World's Best Golfing!

Compiled by the golf experts at Top 100 Golf Courses (2010), this comprehensive list has been very carefully compiled through a unique rating system. According to the site, the rankings are determined by 1)the number of times a course appears on a ranking table, 2)weighted in favor of courses appearing in the world rankings, 3) weighting courses appearing most recently in any ranking tables, and 4)check and balance by their own team of passionate players. There are 6 levels of rankings, from the best, Albatross to the least, Double Bogey garnering between 1 and 6 golf balls. This list differs very little from Golf Magazine's Top 100 Courses in the World (2009). While our list only highlights the top 25 of the world's best courses, you can click the title or this link to view the complete list. After checking out this list, you'll definitely want to grab your wedges, irons, woods, and putters and cruise on over to these fabulous greens!

1. Pine Valley- This super private golf club is located in Pine Valley, NJ. It is considered one of the hardest yet breathtaking courses to play and has arguably the best holes. They do not host major tournaments. For non-members, the best way on the course is in late September when they let the public in to watch the Crump Cup.
   
2. Cypress Point- World renowned for the three holes along the Pacific Ocean (15, 16, & 17) this private course is located in Monterey, California. This course was the scene of "The Match" in 1956, one of the greatest golf games ever played.


3. Royal County Down- Located in Newcastle, County Down, Northern Ireland, it is one of the oldest in the country (opened 1889). The course has been highlighted in various books and magazines, such as The 500 World's Greatest Golf Holes and Golf Digest. It is considered to be most scenic, most fun, and best maintained in the world.


4. Shinnecock Hills- Laying claim to titles such as the oldest formal organized golf club in the US (1891), oldest clubhouse in the US (1892), one of five founding members of the USGA, and first club to admit women, this wonderful course is located in Southampton, Long Island (NY). It owes its design to Willie Dunn and 150 Native Americans from the neighboring Shinnecock Reservation. It has hosted the US Open 4 times in 3 separate centuries.


5. Augusta National- One of the easiest names to recognize, this private course is located in Augusta, Georgia and home to the Masters. Each hole is named after the tree or shrub with which is has been associated. It lists among its members, who receive a green sports coat, Bill Gates, Warren Buffet, and Jack Welch.


6. Turnberry (Ailsa)- Used as an airbase in WWI & WWII, this course is located in South Ayrshire, Scotland. The Ailsa course has hosted a myriad of important tournaments including The Open Championship, the Women's British Open, the Walker Cup, and Senior Open Championship.


7. Oakmont- "The oldest top-ranked golf course in the US", this private club of Oakmont, Pennsylvania opened in 1903. It has hosted the most major championships, second to Augusta National and is considered to be one of the toughest courses in the world.


8. Muirfield- This is the world's oldest golf club (1744) and "The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers" (HCEG) located in Gullane, East Lothian, Scotland. This links course is on rotation for the Open Championship and was among the first to divert from the typical links arrangement.


9. Pebble Beach- While you can't play Cypress Point, you can play Pebble Beach Golf Links as long as you're willing to pony up the green fee. It was the first public course to rank number 1 by Golf Digest and holes 7 to 10 present the greatest sequence of holes on the planet.


10. Ballybunion (Old)- Considered one of the "finest seaside courses", it is located in the remote town of Ballybunion, County Kerry, Ireland. This course is a supreme test of talents yet exhilarating. Tom Watson, in particular, has fallen in love & extols the course's virtues.


11. Merion (East)-Located in Ardmore, Pennsylvania and designed by an amateur architect, Hugh Wilson managed to produce one of the States' greatest courses. This will be the host of the 2013 US Open. While it's tricky to get on this private green, there are two courses (East & West) with the East Course more highly regarded. It plays a prominent role in the novel "Back Spin" by Harlan Coben.


12. Royal Portrush (Dunluce)- Boasting a scenic setting, a challenging course, and the only club outside of Great Britain to host the Open Championship, this course is located in Portrush, County Antrim, Northern Ireland. Dunlace links owes its name to the Dunlace castle ruins, which overlook the course.


13. Sand Hills- This private course located in Mullen, Nebraska is only open 4 months out of the year! It follows the design credos set forth by Dr. Alister MacKenszie, emphasizing the minimalistic and strategic course layout. It was created by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw & opened for business in 1995.


