The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2012: Who made the cut?

Paris, New York and Tokyo, eat your heart out — the world’s best restaurant is not on your turf, but a dimly-lit warehouse in an obscure part of Copenhagen no one had heard of eight years ago.

That’s when chef Rene Redzepi opened Noma with somewhat strange ambitions — to serve only food native to Scandinavia — so no olive oil or other fancy Mediterranean stuff.  He created dishes with obscure items like milk skin, hay and pine needles, and against all the odds, it worked.

Noma this week made it a hat trick in the World’s Best 50 Restaurants awards, taking the top award for the third year in a row. And behind him come a whole raft of new young culinary hotshots known as the New Nordics — 10 percent of this year’s Top 50 restaurants are in Scandinavia.

Spain has done even better, mind you, with 30 percent of the Top 10 — yet again — in a row. Spanish restaurants remain at no. 2, 3 and 8, just like last year. And this is without the help of superstar chef Ferran Adria, first-ever winner of the awards, who broke records by holding the top spot for four years in a row with elBulli before closing it in 2011.

All are in the foodie north of the country, ditto another two which made the list.

Of course, New York’s Manhattan was not to be ignored, and also claimed 10 percent of the list and 20 percent of the top 10.  Per Se scored at no. 6, Eleven Madison Park at no. 10, while Le Bernardin, Daniel and Momofuku were further down the list.

Alinea in Chicago, the French Laundry in Yountville and a rather more obscure Californian entry, Manresa in Los Gatos, made the United States the most successful country on the list, with eight winners.

However, the world’s fourth-best restaurant is in Latin America, which took four gongs in total.

Asia, however, is the continent to watch, with six in the top 50, and a further 10 in the second half of the top 100.  Iggy’s of Singapore and Narisawa and Nihonryori RyuGin of Tokyo lead the way at no. 26, 27 and 28 respectively.  Behind them are Waku Ghin in Singapore, Amber in Hong Kong and Nahm in Bangkok — Thailand’s first ever restaurant to make the top 50.

Bizarrely, Nahm was born not in Thailand but in London of an Australian chef, and London, host to the awards, has just about held its head up.

The Fat Duck, once no. 1, may have slipped — down to 13, but chef Heston Blumenthal’s new restaurant, Dinner at the Mandarin Oriental, became the highest ever new entry at no. 9, while the Ledbury, down the road in Notting Hill, is the fastest climber in the list, leaping a whopping 20 points to no. 14. However, two British restaurants on last year’s list have dropped out.

It’s in the second half of the list that new stars are being born, with Moscow, Dubai, Cape Town and Sydney all earning multiple showings.

But so too do Scandinavia, Spain and the United States, who for the foreseeable future are going to be the countries to beat. Not to mention the French, whose dozen in the top 100 puts them one behind the United States, the overall winners.

The list is compiled by the World’s 50 Best Restaurants Academy — a panel of more than 800  chefs, food critics, restaurateurs and other influential leaders in the restaurant industry.

The Top 10

1. Noma, Denmark

Far from fancy, this is what the inside of the world’s best restaurant looks like.

The name means Nordic food, and that’s what you’ll get — anything from Greenland musk ox to tiny shrimp from the Faroe Islands, plus herbs, grasses and berries foraged by the chefs, who come here from all over the world to study with the master and are required to be humble enough to bring their food direct to the table.

Chef-proprietor Rene Redzepi is actually half-Macedonian, and claims to be inspired by Sat Bains, the obscure provincial British restaurant which sits way down the list at no. 97.

He is the first to admit that topping the list has changed Noma’s fortunes: “We’ve gone from a Monday when we had 14 people in all day to more than 1,200 on our waiting list.”

The restaurant is in a charming old warehouse reached by ferry from Copenhagen harbor, but if that’s too far try Noma’s London pop-up at the Claridges Hotel from July 28-August 6.

2. El Celler de Can Roca, Spain

El Celler de Can Roca, keeping Catalan cuisine on the world’s best restaurant list.

The three brothers who own this ultra-modern restaurant in the industrial town of Girona are jokers as well as clever cooks.

They start diners off with caramelized olives, which come to the table on bonsai trees; from there on, expect the classic Catalan ingredients which made this region famous in the days when Ferran Adria of elBulli was king.

3. Mugaritz, Spain

Chef Andoni Luis Aduriz of Mugaritz picked up this year’s Chef’s Choice award.

Andoni Luis Aduriz holds sway in Spain’s single foodiest town, San Sebastian on the north coast, where he tingles taste buds with food that looks nothing like fare that will knock your socks off.

You might get a single piece of white hake on a white plate, or a potato resembling a stone all on its own in a bowl.

However, it’s magic — not for nothing did Aduriz also pick up this year’s Chef’s Choice award from his top 50 list-mates.

4. D.O.M., Brazil 

D.O.M is the only Brazilian restaurant to crack the top 50 on the World’s Best Restaurants list.

Chef-patron Alex Atala has taken the humblest native fare — palm hearts and cassava — and put them on the culinary map along with rarer produce of the Amazonian rainforest.

Expect to hear a lot more about cambuca fruit, manioc root and tucupi juice, with other Brazilians coming up the list behind him.

In the heart of Sao Paolo, the waiting list just got a whole lot longer for this 50-seat restaurant which climbed three places up the top 10 this year to take the Best In South America award.

5. Osteria Francescana, Italy

Osteria Francescana, making Modena famous for something other than Ferraris.

Massimo Bottura has put Modena — also famous for Ferraris and Balsamic vinegar — firmly on the dining map without pretension or fuss, despite winning a third Michelin star last year.

Dinner might start with something as simple as a perfect plate of coppa ham before Massimo starts shaking it up a bit.

