Posts Tagged ‘escorted vacation’

Poppin’ Around Palm Springs

November 8, 2011

Palm Springs is known for the largest concentration of Mid-Century Modern Architecture.  On this exceptional mini-vacation, you will witness incredible examples of  the modernist’ vision of sleek, modern dwellings that completely embrace the desert environment. The dramatic geographic surroundings of the CoachellaValley inspired a design that is exceptional and unique. Whether drawn to the desert by chance or opportunity,   many talented architects created residential, commercial, civic, hotels, schools and cultural buildings in this stunning style.  Desert Modernism is notable for its use of glass, clean lines, natural and manufactured resources and indoor/outdoor spaces. It evoked a lifestyle of simple elegance and informality. Strongly influenced by the dictates of desert living and the intense climate, the style grew out of the architects and designer’s use of inventive materials, modern construction techniques, new (post-war) technologies…and, most importantly, served an enthusiastic and willing clientele. Be sure to take your camera – these places are like nothing you can even imagine!!

Next, let’s envision going outside to a four block long street festival. This is another of the unique experiences you will share on this spectacular interlude to Palm Springs. Starting just after the sun goes down, Village Fest is a wonderful adventure in shopping, dining, or just people watching- it has it all and MORE!~   Most things are locally made and reasonably priced and the food vendors are great fun. Entertainment is sprinkled throughout this weekly event and it is pure Palm Springs.

The Palm Spring Follies is another “not to be missed” event you’ll experience when traveling in this special area. Your interlude adventure includes a special ticket to the place that features the music and dance of the 40s, 50s, 60s and 70s  - with much of the cast old enough to have lived then. Often you’ll find guest stars and international vaudeville acts joining the Follies’ world-renowned line of Long-Legged Lovelies and Follies Gentlemen. Consider beautiful costumes, amazing music and incredible dancing by performers that prove that doing what you love keeps you ageless!   This unique little side trip will have you whistling, tapping your feet, and wanting more.

 And  – more you will get when you experience a breathtaking journey aboard the World’s Largest Rotating Tram that travels up the sheer cliffs of Chino Canyon. Your 10-minute ride at theValley Station takes you two miles up to the Mountain Station. Enjoy spectacular views, gift shops, a natural history museum and a movie about how the Tramway was built- nothing short of fascinating. The tram capacity is 80 people so  weather does not effect it – no rocking on windy days- just a totally cool adventure.   A MUST – when you get to the top you are in the Mount San Jacinto Start Park and Wilderness (yes, that’s the official name!)- explore a little. It’s a massive park but there are short trails of thirty minutes available.  The alpine scenery and majestic pine forests stretch as far as the eye can see and are breathtakingly AMAZING!  If you can, go to the ranger station and chat – these wonderful people are incredibly helpful and will point out where you might spot some wild animals- another fabulous photo op. The best part of the aerial tramway is the contrast between the desert floor and the mountain top.  It can be almost thirty degrees colder at the top!  If time permits, take a little walk and breathe in the pure pine-scented air – heaven.

Please review the entire itinerary and plan to join this tour chuck full of fascinating  and diverse adventures.  Call Interlude right away and we’ll look forward to “seeing you at the top”.

Re-Discover Palm Springs (click here for itinerary)
(5 days, 4 nights)

Eadie
– Interlude blog team

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Mad about Monarch Butterflies!

July 13, 2011

If anyone wants scenery, a mind-blowing experience and to commune with nature, this is the tour!

It is so quiet in the reserve and then as the sun comes up and the butterflies warm up they begin to fly around.  You can here the whisper of their wings as they fly around. 

 

You can take a horse back ride up to where the butterflies are hanging in bunches from the trees. 

You stand still and listen for them and they land on you and brush up against you and it is just awesome. 

It is really a neat experience.  The reserve is in a charming little town and you get the feeling of old Mexico.  It is just wonderful. 
Customer Karen Brethauer and friends, February 2011

Please check out our upcoming tour for the Monarch Butterfly Migration. You are guaranteed a meaningful experience and a terrific good time.

Monarch Butterflies, Mexico  (click here for itinerary)
(9 days, 8 nights)  

Jo Ann, President, Interlude Tours

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By the Sea…

June 14, 2011

By the Sea, By the Sea, By the Beautiful Sea

…is just where you will be when you join an Interlude partner for a beautifully scenic escorted vacation to the west coast.  Traveling by air, train and deluxe luxury motor coach, we can guarantee you will see some of the most beautiful sites in the United States!  The private dome rail car portion of this sojourn would make this trip a winner; but that’s only a small part of the adventure.

