Martindale Travel and Tours

AmaWaterways' AmaViola - Vilshofen To Budapest 2022
2022-04-29 - 2022-05-06 | AmaWaterways ~ AmaViola
BOOK NOW: Call 206-399-2138 | Email amartindale@cruiseplanners.com

Vilshofen to Budapest
April 29th, 2022 – 7 Days

Visiting: Vilshofen, Passau, Linz, Weissenkirchen, Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest
3 Nights Prague package (Pre-cruise) available for $900pp

Brightly colored floral and geometric patterns from stateroom to Main Lounge immediately show you that the AmaViola is no ordinary river cruise ship. Twin balconies in most staterooms maximize your enjoyment as steeples and vineyards glide by. Mouthwatering cuisine worthy of La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, an exclusive and internationally-renowned gastronomic society, is served from sunrise to sunset. There’s something symphonic about the flourish and style of The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant and the coordinated effort to serve each bold, beautiful and delicious course of the regionally-inspired tasting menu. Butterfly wallpaper in the hair salon highlights how you’ll emerge brand new while an inviting sun-deck pool with a swim-up bar refreshes your spirit. Plus, AmaViola inspires you to be the best version of yourself with a walking track, fitness room and fleet of onboard bikes to keep you happy and healthy during your cruise.

California Coastal Wine Cruise On The Koningsdam 2022
2022-03-27 - 2022-04-03 | Holland America Line ~ Koningsdam
BOOK NOW: Call 206-399-2138 | Email amartindale@cruiseplanners.com

California Coastal Wine Cruise on the Koningsdam
March 27th, 2022

7-night trip going to U.S. West Coast (Pacific Seaboard)
Visiting: San Diego, Catalina Island, Santa Barbara, San Francisco, Ensenada

Rum Cruise In The Caribbean 2022
2022-03-12 - 2022-03-19 | Star Clippers ~ Royal Clipper
BOOK NOW: Call 206-399-2138 | Email amartindale@cruiseplanners.com

Rum Cruise in the Grenadine Islands
Star Clippers – Unique Sailing Adventures
Royal Clipper – March 12th, 2022
7 Days – Round-Trip Barbados

Click here for the Star Clippers experience
$225 on board credit per person is included
if booked by October 15th, 2020
Enjoy Exclusive Rum Tours in the Islands*
Prices from $1,815 per person – (based upon double occupancy)
*Rum tours are optional and are offered for an additional price

Panama Canal Royal Clipper Sailing 2021
2021-11-20 - 2021-11-27 | Royal Clipper
BOOK NOW: Call 206-399-2138 | Email amartindale@cruiseplanners.com

Brand g Vacations is proud to offer an LGBT+, inclusive, guaranteed full ship charter cruise through the Panama Canal, an experience unlike any you’ll find on any other cruise ship.
Request a PDF brochure here.
We have chartered the Royal Clipper, the largest and only five-masted, full-rigged sailing ship. With a complement of 42 sails, the Royal Clipper is a splendid sight to behold. Experience the informal elegance, culinary delights, and gracious service in the intimacy of 227 LGBT+ friends.
This cruise departs from Panama City, Panama. The main attraction here is, of course, the Panama Canal, considered by many the eighth wonder of the world. The Panama Canal is a 48-mile-long corridor that connects the Atlantic Ocean (via the Caribbean Sea) to the Pacific Ocean.The canal cuts across the Isthmus of Panama and is a key conduit for international maritime trade. On your Panama Canal cruise, join other passengers on the decks as a canal historian explains the workings of the locks and points out sights along the way.
The cruise ends in Oranjestad, Aruba. The island is a surprising mix of soft, white-sand beaches and desert; Dutch heritage and influences from nearby Venezuela.
Laugh. Dance. Smile. Relax on this unforgettable adventure of the senses.
Inclusions

Airport transfer from Panama City airport to ship
Daytime transit of the Panama Canal
7 nights cruise accommodation ( LGBT+, Guaranteed Full Ship Charter)
Gourmet dining with all meals included during your cruise
House wine, all liquor, beer and soft drinks, except premium brands and Champagne
All-English language on board
Post-cruise transfer to Oranjestad airport