14. Royal Melbourne (West)- Designed by Dr. MacKenzie, this is Australia's most celebrated, prestigious, exclusive, and oldest club (1891), it is located in Black Rock, Victoria, Australia. It has had the honor of hosting many national and international tournaments, such as the Presidents Cup (1998, 2011). It was the first club in Melbourne's Sandbelt area.


15. Royal Birkdale- a hard to read and tough to master course, it is located in Southport, England. Not only is this an exceptional course to play, it's naturally equipped with excellent spectator conditions. It has hosted many tournaments, including the Ryder Cup, Walker Cup, Curtis Cup, & Open Championship.


16. Royal Dornoch- Long before this majestic course existed (estb. 1877), the locals were playing the great game of golf as far back as 1616. Its location is a bit out of the way in Dornoch, Sutherland, Scotland and has prevented it from hosting major championships. Nevertheless, it is a must for golf lovers and a favorite of many golf pros.


17. Bandon Dunes (Pacific Dunes)- Of the 3 courses, Pacific Dunes is considered the best. While not a championship layout, it still provides the perfect challenge. It is located just north of Bandon, Oregon.


18. Kingsbarns- Prior to the establishment of the Kingsbarns Golf Club (1922) & Kingsbarns Golf Links (2000), villagers established the Kingsbarns Golfing Society (1793). The course is exquisite- always immaculately maintained, perfect natural conditions for a great game, has its own burn, and a fabulous view of the North Sea from every hole.


19. National Golf Links of America- Known simply as 'National', this private course is located in Southampton, Long Island, NY and is a "Bear's Best" or "Blair's Best" of the 20th century. Each hole has its own name and has been called 'America's snootiest golf course' due to exclusivity.


20. St. Andrews (Old)- Regarded as the "home of golf" (among many other things) & a popular hub for golf tourism, the 7 public courses can be found in St Andrews, Fife, Scotland just north of Kingsbarns. Perhaps one of the best holes to play on the old course is #17, the Road hole. This is the oldest surviving "Royal" golf club.


21. Crystal Downs- Offering views of Lake Michigan and Crystal Lake while you play, this private course is the work of golf mastermind Dr. Alister MacKenzie and Perry Maxwell. It has not hosted many tournaments of any note and is secluded without sufficient facilities necessary to accommodate crowds.


22. Seminole- Located in Juno Beach, Florida this was the first phenomenal course in the area. It is consistently ranked as a top green and is an elegant example of course routing- don't attack this course.


23. Winged Foot (West)- Hailing from Mamoroneck, New York, this private course was established in 1921. The West course is a par 72 with a rating of 76.1 & slope of 145. This is the finest creation of one of America's greatest golf course designers, A.W. Tilinghast.


24. Sunningdale (Old)- Founded in 1900 by Willie Park Jr, it is located in Berkshire, England. This private course was one of the first in the area and most aesthetic. Memorable holes include the 5th, 10th, and 15th.


25. Kingston Heath- One of Australia's major Sandbelt courses, this one is located in Cheltenham, Victoria, Australia. It was opened in 1925, is the longest in the country, & is highly exclusive. This course present one of the best strategic courses available for play.

Here's a few other great articles for avid golfers:

*America's 100 Greatest Courses. This article breaks it down by a few different categories. The 'State' and '100 Greatest Public' features are particularly helpful.

*75 Best Golf Resorts in North America. A wonderful resource for those looking to relax on a wonderful green.

*Top 50 Courses for Women. What does it take to rank as a top course for women? Read on to find out!

*America's 50 Toughest Golf Courses. For those of us who love the thrill and beating of a challenging course.

*America's Best 100 Public Courses. You want to play the best but you don't have a membership or buddy who does? No problem!

*Best New Public Courses. Complete with a description, contact information, and a link to their site.

The Greek Isles

This gorgeous group of islands, officially known as the Hellenic Republic, is located at the southern tip of the Balkan Peninsula, surrounded by the Aegean Sea, Ionian Sea, and Mediterranean Sea. Greece has the world's 10th longest coastline and approximately 1400 islands, 227 of which are inhabited. Greece has a mountainous terrain and temperate weather. While Greek is the official language, English is widely spoken. Its history is far-reaching and has the honor of being the birthplace of many vital social institutions, from democracy and philosophy to drama and the Olympics.