Imagine yourself knee deep in Steinbeck Country. Cannery Row, a novel by John Steinbeck was published in 1945 with the film version following in 1982. A stage version was produced in 1995… and you will be right in the heart of it!

The novel, Cannery Row, takes place on a small fictional street lined with sardine fisheries in Monterey known as Cannery Row (Ocean View Avenue in Monterey, the thinly disguised location, was later re-named “Cannery Row” in honor of the book). The novel revolves around the people living there during the Great Depression and may make a good read prior to leaving on this trip.

The real Cannery Row is a fantastic waterfront street a mile down the coast from Fisherman’s Wharf. Cannery Row is named after old sardine canning factories, but those factories are no longer operational; instead you’ll find house stores, restaurants and bars. You can easily spend days shopping and eating at wonderful restaurants. Cannery Row is also a marine sanctuary, so you’ll probably see California sea lions sunning themselves if you’re lucky. Since no trip to Cannery Row is complete without visiting the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium – that too is on the itinerary.

A real favorite at the Aquarium are the seahorses.  With heads like horses, tails like monkeys and pouches like kangaroos, these fascinating fishes are anything but ordinary – there is something almost mystical about them.  You will see more than 15 species of seahorses and their kin—one of the nation’s largest collections of these charismatic animals. They really do take you out of your normal sphere.  As you meander through four multimedia galleries you’ll discover how these shy and secretive animals grow up, attract mates and give birth—this is the only family in the animal kingdom in which the males get pregnant!  What a great trivia question!!

As you explore the Ocean with the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute, you’ll see that this fascinating exhibit combines high-definition video of incredible deep-sea animals along with the hands-on experience of using underwater robots and other high-tech tools to explore the ocean’s depths. The exhibit puts virtual deep sea exploration at your fingertips in three different missions—photographing deep sea animals, mapping underwater mountains and monitoring the surprisingly rich and varied sea life around a sunken whale carcass.  Jacques Cousteau would be proud!

You’ll also learn about the cutting-edge research conducted each day at the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute—deep-sea science that’s changing what is known about the ocean, and what’s needed to protect ocean life. It’s like nothing you’ve seen before—a true once-in-a-lifetime experience.

At the Rocky Shore galleries you will find:

  • Wave Crash: Some animals thrive on the full force of a crashing wave, while others know how to hide in this dramatic walk-through gallery.
  • Rocky Shore up Close: Steer and zoom a camera by remote control to find a new view, as the tide rises and falls.
  • Wave Splash: Watch tube snails catch food with their elaborate mucus strands, as well as bat stars, striped shore crabs, giant green anemones and owl limpets.
  • Touch Pool: Get up close and personal with decorator crabs, sea cucumbers, urchins, abalones, hermit crabs, snails and mussels.
  • Filter Feeders: Turn the wheel and watch live acorn barnacles turn to face the current and get a meal.

Just so you know, the Wave Crash gallery pumps about 600 gallons of water and “crashes” every 30 seconds. It’s awesome! That’s more than 500,000 gallons per eight-hour day. Also, the walk-through tunnel in the wave crash exhibit is one of the most popular family photo spots in the Aquarium—timing your shot is part of the fun – so take your time and get it right!. The Galleries within the Rocky Shore get raw seawater at night; during the day, the water is filtered to provide a clearer view.

While exploring the waters of Monterey Bay, you’ll note sharks and sturgeon gliding through the deep reef, murres plunging from the surface and flatfish nestled in the sandy sea floor. This hourglass-shaped exhibit is over 90 feet long, and highlights five different habitats beneath the bay and the amazing creatures that live there.

This exhibit was designed with sharks in mind—the hourglass shape gives the large sharks plenty of room to glide and turn. Were you aware that gliding helps sharks get rid of metabolic wastes in muscle tissue – who knew! Don’t be fooled by those “penguins” paddling by—they’re common murres. They were all rescued after an oil spill along the coast and now make their home within the exhibit.  In case you’re wondering this particular exhibit holds 350,000 gallons of water and the acrylic windows are three to four inches thick.  All I can add is – WOW!

Add to all the above, three National Parks,  a night in LA,  Coarsegold gaming casino, the magnificent Redwoods, Carmel Village and so much more.  Please check out the entire itinerary and call Interlude to secure your place on this tour to the west.  Remember, you won’t even have to pack your goggles or fins to be a part of this fascinating escapade.

