Monday 30 September 2013

Garuda takes delivery of A330s


Garuda A330
 
Garuda Indonesia has begun to take delivery of its new Airbus A330 aircraft as part of its fleet modernisation efforts.
Indonesia’s national carrier placed an order for 18 new A330-300s and the first of these aircraft, powered by Rolls Royce Trent 700 engines, have now arrived.
The new aircraft form a major element in the airline’s fleet modernisation programme.
“The A330 has been a key element in the success of Garuda Indonesia,” Garuda Indonesia president and chief executive Emirsyah Satar said.
“It remains one of the most efficient aircraft types on the market today and is a firm favourite with our passengers, offering the highest levels of in-flight comfort.”
The A330-300s feature a two class premium layout, including 36 full flat beds in Business Class.
Garuda Indonesia will operate the aircraft from its hubs in Jakarta and Denpasar (Bali) to destinations across Asia, the Middle East and the Pacific.
Source = ETB News: P.T.

Tuesday 24 September 2013

Another Traveller finds the Wonders of Albania with Past and Present Journeys of Albania.



Just a quick note to thank you very much indeed for putting together such a great itinerary – I really enjoyed the trip to Albania & got a lot out of it.

The flights out were straightforward with Austrian Airlines behaving themselves – but then I had plenty of time in Vienna for my connection.  The flights back with Lufthansa were also fine.

I was met in Tirana by the hugely enthusiastic Gentian – who had spent 6 years living in Bedford, of all places – and we then drove into Tirana & had a tour of the city.  The hotel Vila Alba was nice & friendly – quiet, too, for such a central location.  Breakfast on the 6th floor terrace in bright sunshine was an absolute treat.

The visit to Ohrid was really interesting – we saw 7 old Zastavas – I mean the really old ones based on the Fiat 600 – that in addition to all the usual Zastavas & other old cars – Macedonia seems to be a haven for old vehicles.  Yes – I know I didn’t go to see old cars.  That was a bonus J

Korça seemed really interesting & it would have been nice to have had some free time in Korça to wander around the city – the itinerary had us arriving at 16.30 but with so much to pack in during the day it is hard to see how that could have been achieved – and as it was we saw the old & new cathedrals & the icon museum the next morning………

Gjirokaster is just a gem of a place & I appreciated having 2 nights in one town – the stop in Sarandë was quite fun & reminded me of my visit to Yalta last year that your colleague Christina put together for me as part of a brilliant trip to Moldova & southern Ukraine – and, of course, Berat is fabulous.

The above completely ignores all the fantastic scenery, the castles & churches – the excellent food & good beer – and generally getting a feel for a country I knew nothing about.  A good example of this is that Edi Rama was being inaugurated the weekend I arrived – I was oblivious to the June elections so had no idea that there was a new prime minister – the OSCE report on the election makes interesting reading………..

The hotels throughout were great; the itinerary worked well; the local guides were good and Past & Present were very good & efficient – overall a great holiday – so thank you very much indeed!

And if any of your future clients need persuading that Albania is great place for a holiday – well, a country that has such friendly people; good food & beer (wines were ok, too); good hotels; great scenery; endless history (if a bit confusing at times) & monuments – plus the “singing trees” in Tirana & Berat (maybe other cities, too) – how could you not go?

