazza del campo. View the race in the same locale enjoyed by the likes of Tom Cruise, Harrison Ford & The Blair's with windows over the start line of the race. Champagne and hors d' oeuvres will be served as well as a private, catered lunch.

Your host Salvatore Ferragamo welcomes you to Italy with a Cocktail Reception in Florence and a Wine Reception and Private Dinner in the Cellar at Il Borro.

This extraordinary collection of distinctly Italian experiences features Ferragamo-owned properties Hotel Lungarno in Florence and at the Family's private villa in the medieval village of Il Borro.

 

Price: From $8,950 per person, based on double occupancy. Please view Accommodations tab for room upgrades.

Price Details: A 25% deposit is required to reserve. Second payment of 25% is due 6 months prior to traveling, with full payment required 3 months prior to departure. See Refund Policy below to learn how you can cancel for any reason and protect your trip investment.

Inclusions: 3 nights' deluxe accommodation Hotel Lungarno; 3 nights' deluxe accommodation at the private Villa del Borro; Breakfasts daily, plus hotel service charges and taxes; Transfers, tours and meals as referenced in Itinerary; Exclusive viewing of the famous Palio horse race in Sienna; Gratuities for guides; Escort of an accredited AuthentEscapes travel advisor throughout.

Exclusions: International air tickets, telephone calls, personal gratuities and items of personal nature, meals and optional tours as indicated on itinerary.

Disclaimer: Rate is based on a minimum number of travelers. Activities, special guests, properties and itinerary are subject to change. We strongly recommend purchasing Travel Insurance to protect against injury, illness and unforseen circumstances in the destination.

Hotel Lungarno

Villa Del Borro

Sunday June 27
Airport arrival in Florence and transfer to hotel
Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure
Overnight Hotel Lungarno

Monday June 28
Walking Tour: The Artisans and Back Streets of Florence

Retrace Florence's prosperity during the Middle Ages – the time of Dante and Giotto – and the Renaissance under the rule of the Medici family – a time that produced greats such as Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo.

Visit Piazza della Signoria, one of the most beautiful squares in the world, with its open-air display of masterpieces of Renaissance and Baroque sculpture. The backdrop is the medieval Palazzo Vecchio.
Continue onward to the Ponte Vecchio, or "old bridge" to browse the hand-made gold jewellery that is a "centuries-long" tradition in Florence.

Visit a family-run working Mosaic workshop en route to the Franciscan church of Santa Croce and its neighborhood to view a pantheon of monuments to Italian genius and fine examples of famous artists' work.

Enjoy lunch at your leisure and then resume the tour to visit the 'Scuola del Cuoio' leather crafting workshop. Learn this refined art from Master Craftsmen at the most famous school in Florence.

Afternoon visit to the Ferragamo Museum and Store
Cocktail party at a special location with host Salvatore Ferragamo
Overnight Hotel Lungarno

Tuesday June 29
Walking Tour: Highlights of The Renaissance on the Left Bank

Begin by wandering through the fresh food market at Piazza Santo Spirito and cross the Arno to the Church of Santa Trinita and then stroll the Via Tomabuoni, famous for its haute couture shopping. Continue to the Duomo square and onward to the Accademia: The Academy of Fine Arts, founded in 1563, where Michelangelo's David is on display.

Return to the hotel with lunch and the remainder of the day at leisure
Overnight Hotel Lungarno

Wednesday June 30Morning drive to Tuscany
Arrive at Il Borro for private winery tour and tasting
Dinner is on your own and the evening is at leisure
Overnight Villa del Borro

Thursday July 1
The day is at leisure to explore the array of activities at Il Borro: A Cooking Lesson at the Osteria del Borro, Hot Air Ballooning, Gliding, Mountain Biking, Fishing or Golf (Contact us in advance for reservations)
Cellar Dinner hosted by Salvatore Ferragamo
Overnight Villa del Borro

Friday July 2
Depart for Sienna for full day Palio event

View the Palio race and enjoy the day's pageantry from the Pannochietti d'Elci's Palace, which offers the best balconies in the square.

Countess Enrica Rocca and the Marquise will host you for an extraordinary and unforgettable day. Take in the excitement of the race and its corresponding events with refreshments and an exclusive lunch in the palace's private dining room. An amazing restoration of the palace has brought to life the original decor by A.Fantastici (1782-1845.), one of the most famous neoclassical architects from Sienna.

Return to Il Borro in the evening
Overnight Villa del Borro

Saturday July 3
Check out and return to USA or continue traveling on customized extensions to Rome, the Amalfi Coast or other favorite destinations in Italy

 

Call Admiral Travel Gallery at 1-888-722-3401 for more information