Majestic Sierra Parks (click here for itinerary)
(8 days, 7 nights)

Eadie
– Interlude blog team

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Girls Just Love to Have Fun

June 7, 2011

Any tour that includes wine tasting and boutique shopping has to be fabulous – and this one certainly is!!  Now is the time to talk to your “best buds” and arrange a midweek interlude – just for us girls! You might even want to invite your card club, book club, church group – the more the merrier and I promise, you will not be disappointed.

St. Charles has long held an “oh my” factor for visitors drawn to its natural charms. From its beautiful riverside ambience and striking architecture to its long-standing commitment to theater and the arts, St. Charlesis a haven for people, like girlfriends, who need a little get-a-way time – gentle and serene.  The shopping is really great too.

Wine tasting is one of my very favorite things to do – I’m Italian – it’s in my blood!  This “girlie getaway” takes us to Acquaviva Winery, where breathtaking views of the vineyard surround the indoor seating areas including the spacious outdoor terrace. The entryway looks like something out of a beautiful art museum.  Along with the award-winning wines, the Acquaviva boasts amazing architecture and hand-painted fine art.  Your taste buds will tingle and your soul will be soothed by the beauty that abounds. Do not miss the Italian Market just to the left of the entryway The market carries breads, cheeses, pastas, oils, sauces and meats – oh my, I may be in trouble… and remember the cargo area on the coach holds alot!!

This getaway just keeps getting better and better. Our dinner will be served at the absolutely stunning Hotel Baker – a real ah-hah moment! Hotel Baker offers the epitome in all things luxurious — elegant guest rooms and suites, state of the art amenities, exceptional dining and lounge venues, and a scenic riverside setting that is fantastic. And, aren’t we lucky, Hotel Baker has recently been restored, creating an ambience reminiscent of its former formal splendor. Due to its architectural and historical significance, Hotel Baker is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places -the food is great too.  And aren’t we worth all the glamour and glitz? 

Day two begins with a stop at the Fabyan Forest Preserve and its marvelous community treasure, the Japanese Tea Garden. You will be thoroughly enchanted by the tranquility and harmony of this Japanese-style garden. The one-acre garden was designed circa 1910 for George and Nelle Fabyan, who owned a large country estate straddling the Fox Riverfrom 1905-1939. It was designed by Taro Otsuka, an emigrant Japanese landscape architect, who designed gardens for the wealthy across the U.S. Inspired by their mutual interests, the Fabyans’JapaneseGarden was, and still is, a uniquely serene oasis. While the Fabyans added personal elements, such as tulips, a gazing ball and an electrified lantern, their garden exemplified traditional gardens of Japan, incorporating water, stone and plants to represent the natural world. You will  see many of the historic features and also experience the singular serenity of Japanese-style gardening. Time to recapture your Zen.

Please look for original plants, the Ginkgo Tree and Weeping Spruces, and original elements, theMt.Sumerurepresentation, theMoonBridge, the Tea House and the oversized lantern–all icons captured in hundreds of photos taken by visitors over the years. You can also view historic photographs in the Waiting Bench Chamber, a replicated structure offering a restful viewing place.

Next you’ll discover the fascinating history of the Fabyan Estate while visiting the Fabyan Villa Museum, located in the Frank Lloyd Wright redesigned Villa, just up the hill from the garden – gorgeous is an understatement.

A visit to Geneva, a scenic getaway true to its historic roots, is next on our two day adventure.  Historic buildings and pristine tree-lined streets offer an escape from the bustle of every woman’s everyday life. Specialty shops tucked away in architectural gems that were once homes, outstanding restaurants, and service oriented spas provide the perfect atmosphere to recharge and renew.

Geneva is well known in the region as quaint, charming historic town. Part of what creates its character is its historic architecture. Very few large, ornate homes exist inGeneva. In contrast, most of the architecture is conservative and plain, yet always well maintained. Many are in specific architectural styles such as Italianate, Greek Revival, and Queen Anne. These styles blend beautifully together to create an atmosphere of refined and understated elegance, perhaps reflecting the taste of the New England roots of Geneva’s earliest settlers. 

Now, let’s talk shopping – distinctive boutiques provide endless opportunities for both pleasure and treasure shopping. You will always find something different in Geneva. There are a variety of exciting shops for all sorts of crafts and hobbies too.  Those who enjoy needlepoint, sewing, and more will find unique shops in which to explore their passion. From the truly unique 200 shops of downtown Geneva to the trendy fashions of Geneva Commons, you’re sure to something that tempts you. Whether choosing that cherished gift or a unique “must” just for you – you will be thoroughly enchanted. 