Some popular destinations around this majestic country are:

Athens- The top ten things to do and see in the "cradle of Western Civilization" are: the Parthenon, the National Archaeological Museum, the Agora-Athens Central Market, Mount Lycabettus, the Plaka, Siri, the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion, Monastiraki Flea Market, The Poet, Pireaus. You will find no shortage of ruins, temples, museums, beaches, and leisure
clubs.

Katakolon- This pretty port town has much to offer for everyone. You can discover it's history, view art, lounge by the sea, or park it at a local cafe for some local mezes (Greek snacks). From Katakolon, it is a short trip to Olympia, the birthplace of modern Olympics where you can take a walk back in time. Imagine ancient Greeks participating or view the

ancient ruins- the Temple of Zeus, the Temple of Hera, the Treasuries, the Altis, the Tumulus

of Pelops, the Stadium, the Workshop of Pheidias, and the sport facilities.

Crete- The largest and southernmost of the Greek islands, Crete was the center of the Minoan Civilization (2600-1150 B.C.) Remains of the Minoans may still be seen all over the island, either in museums or at the ancient cemetery. Aside from beaches and mountains, you might appreciate the traditional cafes, the Gorge of Samaria, long-standing monasteries with historical relevance (Prevelli), the Lasithi Plateau, and Elounda Lagoon among many other amazing sites. (Also referred to as Krete, Κρήτη, Kriti)

Rhodes- one of the largest and most fertile, this island combines the extensive history found in archaeological sites and medieval towns with the natural beauty still present in its beaches and peaceful pace of life. When you're not enjoying life on the beach or in the water, you may enjoy touring the island's castles, ancient ruins, springs, valleys, and great food.

Santorini- part of the Cyclades Islands, this archipelago is particularly famous for dramatic views, breathtaking sunsets, and strange white eggplants. There are a handful of fabulous beaches to enjoy boasting various colors such as red, white, and black sand. Additionally, there's a host of historic towns worth visiting such as Fira and Oia. You may enjoy boat trips, touring wineries, fantastic food, snorkeling and diving, and horseback riding. (Also referred to as Thera, Thira, & Θήρα)

Mykonos- This famed cosmopolitan island

caters to those beautiful beaches and a fabulous nightlife. When not relaxing on the sunny shores, you may enjoy exploring a bit of the island's history. In Little Venice, visit the picturesque medieval 2-3 story houses and the windmills dating back to the 16th century which offer an exceptional setting for watching a sunset. Round it out with tours of local museums. Mykonos is part of the Cyclades Islands, south of Tinos and north of Naxos. (Also referred to as Μύκονος)

Travel in style & comfort!

There's some exciting additions in the hotel and resort realm! Read on to find out more & click the links for the full story.

• *Marriot is expanding into Sweden with two new hotels

• *The Ritz-Carlton plans to open its first kosher hotel in Herzliya, Israel just north of Tel Aviv

• *Fashion designers such as Armani & DVF bring high style to hotels

• *The Waldorf Astoria will open a new location in west London's Syon Park

• *Hyatt Recency New Orleans will reopen in the fall of 2011

• *Radisson Blu Resort & Spa Porticcio will open on Corsica spring 2012

• *Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville Beach Hotel opened July 1

• *Hilton plans to open a location on Jordan's Dead Sea coast

Southern Caribbean

The southern Caribbean is a beautiful and tranquil group of islands well-worth visiting. While it's true most islands in the Caribbean offer similar things to do such as relaxing on a beautiful beach with a tasty beverage, shopping, water sports, and recreational island activities, each island also has its own, unique history, culture, and personality you'll want to get to know! Feel free to let us know if you'd like more specific information on any or all of these tropical locales!

Trinidad & Tobago:
These sister islands are anything but uniform. Trinidad is upbeat with exciting events and adrenaline-pumping activities while Tobago more laid back with emphasis on relaxation and appreciation of your natural surroundings. Experience the unique, colorful, and thrilling Carnival in Trinidad as you party with the locals. Enjoy pina coladas on the beach or discover the beauty of the Western Hemisphere's oldest protected rainforest of Tobago, Robinson Crusoe's isle.



Barbados:
This teeny island will feel your own private escape! Experience the ultimate beach relaxation on the white velvet sand beaches or participate in local events and celebrations. Enjoy a cool glass of rum punch. Live the good life as you trade in the rush and stress of daily life for the sweet relaxation of living on island time.