He has the advantage of being in the heart of Emilia-Romagna. Italy’s foodiest region, it’s home to both the spaghetti Bolognese and Parmesan cheese which are eaten by Italo-holics the world over.

6. Per Se, United States

Per Se’s Thomas Keller received the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Thomas Keller may have made his name with the French Laundry, which took the World’s Best Restaurant award for two years running, but it was in New York rather than California’s wine country where he really started pushing the envelope.

The fireworks are all in the cooking; the surroundings here are un-showy, understated luxury in a plush modern room overlooking Central Park.

7. Alinea, United States

Chef Grant Achatz pulls off some wacky stunts in the kitchen, proving that good food can have an artistic edge.

Grant Achatz might just be the most out-there chef-patron on the planet, let alone Chicago and the United States.

He surrounds some of his dishes with wire and even serves some courses directly onto the table.

It’s all highly molecular — gels, foams, powders and other agents that transform food into performance art are the order of the day.

8. Arzak, Spain

Arzak serves classic Basque cuisine with random surprises like computer screens as dinner plates.

Evolution has kept this fourth-generation restaurant founded in the 19th century, at the forefront of the world’s culinary achievements — only what you’d expect from the first family of foodie San Sebastian.

Father and daughter Juan-Mari and Elena Arzak collaborated with Ferran Adria on molecular experiments back in the day, and still have their own food lab above the restaurant.

But in spite of dishes like monkfish and gooseberries being served on computer screens, classic Basque cuisine is at the heart of the place, and it’s a very cozy, old-fashioned room where everyone feels like family within five minutes of arriving.

9. Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, England

Chef Heston Blumental, the man who invented the meat-fruit.

He made his name with snail porridge and bacon and egg ice cream, but at Dinner — in London’s Mandarin Oriental hotel — Heston Blumenthal has gone for historic British recipes dating back as far as the 14th century.

Thanks to Dinner, a new word is bound to enter the Oxford Dictionary next year — the meat-fruit is Heston’s most famous new confection, actually a chicken liver parfait cunningly disguised as a mandarin orange.

10. Eleven Madison Park, United States

Eleven Madison is led by Swiss chef Daniel Humm.

This New York restaurant has sky-rocketed to stardom, leaping 14 places up the Best 50 list and soaring from a single Michelin star to three in a single bound.

Diners are expected to choose one core ingredient for each of their four courses for what’s described by Restaurant Magazine, which founded these awards, as “a dynamic but relaxed dining experience that’s deeply rooted in New York.”

Best of the rest

One to Watch: La Grenouillere, France

On the bland shores of the Channel in genteel Montreuil-sur-Mer, Alexandre Gauthier has created a cutting-edge temple of gastronomy since taking the reins from his father in 2003.

Chef Elena Arzak, the world’s top female chef.

Lifetime Achievement Award: Thomas Keller

A recognition of The French Laundry as no. 1 for two years running in 2003 and 2004 and an acknowledgement of the rise and rise of Per Se, climbing ever closer towards the top spot itself.

Best Female Chef: Elena Arzak

Fourth-generation chef whose dad, Juan-Mari, credits her entirely for keeping Arzak at the top of the fiercely competitive San Sebastian tree — and in the world’s top 10 — by constantly creating diverting and innovative new dishes.

New entries

Chef David Thompson’s Nahm gives Thailand its first appearance on the World’s Best Restaurant list.

Dinner, London at no. 9: The meat-fruit and other olde British conceits

Frantzen/Lindeberg, Stockholm at no. 20: New Nordics on the rise.

Faviken, Jarpen, Sweden at no. 34: Only 12 seats in a remote location 500 miles from the capital.

Waku Ghin, Singapore at no. 39: A sensation since opening in 2010.

Quique Dacosta, Spain at no. 40: Serving cacti and other native edibles of the Costa Blanca.

Vila Joya, Albufeira, Portugal at no. 45: Austrian chef serves roast goose liver and smoked eel as well as the salt cod the country is famous for.

Geranium, Copenhagen at no. 49: The Noma effect trickling down.

Nahm, Bangkok at no. 50: Surely the only award-winning Thai restaurant to have opened in London before its native land, with a chef from somewhere else altogether.

World’s best restaurants 11-50 

Rounding out S.Pellegrino’s list of the world’s 50 best restaurants in 2012 are:

11. Steirereck (Vienna, Austria)
12. L’Atelier Saint-Germain de Joël Robuchon (Paris, France)
13. The Fat Duck (Bray, England)
14. The Ledbury (London, England)
15. Le Chateaubriand (Paris, France)
16. L’Arpege (Paris, France)
17. Pierre Gagnaire (Paris, France)
18. L’Astrance (Paris, France)
19. Le Bernardin (New York, United States)
20. Frantzén/Lindeberg (Stockholm, Sweden)
21. Oud Sluis (Sluis, Netherlands)
22. Aqua (Wolfsburg, Germany)
23. Vendôme (Bergisch Gladbach, Germany)
24. Mirazur (Menton, France)
25. Daniel (New York, United States)
26. Iggy’s (Singapore)
27. Narisawa (Tokyo, Japan)
28. Nihonryori RyuGin (Tokyo, Japan)
29. Quay Restaurant (Sydney, Australia)
30. Schloss Schauenstein (Fürstenau, Switzerland)
31. Asador Etxebarri (Atxondo-Bizkaia, Spain)
32. Le Calandre (Rubano, Italy)
33. De Librije (Zwolle, Netherlands)
34. Fäviken Magasinet (Järpen, Sweden)
35. Astrid y Gastón (Lima, Perú)
36. Pujol (Mexico City, Mexico)
37. Momofuku Ssäm Bar (New York, United States)
38. Biko (Mexico City, Mexico)
39. Waku Ghin (Singapore)
40. Quique Dacosta (Denia, Spain)
41. Mathias Dahlgren (Stockholm, Sweden)
42. Hof van Cleve (Kruishoutem, Belgium)
43. The French Laundry (Yountville, California)
44. Amber (Hong Kong, China)
45. Vila Joya (Albufeira, Portugal)
46. Il Canto (Siena, Italy)
47. Bras (Laguiole, France)
48. Manresa (Los Gatos, California, United States)
49. Geranium (Copenhagen, Denmark)
50. Nahm (Bangkok, Thailand)

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La Spezia, Italy

Punctuating the rocky coastal poetry of western Liguria like picturesque full stops, the Cinque Terre are five hardy fishing villages that until the end of the 19th century were accessible only by sea or via steep muletracks.

