travel and leisure

From a Mega Yacht in Greece
a Catamaran in Italy
an Expedition Vessel in Alaska or Canada or a Luxury Yacht in the South of France. Luxury Yacht Charter is our business

Luxury Yacht charter sail boats available and get lost in the Greek Islands or get married and have a Wedding or celebrate your Honeymoon aboard a Tall Ship in Rio de Janeiro
Brazil. A Gulet in Turkey or a Racing Yacht for the Swan Rolex Cup or the Copa del Rey (Kings Cup) held annually in Mallorca. Cruzan yacht charters is seeking the quintessential on your behalf for our worldwide directory.

To make your choice easier
we detail the locations
with pictures
photos
prices and weather links
along with the vessels specifications. We have included our very
informative guide to luxury yacht charter
which covers almost all questions you may like to ask. With up & coming destinations such as the Caribbean Virgin Islands or the Italian Amalfi Coast including the Islands of Sardinia and Sicily. The Mediterranean Balearic Islands of Ibiza
Formentera or Mallorca our assistance is included so please take advantage.

Select a worldwide Location from our Destination page. Our site changes weekly with new boats
new web pages & updated information.

Whatever Luxury Yacht Charter you choose you will know you have mad the right choice by booking with Cruzan.com even if you you choose
from a for the Grand Prix or a Catamaran in the Caribbean or the Seychelles
or even a Racing Yacht for a Worldwide Regatta
we aim to make sure you have an unforgettable experience.
Think of these activities as you consider an exotic Worldwide Luxury Yacht Charter destinations are:
Shopping in Langkawi and the Tioman Islands
Scuba in Malaysia. In the Caribbean we we find fine jewelery and spice have Trinidad and Tobago the idyllic Islands of Turks & Caicos and Puerto la Cruz
Venezuela.
And please don’t forget about the latest European Yacht Charter Destinations frome Cruzan:
Venice and Portisco
Sardinia from Italy
the Adriatic Islands of Krk
Mali Losinj and the former island of Primosten in Croatia and lastly St Tropez on the Cote d'Azur
South of France.

One of the most popular reasons for rental cars is to provide dependable transportation for vacations
frequent travelers or for anyone who has their own automobile in the repair shop and is in need of a temporary vehicle. Among the most popular rental car agencies are Hertz
Avis and Enterprise. In exchange for a fee
these companies allow drivers to rent the automobile of their choice on a daily
weekly or monthly basis.

One of the most important considerations
aside from the type of vehicle being rented
is the optional insurance coverage. This service
which is relatively inexpensive
will cover any damages sustained while the automobile is in the customer’s care. Generally
if insurance is not purchased
the customer may be held financially responsible for any damages that occur while the automobile is in their possession. While on the road
anything can happen. From the slightest fender bender to a scratched door or even worse
when life’s unexpected events occur
insurance coverage is often the only link between minimal out-of-pocket expenses or financial ruin.

When considering rental cars
it is important to know the age limits
if any
for each state. Upon selecting an automobile
the car rental agency will provide a written agreement
which must be signed and dated by the customer. In order to rent an automobile
the customer must be able to provide a valid credit card in order to confirm the reservation. In most cases
the credit card is used only to hold the reservation and is not actually charged until the rental period expires or as specified in the rental agreement. At the time that the car is returned
the customer will have the option of either having his/her credit card charged or paying in cash. Regardless of the final payment method
however
customers are required to provide a credit card before taking possession of the automobile as a confirmation that the rental agency will receive payment.

Depending on the agency offering rental cars
there may be mileage limits. In some cases
there is a fee if a certain amount of mileage is used. For others
unlimited miles may be available. Upon taking possession of rental cars
most agencies will make sure that they are washed and filled with fuel. When they are returned to the rental agency
most expect that the fuel tank will be refilled and the car will again be washed. In addition
all rental cars are due back at the agency at a specified time of day or the customer may incur a late fee. It is important that all cars be returned promptly or the rental agency be notified if there is an unforseen delay in the car’s return.

