Friday, February 22, 2013
Manifest Destiny - Go West on This Uniquely Edifying Journey
Explore the Intricacies of Manifest Destiny as
You Journey West on the Tennessee & Mississippi Rivers
“And that claim is by the right of our manifest destiny to overspread and to possess the whole of the continent which Providence has given us for the development of the great experiment of liberty and federated self-government entrusted to us.”
- John L. O’Sullivan
In the mid-nineteenth century, it was clear to the world that the relatively new nation known as the United States of America would soon be, if it were not already, the most powerful nation in the world. O’Sullivan’s argument that Oregon belonged to the United States rather than Great Britain as a matter of Manifest Destiny gained quite a bit of popularity.
While the concept was certainly not new, the Louisiana Purchase having occurred decades prior, O’Sullivan’s writing justified the sense of entitlement many Americans were feeling. Even at its inception, Manifest Destiny was rife with controversy which only seemed to fan the flames as the idea spread throughout the United States. Manifest Destiny fueled decades of westward expansion for the young nation: the annexation of Texas, the Mexican-American war, and the acquisitions of Alaska, Oregon and Hawaii. The socio-political effects of Manifest Destiny have certainly left their mark in the history books, and you may be surprised how frequently the philosophy can still be seen in foreign policy today.
Let notable historians Robert W. Merry and Dr. Steven E. Woodworth be your guides to the Manifest Destiny philosophy on our September 20-28, 2013 journey from Chattanooga, Tennessee to St. Louis, Missouri. Merry is currently Editor of The National Interest, with an impressive resume in political journalism including the Denver Post, National Observer, The Wall Street Journal and Managing Editor for Congressional Quarterly Inc. Merry’s writing skills are not limited to reporting. He also authored many critically-acclaimed books including New York Times Best Seller A Country of Vast Designs: James K. Polk, the Mexican War, and the Conquest of the American Continent. Dr. Steven E. Woodworth has been author, co-author or editor of 31 books. An expert in Civil War history, Dr. Woodworth will explain the role Manifest Destiny played in the bloodiest war in U.S. History.
Our September 20-28, 2013 journey is the ONLY Chattanooga departure this season and is not to be missed. Fares start at just $2,495 and limited staterooms remain.
For information and booking cruises worldwide please contact us or see the Cruise with Naka’s page at:
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
40% Off Holiday River Cruises
SAVINGS UP TO $3,700 PER STATEROOM
7-NIGHT CRUISES FROM $1,379 PER PERSON
CHRISTMAS ON THE RHINE
7-night cruise from Basel to Amsterdam or reverse
With visits to festive Christmas Markets in Basel, Strasbourg, Speyer,
Heidelberg and Cologne
U.S. Departure Dates: December 8 & 19, 2013
Starting from $1,499 per person
Optional 4-night land program in Zurich & Lucerne for $1,040 per person
Solo Traveler Special: Cruise starting from $2,249 for one stateroom
CHRISTMAS TIME CRUISE
7-night cruise from Nuremberg to Budapest or reverse
With visits to festive Christmas Markets in Vienna, Budapest,
Nuremberg, Regensburg, Passau and Linz
U.S. Departure Dates: Nov. 24 & 27,
Dec. 6, 8, 11, 13, 17, 20, 22 & 25, 2013
Starting from $1,379 per person
Optional 2-night land program in Prague for $460 per person
Solo Traveler Special: Cruise starting from $2,069 for one stateroom
BLUE DANUBE DISCOVERY
7-night cruise from Budapest to Nuremberg
U.S. Departure Dates: Nov. 17 & 20, 2013
Starting from $1,439 per person
Optional 2-night land program in Budapest & 3-night land program
in Prague for $1,150 per person
Solo Traveler Special: Cruise starting from $2,159 for one stateroom
CHRISTMAS ON THE DANUBE
7-night cruise from Budapest to Vilshofen
U.S. Departure Date: Dec. 22, 2013
Starting from $1,499 per person
Optional 3-night land program in Prague for $690 per person
Solo Traveler Special: Cruise starting from $2,249 for one stateroom
MAGNIFICENT CHRISTMAS CRUISE
14-night cruise from Budapest to Amsterdam
U.S. Departure Date: Dec. 17, 2013
Starting from $2,879 per person
Solo Traveler Special: Cruise starting from $4,319 for one stateroom
VIETNAM, CAMBODIA & THE RICHES OF THE MEKONG
7-night cruise from Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
Land Start Dates: Dec. 10 & 24, 2013
Starting from $1,619 per person
Optional land program in Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Siem Reap & Ho Chi Minh
City for $1,999 per person plus Intra-Asia airfare of $300 per person
Solo Traveler Special: Cruise starting from $2,429 for one stateroom
Contact us to book an AMA Waterways river cruise or see the Cruise with Naka’s page for more cruises and cruising information.