Flight Recommendations

Arrivals: You may arrive to Panama City, Panama (PTY) at anytime on November 20th, or prior. Transfers will be provided to the ship or optional pre-cruise program host hotel.
Departures: One post cruise transfer will be provided on November 27th. The ship is scheduled to arrive to Oranjestad, Aruba at 8:00 AM and therefore we recommend flights departing Oranjestad (AUA) at 12:30 PM or later. We will transfer you from the Royal Clipper to the Oranjestad Airport or host post cruise hotel. Any further transfers will need to be arranged independently at your own expense.

Highlights and Sightseeing

The Miraflores Locks museum and visitor center gives engineering enthusiasts a view of the locks in action, as well as presents the history of the canal’s construction.
Daytime transit of the Panama Canal
San Blas Islands, an archipelago of more than 370 islands and cays of which fewer than 50 are inhabited
Cartagena, Colombia a UNESCO World Heritage site
Romantic Santa Marta, the oldest city in Colombia
A couple days at sea to feel the wind fill the sails and gently carry you from one gorgeous destination to the next
Aruba’s endless beaches

Amazon Cruise and Machu Picchu Expedition 2021
2021-11-07 - 2021-11-19 | Delfin III
BOOK NOW: Call 206-399-2138 | Email amartindale@cruiseplanners.com

All-inclusive Peruvian adventure including an LGBT+, guaranteed full ship charter Amazon River cruise and culminating with a comprehensive Machu Picchu experience.
Request a PDF brochure here.

Machu Picchu

As the face of travel continues to evolve, so should the nature and value of enriching travel programs being offered. Peru is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world offering a unique combination of nature, wildlife, archaeology and cultural heritage.
Brand g Vacations is pleased to introduce our second of two Amazon and Machu Picchu programs in 2021. The cruise portion is operated aboard the luxurious Delfin III, which offers some of the most spacious accommodations along the Amazon River. This smartly designed, 44-passenger, colonial-style vessel, provides the ultimate in comfort, with five-star amenities.
Our custom designed land program provides authentic, educational, and culturally-enriching encounters daily. Few trips offer as rich an experience of Peru’s diverse natural and cultural treasures.

Local villagers

Begin in the cosmopolitan city of Lima, known for its vibrant food scene. Fly to Iquitos where you will embark a luxury riverboat that takes you deep into the rain forest within the Amazon Basin. Home to a staggering array of wildlife, the Peruvian Amazon boasts nearly a thousand species of birds alone. Enjoy fine wine and famous Peruvian cuisine while enjoying the company of your fellow LGBT travelers. After disembarkation, we will continue on to the Sacred Valley near the Inca capitol of Cusco. From here, we board the Sacred Valley train for a scenic journey to Machu Picchu, the mystical stone city built by the Incas in the 15th century. Afterwards return to Cusco, where you’ll enjoy two luxurious nights at the centrally- located Palacio del Inka hotel and guided tours of the most significant Inca sites before departing for your flight home.
It’s the perfect combination of inspiring places and rich history in the comfort of an all-gay environment. Virtually all-inclusive rates starting from $5,799 per person.

Amazon River, Peru

Inclusions

2 nights hotel accommodations in Lima including welcome reception and daily breakfast.
Guided tour of Lima including welcome lunch.
Domestic flight from Lima to Iquitos, the gateway to the Amazon.
4 night Amazon cruise including all meals.(Guaranteed all-LGBT+ charter.)
Cruise includes local pisco-based cocktails, local beers, and local sodas with lunch and dinner as well as house wine with dinner.
All excursions during cruise.
Domestic flights from Iquitos to Cusco.
Transfer to Sacred Valley.
3 nights hotel accommodations in the Sacred Valley including daily breakfast, one lunch and one dinner.
Guided tours in the Sacred Valley.
Peru Rail Sacred Valley train to Machu Picchu including lunch.
2 visits to Machu Picchu.
One night hotel accommodation in Machu Picchu village including breakfast and dinner.
Peru Rail Vista Dome train from Machu Picchu to Ollantaytambo and motor coach to Cusco including gourmet packed lunch.
2 nights hotel accommodation in Cusco, including breakfast, one dinner and one lunch.
Half day city tour of Cusco and half day tour of the the Sacsayhuaman fortress.
Lunches and dinners on land include: two glasses of local beer, house wine or soft drinks.