Today this protected area, which enjoys National Park status, is one of best places in Italy for a holiday that combines fresh air, spectacular scenery, good food and wine and just the right amount of exercise – on the celebrated coast path that links the five villages.

The nearest port town and point of access for the Cinque Terre is La Spezia, a salty naval base and provincial capital with low-key charm, several good-value restaurants and some worthwhile museums.

With its deep-water harbour, La Spezia can accommodate even the largest cruise-liners

Alamy

Getting around

With its deep-water harbour, La Spezia can accommodate even the largest cruise-liners.

The town is the main hopping-off point for the Cinque Terre, which are most easily reached by train (the journey time to the first of the villages, Riomaggiore, is just eight minutes, and there are generally at least a couple of trains every hour).

Tickets are dirt cheap: it’s just €1.90 one-way from La Spezia to the furthest Cinque Terre village, Monterosso. You can also do the journey by passenger ferry:navigazionegolfodeipoeti.it. The other obvious destination from La Spezia is Pisa, just over an hour away by train.

Where to eat and drink

In Corniglia, A Cantina de Mananan (Via Fieschi 117, +39 0187 821 166, closed Tue, average €30 a head without wine) serves up authentic, good-value Ligurian cuisine in a rustic stone wine cellar. The menu takes in classics such as testaroli (crêpe-like pasta discs) with pesto sauce, or thyme-scented rabbit stewed in Vermentino wine, plus fresh-off-the-boat fish dishes; daily specials appear on the blackboard.

In Monterosso, call ahead to book at Il Ciliegio (Località Beo 2, +39 0187 817 829, closed Mon, average €30 a head without wine) and they’ll send someone down to drive you up to the restaurant, with its chestnut-shaded terrace looking down over vine-covered slopes to the sea. Monterosso’s anchovies – fried, marinaded in olive oil and lemon or stuffed with breadcrumbs and herbs – take star billing among the starters; follow up with pansotti (Liguruian ricotta-and-herb-filled ravioli) in walnut sauce, and grilled fish. They even make their own Cinque Terre white wine – and it’s delicious.

Down by the port in La Spezia, La Cambusa (Viale San Bartolomeo 471, +39 0187 503 083, closed Sun) is a lovely old-fashioned osteria-enoteca (trattoria and wine bar): drop in for a glass of wine, accompanied perhaps by a cheese or salami platter, or one of the daily hot specials, such as stockfish casserole, served on a huge communal table among bottle-lined shelves. You can eat well here with a glass of local Vermentino for no more than €15 a head.

The first of the villages, Riomaggiore Alamy

What to do

The classic Cinque Terre activity – and the reason so many visitors come here, even out of season – is the walk along the coast path that connects the five villages (if you’re feeling ambitious, you can extend it as far as La Spezia to the east or Levanto to the west).

So popular is the walk that the Cinque Terre National Park now levies a toll: to access the main Sentiero Azzurro coastpath , you need to invest in a Cinque Terre Card, which comes in one-day, two-day, three-day and week-long versions.

From west to east, the five villages are: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore.

Monterosso is the largest, and the only one with a selection of hotels and a family-friendly sandy beach. But it’s well worth pushing on from here, as each of the villages has its own character.

Vernazza is like the Italian fishing village of one’s dreams – its colourful houses huddled around a picturesque harbour-piazza. Aloof on a clifftop, Corniglia is the most reserved and rural of the five. In pretty Manarola, the fishing boats are drawn right up the sinuous main street to protect them against the scirocco gales that blow in from the south.

The easiest section of the coast path, the nearly-flat Via dell’Amore, leads from here to Riomaggiore, a village of tall Genoese houses which feels like a salty old pirate hideout.

If you’re taking the boat between La Spezia and the Cinque Terre, it’s worth stopping off in Portovenere, a handsome port town whose pastel-hued houses seem concertina-ed together.

La Spezia itself is a busy provinicial capital and the main training and shipbuilding centre of the Italian navy. At the entrance to the main navy base, the Museo Tecnico Navale (Viale Amendola 1, +39 0187 783 016) displays a fascinating collection of marine memorabilia, from model ships to manned torpedoes.

Shopping

There are plenty of craft and antique shops in the lanes of the Cinque Terre villages, but perhaps the best purchase here is wine or local produce – such as the salted anchovies of Monterosso, the largest and most westerly of the five villages. Buy them at source from the fishermen’s cooperative in Via Servano 2/4 (daily 9am-3pm), which also has a display on the traditions and techniques of anchovy fishing and salting in Liguria.

The wines to look out for are the ubiquitous dry white Cinque Terre and Schiacchetrà, a refined (and pricey) dessert wine made from partially-dried grapes. The local Cooperativa – which goes under the ponderous name of Agricoltura Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza e Monterosso, makes good versions of both.

If you haven’t been to Italy you have to add this to your list for places to visit. Call us today to book you r next trip at 877-229-6008 or 757-229-6008.