St Lucia: Learn more by clicking here!


Saint Vincent & the Grenadines:
Snorkel the surrounding waters and see the colorful life in this underwater world, go yatching or sailing on these tranquil turquoise waters, or take an eco-adventure to explore the hidden waterfalls, salt pond, or watch the birds, turtles, whales, and dolphins. Enjoy a romantic getaway or bond with your family.



Netherlands Antilles:
"Caribbean paradise with a European flair", this group of islands consists of Curacao, Bonaire, St Maartin, St Eustatius, and Saba. Although these five islands enjoy differing Caribbean locations, they are united by their Dutch heritage, island culture, and breathtaking scenery. Choose from a vast array of activities and tone down or rev up your time off from the hustle and bustle of everyday life!


Aruba:
Enjoy the result of a charming mix of culture, coming from a tumultuous past to a calm and graceful present. Enjoy the peaceful lapping of waves on pleasant beaches or infuse a dash of zest into your visit at music festivals, nature outings, and a trendy nightlife.


Grenada:
Traipse around the capital, St. George, and immerse yourself in the rich colorful history of this beautiful island. Visit Fort George, 300 year old plantations, historic estates, bright & bustling Saturday markets, and see where some of the best spices come from. Enjoy the stunning beaches with umbrella drinks and snorkel offshore.

St. Lucia

Facts:

St Lucia is 27 miles long by 14 miles wide with a population of 160, 267. The terrain is mountainous with a tropical climate. The capital is Castries, located in the south-western area of the island. The locals speak English & Kweyol mostly.

The island was initially inhabited by the Native Arawak & Carib Indians prior to being argued over by the French & English in fourteen wars over one hundred and fifty years.

The economy is based heavily on tourism and agriculture. The US has good relations with St Lucia which is helpful as more Americans visit this island than any other national group.

Some of the major areas of attraction to this island are Castries, Pigeon Island, Rodney Bay, Marigot Bar, Soufiere, Maria Islands, & Grande Anse.

Things to do:

Should you prefer a more relaxing experience, the white sand beaches looking out over the pristine waters provide a perfect opportunity. Conversely, the steep coastlines and colorful reefs allow for a more hands on approach for divers and snorkelers alike.

Nature enthusiasts may also hike Gros Piton, one of the two twin peaks, and explore the lush rainforest sheltering magnificent and exotic flora and fauna such as the endangered St Lucia Parrot or wild orchids.

One unique natural attraction is La Soufriere Drive-in Volcano. A bit down the road you may bathe in the hot springs.

Not to be forgotten are a host of other leisurely island activities such as golf, tennis, sailing, and spas, among many others.

St Lucia is also a cultural gem as it has been inhabited since long before colonial times. The island has aged fortresses, small villages, and open-air markets and it's people are warm and charming.

There are many local festivals held throughout the year. The Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC) is held every year and ends before Christmas in Rodney Bay, St Lucia. This is the largest transatlantic sailing event in the world attracting around two hundred boats of all shapes and sizes.

Scandinavia

Denmark (Helsingor and Copenhagen)

Christiansborg Palace & Amalienborg Palace-Christiansborg Palace serves as today's seat of Denmark's Parliament and was the former royal palace. Amalienborg Palace consists of four identical Rococo buildings surrounding one of the prettiest squares in Northern Europe.

The Little Mermaid- Located in the Copenhagen Harbor, the statue of Hans Christian Andersen's heroine is an internationally recognized symbol of Copenhagen.

Nyhavn- The streets around the old harbor are lined with open-air cafes, restaurants, and five hundred year old gabled houses. The canal is full of old wooden ships, as it serves as a heritage harbor.

Strøget- Running from Old City Hall Square, this pedestrian street offers the finest shopping in Copenhagen!

Tivoli Garden- Copenhagen's pleasure gardens offers amusement park rides, open-air concerts, dancing, & a host of cafes and restaurants.

Rosenborg Castle & Fredensborg Castle- Rosenborg Castle was originally built as a summerhouse in 1606 by Christian IV. It was used as a residence only twice, both in times of emergency- once when Christianborg Palace burned down in 1794 & second when the British attached Copenhagen in 1801. The most used of the royal residences, Fredensborg Castle is located on the eastern short of Lake Esrum on the island of Zealand. It is used as a spring and autumn residence by the Royal Family as well as the site of important events and visits.

