MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA, Sep 18 (MARKET WIRE) --
Zicasso, a free, personalized online trip planning service that matches
busy, discerning travelers with distinguished travel specialists, is
showcasing holiday and warm weather getaways targeting the holiday
season. Consumers have been booking their holiday season travel earlier
than usual, resulting in many popular destinations being already fully
booked. Zicasso surveyed its top specialists to identify destinations
that offer unique experiences and are not overly crowded, and where air
tickets, hotels, and tours are still available at good value.
Zicasso's Top Holiday Picks feature festive destinations for travelers
interested in reveling in traditional European holiday celebrations.
Zicasso is also highlighting distinctive, less-traveled destinations,
where travelers can take advantage of a broader selection of quality
accommodations, favorable currency rates, smaller crowds, and warm
weather.
For travelers who may still be looking to book their holiday vacation,
Zicasso's highlighted destinations feature itineraries developed from
distinguished travel specialists that make up the company's hand-picked
network. Travelers receive handcrafted itineraries that match their
preferences and needs, resulting in personalized, hassle-free travel
planning. With Zicasso, travelers receive custom itineraries that can
optionally include services such as accommodations, transportation (i.e.:
flights, car rentals, rail, cruises, ferries), drivers, tour guides,
tickets to attractions or events, reservations, etc.
Europe's Christmas Markets
Europe during the holiday season offers an array of distinctive
celebrations, many deeply rooted in unique traditions and customs, and can
save travelers up to 20% compared to summer's high season. Its famous
Christmas markets glisten in old-world charm, setting the stage for an
unforgettable holiday experience.
-- Germany: Deutschland is home to the world's most famous Christmas
markets, a tradition dating back to 1384. Traditional carols and Christmas
music fill the air, and market booths brim with artisan crafts, woodcarved
toys and ornaments. Traditional drinks such as Gluehwein (hot spiced wine)
and hot cider keep shoppers warm while holiday breads such as Kugelhopf
and Lebkuchen (gingerbread), marzipan and chocolates keep shoppers happy.
Travelers will delight as they stroll through village squares decked with
thousands of sparkling lights and flickering candles, fragrant pine
garlands and Advent wreaths, working in harmony to create a magical
Christmas atmosphere.
- Sample Top Holiday Pick: Archer Travel Services offers a 7-night
package to tour Germany's Christmas Markets, starting at $1,675 per
person.
-- Austria: From visiting Oberndorf where the famous carol Silent Night
was written, to strolling Christmas markets in Vienna, or skiing snowy
trails in Innsbruck, Christmas in Austria is enchanting. In Vienna, the
world-famous Boys' Choir performs traditional carols and Christmas pieces.
Drive along the banks of the Danube River to Salzburg, famous for Mozart's
birthplace and where the 900 year-old Hohensalzburg Fortress dominates the
cityscape. During Advent, the Fortress is home to a Christmas market
featuring local arts and crafts, seasonal delicacies and holiday concert
performances.
- Sample Top Holiday Pick: Archer Travel Services offers a 7-night
package to tour Austria's Christmas Markets and the Alps, starting at
$949 per person.
-- France: Christmas markets also abound throughout France; one of the
largest is in Strasbourg, with a breathtaking cathedral as the backdrop.
Nestled within the Alsace region, Strasbourg is renowned for its small
wine producing towns dotting the landscape. Each season, Alsace
transforms into a winter wonderland with nativity plays, caroling and
festivals. And to ring in the New Year, Paris is simply de rigueur.
Whether sipping champagne on the Champs Elysees, attending a black-tie
party at Loire Castle, or watching a night showing of Moulin Rouge, the
City of Lights offers a dazzling holiday atmosphere in arguably the
world's most beautiful city.
- Sample Top Holiday Pick: Traveloteca Tours offers a 7-night package to
experience festive Paris and London, starting at $2,390 per person,
including airfare from New York.