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Hawaii’s Big Island has more than beaches for vacationers

Travelers may think of Hawaii as the land of surfboards, sunsets and mai tais, but there’s a lava flow of reasons to go beyond the beaches and discover why residents say they are lucky to live in Hawaii. And, yes, some of the state’s best beaches are found on the Big Island. But don’t get stuck there. Do what the locals do:

Swim with the honu. There are five snorkeling areas along the Big Island’s Kohala Coast: Puako Bay, Waialea Beach (Beach 69), Hapuna Beach, Mauna Kea and Mauume. You’ll enjoy each for different reasons. The undersea life is abundant at all of them, and more often than not you’ll encounter at least one of Hawaii’s sacred honu, or green sea turtles. These protected creatures feed on the coral reefs just offshore, making an encounter likely. But even if you don’t see turtles, there are thousands of brightly colored fish and even the occasional monk seal, manta ray or eel.

Be a Hawaiian cowboy. Most people think of Hawaii as a beach destination, but there’s also a rich paniolo, or cowboy, history, particularly on the Big Island. For a glimpse, take an excursion to the town of Waimea, in the foothills of Mauna Kea. Here, in the heart of Parker Ranch country, horses and cattle outnumber people, and in the town’s main shopping center, an oversized bronze statue of one of Hawaii’s most revered paniolo, Ikua Purdy, is prominently displayed. If you are inclined to get astride a horse yourself, make a reservation with Harry Nakoa at Dahana Ranch, who will impart the wisdom of his paniolo elders while leading you on an open-range adventure — no nose-to-tail rides here.

Run for your life. Triathletes know the Big Island for the Ironman World Championship that takes place each year along its Kona-Kohala Coast. Though you can compete in the Ironman too — presuming you qualify — there are several other races throughout the year for mere mortals. The Lavaman triathlon takes places twice a year, in Kona and at Waikoloa on the Kohala Coast. Both races are Olympic-distance competitions, with a 1.5K swim, a 40K bike course and a 10K run.

Farmers markets. The Big Island is the ideal place to start or maintain a healthful diet. There is such a bounty from the land and sea that it is easy to find fresh fish, organic and locally grown produce, just-out-of-the-oven breads and grass-fed beef from local farms. There are farmers markets all over the island; two of the best are found in Waimea and open Saturdays.

At the Parker School market (8 a.m.-1 p.m.), you’ll find just-baked bread from Sandwich Isles Bread Co. (20 grain is my choice), a tempting assortment of agave-sweetened jams (try the guava), fruits and farm-fresh vegetable stands, orchid and plant booths, a masseuse, locally handmade soaps and creams, dog treats and prepared foods too.

The Hawaii Homestead market (7 a.m.-noon) has more organic produce, such as shiitake mushrooms, bushy bunches of kale and other leafy veggies, avocados as large as softballs and juicy, just-picked limes and lemons. Here, you also can find dark-roasted Kona coffee beans (as well as brewed samples) from Makua Coffee Co.}

Go whale watching. From early December through mid-April, Hawaii’s waters are graced by the majestic kohola, or humpback whales. These gentle mammals can be easily spotted slapping tails, blowing spouts and breaching. You can watch from the beach, from many places where the highway runs near the ocean (there’s usually a line of cars pulled over when whales are offshore) or from the deck of a sailboat. One of the best whale-watching cruise companies is Ocean Sports, which also offers dolphin watching and snorkel cruises year-round. With five marine biologists on staff, one of whom sails with each cruise, an Ocean Sports adventure is as educational as it is fun.

Brew crew. There are two brew pubs on island, but Big Island Brewhaus in Waimea (www.bigislandbrewhaus.com) is where the locals go. A dozen or so handcrafted brews are made in the brewery out back. My favorite is the Paniolo Pale Ale, an American-style IPA; several of its beers have scored gold in national competitions.

Land of fire & ice. The Big Island is often called a “land of fire and ice.” The “ice” because in winter months, the Mauna Kea is often snowcapped, and “fire” because of the active lava flow that has spewed from the Kilauea volcano for 25 years, running in bright red streams into the Pacific. The ideal way to see these exquisite natural beauties, as well as the island’s gushing waterfalls, vast brown and black lava fields, dramatic cliffs and deep green valleys is with Blue Hawaiian Helicopters. One- and two-hour tours are offered, departing from Waikoloa or Hilo.

Visit the jungle. To experience the flora of Hawaii in all its colorful glory, visit the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden eight miles north of Hilo. At this 40-acre manicured jungle you’ll see 2,000 species of plants, including 200 types of palm trees and 145 varieties of flowering ginger, in addition to gushing waterfalls and squawking parrots. All that’s missing are the genetically engineered dinosaurs.

Talk story, brah! In Hawaii, “talk story” can mean anything from two old friends getting together to catch up to a more organized storytelling celebration such as the Talk Story Festival, held annually in Honolulu. On the Big Island, each month on the Saturday evening closest to the full moon, the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel’s cultural ambassador and respected kahu (Hawaiian minister and cultural guardian) Danny Akaka hosts “Full Moon Talk Story” on the lawn next to the hotel’s Love Cottage. This free monthly gathering draws throngs of locals and visitors alike, who hear everything from Hawaiian musicians to island elders telling oral histories of Hawaii.

Are you ready to add Hawaii to your bucket list? Call us today for some exciting deals to this great destination at 877-229-6008 or 757-229-6008.

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Africa

   Africa is not a destination – it is a point of origin. The continent holds a very special place in the psyche of the human race, and many of the earliest explorers of Africa found that once they visited, there was no return. The African land mass held them there, captivated by the beauty of its land, the wild jungles and savannahs, and the amazing mix of cultures that have flourished. Underlying the face of modern Africa, beneath the veneer of colonial artifact, is a brief glimpse at the most archetypal of human endeavors and imagination – the pyramids, tribes of Zulu and Masai, wild life red in tooth and claw. Today’s visitors will often speak of how Africa is in some mysterious way a life-changing experience. At the very least, it is the experience of a lifetime.