The last official stop on this two-day getaway is the Farnsworth House, which continues to receive wide critical acclaim as a masterpiece of the modernist style. Mies, the architect, went on to receive the presidential Medal of Freedom for his contribution to American architecture and culture. In the 21st century, Pulitzer Prize winning architectural critics declared the house a masterpiece of modern architecture. Its timeless quality is reflected by the reverent fascination in the minimalist house shown by a whole new generation of design professionals and enthusiasts.  It is unique and fascinating.

I know that this escorted two-day interlude will be fun, interesting and thoroughly pleasurable.  A special time to unwind and relax while enjoying the company of new and old friends.  Please review the complete tour itinerary and plan to join us for this mini-vacation -’cause girls really do know how to have fun.

 Girlfriends’ Rivertown Getaway (click here for itinerary)
September 7-8 2011 (2 days, 1 nights)  

Eadie
– Interlude blog team  

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A Beautiful Time…to Savor and Enjoy

June 6, 2011

The The town of  Niagara on the Lake is so relaxing, you may not feel like doing more than strolling the small boutiques along its main street, or antiquing, or just enjoying a view by the lake…and this is only one of the many unique and lovely destinations you’ll enjoy on your escorted mini-vacation to the gorgeous area surrounding the powerful and picturesque Niagara Falls.  While at the Falls you’ll be treated to a delectable dinner overlooking the Falls and then…the illumination – a breathtaking view of the Falls at dusk, lit in the colors of a rainbow – unforgettable!!

As visitors approach Niagara on the Lake from the Falls, you’ll pass miles of vineyards dotted with wineries. Many yield interesting and award-winning wines.  Did you know that the Niagara region of Ontario is currently the most widely respected producer of ice wine?  I didn’t. This product is made from the last grapes of the season and is a sweet dessert wine with a rich, golden color.  After a taste, you may just want to take a few bottles home as a reminder of your interlude or even as a gift.

Another spectacular part of your Niagara adventure features the beautiful Botanical Gardens featuring spectacular gardens and rare floral displays within Niagara Parks. The practice of horticulture, or the art of garden cultivation, has played a prominent role in the development and maintenance of the Niagara Parks system. Trees, shrubs, perennials and annuals have been arranged to beautify the landscape with a variety of form, texture and color designed to accentuate each season. Your late summer sojourn is a particularly gorgeous time to enjoy the Parks’ permanent collections of perennials, flowering trees and shrubs, as well as the themed seasonal display beddings of chrysanthemums, flowering cabbage and kale accenting the brilliant autumn colors.  Many other gardens and floral features make up what is called the Niagara Garden Trail.  For over 70 years the Botanical Gardens, within Niagara Parks, has boasted nearly 100 acres of gardens including the world-famous Rose Garden and arboretum. Lush tropical plants are displayed in the Butterfly Conservatory; a heritage flower and herb garden is a unique feature of McFarland House near Niagara-on-the-Lake and the world famous Floral Clock in Queenston, which is photographed almost as many times as the Falls themselves!!

Established in 1936, you’ll enjoy acres of beautifully maintained gardens, including perennials, rhododendrons, azaleas, a formal parterre garden, shade, herb and vegetable plantings, an aviary as well as the world-famous rose garden featuring over 2,400 roses. Footpaths wind past the Butterfly Conservatory and butterfly garden, ponds and an arboretum featuring one ofCanada’s finest collections of ornamental trees and shrubs.

Not to be missed is the planted face of the Floral Clock.  The intricate designs on the face of the timepiece are created with up to 16,000 carpet bedding plants. The floral design is changed twice each year – it features viola in the Spring and four cultivars of Alternanthera along with green and grey forms of Santolina Sage during the Summer and Fall. California Golden Privet and Blue Festuca Grass may be used for contrast.  Just imagine, a Clock 40 feet wide, with a planted area 38 feet wide, making it one of the largest such clocks in the world. The hands of the clock are stainless steel tubing: the hour hand is 14.5 ft, the minute hand 17.5 ft and the second hand 21 ft long. Their combined weight is 1,250 pounds.

The grounds surrounding the clock feature bedding displays and a Tower at the back of the clock housesWestminsterchimes that greet each quarter hour. If the door into the Tower is open, you can take a glimpse at the clock mechanism and enjoy photographs that show the history of every face design all the way back to 1950.  This is something spectacular! One more totally attractive feature is a 10-foot wide water garden that curves 85 feet around the base of the timepiece – it is a popular place to make a wish – this could be the day your wishes come true!

Wow, wine, flowers, the Falls and more (much more)  - whatever are you waiting for?  Please review the complete tour itinerary and mark the dates September 12th thru the 17th on your calendar. Make sure your passport is up to date and ready.  Isn’t it time for you to take pleasure in an interlude that will be remembered forever?  Enjoy.