Geifon Fountain- Donated to the city of Copenhagen by Carlsberg Brewery, this large fountain can be found on on the harbour front by Kastellet. It depicts the legend of Gefion, a goddess in Norse mythology. It is the largest monument in Copenhagen and is used as a wishing well.

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Norway (Oslo)

Vigeland Sculpture Park-Named after Gustav Vigeland, the sculptor responsible, this park is home to the stone, iron, and bronze sculptures depicting a human life from birth until death. In the summertime, this are is popular for picnicking, sunbathing, games, and relaxation.

Viking Ship Museum- Norway's best-known attraction is home to three Viking long ships dated 800-900A.D. It also houses archaeological finds from Tune, Gokstad, Oseberg, and the Borre mound cemetery along with other artifacts used in daily life.

Kon-Tiki Museum- This museum houses the sailing rafts used by Norwegian explorer, scientist, adventurer, and champion of the environment, Thor Heyerdahl on his world famous expeditions.

Fram Museum- This museum tells the story of Norwegian polar exploration. The stories center around the exploration vessel, Fram. Fram was used by Fridtjof Nansen to explore the North Pole and Roald Amundsen to the South Pole.

Open-Air Museum of Norway- This is a collection of historic and traditional Norwegian buildings set in a forest on the Bygdoy Peninsula.

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Sweden (Stockholm)

City Hall- This is the site of the annual banquet honoring Nobel laureates and one of Stockholm's major tourist attractions. It stands on the eastern tip of Kungsholmen island.

Vasa Museum- Opened in 1990, this maritime museum is home to the only almost fully intact 17th century ship that has ever been salvaged. (The 64-gun warship Vasa sunk on her maiden voyage in the harbor in 1628). The museum also houses other fabulous maritime artifacts as well.

Royal Palace- This former royal residence is located in Gamla Stan and displays exquisite collections of tapestries, porcelain, and Baroque & Rococo furnishings. This palace has 610 rooms!

Gamla Stan- "The Old Town" dates back to the 13th century, with medieval alleyways, cobbled streets, and archaic architecture. This is also the home to the Stockholm Stock Exchange Building, the Stockholm Cathedral, the Nobel Museum, the Riddarholm Church, as well as Sweden's baroque Royal palace.

Coronation Church & Osmo Church- Located in Gamla Stan, Coronation Church is the site of coronations, royal weddings, and christenings. Osmo Church is noted as being one of the oldest in Sweden as well as for it's fantastic murals created by Albertus Pictor, the famous church painter.

Fjallgatan- This small street & historical environment is a high point that offers the best panoramic views of the city skyline as well as the docks of the Finland ferries. When visiting, you may also find tree houses dating back to the 18th century!

Gripsholm Castle- one of the best preserved castles in Sweden, this castle is still considered a royal castle despite the fact that it was last occupied in 1864. Part of the castle houses the National Collection of Portraits, one of the world's oldest collections.

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Finland (Helsinki)

Market Square- One of the most famous marketplaces and tourist attractions, you can find everything from fruits and flowers to local arts and crafts.

Senate Square- Built in the early 1800's, this square is the focus of the city, boasting neoclassical buildings, St Nicholas Cathedral, and the University of Helsinki.

Sibelius Park- For music lovers, this park is dedicated to the memory of the great composer and is the site of the Sibelius Monument.

Temppeliaukio Rock Church- Carved from solid bedrock and featuring a copper cupola, this provides a superb example of Finnish design. This location is used frequently as a concert location due to its excellent acoustics.

Porvoo- Finland's second oldest city was founded in 1346 by King Magnus Eriksson.

Seurasaari Open-Air Museum- This museum located in the forest consists of a collection of traditional Finnish buildings and homesteads.

Häme Castle- One of Finland's medieval royal castles, its believed to have been built by Swedish Earl Birger at the end of the 13th century following his crusade to the Hame region.

Savijärvi Farm- This 100-year old farm is famous for breeding horses & located among the forests of the Sipoo district.

New Southern Caribbean Sailings

For years, Holland America has been the only major cruise line to offer 7 day round trip sailings on the Westerdam to the Southern Caribbean islands from south Florida! While there are many cruise lines who currently sail to the southern Caribbean, none have as yet been able to sail round trip from south Florida. With increases in technology and updates to ships, Princess will be the first to provide competition for this amazing trip.