Africa is the planet’s second largest continent, with 54 countries and more than 11 million square miles of surface area. Its highest point is the snow capped Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, rising some 19,340 feet above sea level. Its longest river is the Nile, which runs more than 4,000 miles from Burundi to Egypt. Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest body of water, is surrounded by Uganda, Tanzania, and Kenya. The great Sahara Desert forms the northernmost boundaries to the continent, while the untamed waters surrounding South Africa are the original trading route of the former European colonialists with India, Asia and the South Pacific.

The nations that make up Africa are far from homogenous. Each has its own distinct character and attractions. From Egypt to South Africa, a vast expanse of adventure awaits

Northern Africa

Northern Africa is comprised of those nations boardering the Sahara Desert and the Mediterranean and Atlantic Oceans, and those adjacent sub-Saharan countries. It is a varied mix of countries, some highly westernized and modern, with others steeped in more eastern tradition. Some are openly encouraging of tourism, others still reticent after years of contention with the rest of the world. There are real treasures here, with as varied a geographical and cultural landscape as any traveler could hope.

The sands of the Sahara lay atop an ancient plateau of crystalline rock, some of which is as old as the planet itself. The Atlas Mountains, extending across much of Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia, meets the Sahara desert which covers more than 90% of the region and form the southern range of the European Alpine system. Some sheltered valleys in the Atlas Mountains, and along the Mediterranean coast provide excellent farmland where a variety of valuable crops grow. The Atlas Mountains provide a passage between the coast and the Sahara Desert.

The great Nile River flows through one of the driest deserts on earth the narrow green Nile Valley. Home to one of the earliest civilizations in history, more than seventy million people now live along the banks of the Nile.

The ancient Berbers occupied the western area of North Africa and the Egyptians, Abyssinians and Nubians settled in the eastern regions. During the Muslim-Arab conquest of the 7th century AD, the region became largely Islamic, an event that has since defined its culture. Nomadic tribes such as the Bedouin, live a traditional pastoral lifestyle, moving their herds of sheep, goats and camels on the fringe of the great deserts.

For a while, Northern Africa was under the control of the Ottoman Empire. During the 19th century, it was colonized in turn and in various regions by France, the United Kingdom, Spain and Italy. Northern Africa was the setting for several World War II campaigns including the great North African Campaign. During the decades of the 1950s and 1960s the North African states gained independence from their colonial overseers. The ownership and polity of Western Sahara remains in dispute to this day.

The sub-Saharan countries of Northern Africa are rich in mineral and oil deposits but they are equally rich in untapped points of interest that abounds in history, culture, wildlife and scenery. As sub-Saharan Northern Africa opens increasingly to travelers, its wide variety of unusual sights and experiences, from camel treks through stunning desert landscapes to hikes through jungle and riverscapes.

Southern Africa

Southern Africa is a region of extremes, an area of vast potential and contrast. It contains that region of the world that is very likely the birthplace of all humankind, where scientists have found the first true ancestors of the human race. Southern Africa has the world’s largest preserves of free-ranging animals, both carnivore and herbivore. Large jungles cover much of its topography, as well as wide-open savanna. This is the world of the safari, a word which in the native Swahili languages means “journey”. Here, adventure travelers on safari see cheetah, lion, water buffalo, hippo, leopard and elephant.

Each country is remarkably different. The scenic beauty of Southern Africa, from Tanzania’s Kilimanjaro to South Africa’s vineyards is breathtaking. Those countries possessing a tourist infra-structure work zealously to preserve their natural gifts as a national treasure, the source of much needed wealth.

The history of Southern Africa has not been easy. The scars of colonial rule are deeper here than any place on earth. Once the great colonial powers left the continent, the political vacuum quickly resulted in desperate political strife between tribes and between native Africans and Europeans three and four generations deep in local rule. Many nations quickly rose to the occasion while some required decades to rebuild – others still struggle today.

Modern Southern Africa offers the traveler adventure and culture found nowhere else. Here are opportunities to reach out and touch nature at a very primal level. People often talk of leaving Africa somehow “changed.” Certainly many colonial explorers arrived never to leave again, changed from the lands of their ancestry into natives themselves.

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10 Free Things To Do In Rio De Janeiro, Brazil

For travelers heading to South America, Brazil is one of the more expensive countries on the continent. The popular Rio de Janeiro can be especially difficult to navigate on a budget. To help you plan a worthwhile trip to this beautiful area, here are 10 free things to do.

Hiking 

Although Rio de Janeiro is a city there are also a lot of natural experiences to be had. When I visited, one of my favorite activities I did was hiking Sugarloaf Mountain. There are two mountains encompassed in the walk and while it is not free to hike to the top of the higher mountain, you can trek about an hour up to the top of the smaller one. Keep in mind, it still isn’t “small,” and the hike will provide a beautiful setting as well as a physical challenge. In my opinion, the views from there were just as good as from the tallest point, especially because you could see a view of the bigger mountain (shown above).

You can also hike the trails of Tijuca Forest. One excellent spot to check out while there is the Chinese View. The spot gets its name from its cultural architecture as well as the many Chinese people who lived there in the past. You will be given an excellent view of the South Zone of Rio as well as Botafogo, Copacabana and Ipanema beaches, the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon, Sugarloaf Mountain and the iconic Christ statue on top of Corcovado Mountain.