Niagara, Buffalo & Toronto by Rail (click here for itinerary)
(6 days, 5 nights)  

Eadie
– Interlude blog team  

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What our customers are saying about Nicaragua…

May 18, 2011

Mombacho Tour with Guide Julio

 
Selva Negra Walk in the Cloud Forest
 The small group tour of Nicaragua in their summer (our cold  2011 February) was outstanding from the start to the all too soon finish! 

The organization, Julio our very knowledgeable guide and Juan our very skilled driver were outstanding and fun.  The local food and lodging gave us a nice flavor of the culture. It was comfortable and “Nicaraguan” without the western “made for Gringos” feel. The varied daily excursions to really “see” the people, land, wildlife etc. were wonderful. 
 
The 10 of us  bonded and got to know each other like old friends, laughing at meals and while we traveled, taking pictures and enjoying the experience so when we got home we would, for a  lifetime,  remember those feelings and experiences. A very happy traveler…Steve Tilden

 

Sandra on the Mombacho Zip Line

 
I wanted a vacation destination that would have my friends saying “you went where?”

Nicaragua had it all….amazing scenery, good food, friendly people, and educational opportunities. As always, I felt safe and secure traveling with Interlude Tours. Our guide and our driver for  this trip were two extraordinary people. I returned to the USA with a new appreciation for all that I have been given as an American.  Thank you for making this trip possible…Sandra Stelle. 

 

 

Granada Cathedral

Enjoyed seeing Nicaragua as it is today.  Excellent variety of activities particularly since I like to see how things are made.  We toured a pottery factory, furniture factory, chocolate factory, hammock factory, tobacco plantation and cigar factory. These ranged from small to large operations. There are many different kinds of artisans here working in all of these factories.

San Juan de oriente Pottery Maker

The countryside is beautiful with the views of the Pacific Ocean, lakes, rivers, mountains and volcanoes.  I saw more wildlife and birds on this trip than when I traveled in Costa Rica a few years ago.  Also enjoyed the art galleries and museums. It was fun to shop in the local markets in the different towns.

Cigar Factory Tour

 

Our local bi-lingual guide made the trip!  We learned history, culture, politics and about everyday life in Nicaragua.  Our guide anticipated our needs and was great with details to keep the days running smoothly…Joyce Rife

 

 

Poneloya Beach

The entire trip my wife & I took to Nicaragua in Feb., 2011, was an exceptional experience.  It was very interesting to see EVERYTHING on the tour. 

Toyota Cruiser

The volcanoes, the Ferry to the island was fun, the Nicaraguan people were very nice, and the towns were fun for shopping, plus the other sights on the tour.  Our Nicaraguan Tour Guide and bus drive were excellent.  The guide spoke very good English.  The food was the best; that is, every meal was great!!!  I loved the fresh fruit they have there.  The hotel rooms were also very nice and clean. 

I also like the prices.  With a dollar exchange rate of 21 to1 in our favor, food, clothes, and everything else was dirt cheap.  You can get a large fabulous meal for 3 to 6 dollars.  Try that in the U.S.  Great Trip!!!  Everyone should go on this tour.  You’ll love it!…Harvey Gunther

Please check out our upcoming tours to Nicaragua. You are guaranteed a meaningful experience and a terrific good time.

Natural, Notable Nicaragua (click here for itinerary)
(10 days, 9 nights)  

Jo Ann, President, Interlude Tours

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A Grand Excursion Awaits!

April 26, 2011

This Atlantic Maritime tour is truly a grand excursion. As a visitor you will do more than just witness this unique way of life – you will live it!  Enjoy simple pleasures, breathtaking vistas, stories, music and wonderful recipes.  History will come alive as you tour Louisbourg, literature becomes real as you tour “Anne of Green Gables”.  Lighthouses and miles of white sand and red cliffs abound.  All this beauty is just waiting for you to enjoy on this escorted vacation to another, more gentle, way of life.

Riding the ferry and feeling the ocean breeze is a sure cure for whatever ailment you may have.   You’ll find you have more spring in your step and a clearer more joyful outlook.

While visiting the historic places you will discover the legacy which has been left for us all to learn from and appreciate. They show the important relationship Aboriginal people had with the land, the patterns of settlement established by Europeans, the impact of centuries of farming and fishing, and the faith that sustained many in building their communities. Each historic place conveys the sense of accomplishment and pride of generations of Islanders. There is so much to see and experience for those visiting.