Best wishes,


Barnaby

Tuesday 17 September 2013

Unspoilt Albania’s beautifully slow reveal

Amy Hughes
“We sit on the border of East and West, but we’re always looking west,” says Dritan Xhengo, who established Past and Present Journeys ten years ago, to introduce tourists to his native Albania.
For decades, this small country, on the western side of the Balkan Peninsula, surrounded, on one side by sea, and the other by Slavic dictatorships, was shut off completely to the outside world.
Food was rationed as recently as the early 1990s, until Albania finally became free and independent in 1992.
From 1961-67, Albania’s borders were fenced in, with no one going in and no one going out.
... Saranda Beach
The beauty in simplicity … Saranda Beach
Even the beautiful southern beaches were off-limits to Albanians for their close proximity to the Greek border, just 1 km away, by sea. But, with the lifting of those restrictions twenty years ago, Albania has become a destination on the rise. In 2014 it will join the list of countries hoping to be considered for EU membership.
But for the intrepid traveller who prefers beating a new path rather than following one, Albania offers some of Europe’s last undiscovered beaches, as well as surprising culinary appeal.
We begin our week-long tour from the Greek island of Corfu, just a 30-minute ferry (on a fast boat), from the Albanian port of Sarande.
Our primary interest is the coastline, with a bit of culture and cuisine mixed in.
Regular flights to Tirana make a northern Balkan tour of neighbouring Macedonia, Kosovo, Montenegro, Bosnia & Herzogovina and Croatia all accessible by car.
Our first lunch is just near the port, where we feast on fresh oysters caught hours before, in the Ionian Sea, washed down with white wine as crisp and clean as a green apple, from Albanian’s biggest vineyard, Cobo, in Berat.
Small production limits the export market, and it’s hard to source the wine even a few hours away; our first glimpse of the very regional nature of Albanian food.
A local chef prepares a multi-course, formal meal using only local products – black olives from an orchard just 10 miles away for a paste on thick country bread, and kiwis from the kitchen’s garden macerated, then lightly dosed with champagne and topped with a small dollop of vanilla cream for a chilled puree I’d love to eat again and again.
Wandering around Sarande after lunch, we take in the ruins of an ancient synagogue, home to Albania’s Jewish community.
The country has the unique and admirable distinction of being the only European country to save all of its Jews from deportation during the Holocaust.
Albanian Prime Minister Mehdi Frasheri struck a deal with the Nazi’s who came here en route to Greece, to protect its Jews, part of the long-standing Albanian tradition to treat guests better than yourself, and ensure their safety.
Frasheri instructed all Albanians to take in any Jewish children at risk and treat them like their own.
By nightfall, we reach the hilltop town of Gjirokaster, heading northeast, towards Tirana.
Hotel Kalemi ... Gjirokaster
Hotel Kalemi … Gjirokaster
The UNESCO world heritage site is known for its stone once sourced locally, now a precious commodity.
The Hotel Kalemi, with its traditional decor of stone archways and carved wood ceilings commands views of the valley below.
Whereas lunch was sophisticated, European-style seafood, dinner in the mountains is warm, homey comfort food.
Two different kinds of “meatballs” are the lightest I’ve ever tasted, absent of any sauce, simply seasoned with local herbs.
Architectural and political buffs will relish walking through the Ottoman-style homes and the former residence of Communist leader Enver Hoxha is now an ethnographic museum.
The drive to Tirana is three hours, the roads filled with crazy drivers, making Dritan all the more valuable.
We find Tirana’s only fresh seafood restaurant at the fish market, where the proximity to Bari and other Italian ports is present.
Here, the bread tastes home-made and crusty; the pasta is al dente, served with fruit de mer, perfectly coated in a light tomato sauce.
Skenderberg Statue ... Tirana
Skenderberg Statue … Tirana
Tirana, with its wide, quiet boulevards, and massive, squatty, Communist-era buildings is a fascinating view to the past and the present.
Bicycles for rent and entire, dedicated cycle lanes are a great way to explore the city.
Our boutique hotel, the Sokrat is well-situated on the “block,” the area open only to government officials until 1991.
It has become Tirana’s trendiest spot, filled with outdoor cafes, bars and boutiques.
For serious foodies in the know, the Sokrat also serves a breakfast of an Albanian-style “cronut” – a very lightly sugared croissant, filled with either apricot jam (my favourite) or custard.
We forgo the National Museum for the National Arts Gallery, another homage to the Communist era, when “bigger is better” was the dominant design theme.
We are the only visitors on a Saturday afternoon, wandering several rooms of the popular Social Realist style of the 1960s.
Much of the work is highly competent, demonstrating the government’s emphasis on artistic education.
The Sheraton Hotel already exists in Tirana, and will be joined by a Hilton later this year, the first one in the Balkans.
Sofitel is soon to follow.
If multinational hotels are anything to go by, Tirana is moving up in the world.
From Tirana, we make a loop, heading back down south, via a 13th century monastery in Ardenica.
Its frescoes rival those found in Florence.
As we wind down through the seaside town of Vlore, known for its fresh seafood, the wide, four-lane roads and pastel-coloured apartment buildings leading to the sea, are reminiscent of Miami or Fort Lauderdale.
We pass through a short tunnel, and the water turns from the sapphire Adriatic to the turquoise Ionian Sea.
The White Seagull sits on the edge of a white pebble beach in Palasa, with views of the water, and the mountains as a backdrop.
Warm, toasted bread is served with a fresh tomato salsa (think bruschetta), and a mild, white cheese and yogurt spread with hints of mint that’s so local we’re unable to satisfy future cravings for it.
Small fillets of tender white fish are delicately laced with lemon peel, and octopus carpaccio is drizzled in Albanian olive oil.
We could be anywhere in the Med, except we’d be paying at least twice as much.
Sunsets to die for ... Ksamili Beach
Sunsets to die for … Ksamili Beach
A small, Caribbean-looking cove, with pebbles and pale turquoise water makes up Llamani Beach with its handful of cool, chilled out restaurants and lounges lining the small inlet.
It’s one of many alluring stops en route to Albania’s famous beach area, Ksamil.
We’re expecting simple food, but are surprised and delighted by a vegetable risotto so good the chef must have been schooled by an Italian nonna.
The tres leches is light and creamy, consistent with the Albanian habit of serving European desserts.
Creme caramel, tres leches and panna cotta all feature heavily.
Ksamil is famous for its well-photographed white, sandy beaches and clear, azure water.
There are no resorts in Albania, and the beach is no exception; no luxury, and little tourism infrastructure outside of basic, small, family owned hotels.
In return, our reward is a balcony where we have breakfast staring out at the sea, and spend quiet nights viewing paintings in the sky as a streaky sun smudges oranges and pinks before setting.
Each sunset is more beautiful than the last.
A small island beach is accessible by boat, or an exhilarating 700 metre swim, which isn’t as far as it sounds.
The water is safe, still and shallow and a few tiki umbrellas at the front of the island offer seclusion.
Around the back of the island, the Lion Club pumps up the volume with bass-thumping beats and a beach bar.
Ksamil, and Albania, in general, is a great place for single travellers, couples and families to take an adventurous tour through a developing nation.
Past and Present Journeys specialises in bespoke, niche tours, sending PhD’s on archaeological excursions with tourists who want a more academic insight, and political tours can be arranged to include thoughtful meals with former ministers and Balkan political analysts.
Treks, kayaking, rafting and horse-back riding are popular in the Albanian Alps, and Korce in the southeast, holds a weekly foodie festival gathering local chefs to prepare a multi-course meal together.
... Corfu
Sea swimming and souvlakis … Corfu
We opted for tranquillity by the sea, but more than one Albanian sign instructed, “Less clothes, more music,” and there are plenty of party beaches for a mini-Ibiza.
Our transit in Corfu only added to our trip, offering a few hours to compare the lovely, yet highly developed Greek island with unspoilt Albania.
There’s a fortress in Corfu town, access to sea swimming just below the old town, and plenty of good souvlaki.
For those hoping to uncover one Europe’s few remaining island paradises, as well as a bounty of culture and history, Albania’s simplicity will tick the boxes.
In five to ten years, luxury may be in the offing, but along with it, will come the hoards of people, and the usual trappings of commercial destinations.
Go now, before everyone else does.
Accommodations and board provided by Past and Present Journeys.