Take a Stroll in Downtown Rio In the downtown area, there are a lot of historic buildings, churches and the City Theater. Likewise, you’ll find the Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil (CCBB), the first bank in Brazil, which is now a museum. In 2010, it made the list of most visited museums in the world. Its programming includes exhibitions, theater, cinema and workshops. There is also a library, bookshop and cafe on the premises. Luckily, this museum is free to enter.

Relax on the BeachRio de Janeiro is home to many beautiful and worthwhile beaches. The most famous is probably Copacabana Beach, with impressive surrounding architecture, ornate sand art creations and many water activities and beach sports. This is a great beach to go to if you’d like to try stand up paddle boarding or play some beach volleyball. Ipanema Beach and Leblon Beach tend to bring in a more hip crowd, while Macumba Beach is a more secluded beach surrounded by forest. These are just a few of the choices of sand and sea you will have when visiting Rio de Janeiro.Browse a Local Market

There are numerous markets and fairs to choose from when visiting Rio de Janeiro. First, there is the Hippie Fair in Ipanema, which occurs each Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in General Osório Square. Here you will find everything – handicrafts, souvenirs, art and typical Brazilian foods. There’s also the Rio Antigo Fair in Lapa, which happens on the first Saturday of each month. You can browse antiques, crafts and watch talented street performers. Additionally, each evening (except for Sundays), there is a night market near Copacabana Beach at 6:00 p.m. This market is smaller than the others, but features goods like clothing, souvenirs and art.

Go For a Jog Around Lagoa Rodrigo de FreitasWhile jogging may not sound like the ultimate vacation experience, you’ve never done it around Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas. The area is very scenic and gets its name from its beautiful lagoon. It is one of the less commercialized areas of the city and features many parks, squares, trees and mountain views. Not only that, but locals in Rio are very into health and fitness, and jogging this circuit is a big part of their lives. Therefore, not only will you be doing something good for yourself, you’ll also be doing something cultural.Visit the House of Rui Barbosa Museum 

Located in the Botafogo neighborhood of Rio, this building has been open since 1849. The House of Rui Barbosa Museum, which is free to enter on Sundays, is an excellent way to view 19th century architecture and design in the city. Likewise, the museum works hard to preserve the memory of Rui Barbosa, a Brazilian politician, writer and jurist.

There are other free museums in Rio de Janeiro as well, such as the Casa Franca-Brasil cultural center, the Histórico Nacional Museum and the Museu da República (free on Wednesdays and Sundays).

Relax in Laje Park This historical and naturally beautiful park resides in the Jardim Botanico neighborhood in Rio. Listed by the Institute of National Historical and Artistic Heritage, it features houses, trails, playgrounds, picnic areas and artificial caves. There is a also a café inside the house where they serve breakfast around the pool on weekends.Take in the Views at Parque das Ruinas Cultural Center 

Located in the bohemian neighborhood of Santa Teresa, the Parque das Ruinas Cultural Center was once the home of Laurinda Santos Lobo, famous Patron of the Arts from the Rio Belle Époque. In her ornate mansion rooms, Laurinda would bring together artists and intellectuals. These rooms, which are one of the projects architect Ernani Freire’s is most proud of, can still be viewed today. The best part of the visit, however, is the observatory. Here you will see views of Guanabara Bay and central Rio. To make the experience even more interesting, you can take a cable car to Santa Teresa from Lapa. While not free, the ticket for this costs less than $1.

Explore the National Library of BrazilIf you want to learn about Brazil’s history and heritage, this is the place to go. Inaugurated in 1910, the National Library of Brazil contains an expansive collection of about 9 million rare pieces. Peruse letters written by Princess Isabel, the first newspapers printed in the country and many other historical documents. Outside, you can enjoy the neoclassical building surrounded by Corinthian columns.Take in the Beautiful Public Art of Lapa

In the Lapa area of Rio, you will find one of the city’s most unique sites: The Selarón Steps. Created by artist Jorge Selarón as a tribute to the locals of Brazil, these steps have become an iconic part of the area. In 1990, the artist began turning the eroding stairs in front of his house into a vibrant and colorful piece of art. Considering the project “never complete,” Selarón is still constantly changing the tiles today, many of which are hand-painted by the artist with an image of a pregnant African woman or donated from various parts of the world. After viewing the steps, make sure to take a look at the nearby Arcos da Lapa. The structure is an 18th century aqueduct that was once used to bring the residents of Rio de Janeiro fresh water. Today, it is used as a tram viaduct. You’ll get to see the 42 impressive double-tiered arches of the site as well as enjoy some history. Additionally, if it is night there is usually live music and entertainment on the streets.

Ready to book your next vacation? Call us today at 877-229-6008 or 757-229-6008.

Visit us on the web at http://www.vipleisuretravel.com

8 Theme Cruises for 2012

Theme cruise? Isn’t gluttony the theme on a cruise? Not so fast. There’s plenty more to do on a cruise ship besides eat and drink your days away. And for those with more than a passing interest on any number of topics — eight of them outlined here — there are cruises that cater to your interests whether it’s music, fitness or even vampires.

Theme cruises aren’t widely advertised and in fact, not advertised by the cruise lines at all in many instances. Most theme cruises are organized by travel agents, so you’re not likely to find information about most theme cruises on the cruise line’s web site or in the cruise section of your favorite online travel agency no matter how much digging you do. But not to worry – we’ve included a link for booking each of the cruises selected as the top eight of 2012.

Saw: The Horror Cruise on the Carnival Glory

If just watching the “Saw” movies isn’t cutting it anymore, don’t fear: You can mingle with actual “Saw “celebrities and other die-hard fans on board the Carnival Glory this summer. The five-night cruise leaves from New York City on August 11 and calls on two Canada ports – St. John and Halifax – plus two days at sea. Varying levels of “Saw” interaction are available: At the lowest level, a dance party with the “Saw” stars and individual photos are included. At the middle level, dine with a “Saw” celebrity and participate in a mini-golf tournament with them. At the highest level, private VIP cocktails with the stars.