Highlights and Sightseeing

Lima: sightseeing with a local guide; visit Archbishop’s Palace, Government Palace, San Francisco Monastery and Larco Herrara Museum.
Iquitos: visit the Manatee Rescue Center.
Cruise: 4 night cruise in a deluxe, outside suite cruising the Peruvian Amazon River aboard the Delphin III. Welcome cocktail & dinner; guided sightseeing each day with a local naturalist by skiff boats during the day and evening; native village visit.
Sacred Valley: visit Ollantaytambo with its huge Incan fortress rising from the edge of town.
Machu Picchu: board the train for the scenic journey to Aguas Calientes; sightseeing of the ruins with a local guide.
Cusco: sightseeing with visits to Santo Domingo Cathedral, Sacsayhuaman fortress and the Pre-Columbian Art Museum.

Flight Recommendations
International flights are not included. Please use these guidelines when booking your flights:

You should schedule your flights to arrive to Lima (LIM) by November 7, 2021. The first scheduled activity will be a welcome reception at approximately 5:30pm.
You should plan your flight home from Cusco (CUZ) on November 19, 2021 at 5:00pm or later (most flights connect via Lima). It may be easiest to book a round trip Lima flight and purchase a separate one-way ticket from Cusco to Lima to connect with your departure flight.

Ambassador Winery Group Cruise 2021
2021-10-16 - 2021-10-26 | Oceania Cruises ~ Marina
BOOK NOW: Call 206-399-2138 | Email amartindale@cruiseplanners.com

Cruise with Allison & Nathan Engman and
Mike & Rumi Amato from
Ambassador Wines of Washington

Cruise with us on the Oceania Marina
October 16th – October 26th, 2021

Mediterranean Palette
Venice to Barcelona – 10 Days

Included:
Round-Trip Airfare from major US and Canadian gateways*
Pre-Paid Gratuities
Unlimited Internet
Wine, Beer & Champagne with Lunch & Dinner
$450 on board credit, per stateroom (which can be used towards the upgrade of the beverage package)
Group Cocktail Party
Wine Tasting
Wine Paired Ambassador Wine Dinner and group dinners on board
All meals on board, including 24 hour room service
Entertainment on board the ship
Exclusive Private Food & Wine shore excursions will be available for an additional charge

Ambassador Wines – Exclusively Red Wine, Exclusively Estate, Exclusively Red Mountain. Ambassador Wines of Washington produces 100% estate grown Washington state red wines from our outstanding vineyard located on Red Mountain. We are committed to making wines of the finest quality that reflect the richness and diversity of the coveted Red Mountain terroir.”
*$850 is included in the above prices for round-trip airfare from major US Gateways.
This can be removed if booking your own air or using miles. We can also quote business class air with a great consolidator.

Vietnam and Cambodia Mekong River Cruise 2021
2021-10-14 - 2021-10-26 | Mekong Jewel
BOOK NOW: Call 206-399-2138 | Email amartindale@cruiseplanners.com

We invite you to join Brand g Vacations for a 13-day, LGBT+, all-inclusive, guaranteed full ship charter, featuring the mighty Mekong River and the Temples of Angkor Wat.
Request a PDF brochure here.
There can be no more striking cultural contrast than tranquil Cambodia and bustling Vietnam. From the diverse countryside of Cambodia to the Mekong Delta, so rich in human life and endeavor, you’ll discover two countries, two cultures, and two ways of life linked by one river, the Mekong.