Princess has announced they will be debuting exciting new itineraries on the Crown Princess that will set sail in the Winter of 2010 embarking to these lovely islands . This is the second cruise line to provide such an opportunity! Contact us for information on these fabulous sailings.









Hurry before spaces fill up!

Religious Travel

sAND & c TRAVEL Offers RELIGIOUS VACATIONS for groups

In response to the ever increasing Religious Travel Market,

Sand & C Travel offers new vacation options

Boynton Beach, FL– According to a recent Religious Travel Study conducted by Menlo Consulting Group, 4.5 million people have traveled internationally on a religious or faith-based vacation. That number is expected to increase exponentially in the next five years: The same study revealed that by 2012, an additional 9.7 million will have traveled internationally on religious journeys.

In order to meet this growing demand, Sand & C Travel has partnered with the world's leading escorted travel company Globus, which in recent years has emerged as an industry and educational leader for religious travel. This effort will serve to broaden and expand our current faith-based travel with providers such as Isram.

“We are very excited about the expansion of this market and look forward to assisting churches and religious groups to travel the world,” said Alan Rosen, the president and owner of Sand & C Travel. ”Our agency will provide an array of travel options for faith-based clients including religious tours, secular vacations, European river cruising, and much more. Sand & C Travel has a full-time group department with extensive experience in working with groups to take care of all the details!”

Highlights of some of our religious vacations include:

• Journey Through the Holy Land: Spiritual. Life changing. Profound and inspiring. There’s no other way to describe the experience of walking in the footsteps of those who started it all, in the land where it all began- Israel. Journey through the Holy Land and be a part of a once in a lifetime experience to trace the lives of those who inspired us all. Also available with a 4 night Jordan extension.
• The Ultimate Family & Bar/Bat Mitzvah Tour: Unique. Profound. Spiritual. This is an excellent way to connect with your faith while also emphasizing and experiencing the meaning and history behind this long standing tradition. Experience the rich culture and history of Israel. Travel to Jerusalem, visit the lowest spot on earth- the Dead Sea, see Tiberias, and Tel Aviv. Connect with current generations of Israelites, while soaking in the past.
• Footsteps of Apostle Paul: A unique way to experience your faith on this combination cruise and land journey. See the rich culture and history of Greece as you trace in the footsteps of the Apostle Paul. Learn about the Seven Churches of Revelation and learn about the Apostle John and his contributions to the writing the last book of the New Testament.
• Jewish Heritage Tour: Travel through Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic and discover the more recent history behind your heritage. Visit various Jewish communities such as the former Jewish Ghetto as well as concentration camps to learn about and understand the people who lived, operated, and suffered there. Learn about the past, how it was that such a tragedy was allowed, how it has molded future generations, and what we can do to prevent such horrors from being repeated. Experience the beauty of these countries and the wonderful culture and contributions of the Jewish people.
• Marian Shrines of Europe: Reconnect with your faith as you visit the most treasured Marian Shrines, Lourdes and Fatima. For over a thousand years pilgrims have been walking the Camino Pilgrim’s Way and on this trip you will have a chance to experience a portion of this famous walk in Santiago de Compostela. A true life-changing experience.

Sand & C Travel is now taking bookings for the 2011 season. For more information or to book a trip (whether individually or for your church/group), contact Sand & C Travel at (561)736-3880.

About Sand & C Travel

Sand & C Travel® is one of the largest independent, full-service travel agencies in South Florida. Our philosophy is to combine the personal service of a family owned & operated travel agency, with the exceptional value of a national a retailer. We are able to provide this level of service, with discount pricing and value-added amenities, due to our buying power with the travel suppliers. Sand & C Travel® is among the top producing agencies in the nation for such trusted names as Celebrity Cruises, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Tauck World Discovery, Globus Tours, Avalon Waterways and Viking River Cruises. We are also members of Vacation.com, the largest travel agency group in the United States, giving us access to special rates with hundreds of travel suppliers.

Sand & C Travel® takes pride in providing personal service in planning terrific vacations at the most competitive pricing and appreciates the support of our clients and travel suppliers that have lead to our growth over the last 18 years.