KISS (and other) Music Cruises on the Norwegian Pearl

If you missed the last one and have been kicking yourself since, here’s a bit of good news: The second KISS Kruise will depart on October 31 round-trip from Miami on the Norwegian Pearl and call on the line’s private island, Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas. Organized by music-cruise organizer Sixthman, the price of the cruise includes all the usual cruise stuff, plus a ticketed indoor KISS concert, an acoustic KISS concert on the pool deck, a KISS Q&A, a photo of your cabin mates with the band and more.

The Norwegian Pearl will also host the Blake Shelton Cruise Oct. 14 – Oct 21 and the Simple Man Cruise Oct 27 – Oct 31.

Fitness and Running Cruise on Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas

If you think a cruise is nothing more than a mile-long buffet, sugary drinks and lots of people who probably shouldn’t be wearing bikinis in public, think again. On Royal Caribbean International’s Royal 5K, hosted in conjunction with ESPN International, running — both onboard and in port — is the main event. The seven-night Eastern Caribbean cruise on Allure of the Seas departs Dec 1 from Fort Lauderdale and features sunrise and sunset runs; midnight scavenger hunt runs; beach runs, kids runs and the main event: the Royal 5k on St. Maarten. There are also training talks and seminars with athletes onboard, cooking demos and stretching and calisthenics seminars.

Celeb Chef Cruises on various Holland America ships

Holland America Line has scheduled 60 celebrated chefs and wine experts to sail in 2012. Which sailing you choose might depend on whether y our tooth is savory or sweet. Fans of Bravo’s “Top Chef” will be excited to see season seven winner Kevin Sbraga, while viewers of the PBS series “Check Please!” can see host Leslie Sbrocco. The Culinary Arts Center Program on Holland America allows guests to attend culinary demonstrations in a full show kitchen, tastings, question-and-answer sessions and hands-on classes. If the kids are coming along, many sailings offer a youth program that teaches kids and teens to cook.

National Review Cruise on Holland America’s Nieuw Amsterdam

Political junkies — especially those with a conservative viewpoint — will delight in the opportunity to dish with the editors of National Review on a seven-night Eastern Caribbean cruise departing from Fort Lauderdale Nov 11. There will be seminars, Q&A, cocktail parties, dining with editors and guest speakers and cognac and cigar gatherings. National review guests include Bob Costa, Jonah Goldberg, Mona Charen, James L. Buckley and more.

The New York Times Cruise on Holland America’s Nieuw Amsterdam

Times Journeys presents an opportunity to sail the Eastern Medditeranean Oct. 5– 17 aboard Holland America’s MS Nieuw Amsterdam with popular journalists from The New York Times. Speakers include Joe Nocera, Willima Payne, William C. Rhoden, Dan Schnur, A.O. Scott and Barbara Straunch. Ports of call include Venice, Athens, Isatanbul, Satorini and more. Seminar topics range from The State of the Economy to Gender and Sports to The West Wing Comes to Life and take place on at-sea days.

Mark Twain Tribute Cruise on the Queen of the Mississippi

This week-long Mississippi River cruise round-trip from St. Louis on Sept. 15 is billed as a Mark Twain Tribute cruise, the highlight of the trip for fans being Day 3, spent in Hannibal, Mo., where “you can run your hand along Aunt Polly’s fence, explore Injun Joe’s Cave and get reacquainted with one of the world’s most beloved authors.” Shore excursions include a trolley tour that recalls Twain’s adventures in Hannibal and a visit to Mark Twain’s boyhood home, now a museum.

Vampires at Sea on Holland America’s Zuiderdam

If you know what the tag line “Whether You Are Team Glitter or team Goth, We Are All Team Vampire” means, you’ll probably fit right in on this Alaska Vampire cruise sailing round-trip from Vancouver, B.C., June 23. Events include Q&A with “guests from the vampire world,” a vampire ball, late-night (obviously) disco parties, scavenger hunts and more.

Ready to go on one of these cruises? Call us today to book your trip at 877-229-6008 or 757-229-6008.

Visit us on the web at www.vipleisuretravel.com

Exploring Louisville’s Urban Bourbon Trail

When the world descends on Louisville for the Kentucky Derby the first weekend in May, those breathtaking thoroughbreds may be first on visitors’ minds, but you can bet bourbon is a close second. Bourbon’s legacy is intertwined with Louisville’s history going back even further than the Derby.

Pioneers in 18th-century Virginia’s Kentucky County found a source of liquid income farming on the 60 acres Thomas Jefferson granted them for raising native corn – they distilled their surplus corn into whiskey. With the local limestone-filtered water and the hardwood trees for barrels, the settlers put their whiskey-making knowledge to work. No matter that the land didn’t suit plowing or traditional rye – they hand-planted and raised indigenous corn. By the late 1700s this area had become part of Kentucky, and thanks to help from the French during the Revolution, one of the counties – one with a great number of the corn whiskey distilleries – was named Bourbon county (today it’s a dry county – go figure).

After the steamboat’s arrival in the Ohio River port town of Louisville in 1811, bourbon found new markets, particularly downriver in New Orleans. Much of the bourbon was shipped out of the original Bourbon county, and some say the Frenchmen reloading the barrels at the Falls of the Ohio (everything had to be unloaded and carried back to the ship on the other side) naturally preferred the name Bourbon.