Join Brand g on a comprehensive 13-day journey through the heart of Cambodia and Vietnam, featuring a seven-night, all-gay cruise charter along the mighty Mekong River. Cruise aboard the all-suite, luxurious Mekong Jewel, specially built to ply the Mekong River from Kampong Cham, Cambodia to Ho Chi Minh City. Embracing an elegant French-colonial design similar to the many homes that once lined the streets of old Saigon, she boasts spacious suites from 323 square feet up to an expansive 915 square feet in size. From here, you will enjoy all the wonders the Mekong has to offer in sophisticated, yet comfortable style. With never more than 24 guests per expert guide, you will enjoy enriching lectures, a comprehensive series of well-planned excursions, and most meals and beverages! Also included is a three-night stay in Siem Reap including an in-depth visit to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Angkor Wat, and a two-night stay in bustling Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon), each featuring five-star, centrally-located hotels.

During the cruise you’ll also enjoy complimentary beverages including locally-produced beer, alcoholic beverages, and soft drinks as well as house wines with dinner. Dine on European cuisine and regional specialties infused with flavors from Asia’s celebrated culinary tradition.
With just 34 custom-designed suites, space is limited. To book, contact Brand g Vacations or your travel professional today!”
Inclusions

3 nights deluxe hotel accommodations in Siem Reap, including daily breakfast, three lunches and one dinner
7-night cruise including all meals
2 nights deluxe hotel accommodations in Ho Chi Minh City, including daily breakfast, one lunch and one dinner
Cruise includes free-flowing local spirits, house wines (wines with dinner only) and locally-produced beer and soft drinks
Daily shore excursions and touring on both land and cruise

Highlights

Visit the 12th century Angkorian temple complex of Wat Nokor Bachey
Glide in wooden sampans to the historic An Kiet House and gardens in Cai Be, Vietnam
Ride a Vietnamese tuk-tuk, or xe loi, to a family-owned mat weaving workshop
Take a cyclo tour of Phnom Penh, including the Royal Palace, Throne Hall, Moonlight Pavilion, and the National Museum collection of Angkorian artifacts
See Phnom Penh’s famous Silver Pagoda, home of Cambodia’s Emerald Buddha and the diamond-encrusted Maitreya Buddha
From Phnom Pehn travel to Choeung Ek and see the Khmer Rouge Killing Fields, the memorial stupa, and Tuol Sleng (S-21 Prison)
Tour a local school in the village of Wat Hanchey and receive a traditional Buddhist water blessing from the monks at the local monastery
See Kampong Cham’s Phnom Pros (Man Hill), Phnom Srei (Woman Hill), the 33-foot long reclining Buddha, and the 42-foot tall preaching Buddha

Scotland’s Royal Majesty Cruise and Exploration 2021
2021-10-05 - 2021-10-17 | Lord of the Glens
BOOK NOW: Call 206-399-2138 | Email amartindale@cruiseplanners.com

We invite you to join Brand g Vacations for an LGBT+, inclusive, guaranteed full ship charter, exploring Scotland’s Royal Majesty.
Due to complications connected to the COVID-19 pandemic we have rescheduled our June 2021 Scotland program to this new date. Previously booked guests will have first priority to move to the new program and then any remaining space will be offered to those already on the wait list. If you would like to be added to the wait list, please contact us.
Request a PDF Brochure here.

This tour offers a fascinating insight into Scotland’s history and its Royal connections past and present with unparalleled access to the former and current homes of the Her Majesty The Queen and Her Majesty The Queen Mother. Following two nights in Inverness, enjoy a breathtaking 7-day luxury cruise from Fort Augustus to Inverness on board the Lord of the Glens. See Scotland’s famous Autumnal scenery and visit the islands of Eigg, Mull, Iona and Skye as well as the towns of Fort William and Laggan and sail on famous Loch Ness. Following the cruise, our exploration continues with three nights in Edinburgh. Here we tour Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Palace while taking in the famous Scottish atmosphere and culture. Optional bookable tours are available to Roslin Chapel (made famous in the Da Vinci Code) or historic Stirling Castle. Our last night ends with a Royal Invitation to a luxury State farewell dinner onboard HM The Queen’s former floating home, the Royal Yacht Britannia.

