Sail to Greece and the Galapagos
Marriott Fallsview in Niagara and Vietnam houseboat specials
Call it a “sail sale’: G Adventures (formerly GAP Adventures) is offering up to 50 per cent off Greek Island sailing adventures, as well as discounts for sailing trips through the Gulf of Thailand, the Galapagos Islands and the Maldives, plus kayaking excursions in destinations as diverse as Crete, Yellowstone and Brazil. It’s all part of the company’s “Bazaar” sale, an ongoing promotion with new deals every two weeks. In the Greek Islands, itineraries range from eight to 15 days on small but comfy yachts — it’s just you, the skipper and seven other ship-mates — from Athens to Mykonos, (April 29 departure), Santorini to Mykonos (May 13), Santorini to Kos (May 6) and more (promo code G12GRKSAIL50). In the Gulf of Thailand, four- and seven-day itineraries are sale-priced at 20 per cent off (promo code BZ-THAISAIL20). Both the Galapagos and the kayaking trips are on sale to the tune of 15 per cent (BZ-GPS15 for the Galapagos and BZ-KYK15 for kayaking). And the Maldives discount comes in at 10 per cent, for seven-day cruises (BZ-AFMS10).
The booking deadline for the Greek Islands sale is April 28, and for the rest, it’s April 9. See www.gadventures.com.
VIETNAM HOUSE TOURS
The best hotels are like a home away from home. La Residence Hotel & Spa in Hue, Vietnam takes this truism one step further with its new Residential Life program, combining a stay at the upscale property with visits to four private homes. Available through Aug. 1 and leading in at $295 (U.S.) per person, the package includes two nights accommodation in a superior room at La Residence, as well as excursions to two traditional Vietnamese garden homes, known as “nha ruong,” plus two French villas dating back to the city’s colonial era. ‘Cyclo’ transport — like a taxi on three wheels — and dinner at a local restaurant round out the deal. See www.la-residence-hue.com.
WINE & DINE AT MARRIOTT FALLSVIEW
The Marriott Fallsview Hotel & Spa has teamed up with two bigname wineries - Jackson Triggs and Inniskillin - for the new Niagara Fallsview Escape package, available through May 9. Leading in at $139 per night, the package includes one night’s accommodation, two VIP wine tasting passes for the two wineries (a $40 value), a $75 dinner voucher for the on-site Terrapin Grille, buffet breakfast and two Casino & Attractions shuttle passes. See www.niagarafallsmarriott.com.
BEST BUY OF THE WEEK
Trafalgar is marking 65 years in business with a promotion offering up to $600 in savings per couple on trips to Europe. The deal applies to Trafalgar’s “First Class” category of trips, booked with airfare and paid in full by June 30, for travel through Dec. 31. Savings of up to $200 per couple apply to land-only bookings. See www.trafalgar.com. Kathryn Folliott is a Toronto-based freelance writer. Prices quoted are subject to change and availability.