So what exactly is bourbon, anyway? You may have heard this but it bears repeating. All bourbon is whiskey, but not all whiskey is bourbon. There are some specific requirements about proof, but the gist of it is this: Bourbon is made of more than half corn (at least 51%, though usually much more, among the rye, wheat and barley also used) and it must be aged in new charred-oak barrels. The best way to learn about bourbon, of course is to taste it, and the more open you are to learning from the local bartenders, the more they’ll be happy to impart. Just don’t confuse Jack Daniels Tennessee whiskey with bourbon and you’ll get along fine.

Louisville owes its bourbon dominance to Prohibition: Out of the six permits issued in the country during Prohibition to sell whiskey for “medicinal purposes,” four were in Louisville. Still today a third of Kentucky bourbon is distilled in city limits. And a new education and training center andartisan distillery opening this month downtown, the Distilled Spirits Epicenter, will offer hands-on distilling instruction, classes and bottling servicesto small bottlers and those who want to be. Moonshine University, in particular, promises to be fun for enthusiasts.More importantly to most visitors, though, Louisville is the center of the universe fortastingbourbon. Whether you’re still recovering from college shots or are a whiskey connoisseur, Louisville’s bourbon scene is as multi-faceted as the spirit itself. A day on the Urban Bourbon Trail can introduce you to the Louisville beyond the cloying mint juleps and floppy hats of Derby.

First, be smart. Especially if you’re not used to it, bourbon sneaks up on you if you imbibe too fast, don’t drink enough water, or consume on an empty stomach. Stay hydrated, eat at every stop, and seriously, take taxis!

Your day starts at Dish on Market, housed in Louisville’s first color motion picture theater. Marshall, one of the two brothers who own the place, loves to talk history. Ask him to tell you about the building and talk bourbon. Meanwhile, order the Presidential breakfast, inspired by Harry Truman’s purported daily meal of toast, eggs, bacon, fruit, milk, and a shot of whiskey, in this case a generous pour of Old Grandad. “This is not your grandma’s bourbon,” laughs Marshall. You may feel like people are staring as your whiskey fumes waft about. That’s OK. They’re just too chicken to go hardcore this early. But like Marshall’s family motto says, you can’t drink all day if you don’t start in the morning. The key is to eat your breakfast first so you have a cushion for your bourbon.

Consider exploring the shops of NuLu (go east on Market) before lunch at Avalon on Bardstown Road, where you’ll want to wander later to check out the fun and funky shops. Like every stop on the trail, folks here know their stuff. If you like drama you might opt for the Flaming Pyroses, a Four Roses Manhattan set on fire (with Grand Marnier – “no bourbon was harmed in the making of this drink,” says Ryan, the bartender). For a less potent option, go for the Kentucky Mule, a twist on the classic bourbon and ginger, and familiar to fans of the vodka-based Moscow Mule. A range of lunch options well below $10 leaves you plenty to spend on drinks if you want to spring for the George T. Stagg, a $30 pour of liquid fire that will singe your lashes as you inhale, but burns oh so smoothly.

If it’s not madness at the track (that is, if you’re visiting outside of Derby week), hit the Derby Cafe in the afternoon to study up on your bourbon, and if you must have a mint julep, kick back at the bar.

After a rest, head for the old-fashioned opulence of The Brown Hotel. Piano music in the lobby bar will set the tone for your genteel sipping. Since this is your first evening stop, ease your way in with a Kentucky Cider – the light Basil Hayden joins sparkling apple cider and lemon for a lovely aperitif. Order a small plate or two – a recent option showcased country ham on brioche with a crayfish salsa, the perfect bite to whet your appetite.

A few blocks, and light years away, next up is the bar at Proof on Main. The restaurant for 21C Museum Hotel, repeatedly ranked among the top 10 hotels in the world, this is your “see and be seen” hotspot stop. Craft cocktails are offered with a selection of heartbreakingly delectable snacks. Don’t miss the cured meats plate, lonzino, lardo, and smoked grapes. The bar menu changes seasonally, but you could ask nicely for a Gold Rush for an all-too-easy-to-down honey, lemon and bourbon drink. Sip among the well-heeled crowd, then take a spin around the confrontingly contemporary art collection.

If you’ve paced yourself, you’re ready for dinner. You’re off to Baxter Station, where you’re unlikely to bump into tourists. Instead, this joint serves comfort fare to a regular crowd of its Irish Hill neighbors, families, white-haired long-timers and a sprinkling of hipsters. Traces of its past remain – once a saloon popular with nearby train station employees (no women allowed in those days), then a grocery during Prohibition, and back to a tavern until a rave restaurant review of the food turned it into a restaurant. Leftover door signage to the twinkly-lit back room remains because they don’t see any need to scratch away the past. This is pretense-free food and drink, no craft cocktails or fusion fuss here. The bourbon fried chicken, hot and crispy as nature intended, will fill you up nicely. Try Old Fashioned with Woodford (invented in Louisville) or choose your bourbon neat from the bar-tab friendly list.

Wrap up your night with dessert at Bourbons Bistro, a mecca for bourbon-lovers with more than 130 selections. Grab a chair at the bar for serious discussion. Tell the bartender what you like – caramel and vanilla, for instance – and he’ll give you a knowledgeable recommendation, like Vintage 17 Year. If you’re not up to straight bourbon, order the Bourbon Cobbler. Dessert in a glass, this sweet cocktail will go down so easily you might find yourself at the bottom tempted to order the 1969 Old Crow, a rare bourbon in a ceramic chess piece – you’ll see the face scowling as he keeps watch over the bar – that costs a cool $125. You might actually see someone order it, and watching a patron sip a drink that spendy is entertainment in and of itself. To finish the night, have the bread pudding. The towering carb-fest not only tastes amazing, but soaks up all that bourbon. You’ll need it – tomorrow is another day in Louisville.

Ready to book your next trip? Call us today at 877-229-6008 or 757-229-6008.

Visit us on the web at www.vipleisuretravel.com