I’m sure by now you know that I am a true “foodie” – so here’s the deal on the food. The food will simply delight you, as will the simple joy found in most of the natives who prepare it.  Everywhere you go you’ll find lobster, scallops, mussels and oysters–just a few of the seafood delicacies Prince Edward Island (PEI) is famous for worldwide. The New York Times food critic, Frank Bruni, visited the Island recently in search of the freshest of fresh shellfish, noting, “This is where the oysters that go by the designations or labels Malpeque, Raspberry Point and Colville Bay originate. This is what the initials PEI in front of a mussel mean. A PEI mussel is like Niman Ranch pork: a brand with real clout, a boast restaurateurs itch to make.”  Enjoy them, savor them and have some for me – they are one of my absolute favorites!!

PEI Coat of Arms

I found this recipe taken from the Royal Winter Fair. In partnership with the award-winning Culinary Institute of Canada and the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, they welcomed the opportunity to tell you more about their products and how they can be best prepared for your enjoyment.  Bon Appetit!

PEI Crab or PEI Lobster Cakes

1 egg 2 tbsp mayonnaise 1 tbsp Dijon mustard 2 tsp dry mustard 2 tbsp parsley, finely chopped 2 tbsp scallions, finely chopped juice of one lemon 1½ lb PEI crab meat or PEI lobster meat 1 cup fresh bread crumbs salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste oil or clarified butter for frying Combine first 6 ingredients in a bowl and mix thoroughly. Season with lemon juice. Add remaining ingredients and mix until just combined. Season with salt and pepper. Form into 8 patties. Heat oil or butter in frying pan and fry on both sides until golden brown or bake in a 350ºF oven for 5 to 10 minutes. Makes 8 servings. I’m making these for a dinner party – let me know if you make them and how they were received.

Lobster Traps

With your free time in Charlottetown you may want to seek out a truly unique Island experience by becoming a lobster fisherman for the day. Embark on an adventure from the Charlottetown Harbour aboard the Top Notch - an authentic lobster boat with a genuine lobster fishing crew. Enjoy lobster on board.  There are three trips daily.  Call Mark at 902-626-6689 (T) to get the details.

Prince Edward Island offers a complete range of affordable and accessible golf experiences. Nine- and 18-hole courses are located across the province. The total now numbers 34. Golfers can book their tee-off times online at www.golfpei.ca. Golf season on the Island runs from May through October. Guaranteed tee-off times can be arranged by calling the courses directly. If golf is your game, here is an opportunity to play on some of the most beautiful courses and boast to friends that you shot a !!! on the back nine on PEI!!

THE ISLAND WAY OF LIFE fosters creativity in its people, and as you explore PEI, you will soon understand why so many artists find inspiration in the gentle Island landscape. Nature forms the foundation of fine creations such as earthy pottery in Breadalbane, the graceful lines of contemporary woodwork in Rustico, or colorful paintings of Island scenes throughout PEI. A PEI Studio Tour offers you the chance to watch artisans at work. You may even want to put your own talents to the test if you sign up for one of the Once in a Lifetime Experiences. Looking for sophisticated glass in a stylish setting? Want some hand-knit mittens made from Island wool? How about a painting or print that captures the special Island light? The gifts and souvenirs available on Prince Edward Island vary as widely as the waves on the ocean. I hope the ones you take home will remind you of your very special mini-vacation with Interlude to this gentle and lovely Island.

Yes, you might get your hands dirty. You might even get your shoes wet. And your knees stained. Maybe you’ll even get a little windburn or sunburn.  All this will just make your Island experiences more memorable and more fun in the retelling. Please check out the full itinerary which is running twice, once in July and once in August. You are guaranteed a meaningful experience and a terrific good time.

Atlantic Maritimes (click here for itinerary)
(10 days, 9 nights)  

Eadie
– Interlude blog team  

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O is for Oklahoma

March 15, 2011

Most of us grew up in the days when westerns were the king of TV.  I lived to watch the Cisco Kid and Pancho, his outrageous sidekick as well as Hopalong Cassidy and the ever faithful Topper.  The Lone Ranger and Tonto graced our tiny screens and brought us true entertainment. You don’t get much of that on TV these days, but when you decide to join Interlude on a fascinating tour of Oklahoma City and the Red Earth Festival, you’ll have a chance to relive your youth and enjoy learning the fascinating history of the American West. Grab your 10 gallon hat and your boots and be enmeshed in the days of rodeo, round-ups and real heroes.