Monday 16 September 2013

Luxury travel


Orient-Express has announced the launch of Orcaella, which will offer visitors opportunities to experience the sights and culture of Myanmar starting this July 22. Orcaella (promounced as “Or-kay-la”) will embark on both an Ayeyarwady River schedule, as well as a Chindwin River schedule, allowing tourists to explore the popular cultural sites along the way. The craft’s size (at 200 feet) is expected to allow the tourists to sail along untouched waters and through remote destinations.

Among Orcaella’s 25 river-facing cabins, 17 are suites. These suites will feature floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors and ensuite bathrooms. There is also a lounge area, bar, and swimming pool. Orcaella will offer seven- and 11-night itineraries between Yangon and Bhamo and will operate from January
Tony: to April and July to December.

Meanwhile, Road To Mandalay, Orcaella’s sister ship, has been cruising the Ayeyarwady for 17 years. The company also operates The Governor’s Residence, a colonial-style hotel in Yangon. Highlights of the Ayeyarwady River schedule will include: “Gorges of the far North”, an 11-night cruise departing from Mandalay and ending in Bagan, with visits near the Chinese border, at the foothills of Yunnan, and the temples in Bagan; “Jewels of the Ayeyarwady”, a seven-night cruise departing from Yangon and ending in Bagan, with guided excursions to Bagan and a visit to the Pyi Taw Pyan Pagoda; and the “Ayeyarwady Experience”, a seven-night cruise departing from Bagan and ending in Yangon, with a visit to a 20-foot Buddha made of straw lacquer.

Monday 9 September 2013

Hi Tours India


For centuries India and its mystical Indian Subcontinent has been working as a magnet for visitors from countries all across. A visit to India compiles you to visit its neighboring countries namely Bhutan, Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. The culture and geography of parts of India and these four countries is very similar yet very different and unique. Visit Nepal for the magnificent snow capped Himalayas and horned Rhino of Chitwan National Park, Bhutan for its century old Buddhist monasteries, Bangladesh for its green lands and ancient history & Sri Lanka for its marvelous beaches.
We at Hi Tours offer a wide range of holidays to India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh and Bhutan. Choose from our array of tailored service or let us make a private and personalized journey just for you.

