Cruise the Amazon, walk Australia's Cradle Mountain, or travel Italy by train. Members of the U.S. Tour Operators Association (USTOA) remind agents that they can make all the arrangements for independent travelers, whether it's five days of seeing Brazil's Rio Negro, a week on a custom-planned itinerary "roughing it" in Tasmania, or a week traveling in comfort between Italy's major cities by rail.
USTOA cites three pre-arranged vacation packages and one custom itinerary, all designed for independent travelers.
Rome, Florence, and Venice (Superior Tourist Class) — eight days, seven nights
On Brendan Vacations' eight-day, seven-night "Rome, Florence, and Venice (Superior Tourist Class)," travelers take the train between these three major cities, spending three nights in Rome, and two each in Florence and Venice. Priced from $1,204 per person, the package features centrally-located, twin-bed hotel accommodations, breakfast daily, and train transportation between cities. Sightseeing with local guides in Florence and Venice, a Hop-On-Hop-Off tour in Rome, airport transfers upon arrival and departure, and services of an English-speaking local host are also included. Travel is valid through March 30, 2011 and can be booked anytime. Airfare is additional. For reservations phone 1-800-421-8446 or visit www.brendanvacations.com.
Italy by Rail — seven days, six nights
General Tours World Traveler offers a seven-day, six-night "Italy by Rail" vacation package to Rome, Florence, and Venice with two first class EuroStar rail journeys and a choice of city-center hotels for two nights in each city plus sightseeing and daily breakfast. Package prices begin at $1,249 per person when booked by March 1, 2011 for travel through March 28, 2011. International airfare is available at an additional charge. For reservations phone 1-800-221-2216 or visit www.generaltours.com.
Australia on Foot — Cradle Mountain Walk, seven days, six nights
Walk with an experienced tour guide in Tasmania, Australia on a Goway Travel "7 Day Cradle Mountain Walk" custom vacation. Follow the Overland Track and enjoy a boat transfer across Lake St. Clair. Included on this seven-day, six-night (arrival day and six days of walking) custom itinerary are nightly accommodations in private huts with sleeping bags, pillows, and a comfortable mattress, all meals and non-alcoholic beverages plus a selection of Tasmanian wines, all transport from Launceston, and return transfers Travelers are supplied with sheets and a pillowcase to carry along the route, and also have the use of a backpack and Gortex jacket throughout the trip. This custom itinerary is priced from $2,577 per person until March 31, 2011. Airfare is additional. For reservations phone 1-888-469-2944 or visit www.goway.com.
Brazil River cruising — Negro River, five days, four nights
The "Amazon Cruises - Negro River" vacation package from Latour features a 5-daycruise aboard the Iberostar Grand Amazon, departing from Manaus, Brazil. Included are transfers and all meals. Prices begin at $1,093 per person when booked by April 15, 2011 for travel through June 30, 2011. International airfare is additional. For reservations phone 1-800-825-0825 or visit www.latour.com.
Air fare is additional on all above trips. All prices are based on twin share. Restrictions and additional security fees, departure and local taxes and fees may apply. Rates may vary by date.
For more information and a list of member companies serving Europe, South America, and Australia, as well as walking, rail, and cruise vacations, visit: www.USTOA.com, or www.USTOA.travel.