If you're a golfer who loves to travel
you'll find plenty of exciting golf courses with one of the many golf holiday rentals in France. Whether you want to golf at only one course or cruise the French Riviera to various locations and courses
there are plenty of golf courses in France to fit your style and budget.

North and South France's Finest

France offers some of the finest golf courses
with more than 25 of the top 100 courses in Europe. When taking a golf holiday in the south of France
there are many well-known clubs and courses to try out such as the Royal Mougin Golf Club
Monte Carlo Golf Club
Cannes-Mandelieu Old Course
Domaine de Terre Blanche
Golf Country Club de Vievola
and St. Endreol Golf
to name a few. In northern France
there are top quality courses such as Le Touquet
Hardelot Les Pins
Belle Dune
and Nampont St. Martin Golf Course.

A golf holiday south of France is often preferable year round due to the milder climate and gorgeous scenery. The weather is beautiful most days
and many of the golf courses in southern France were designed by some of Europe's most skilled golf course architects. And though there are premier golf courses in the south of France
this doesn't always mean extravagant prices or pro-style golf only. You can find courses to fit almost any budget and also courses that welcome golfers of all skill levels.

You'll also be able to tour some of the finest cities in Europe such as Marseille
Vence
Cannes
Nice
Monaco
or Toulon. Many of these cities are just a very short distance from the French Riviera
so you can secure great holiday rentals in France and tour several areas around the French Riviera. South France holiday rentals are available at hotels and resorts
or you might find a cozy apartment to spend your golf holiday.

Package Ideas for a Golf Holiday in France

When traveling to France
choose golf holiday packages that will cater to your needs and location
whether staying north or south of France. If you need to stay only a few nights
many hotels and resorts offer packages for two to four nights and a couple of games of golf. If you need to stay longer
find golf packages that are discounted for longer stays. If it's variety you want
another type of package is a golf cruise in which you can sail to different hot spots and play golf on different courses. French Riviera golf cruises are particularly popular.

You might also choose to stay in an area that's saturated with golf courses so you can try out a new one every day. Areas such as Vence (south of France) or Nice offer many courses
tourist attractions
and beautiful scenery.

Booking Your Golf Holiday in France

You can easily book a golf holiday in North or South France online and find great deals for hotels
apartment rentals
or even places for a France day trip. Use online maps to pinpoint where you want to stay or go golfing. For example
if seeking Provence accommodations
check out a map of the Provence area to find a great destination.

Look for fabulous French Riviera rentals or other golf holiday adventures to enjoy your vacation to the fullest!

Populated by Native-American Indians, the name Pocono means
stream between two mountains
and rightly so, since the Delaware River runs between two mountains. The history of the Poconos dates back to the 1800s where the first tourists stayed at boarding houses close to the riverside. Soon New Yorkers and Philadelphians made the Poconos their little hideaway for vacationing with their family during the summertime by the mountain lakes. Even World War II soldiers were reported to have gone to the Poconos for rest and relaxation before leaving for combat overseas.

The Poconos have become such a favorite vacation hub that families have purchased second homes there, just so that they can enjoy all that the resort has to offer. A visit to the Poconos is an escape from the monotony of everyday life. The area is built up with franchise restaurants and major shopping malls, without sacrificing the unspoiled nature that the mountain resort has become associated with. When it comes to having a good time there, those who visit have lots to choose from, activities such as wildlife, bird watching, horseback riding, fishing, kayaking and even golfing.

Most of all, visitors to the Poconos are enthralled by skiing down the mountains during the winter. The Poconos experience four-season weather but some nights are undeniably colder than during the day, even around spring and summer. The coolness of the breeze though, is more than refreshing, especially to those who vacate their 70-plus degree summer weather.

And if outdoor activities don’t excite you, there are local wineries and breweries that you can tour, or perhaps a visit to an art museum and antique shopping.