-- Poland: In Warsaw, families can enjoy a children's choir singing
traditional Polish carols or visit the Ethnographical Museum to learn
about legends rooted in Christmas tradition. Drive to the countryside
village of Lowicz for a holiday concert in the square's magnificent
Basilica. The annual Opera Week features performances such as Swan Lake
and La Boheme in renowned opera houses in Wroclaw, Poznan, Krakow, and
Warsaw.
- Sample Top Holiday Pick: Traveloteca Tours offers a 3-night package to
experience Polish Christmas traditions as an add-on when visiting other
European destinations.
Warm, Hidden Gems With Much to Offer Except the Crowds
Travelers that prefer warmer destinations, Zicasso features several hidden
gems. High-peak winter destinations such as Hawaii and the Caribbean are
typically crowded and command higher rates for airline tickets and hotels.
The following less-traveled destinations deliver distinctive appeal and
good value, as well as offer attractive currency exchanges, and more
availability of higher quality accommodations and services.
-- South Pacific Islands -- Samoa, Tonga and Papua New Guinea: While Bali
is a top destination, neighboring islands, Samoa, Papua New Guinea, and
Tonga are the South Pacific's best kept secrets. Beachside villas at
Samoa's famous Aggie Grey's Hotel, a Polynesian paradise, also features an
18-hole championship golf course. The tiny kingdom of Tonga hosts a range
of island festivals and offers virgin coral reefs perfect for snorkeling.
For those seeking more adventure -- Papua New Guinea awaits. Whether
trekking through rolling hills, sweet potato gardens, across suspension
bridges, or scuba diving the famous Walindi, Tufi or Madang ship wrecks,
this exotic island offers adventure travelers plenty of fun and sun.
- Sample Top Holiday Pick: Global Basecamps offers a 4-night package to
trek through the beautiful riverside landscape in Papua New Guinea,
starting at $1,470 per person.
-- South Africa: For an unforgettable travel experience, South Africa is a
top choice. Said to sustain the most biodiversity of any game reserve,
Kruger National Park boasts five million acres and six eco-systems of
wildlife. For a unique luxury safari experience, travelers stay in the
African bush of the Sabi Sands in a private villa at the 6-star Lions
Sands Lodge. Enjoy incredible views from Table Mountain, indulge in
gourmet food and world class wines in Cape Town's vineyards, or relish
the sights and sounds of the magnificent Victoria Falls.
- Sample Top Holiday Pick: Roar Africa offers a 10-night luxury package
to experience the beauty of South African landscape and unique wildlife
safari, starting at $5,400 per person.
-- Morocco: Unbelievable landscapes, rich spices, and vibrant fabrics are
the essence of Morocco. Travelers can watch the sunrise across the
Merzouga sand dunes, climb the Atlas Mountains, and sleep under the stars
in the Sahara Desert. Casablanca, Fez, Tangier, or Marrakech all offer
luxury B&Bs that were formerly riads, or ancient palaces and private
residences, which previously belonged to Sultan princes, aristocrats, and
noble families.
- Sample Top Holiday Pick: Homeric Tours offers an 8-night package to
visit Moroccan Imperial Cities, starting at $1,729 per person, including
airfare from New York.
About Zicasso
Zicasso is a first-of-a-kind online travel service that combines the best
of online Web 2.0 tools with offline personalized services from expert
tour operators and travel agencies. Ideal for planning complex trips,
Zicasso saves travelers time and money by matching them to pre-qualified,
quality travel companies that compete to provide personalized itinerary
bids, all within an online Web 2.0 environment. Zicasso's free online
travel service gives busy, discerning consumers a hassle-free way to
obtain authentic, quality travel experiences, at the best value. Based in
Mountain View, CA, Zicasso is a privately-held company. For more
information, please visit www.zicasso.com.
Editor's Note: Artwork available upon request.
Press Contact:
Carmen Hughes
Ignite P.R.
W: 650.592.1768
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Copyright 2008, Market Wire, All rights reserved.
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