About AmaWaterways
Founded in 2002 by river cruise pioneer Rudi Schreiner, river cruise executive Kristin Karst and founder of Brendan Vacations, Jimmy Murphy, AmaWaterways is the premier river cruise line on Europe’s Danube, Rhine, Main, Mosel and Rhône rivers. Known for its custom-designed ships, extensive complimentary amenities and personalized service levels, AmaWaterways consistently leads the way in river cruising. Whether you join us on the great waterways of Europe, Russia, Africa or the storied Mekong River in Vietnam and Cambodia, you are sure to capture an experience of a lifetime with an AmaWaterways river cruise vacation.
Terms & Conditions: Rates listed are in U.S. dollars; reflects applicable savings; based on double occupancy in Cat. E (Mekong - Cat. C) and vary per departure. Total savings listed is based on double occupancy. Offers are valid on new FIT reservations booked from January 22 to February 28, 2013. 40% discount is based on the cruise only price as listed in the brochure and excludes Cat. L Suites on the Mekong. Land program, airfare, port charges and gratuities are not included in the price listed. Solo traveler offer includes 40% discount on the cruise fare and single supplement. Promotions are limited to availability and are not combinable with any other offers. Availability is limited on each cruise and the offer is subject to change or discontinuation without notice, offer is capacity controlled. Specific terms and conditions apply to each offer; please ask for details. Other restrictions may apply. CST#2065452-40.
Experience Living History by Steamboat
Experience Living History for just $243 per day
EMBARK ON A CIVIL WAR JOURNEY
Experience 12 Days of Living History
Whether you are a casual observer of Civil War history or an enthusiastic re-enactor, you can satisfy your interests this September with our Civil War Journey. Bobby Horton will provide musical performances of period songs and hymns. Barry Meadows and Al Stone will be onboard portraying Generals Ulysses S. Grant and Robert E. Lee, respectively. George Buss is a renowned Abraham Lincoln tribute artists who has been featured on several television specials and made many public appearances. He will join you on this journey to reenact the 16th president’s famous speeches. Finally, famed historians Dr. James “Bud” Robertson and Brian Steel Wills will provide commentary to highlight important sites with entertaining lecturers and discussions along your itinerary.
Civil War journey fares begin at $2,920 per guest.
That is our best value for the 2013 season at only $243 per day!
12-Day Journey: September 11-22
Jackson, Mississippi to Chattanooga, TN
Day 1: Hotel Stay – Jackson, MS
Arrive in Jackson at your leisure and sleep soundly in your luxury hotel. Tomorrow morning your full American breakfast is complimentary before your luxury motorcoach transfers you to your Vicksburg tour.
Day 2: Vicksburg, MS + Memphis, TN Hotel Stay
Visit the site of the epic battle of Vicksburg. The battlefields, statues and monuments along with commentary by your knowledgeable guide will bring the scene to life as you have never before experienced. Lunch is included and you will depart for Memphis in the afternoon, arriving at your luxury hotel in the early evening.
Day 3: Memphis, TN
Enjoy the sights and sounds of Memphis today. This afternoon, you will board the American Queen to begin your voyage. The Premium Choice Tour “The Bluff City & Elvis” is a great way to get around to the must-see sights in Memphis, including the world-renowned home of Elvis Presley, Graceland Mansion.