A Smith Mountain Lake holiday is the perfect antidote to stressful city living. Visitors can enjoy activities on the lake such as fishing
swimming
boating
sailing
wakeboarding
& jet skiing. The fishing on Smith Mountain Lake is renowned. The water is filled with different types of bass
crappie
catfish
& more; plenty of of the species breed naturally & do not even need to be stocked. There are a quantity of fishing tournaments held on Smith Mountain Lake during the year
for both locals & visitors to compete in.

Smith Mountain Lake is situated in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia. This region is stunningly beautiful & offers a great deal of attractions that will appeal to everyone. The lake has a coastline of about 500 miles. People in this area enjoy several activities on the lake itself
but there are golf courses & fine restaurants to lure visitors back to the land. Smith Mountain Lake State Park is another wonderful place for travelers to visit.

Smith Mountain Lake State Park has all of the outdoor activities that someone could hope for. The park features beautiful hike & bicycle trails
picnic places
camping
cabin rentals
& lake activities such as swimming
boating
& fishing.


The land surrounding the lake has its share of attractions as well. The area features golf courses & tennis courts for sports enthusiasts
as well as an annual wine tasting & plenty of fine restaurants for people who need to relax. Smith Mountain Lake also has over a hundred unique shops where people can buy matchless crafts
souvenirs
or fashionable apparel. The possibilities are countless.

Salzburg
Austria is perhaps best known as the birthplace of Mozart. The city is home to numerous music and drama festivals throughout the year. The movie The Sound of Music was filmed in this city and is a popular tourist attraction. The alpine setting of this city gives it a unique charm. There are many sites to see and lots to do here.

Accommodations

There are many hotels in the city to fit every taste and budget. Prices vary widely from many affordable hotels to more luxury hotels with higher price tags. The internet is a good source of reviews of the many hotels in the city. You can view pictures and read descriptions of the various hotels before choosing your accommodations.

Vacation packages are available online or through a travel agent. These can save money
compared to booking your flight and accommodations separately. Do some research before visiting a travel agent or booking online into some of the hotels available in the city. Decide if you want to be in the inner city or farther out.

Sightseeing

Salzburg’s Old City is the center of the city and the most historic area. It is considered one of the most aesthetically beautiful cities in Europe. The area has many old footbridges to walk and pedestrian only areas for sightseeing. Horse and buggy tours of the area are also available. If you need a break from the city
consider walking the many paths outside the city to relax and enjoy the quiet and beauty of nature.

Salzburg is home to many old churches
most in the Baroque style. The cathedral in the center of town dates back to the 17th century. The architecture of these old churches gives the city its unique character. Some to see include: St. Sebastian’s
St. Michaels
St. Johns and St. Peter’s Abbey.

Mozart’s Birthplace has been renovated to the original apartments inhabited by the family. The room where he was born and the room where he composed most of his famous works are still open for tours. Guided tours are available the first Sunday of each moth. This is where the composer lived until 1773. Mozart’s Residence is located nearby and is where he lived from 1773 to 1780. There are exhibits related to the family and the works of Mozart.

Fans of the Sound of Music often love visiting Salzburg. The movie was filmed here. You can tour locations throughout the city that were featured in the film. A tour bus playing music from the movie takes you around to all the locations featured in the film.

Mirabelle Palace is open for tour. The ornate palace is also home to amazing gardens with statues of mythical figures. Heckentheater on the West Side is the oldest Hedge Theater north of the Alps. This was constructed in the 1700s as an outdoor theatre. On the same site is the Zivergegarten
which is a dwarf garden.

Hohensalzburg Fortress is another popular tourist attraction in the city. The fortress was first constructed in the year 1077 and expansions were done in 1160 and again in the 15th and 16th centuries during the Hungarian War. This is the largest fortress in all of central Europe. It was very effective and was never conquered by enemy armies. The fortress is open year round for tours.