Founded in 1955, the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum offers America’s largest collection of Western art, artifacts, educational programs and research. There are a dozen permanent collections to explore, starting with the American West gallery—filled with more than 2,000 paintings, sculptures and other art pieces. Other collections include the Western Performers Gallery, American Rodeo Gallery, Children’s Cowboy Corral, Native American Gallery and more. The Children’s Cowboy Corral is a fun interactive discovery area that is filled with western themed activities for children – young and old.  

When you visit, one of the temporary exhibits will be: The Bowie Knife: Icon of American Character  

Among domestic arms, only the names Deringer and Bowie have entered the English language as generic terms for their respective creations: a small, single-shot pistol and a large, heavy-bladed fighting knife. Forever associated with frontiersman and Alamo-martyr James Bowie, the Bowie knife was involved in many historical currents in mid-19th century America. This exhibition looks at the history, art and legacy of the Bowie knife by drawing upon Museum collections and superlative specimens loaned by Bowie-knife authority Mr. E. Norman Flayderman, author of the recently published book The Bowie Knife ~ Unsheathing an American Legend.  (taken from the website).

While you’re visiting the museum, pop into the Persimmon Hill restaurant to see the early prairie style décor of blue cornflowers and sunflowers.  Of course you’ll have to stop by the museum store for your own western memorabilia including books, jewelry, clothing, art and whatever tickles your fancy.

Another fascinating Museum stop on this western Interlude is The American Banjo Museum. The collection of the American Banjo Museum is nothing short of a national treasure, honoring the rich history, vibrant spirit and unlimited future of the banjo.  The museum contains more than 300 instruments, the largest collection on public display in the world.  Examples include replicas of primitive banjos developed by African slaves in the Old South, Minstrel Age instruments from 19th century, post WWII instruments used in bluegrass, folk and world music, and the museum’s core collection of ornately decorated banjos made in America during the Jazz Age of the 1920’s and 30s.

“Originally the Museum was founded primarily by and for enthusiasts and players of the four-string banjo, the predominate stringed instrument associated with the jazz age of the 1920s and early 30s,” commented ABM Executive Director, Johnny Baier.  In contrast to that beginning, Baier noted that the banjo – in many different forms and musical styles – has been evolving for over 350 years, continuing that the new ABM is committed to presenting every chapter of the banjo’s story, from it’s roots in American slavery to its most recent identities in Bluegrass and international folk music. (taken from their website).

The banjo was introduced to America by the African slave culture in the mid 1600s and remained exclusive to the black culture for nearly 200 years.  Replicas of several of these ancient instruments are on display.  As your museum experience continues, you’ll witness examples of banjos made during the late 19th century during the so-called Minstrel Age of music when the banjo moved from the plantation to the stage and concert hall gaining broad public interest.

For the bluegrass music fan the name Gibson is synonymous with quality banjos.  A special gallery in the museum spotlights a large collection of Gibson Mastertone banjos manufactured during the company’s golden years of the 1920s and 30s, including an extremely rare, pre-war Gibson five-string banjo valued at more than $175,000.00.  Be very careful not to disturb this rare gem!

The second floor is home to the museum’s centerpiece collection of more than 200 four-string banjos from the Jazz Era of banjo music.  These magnificent instruments are in superb condition, with ornate designs and tonal sound qualities which are literally frozen in time.  Each banjo in this exclusive collection is a work of art, illustrating the ingenuity, craftsmanship and dedication of the artisans who created these masterpieces nearly a century ago.   Banjo music is usually happy music and learning of the meaningful history of this instrument will be a rare treat.

During your visit to the American Banjo Museum, interpretive exhibits as well as video and performance theaters will make you a witness to the history of the banjo – from its humble roots to its present voice in Bluegrass, folk and world music.  As you stroll through elegant galleries on two floors you will find yourself immersed in the sights and sounds of the largest collection of banjos on public display anywhere in the world.

This wonderful sojourn is not all about Museums though.  Please check out the full itinerary and discover for yourself how much fun you can have visiting Oklahoma.

Oklahoma City and the Red Earth Festival (click here for itinerary)
June 2-5, 2011 (Guaranteed Departure)
(4 days, 3 nights)  

Eadie
– Interlude blog team  

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What is an “Escorted Vacation” by Interlude Tours?

July 30, 2009

In our blog posts, we talk a lot about “escorted vacations,” so I wanted to provide you with a bit more information on this important term.

Interlude Tours: Escorted Vacations

Interlude Tours: Escorted Vacations

There are two general approaches to a vacation. The first is one that you plan yourself and manage yourself. “Unescorted,” if you will. You set your own itinerary and arrange for your own transportation at every stage of the trip.