Day 4: Mississippi River Cruising
Enjoy life onboard the largest, most opulent riverboat in the world, and take in an enlightening lecture from one of our acclaimed Civil War historians.
Day 5: New Madrid, MO
The battle and siege of New Madrid, Missouri, tells the story of the importance the river systems played in Civil War strategy as major supply routes for equipment and soldiers.
Day 6: Paducah, KY
Paducah was occupied by Federal forces for much of the Civil War. It’s location offered full control of the junction of the Ohio and Tennessee Rivers.
Day 7: Tennessee River Cruising
Enjoy the beautiful rolling hills and plains of Tennessee, along with the bounty of onboard entertainment and activities.
Day 8: Florence, AL
The history in Florence goes back even farther than the Civil War. The Florence Indian Mound is the highest mound in the Tennessee Valley region, and a nearby museum showcases some of the artifact left behind by the areas early native American inhabitants 10,000 years ago. Pope’s Tavern is a popular Civil War landmark, having served as a hospital for Union and Confederate soldiers.
Day 9: Decatur, AL
The Blue and Gray Museum of North Alabama hosts the largest collection of privately owned Civil War items in the nation.
Day 10: Tennessee River Cruising
The Tennessee River Gorge is one of the most scenic stretches of river in America. Before Hales Bar Dam was built in 1913, it was almost one of the most treacherous.
Day 11: Chattanooga, TN
Today you arrive in Chattanooga, but your journey is not yet over. Discover the last Confederate stronghold in Tennessee to fall to Union forces. Chattanooga was valued for its railroad junction stretching North to Nashville and Knoxville and running south to Atlanta. Lookout Mountain, overlooking Chattanooga and the Tennessee River also provided natural strategic advantage, as its name denotes. Tonight, enjoy a luxury hotel stay to allow a full day of exploration.
Day 12: Hotel Stay – Chattanooga, TN
After your restful hotel night, a full American breakfast is also complimentary. Visit or revisit any attractions before returning home.
For information and booking cruises worldwide please contact us or see the Cruise with Naka’s page at:
Monday, February 4, 2013
Insight Vacations Special Interest Tours
Throughout the year, Insight operate a variety of special-interest tours based around particular themes or lifestyle interests like art, history, gardens, photography or wine. These tours include the same knowledgeable Insight Tour Directors, superb hotels and meticulous planning, and many are accompanied by specialist experts in their field. So, if you’ve dreamt of sampling Chianti in the cypress studded hills of Tuscany or are eager to learn new techniques for capturing iconic European landmarks with a professional photographer, here’s the place to start.
Paris to Barcelona - Splendours of France & Spain (19 Days)
STARTS 04 MAY 2013
STARTS 28 SEP 2013
From the tree lined boulevards of Paris to the dusty plains of La Mancha, get ready for a diversity of landscapes and flavours. The proud influences of Gallic, Hispanic and Moorish peoples are expressed in the language, customs, food, wine and architecture of these two great countries.
Visiting: Paris, the Loire Valley, Bordeaux, Lourdes, Madrid, Toledo, Seville, Ronda, Granada & the Alhambra, Caves of Nerja, Valencia, Barcelona and Montserrat.
Travel Forum Tour to Poland & Bohemia 2014 (20 Days)
STARTS 2014
Each year, Insight’s CEO & President John Boulding joins guests on a tour planned by the Travel Forum Members themselves! In 2014 it’s Poland. Why not join the Insight Travel Forum and get involved with the planning, you will also be one of the first to know when this tour is available to book. It’s always popular and sells out quick.
Visiting: Prague, Cesky Krumlov, Bratislava, Hradec Kralove, Wroclaw, Torun, Gdansk, Warsaw, Lublin, Zamosc, Zakopane, Krakow, Auschwitz and Wadowice
Wine Tour - Country Roads & Vineyards of Italy (16 Days)
STARTS 11 MAY 2013
STARTS 21 SEP 2013
Italy is home to some of the world’s most famous wines and cuisine. What could be better than combining a love of travel with your passion for Italian food and wine? With someone to introduce you to the rustic local wineries of Italy (and someone to drive), you know it makes sense!