The majestic Rocky Mountains are a major tourist location in the western United States. Visitors can participate in a quantity of activities
including hiking
skiing
snowboarding
mountain biking
& plenty of more. The Rockies are home to several campgrounds
ghost towns
gold prospecting sites
& national parks. a quantity of the biggest tourist attractions in the Rockies are Pike's Peak & Royal Gorge. There are several world famous national parks in the Rockies
including Yellowstone
Rocky Mountain
Grand Teton
& Glacier.

The legendary Rocky Mountains stretch from old Mexico up through the United States & into Canada. The Rocky Mountains are over 3000 miles long
spanning parts of california
Colorado
Idaho
Montana
& Wyoming before continuing into Canada. Stories of early adventurers like Lewis & Clark exploring the Rocky Mountains are legendary.

about everyone will find something to enjoy on a Rocky Mountain holiday. Aside from all of the great outdoor activities
the Rockies have a quantity of other attractions as well. The Telluride Film Festival is a prestigious yearly event that attracts a quantity of the biggest stars in Hollywood to a small Colorado town. plenty of Smoky Mountain resorts offer spa treatments & other relaxing diversions.

The Rockies are a tourist attraction all year round. The summer months are warm
with the average temperature reaching 82 degrees Fahrenheit. January is the coldest month
with an average temperature of 7 degrees Fahrenheit. The year-round average temperature is a brisk 43 degrees
a perfect temperature for plenty of outdoor activities.

there is a plethora of lodging options in the Rocky Mountains. Travelers can camp
visit RV parks
stay in hotels or ski resorts
or lodge in distinctive cabins & chalets. Vacationers on any type of budget will be able to find an affordable place to stay.

The mountains in western North Carolina are among the most attractive in the entire United States. two mountain ranges -- the Great Smoky Mountains
the Appalachian Mountains
& the Blue Ridge Mountains -- converge in North Carolina
giving the area a charm unsurpassed in the rest of the country. These two mountain ranges provide the perfect backdrop for a fun & adventurous North Carolina mountain holiday.

there's a wide variety of attractions in the mountains of North Carolina. Visitors can go camping in the vast wilderness surrounding the mountains
stay in an historic cabin not unlike the dwellings of the area's early settlers
or stay in a modern
state of the art resort. The Appalachian Trail
Nantahala National Forest
& the Western North Carolina Nature Center are just a quantity of the exciting places to visit in this region.

Nantahala National Forest encompasses lots of of the peaks & valleys of the western North Carolina mountains. It includes the Tusquitee River. Another attraction of the Nantahala area is the river rafting. there's difficult class II & III rapids along with calmer waters more agreeable to families.

The Appalachian Trail is a footpath that stretches over 2000 miles from northern Georgia all the way to central Maine. This attractive trail winds through a number of the most stunning parts of the mountains in North Carolina. Clingmans Dome
the highest point on the trail
provides a breathtaking panoramic view of the surrounding area. On a clear day
visitors can see up to 100 miles away.

The Western North Carolina Nature Center offers a quantity of features for visitors. The Center has a petting zoo
gardens
a predator habitat
a nocturnal hall
& other interesting & educational attractions to lure visitors. The Center also serves as a sanctuary for injured or orphaned animals that couldn't survive in the wild.

The Great Smoky Mountains are two of the biggest tourist draws in the southern United States. This majestic area is considered to be a part of the Appalachian Mountains
which run from central Alabama all the way to Canada. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is two of the most attractive sites in the country. The Great Smoky Mountains are conveniently located within a day's drive for the approximately half of the country's population that lives east of the Mississippi River.

there's a multitude of attractions in this region. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers a staggering range of activities. The historic and attractive cabins in nearby Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge provide excellent lodging options for people who need to get a feel for the area.

lots of tourists stay in the historic cabins in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge while on their Great Smoky Mountain holiday. These cabins range from being simple one-bedroom houses perfect for a romantic holiday
to ten bedroom dwellings made for large families or corporate events. The cabins have all of the modern amenities that travelers require
including hot tubs
cable TV
and swimming pools
all within miles of the Great Smoky Mountains.