Past & Present Journeys, Albania

Services

Hotels

Past and Present accommodation finding experts can assist you make the right choice of accommodation while planning to visit the country and the region. Whether it is business or leisure we have the ability to offer in our judgment, the best hotel selection in the country and further. We enjoy very competitive rates gained through extensive cooperation during the years  with our considerable portfolio of partner hotels.  
Sheraton  Rogner
Hotel Tirana  Adriatik hotel

Event Management


We believe that our Company possesses the right elements such as the creative, technological and logistical which we consider as the most important ones for organizing successful events.   
Our department of management services offers a specific scope of services in a variety of areas: corporate events (conferences, corporate meetings, press conferences, incentives, product lunch, etc). 
AlbCar bases its success in certain key success factors and evaluation criteria in order to deliver successful events. First is having a clear vision and turn it into reality. Have in place the right marketing and planning skills. Define the performing team. Have a clear understanding of the infrastructure. Be familiar with the venue where the event will be held etc.    
We also have a very close relationship with IT companies, transportation companies, airlines, promotion agencies, publishing houses, etc. Through this successful cooperation, we secure the critical mass of organizing successful events of many kinds.     
Our event managers deal with planning and execution of multidimensional professions- events, design, logistic, budgeting, negotiations and of course client service. They are prepared to expect the unexpected as life experience shows that anything can go wrong! The team is made of financial specialists, marketing and communications, operational experts who guide the overall operation of the event including the management of the technology.
Events       Events

Chauffeur Service

Since it first existed Past & Present started to rent Chauffeur driven automobiles to a multinational clientele. P&P has provided its customers with Off Road 4x4, Sedans, and Limousines driven by multilingual chauffeur-guides. P&P drivers escort customers with discretion and take them safe and in time, in their point of destination.

Pick-up & Drop off Service

Past & Present drivers will be waiting at the airport, port, border crossing point or any other designated place to take customers wherever they plane to go. The P&P logistics expert will assist customers from a to z of their trip. 

Personal Chauffeur & Mobile Concierge

As authorized drivers of the rental vehicle, P&P chauffeurs provide a range of services and added convenience. The chauffeur can pick up the rental car for you, meet you at the airline baggage claim or at the arrival area, at your hotel or business meeting, transport you between engagements and even return the rental vehicle for you.

Insider Tips for Vietnam

Luxury Travel Specialist Offers Insider Tips for Vietnam

Recently, Pham Ha, founder and CEO of Luxury Travel Ltd. was asked for some of his insider tips and why now is the time to go to Vietnam.
How do you find and obtain the top flight accommodations, amenities, and cuisine that are expected by a very high end clientele?

PH: Luxury travel means different things to different people. First, money is not the end all be all for identifying what clients want. By this I mean that while two clients may be in the same income bracket, they may have completely opposite tastes in all aspects of their travels, so you have to get to know each client individually.

Of course, you could book only fancy spas, etc., but you will be in trouble when you get the client that is more adventurous and may even have a dislike of certain high end accommodations. After we determine that, we can get into the logistics of finding the right service and proper providers, but not before.

However, I do have to anticipate a little, so that I know which options are available so that when a client makes his wishes known I have the ability to offer what they want, or as close as possible. But we rarely find that we cannot accommodate a request.

What are your favorite hotels?
PH: That is difficult to say, but in Vietnam, my personal favorite is Six Senses Ninh Van Bay Nha Trang, but I find that the top five that seem to leave clients in awe are Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi Hotel, La Residence Hue Hotel and Spa, the Nam Hai in Hoi An, the Park Hyatt Saigon Hotel and Six Senses Con Dao.

Again, there is always room for different styles of travel, but these are well known brands and most clients feel comfortable with them right at the start. However, each has its own unique style and charm.

Six Senses Con Dao has everything you might want, like a much larger resort, but it is limited to a smaller clientele, with fewer rooms and suites, guaranteeing exclusivity.

Vietnam’s newest island destination, Con Dao is an untouched and breathtakingly beautiful archipelago only a 45 minute flight from Ho Chi Minh City.

The 50 private pool villas offer space and privacy along with an uncompromising standard of luxury. Villas are either Ocean View or Ocean Front (single-level and duplex) offering a choice of one, three and four bedrooms.