Package Includes

Welcome reception in Inverness
Traditional Highland Dinner in Inverness with local entertainment
2 nights hotel accommodation in Inverness including breakfast
Lunch at HRH Prince Charles’s Rothesay Arms Hotel
7 nights deluxe cruise accommodation
Gourmet dining with all meals included during your cruise
Free flowing house wine and local beer with lunch and dinner during cruise
Hosted receptions throughout the cruise
Lunch at HM The Queen Mother’s former home Glamis Castle
Three nights deluxe accommodation in The Hilton Carlton Edinburgh.
Exclusive lunch on the Royal Mile, Edinburgh
Optional tours of Stirling Castle or Roslin Chapel
Formal state dining on the Royal Yacht Britannia, HM The Queen’s former floating home.

Touring Highlights

See Scone Palace home Scotland’s ancient founding fathers, both pagan and Christian.
View the spectacular Cairngorms and take in the breathtaking scenery of Scotland’s wilderness
Visit Culloden where “Bonnie” Prince Charlie’s Jacobite forces were defeated in 1746
Take the West Highland railway line over the renowned viaduct to beautiful Glenfinnan, made famous in the Harry Potter films
Enjoy Loch Ness and search for the world-famous Loch Ness Monster “Nessie” and take in the romantic ruins of Urquhart Castle
Sail Neptune’s Staircase in the shadow of Ben Nevis, Great Britain’s highest mountain
Visit Eigg where you can get a sense of what life is like for the roughly 90 people who live on this island community
Visit the World Heritage site, the Isle of Iona the last resting place of some 50 Scottish Kings and where St. Columba introduced Christianity to Britain and home to Duart Castle
Visit Tobermory on the Isle of Mull
Tour Glamis Castle, former home of HM The Queen Mother and enjoy a private tea in the kitchen
Visit Holyrood Palace, HM The Queen’s formal home in Edinburgh and view the Queen’s gallery
Enjoy a guided tour of the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle
Explore the Royal Yacht Britannia and enjoy a Luxury State Dinner

Bucharest to Budapest Danube River Cruise 2021
2021-09-04 - 2021-09-13 | MS Amadeus Queen
BOOK NOW: Call 206-399-2138 | Email amartindale@cruiseplanners.com

Lower Danube riverboat cruise featuring the “Iron Gates”, overnights in Belgrade and Budapest, plus 2 pre-cruise nights in Bucharest!
Request a PDF brochure here.

Bucharest, Romania

Brand g Vacations is proud to offer a unique river cruise experience unlike any you’ll find on the rivers of Europe today. With this all-LGBT+ full cruise charter on the Amadeus Queen, you will be pampered by a crew of forty in an atmosphere of total relaxation. We’ve created an itinerary that includes four countries (Romania, Serbia, Bulgaria and Hungary) that for decades were hidden behind the Iron Curtain.
Explore the undiscovered beauty of Eastern Europe as we begin in Bucharest, the legendary Romanian capital full of history and tradition. Sail from Giurgiu through the “Iron Gates”, the imposing gorge where the Danube breaks through the Carpathian Mountains. Enjoy an overnight in the revitalized Belgrade before continuing on to the vibrant Hungarian city of Budapest.

Inclusions

Two nights in historic Bucharest
Half day guided tour including the highlights of Bucharest
Tour of the imposing and ornate parliament of Bucharest and sumptuous local lunch
Guaranteed all-LGBT+ charter
7 Nights Cruise Accommodation
Complimentary beer, wine, spirits and non-alcoholic beverages throughout the cruise
Dining: all meals included during your cruise
Services of an experienced cruise director throughout the cruise
Complimentary shore excursions offered daily
Use of state-of-the-art audio headsets for all excursions
Brand g signature entertainment
Arrival and Departure airport transfers in Bucharest(OTP) and Budapest(BUD)