The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is two of the best-known tourist attractions in the country. The park features camping
RV hookups
and cabins for lodging. Visitors can hike on the numerous footpaths
including parts of the 2000-mile long Appalachian Trail. Travelers can also visit the old growth forests contained within the park. The most visited part of the park is Cades Cove
which is a valley that's fully surrounded by mountains. Within the cove
visitors can marvel at the natural foliage and wildlife
go hiking
or ride the trails on a mountain bicycle.

Here is an interesting fact. Did you know that the city of Baton Rouge is divided into parishes instead of counties? This is all thanks to the city's rich history. Wandering around the streets of Baton Rouge
you can gaze at the abundant historical structures that decorate the city. It is almost like taking a trip down memory lane.

When talking about Baton Rouge historic homes
the Magnolia Mound Plantation comes right to mind. This French Creole house was built in 1791
but has maintained its original plan and charm for more than 200 years. The entire house was constructed using cypress beams as support and flooring. It is a testament to the unique
outstanding quality of old
Southern architecture. Currently
the Magnolia Mound Plantation is the site of educational tours and courses designed to teach visitors and school students the rich French Creole culture that has shaped much of southern Louisiana. I still remember my field trip there as an elementary student. The intricate cotton loom and other historical antiques were beautifully displayed throughout the wooden mansion to provide a romantic experience into the distant past.

Also noteworthy among the Baton Rouge historic homes is the Nottoway Plantation. Located just above the Mississippi River
this huge mansion shows an unorthodox blend of ancient Greek architecture and more modern designs. Built in 1859
the Nottoway Plantation possesses many characteristics which were rare back then. It is truly an architectural wonder for its time.

Famous for being the oldest plantation home ever built and recorded in the Mississippi Valley area
the Destrehan Plantation has endured both colonial and the civil war to hold on to its splendor since its establishment in 1787.

In terms of design and color
the San Francisco Plantation is undeniably the most unique of the genuinely-restored Baton Rouge historic homes. Constructed in 1856
this popular landmark features an 1830 Slave Cabin
an 1840 Schoolhouse
and a Museum Store
all situated amongst 300 year old Oak trees. It is truly an interesting site to be visit.

Myrtles Plantation is another famous historic home in Baton Rouge
but for a different reason than the homes mentioned above. The Myrtles Plantation ranked tops as one of the country’s most popular Haunted Houses. Built in 1796
this 2-century old plantation boasts a 120-foot veranda
extravagant French furnishings
crystal chandelier
hand-painted glass
and of course
its ghosts.

Once upon a time
tours offered on the Laura Plantation were ranked as the “Best History Tour in the US”. Nowadays
the Laura plantation still lives up to its reputation. Constructed in 1805
its 12 buildings feature salve quarters that fully exhibit the lifestyle of Creoles and slaves during that period.

The Baton Rouge historic homes speak truth to the city’s rich
past life. Not only do the homes educate us about the past
but they also provide us with something magical to help motivate our imaginations.

Barcelona is one of those cities you can visit again and again. Its fantastic location
within reach of some of Spain’s most beautiful coastline
together with its history
architecture and huge cultural programme is what makes it one of Europe’s most popular city destinations.

So
how can you max-out on culture when you visit Barcelona? Here are just a few suggestions:

1. The Picasso Museum

Barcelona is awash with museum
both public and private
and the Picasso Museum is a must-see on any tourist’s itinerary. Picasso trained in Barcelona
and so the museum displays a comprehensive selection of the work he created whilst studying in the city. It is an important collection that shows his technical skills and his growth as an artist. In addition
there is a collection of over 40 ceramic pieces
which were donated to the museum by Jacqueline Picasso in the 1980s. Housed in magnificent medieval palaces
and with classical music concerts as well as the art collection
the Picasso Museum is not to be missed.