Contact:

Stephanie Hart

(561)736-3880

stephanieh@sandctravel.com

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Grand Cayman

History buffs & nature enthusiasts alike can explore the caves in Bodden
Town where pirates Blackbeard & Captain Morgan lived & stashed their
treasures, hike through the tropical rainforest on Mastic Trail, or enjoy
various (duty-free) shopping, dining, and entertainment venues along 7mile
beach!





Why Grand Cayman?

• Grand Cayman is a mecca for divers, snorkelers, and nature enthusiasts.


• A plethora of land based activities such as tours, Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park, museums, local festivals, the remains of Fort George, and Pedro St. James Castle.


• Boatswain's Beach: visit the world's only commercial Green Sea Turtle farm, hike a nature trail, see crocodiles and native Cayman parrots, among many other animals at this marine park.


• Seven Mile Beach: often referred to as one of the world's finest beaches, relax on the white sand beaches with turquoise water by day & fabulous dining and nightlife by night.


• Bodden Town: explore the more historic areas of the island, this sleepy town keeps alive the days of pirates and slaves


• Duty-free shopping!

Many cruise lines offer itineraries that dock at Grand Cayman, so dependent upon your preference for a specific cruise line, time of year, and length of cruise we can help find the perfect match for you!

Why take a River Cruise?

While river cruising may be a lesser known way to travel, by no means should it be ignored! This is an excellent way to travel around Europe or Russia, among other fabulous destinations. River cruising provides a host of benefits in addition to feeling truly luxurious. While many mainstream cruise lines provide cruises and cruisetours to such European countries as France, Spain, and Italy, river cruising provides the best opportunity to explore central European countries like Austria, Switzerland, and Hungary (among many others!) as well as the Galapagos, Egypt, Russia & Ukraine, and China. These rivers were once the center of business & transportation, with cities built around such commerce. Such a cruise allows you to travel these historic trade routes, to see and experience the culture, all while visiting some of the most popular cities along the way!

Here's a few of our favorite reasons to take a river cruise:

• Convenience: Unpack only once while your floating hotel delivers you to many superb destinations. Snap photos of charming country sides, fabulous old castles, and historic riverside villages. It's truly hassle-free!
• Elegant, comfortable ships with spacious accommodations: This floating hotel provides all the amenities you would expect at a land-based stay with the added bonus of seeing something new & beautiful outside on your balcony. Additionally, many of the newer ships have replaced portholes with large panoramic windows for exceptional views!
• Exciting itineraries: Our preferred partners travel to the most exciting places and have the most diverse itineraries to fit just about any preference and time frame. Also, there are themed & holiday river cruises, which can easily translate to a perfect family vacation.
• Cultural enrichment: In addition to traveling historic routes, immersing yourself into local culture, seeing leading cities & smaller towns, many programs provide background information and interesting stories about each location to add even more value to your experience.
• It's all about the experience! You can count on smooth sailing (no need to get your sea legs!), appreciate a more intimate experience, travel your way (tours, excursions, or self-exploration at every destination), & sail directly to the heart of your destinations.

Some of the most popular rivers to cruise down are:

Europe:

• Danube River
• The Rhine
• Main & Moselle Rivers
• Elbe River
• Seine, Saone, & Rhone Rivers

Russia & Ukraine

• Svir River
• Volga River
• Dnieper River

China

• The Yangtze River

Egypt

• The Nile River

Click the following links to view photos of past river cruises our clients as well as agents have taken! Nice to Paris, Prague to Budapest, St. Petersburg to Moscow (coming soon!)

Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas

Royal Caribbean recently debuted its new ship MS Oasis of the Seas, the first of the new Oasis class. She sails out of Fort Lauderdale, FL and has set a new record for carrying over 6,000 passengers as well as being the world's largest and longest passenger vessel!

On this ship, travelers can expect to find such amenities as two-story loft & luxury suites with balconies. There's 28 ultra modern loft suites and 2.700 spacious staterooms located throughout 16 decks. There is a zip-line, casino, karaoke and comedy clubs, multiple night clubs, bars and lounges, as well as five swimming pools, courts for volleyball and basketball, theme parks, and nurseries for children. There are seven distinct areas called "neighborhoods" in which activities and amenities are grouped. They are:

1. Central Park
2. Pool & Sports Zone
3. Spa & Fitness
4. the Boardwalk
5. Royal Promenade
6. Youth Zone
7. Entertainment Place

I snapped this photo shortly after this poster was put up. You can see the various pools, the courts, the two FlowRiders, the aqua theatre, the golf area, and the solarium among other features on this beautiful ship! From everything we have heard & seen, this will be an extraordinary ship to sail on for vacation! The itineraries are diverse and exciting as well. Let us know if you'd like to know more!