There is a great staff to guest ratio, which means that there is always someone around to take care of your needs, whether it is an extra towel at the pool or a late night snack.

The staff are locals and make an effort to make you feel like one too, while of course being mindful of providing elite and personalized service.
How often do you visit places you are planning to recommend to clients?

PH: We have visited our destinations, and have personally checked out the finest hotels, resorts and restaurants designed for discriminating travelers. We sell our clients our real experiences.

In fact, I am always doing that, but I recently came back from Laguna Lang Co, and I am very excited to send guests. It is located in Lang Co Town, in the central province of Thua Thien Hue, which is about 1.5 hours from Phu Bai Airport in Hue or a 30 minute drive from Danang Airport.

It’s truly special, framed by three kilometres of beach and lush countryside. And it is extensive, covering 280-hectares near Lang Co Bay in the Chan May region. And it has a great view, overlooking the East Sea. I recommend it for it pristine beauty, tropical jungles and rugged mountain peaks.

Plus, it is an ideal base for tourists to explore UNESCO-recognised world heritage sites such as the ancient imperial capital of Hue, Hoi An ancient town and the relics of My Son.

This unique holiday destination is a world unto itself, comprising the Banyan Tree and Angsana branded hotels and resorts, award-winning spas, convention facilities and an array of recreational offerings including a championship golf course.

We expect the 18-hole, par-71 course to provide a wonderful golfing experience to both expert players and beginners alike.
Why is Vietnam emerging as a luxury destination?

PH: There has been growing interest in Southeast Asia in general, although Vietnam has always been a popular destination for adventurous travelers and history buffs.

I believe we are seeing a generation of veterans of the American War who are coming back to gain a new perspective.

However, the huge growth is certainly due to the simple fact that infrastructure is improving and there are more accessible locations and many more hotel rooms than there were even 5 years ago.

Vietnam now has world-class hotels and resorts, beaches, and cuisine, in addition to its natural beauty, rich history, and traditional culture.
Also, Vietnam represents somewhat of a travel bargain, even for those who don’t normally concern themselves with cost. This has been truer since the downturn in 2008.

What does a resort have to have to make the grade for your clients?

PH: First, as I mentioned, there is no “one” hotel experience that fits all of our clients. However, any hotel we recommend must do what it does, and do it to the highest level.

Simply saying you are a five star hotel will not make it so. There must be no room for error as far as things like cleanliness, basic amenities and numerous and accessible food options. It really takes a feel for the place that you can only get by visiting at least once.

Also, the hotel MUST provide what is advertised. If it sells itself as a place for honeymooners and romantic getaways, it should not be filled with large families and lots of children. And of course the reverse is true.

What should everyone know about the top destinations in Vietnam?
PH: While many of our clients don’t want to seem like “tourists” and may want to venture off the beaten path, there is no denying that Halong Bay is tops on the list of places that foreigners know about and want to visit.

Hanoi Capital, the Imperial Hue City, Hoi An Ancient Town, and Ho Chi Minh City are among the must see cities. Beach lovers go to Nha Trang, Phan Thiet, and the Phu Quoc Islands and if you want to be among the first vacationers on the island, venture to Con Dao.

However, that makes some of these spots crowded and a bit of a hassle on group tours. The key for us is to explain how we can take all that away, and treat our guests to privacy and touring on their own schedule, rather than being rushed about.

That alone is usually enough to justify the extra cost of a bespoke tour. Luxury travel is being redefined as a time for unique experiences.
And when clients get to their destination, we make sure there is virtually no activity they can’t do when they arrive. This is especially true for those traveling with children. Again, knowing the client’s tastes and lifestyle makes the rest so much easier to do.

The last question when is the best time to discover Vietnam?
The peak season is from September to April where the weather is beautiful from North to South Vietnam.

Vietnam’s elongated shape, stretching from the tropics to the subtropical zone, accounts for the varied climate in the country. So, we promote Vietnam as a year round destination, because when one part of Vietnam is cloudy and rainy, there are other parts of the country that can be sunny and warm.

North Vietnam enjoys four seasons, meanwhile Central and South have two, rainy and dry seasons. Heat and humidity are typical weather of Vietnam and weather is often a determinant factor in travel planning so we stress preparedness.

How about the summer time, is from May to August a good time to go holidaying in Vietnam?

Discerning visitors often plan a journey to Vietnam with a single query in their head, “Is the summer a good time to discover the place and enjoy beach holiday getaways?” The simple answer is, absolutely!Vi