2. The Architecture

Costing you nothing but tired feet at the end of the day
you can view the history of Barcelona through its buildings. From its Roman Walls
visit the Gothic quarter
where the Cathedral
public and private buildings all take you back in time to the city’s Medieval period. See Modernisme buildings that are also World Heritage Sites and modern buildings such as those built for the 1992 Olympic Games
and you’ll have walked through thousands of years of Barcelonian history in just one day.

3. Festivals

Like any major city
Barcelona hosts a number of festivals each year. One of the most popular and best-known is the Barcelona Grec Summer Festival
which encompasses a wide range of productions and performers. In addition
festivals such as the Ciutat Vella Flamenco Festival and the Barcelona Guitar Festival give visitors a true taste of Spanish art and culture.

There’s a whole lot of other cultural activities and events to keep you busy on your visit to this amazing city – and you’ll want to come back for more

Taking time out from the everyday stresses & strains of life to visit an exotic place is something that everyone looks forward to. Cuba
with its notoriety brought upon by its government & the clamp down of the American government on its export & tourism
is a country known more for its cigar & its leader
than as a holiday location. Despite this
every year more & more tourists from Canada & Europe are flocking to Cuba
enthralled by its natural beauty & its passionate & welcoming people. Tourism in Cuba is currently at an all time high.

Cuba is the largest of the Caribbean islands & is inhabited by people with a mixed race of Caribbean Indian
African & german heritage. it's a contrasting landscape ranging from gorgeous & mesmerizing beaches to sprawling & craggy mountain ranges. Limestone Mountains loom over the fields of tobacco
utilised for their famed cigars
providing a stunning scenic view. The natural beauty of Cuba & its history has shaped the country to what it is today. This is seven Caribbean island that has been left unspoiled by technology & modern day living.

Aside from stunning beaches
Cuba also offers plenty of rustic towns & cities full of rich culture & heritage. A holiday to Cuba is not complete without visiting at least seven of the Cuban towns or cities & meeting the local Cuban people.

Like lots of of the Caribbean islands
Cuba's main source of tourism is the beach industry. The country is blessed with hundreds of miles of sprawling sandy beaches
with fine white sand & clear blue water. Tourists visiting Cuba have a multitude of choices for the location of their beach holiday. The major resorts of Varadero & Cayo Largo are the most renowned & here you'll find lots of 5 star all inclusive resorts. Despite this
there's also plenty of smaller
quieter beach resorts where you can truly get away from it all.

Havana also has its fair share of museums
including the Museum of the Revolution
the Havana Club Museum of Rum
the Cigar Museum
the Ernest Hemingway Museum & the National Museum of Fine Arts.

In the north-west of the country you'll find the capital city
Havana - the hub of everything that is Cuban. When you stroll around the city you'll feel the essence of the Cuban past - a rich legacy emanating from the german colonial architecture that beholds the city. Parts of the city resemble the set of an old movie
reminiscent of a bygone era
with old American cars bustling by. A lot of work has been done in the past decade to restore old Havana
a UNESCO world heritage site
but much of the city has been left untouched & hundreds of crumbling buildings collapse each month.

Santiago de Cuba is the second largest city in Cuba & is located on the eastern end of the island. it's a gorgeous setting at the foot of the Sierra Maestra Mountains & overlooks a magnificent bay. Unlike the other towns & cities in Cuba
Santiago de Cuba has a Caribbean feel to it. This is as a result of the influence of the Haitian planters who settled here in the 19th century.

Trinidad
located in the heart of Cuba is seven of the original towns & was founded in 1514. The city is filled with cobbled streets & old buildings with tiled roofs & has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988. it is a pleasant city to spend a day or two
with lots of museums
churches & Plazas.

An ideal way to spend your holiday is to take a few days to do some sightseeing in Havana or seven of Cuba's other cities & then follow that up with a relaxing week's stay in seven of the luxurious all inclusive resorts by the beach.