There are many types of vacation in which this is the best approach. For example, you rent a house on an island for a month and just relax, enjoying the locale. Usually the area is one with which you are already intimately familiar, and you require no assistance to enjoy yourself.

Suppose, however, you wish to venture into new territory. Here, again, you have the option of going the “escorted” or the “unescorted” route. If you go unescorted, you will be planning each step of the way, arranging all of your hotel accommodations, meals, tours, transportation, etc.

The “unescorted” route is entirely valid and appropriate for some situations. At Interlude, however, we feel that the escorted approach works a particular kind of magic for our destinations and brings the greatest amount of benefit to our clients:

Interlude Tours: Escorted Vacations

Interlude Tours: Escorted Vacations

We do all the driving.

Vacations are all about observation, drinking in the destination. On an Interlude escorted vacation, you can sit back, relax in our luxury coaches, and just take in all of the amazing things you are experiencing. Not having to drive and worry about parking makes a huge difference in your ability to enjoy and experience.

We take care of all the details.

Not only do we plan the itinerary down to the smallest detail, we have the experience to roll with the punches and make adjustments based on inclement weather and other untoward circumstances. In other words, we plan out a spectacular tour and make sure we keep it spectacular all the way through. Our tour guides–either our own or those selected by our 33 specialist partners throughout the country, make sure that happens. You simply enjoy yourself, knowing that you are in good hands.

Perhaps even more importantly, our knowledge of locations and our connections in the travel industry allow us to select the combination of destinations that provides the best experience and the best value.

Interlude Tours: Escorted Vacations

Interlude Tours: Escorted Vacations

You enjoy 0% fuss, 100% vacation.

We all have had vacations that didn’t go as planned: we got a flat tire, it rained the day of the tour we’d planned, we got lost on the way to a destination, and so on. When you go on an Interlude Tours escorted vacation, however, all of these concerns are far from your mind. You know that we’re going to make everything right.

The photos in this post, which were taken on two different tours*, give a clear picture of the mood on all of our escorted vacations: you enjoy true relaxation and the camaraderie of great people. We prepare for you all of these amazing experiences; you take them in, forming memories that will last a lifetime.

We invite you to explore our many tours and know that you will love all that an escorted vacation has to offer!

*Jo Ann Carr, our president, took these pictures. The top two are of a tour in Alaska (and we have another great Alaska tour coming up). The bottom one is of Alaskan reindeer–but was taken in Rantoul, Illinois. Our group really liked these guys!

–Matt
The Interlude Tours Blog Team

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Escorted Vacations Indianapolis: Doubletree Hotel Sonoma Wine Country

June 11, 2009

RLSC-DT_Doubletree_Hotel_Sonoma_Wine_Country_gallery_meetings_outdoorevent_largeRLSC-DT_Doubletree_Hotel_Sonoma_Wine_Country_gallery_leisure_pool_largeRLSC-DT_Doubletree_Hotel_Sonoma_Wine_Country_gallery_accom_lobby_large

Click on a photo for a large image (photos courtesy of Doubletree).

Our “Wine, Rail, & Redwoods” tour is just such a great vacation for anyone who loves wine and the beautiful vineyards where it’s produced! This vacation is taking place September 18-23, 2011, and is six days and five nights simply “brimming” with wonderful wine, food, events, places, and delightful fellow travelers.

Since this is an “escorted” vacation, we do all the driving, which is especially convenient when you’ve been sampling wine at some of California’s finest vineyards.

A further source of convenience and luxury in this exquisite tour is the hotel in which you’ll be staying. You’ll only unpack once, thereafter making the Doubletree Hotel Sonoma Wine Country your home for five comfortable nights. The hotel features a Jacuzzi, fabulous pool, onsite massage, a golf course (18-hole, PGA-certified, championship course),  and a wine bar offering “an extensive selection of Sonoma’s finest wines-by-the-glass.”

Thanks to Doubletree, you’ll be fully rested for your event-, food-, and, of course, wine-filled itinerary! As we say on our own Interlude Tours site,

Savor this scenic, leisurely paced wine and food adventure as we tour the world’s premier wine making region, Northern California’s Napa, Sonoma, and Mendocino counties. Located just north of San Francisco, this area offers the very best in culinary, wine, and historic homes. Visit three famous wineries, one champagnery, a wine barrel factory and an olive oil plant.

This will be a vacation you’ll truly “savor” for a lifetime, so please make your reservations today!

–Matt
The Interlude Tours Blog Team

•To receive personal travel assistance, please call Jo Ann Carr at 317.913.0387 or email info@interludetours.com.
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