A message from Alan

The owner, Alan Rosen, recently returned from a trip from the South of France. He and his wife, Cathy, as well as his parents Chuck and Diane, took a river cruise with Avalon Waterways.

I thought I would share with you our latest travel experience.

My wife, Cathy and I just returned from a French River cruise with my father, Sand & C founder Chuck Rosen and his wife, Diane, on Avalon Waterways. This was our second trip on Avalon, and once again we were thrilled......it was a beautiful trip! What could be more relaxing than to sit on your ship and watch the French countryside go by?

Our trip started in Nice, with one night at a local hotel. The hotel itself was nothing special, but it was well located in the center of town about a block from the beach. Being the summer, Nice was bustling with young people vacationing.

From Nice, we had a 3 hour bus ride to Arles, to meet our ship. Arles is the capital of Provence and is most known for being the location that Vincent Van Gogh spent a very productive year painting the area. We then proceeded to Avignon, and began our tour through France's wine country with a trip to the Chateuneuf-du-Pape wine cellars for a wine tasting.

We learned a great deal about the different wines that are made in the region (southern France is known mostly for Rose, while as you go further north into the Burgundy region red wines dominate their production). We also received an education on how to properly taste wine and determine what we would enjoy!

Most of the next day was spent on the ship. I enjoyed sitting in the hot tub on the top deck, taking in the scenery and going through the locks. Life is tough!

The next major stop was in Vienne. This is a charming town surrounded by steep hills. Although we were not told in advance, our particular departure was a Jazz themed cruise. There were Jazz performers on board and they gave us tickets to that night's performance at the annual Jazz Festival in Vienne. This was an all night show. Cathy and I only stayed for the first two performances, a trio and a pianist. It was a wonderful experience, spending time with locals in the Roman amphitheatre and taking in the concert.

From Vienne, it was on to Lyon, France's third largest city and "gastronomic capital". Between the crepes, breads, potatoes Lyonnaise, kabobs, gelato, panini and wine, I thought I died and went to heaven. This was not the place to be for my diet!

Speaking of food and wine, the cuisine on the ship was excellent. There was always something tasty offered, and the wine flowed throughout dinner. For those who were not wine drinkers, such as my father, there was always complimentary soft drinks available with the meals. And the staff could not have been better, always making sure that we were pleased. In fact, Diane, my Step-Mother, has special dietary needs, and they always accommodated her with a delicious meal.
After Lyon, it was on to the Burgundy region for more beautiful countryside and wine tasting. Between the rolling hills with vineyards and sunflower fields, it was really gorgeous. The wine was great too!

It was then time to depart the Scenery, our Avalon river ship. While we did not want to dis-embark, the good news was that we still had 2 nights in Paris to go. We stayed at the LeMeridian. Having been to Paris before, we passed on the included city tour. Cathy took an optional excursion to Versailles, and enjoyed the magnificent palace and gardens. After her return, the two of us hopped on the Metro and made a quick obligatory visit to the Eiffel Tower. The area was bustling, as it turned out that it wasBastille Day, France's equivalent of July 4. People were preparing to party, and there were fireworks that night.

We did not get to spend much time watching the fireworks, as this was our last night in France and we took in dinner and a show at the Moulin Rouge. Although the food was fair, there was plenty of wine and champagne and a spectacular show. It felt like Vegas, with not only beautiful show girls, but amazing dancing and other acts, including an incredible juggler and a unique humorist ventriloquist that none of us will ever forget. The show was almost 2 hours, but it flew by.

It was then back to our hotel for an early morning departure for the airport. I think all four of us would agree, that it was a wonderful trip and very relaxing. We had just the right mix of touring, eating, drinking, sleeping, meeting new people and entertainment to take our minds off of our normal busy schedules. A river cruise really is a great way to see Europe!

You can see our pictures from our trip on facebook with this link. If you would like more information on river cruising with Avalon, contact your Sand & C Travel consultant.

Alan Rosen

President, Sand & C Travel

Cathy Rosen standing next to the Avalon Scenery