Visiting: Rome, Orvieto, Montefalco, Borgo San Luigi, Florence, Chianti, Acqui Terme, Cinque Terre, Parma, Modena, Verona and Venice
Picture Perfect Italy (19 Days)
STARTS 09 SEP 2013
STARTS 16 SEP 2013
Join a professional photographer for a leisurely journey through one of the most photographed countries of the world, capturing the rich diversity of Italy’s dramatic and scenic landscapes.
Visiting: Venice, the Dolomites, the Italian Lakes, Santa Margherita & Portofino, Tuscany, San Gimignano, Cinque Terre, Orvieto, Positano, Capri and Rome.
There are only one or two departures each year and space is limited. Book early to avoid disappointment.
Contact Naka’s Travel to book now, or see the Tour With Naka’s page for more escorted vacations around the world!
Insight Vacations provides premium escorted motorcoach vacations throughout Britain, Ireland, Europe, Scandinavia the Eastern Mediterranean and North America.
In 1978, its first year, the company had a handful of staff in London and carried just 5700 passengers. Today, Insight has a team of professionals throughout the world, plays host to over 100,000 guests per year and has offices in the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Singapore and the UK. The company has also appointed specialist agents in Argentina, Brazil, Mauritius, India, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Thailand, Philippines, Indonesia, Korea, Taiwan and China.
Insight has achieved many important Tour Operator ‘Firsts’ over the years including, in 1983, being the first scheduled tour operator to win ‘the Queen’s Award for Export Achievement’ from Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.
‘The Art of Touring in Style’ lies at the very heart of Insight philosophy. Our carefully chosen unique features and impeccable service standards enable us to deliver exceptional quality, unequalled value, unforgettable memories and personal freedom at levels currently unrivalled elsewhere in the industry.
You will travel with companions from all over the English speaking world - England, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, Singapore and more. Relax and capture the spirit of Europe and North America while we take care of every detail. From Great Britain to the European continent, from Turkey to the wonders of Israel and Egypt and the breathtaking National Parks and exciting cities of America and Canada, we invite you to experience the Insight difference and travel in style and comfort.
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Adventures by Disney Multi-Generational Vacations
New for 2013!
Adventures by Disney Launches Tours Specifically for Multi-Generational Families
In 2013, Adventures by Disney® encourages you to bring the whole family along on multi-generational departures to Italy, London/Paris and Ireland.
While all Adventures by Disney tours are designed for families, these specialized adventures are specifically tailored to support the needs of groups traveling with multiple generations.
Each departure features a professional photographer on-hand throughout the adventure to capture memory-making moments. And, you will experience the Disney Differences that Adventures by Disney is known for, including dedicated Adventure Guides, knowledgeable local experts, hands-on educational activities, VIP privileges, private ground transportation and extraordinary accommodations.
With all of the details planned in advance, it’s easy for grandparents and parents to relax and immerse themselves in the most valuable experience of all – quality time with their family.
Adventures by Disney presents three multi-generational departures for 2013:
The Emerald Isle
Aug. 13, 2013 – 8 Days/7 Nights
Dublin, Cashel, Killarney and Newmarket-on-Fergus
Families will feel like they have reached a pot of gold as they discover the treasures of Ireland with Adventures by Disney. With excursions through legendary castles and authentic Irish dancing lessons, one can’t help but embrace the luck of the Irish.
Cities of Knights and Lights
July 22, 2013 – 8 Days/7 Nights
London, Windsor, Stonehenge, Paris and Versailles
You will step into the stories of fairy tale characters and kings in two of the most magical cities in Europe. From Buckingham Palace to the Eiffel Tower, Westminster Abbey to the Notre Dame Cathedral, you will experience unforgettable sites through hands-on experiences designed just for families.
Viva Italia
July 18, 2013 – 9 Days/8 Nights
Rome, Orvieto, Tuscany, Artimino, Florence and Venice
From exploring the masterpieces of Rome to pasta-making with an Italian chef and floating along the grand canals of Venice, you will experience the spirit of Italy from the moment you arrive.
Contact Naka’s Travel Service to book your Disney vacation today - see more package tours around the world on the Tour with Naka’s page!