Highlights and Sightseeing

Itinerary with stops in four countries
Explores the capital city of Romania, also known as the “Paris of the East”
Sail through the “Iron Gates”, one of the most stunning gorges in Europe
Visit to the historic Kalemegdan fortress in Belgrade
Oplenac – the famous St. George’s Church, which is the final resting place of most of the Serbian royal family
St. Matthew’s Church and the famous Fisherman’s Bastion
Széchenyi Chain Bridge – the twin-towered bridge opened in 1849 and was the first bridge linking Buda and Pest together
Overnight on-board on the gorgeous waterfront in Budapest

Flight Recommendations

Arrivals for the main program: you may arrive at anytime on September 4th, or prior. Transfers will be provided from the Bucharest International Airport (OTP) to the host hotel. Your first event will be a welcome cocktail reception at approximately 5:30pm. Please contact us to discuss your travel plans and we will advise you regarding availability of non-airport transfers.
Arrivals for the pre-program add-on to the castles district:you may arrive at anytime on September 2nd or prior. Transfers will be provided from the Bucharest International Airport (OTP) to the host hotel. No official programming will be scheduled prior to 5:30pm on the 2nd. Please contact us to discuss your travel plans and we will advise you regarding availability of non-airport transfers.
Departures: Post cruise transfers will be provided on September 13th anytime. The ship will be docked in Budapest all night. All guests must disembark by approximately 10:00AM. We will transfer you from the ship to the Budapest Airport (BUD), Please contact us to discuss your travel plans and we will advise you regarding availability of non-airport transfers.

Bourbon River Cruise 2021
2021-08-22 - 2021-08-30 | American Queen Voyages ~ American Duchess
BOOK NOW: Call 206-399-2138 | Email amartindale@cruiseplanners.com

Bourbon Cruise
MEMPHIS TO LOUISVILLE RIVER CRUISE
9 DAY JOURNEY
August 22, 2021 – August 30, 2021

Spacious luxury awaits aboard the floating masterpiece that is the American Duchess. This boutique-style riverboat offers exquisite dining, beautiful decks and exceptional amenities. Her suites range from 180 to 550 square feet, allowing guests to stay in some of the largest accommodations on the rivers. Unique to the American Duchess are her Loft Suites, which feature two stories enhanced by floor-to-ceiling windows, two full bathrooms, a comfortable dining area, a beautiful lounge with a queen sofa-bed, a private balcony and an upstairs bedroom.
Combining the best of the old and the new, this beautiful lady epitomizes the grace and grandeur that have made cruising on the Mississippi River a cherished American tradition for more than two centuries.

The rivers that flow through this itinerary play muse to artisans of mixed media – from sidewalk chalk to street fare – and are home to ports of cultural diversity that quickly captivate the hearts of visitors. Varied perspectives and lifestyles come to fruit in town squares and along city streets. Embark on a journey from Memphis to Louisville, traverse the confluence of rivers and engage in a uniquely American experience.

High-end luxury paddlewheeler
Private Veranda Suites to Loft and Owner’s Suites
range from 240 to 550 sq. ft.
Included boutique hotel stay before most voyages
(includes breakfast, taxes, porterage and vessel transfer )
Open seating and specialty dining venues
Masterful regional cuisine
Enrichment and Broadway-caliber entertainment
Comprehensive, guided shore excursions

INSIDE THE BOURBON EXPERIENCE – Learn what makes a centuries-old tradition as uniquely American as our river cruises with this rare opportunity to experience an extraordinary journey through America’s heartland and into the roots of Kentucky’s bourbon region. This special themed voyage will take you behind the scenes and into the history books to show you where bourbon comes from, how it is made and the ways to distinguish the unique characteristics of different distilleries. Not only have we arranged for special tastings, treats, and cooking demonstrations, but also we are thrilled to announce an exclusive line-up of special on-board guests. Both on-board and ashore, each day presents an eclectic blend of music, creative workshops and a wealth of enrichment that can’t be found anywhere else. This dynamic blend of historic discovery, toe-tapping entertainment and complimentary tours of the finest bourbon distilleries creates a uniquely American river cruise that you simply cannot afford to miss!
