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Spring is in full swing: warm weather,
new life and seasonal festivities await you!
Spring is in the air and it's the perfect time to travel. Europe is full of attractions, and has fewer tourists than in the summer time. Alaska warms up and the scenery is breathtaking. And the Caribbean invites you to shake the winter blues and enjoy a sun-filled paradise. In addition to beautiful scenery and sunshine, each destination has a unique variety of celebratory festivals featuring everything from art and music to treats and sports. Whether you plan to get away this spring or next, you're in for a real treat. Let's delve a little further and explore springtime in each destination.
Springtime in Europe
 Spring is the perfect time to take a European cruise, especially when it comes to your explorations ashore. Many attractions that were closed during the winter months will open once again, but without the swarms of summer tourists. Spring is also a time when many exhibitions and concerts cater to the locals, so you're sure to get a taste of true European culture. These events are often hosted in areas of museums and other structures that are closed during the summer months when crowds are too great and the facilities cannot accommodate them. There's nothing like an intimate venue to complete the experience. Fewer crowds mean shorter line ups for museums and attractions… so what are you waiting for?
Springtime Festivals in Europe
Joan Mitchell Exhibition – featuring the "Voyage à Giverny - de Claude Monet"
Where: The Musee Marmottan – Paris, France
When: February 11th – May 11th, 2009 (annually around this time)
What: This great museum is home to some of the world's most renowned artists from various historical periods. Visitors will find pieces from the Early Renaissance, the First French Empire and over 300 paintings from the Impressionist and post-Impressionist periods. During the Joan Mitchell Exhibition, you'll also discover the world's largest Monet collection, including what Monet himself referred to as "his most beautiful piece of work" – the Giverny House and Garden.
May Antiques Fair
Where: Via del Coronari – Rome Italy
When: May (annually)
What: If antiques are your thing, then head for historic Rome during the second half of May for the Antiques Fair. The atmosphere along the Via dei Coronari is splendid during the fair, as shops stay open well into the evening allowing you to browse through extraordinary items on display and get the inside scoop from on-site antique experts. From the Sun King's dressing table, to furs, jewelry and ceramics, you are certain to find something here to treasure.
Fiesta de San Medir
Where: Gracia District – Barcelona, Spain
When: March (annually)
What: If you've got a sweet-tooth, be sure to catch Barcelona's Fiesta de San Medir, held in the artistic district of Gracia. A swarm of neighborhood groups take part in a colorful parade of decorated carriages, horses, flags and costumes. Spectators gather on Calle Grande de Gracia to collect the shower of sweets thrown from the carriages into the crowd. The festivities conclude with a breathtaking fireworks display in the Jardinets de Gràcia.
Springtime in Alaska  One of the best times to visit Alaska is during the spring, particularly in May when the weather is consistently pleasant and dry throughout much of the state. Warm days and extended daylight hours make for a beautiful scene of wildflowers in full bloom and provide plenty of wildlife viewing opportunities. Most of the snow has melted by May, enabling larger animals to migrate at lower elevations – giving you a better chance to catch a glimpse. Spring is also a time for new life, in particular, wildlife. Animals, such as brown bears are fresh from hibernation and can be found nursing their cubs. Once you experience a spring in Alaska, you'll want to make it a regular occurrence.
Springtime Festivals in Alaska
35th Annual Alaska Folk Festival
Where: Juneau, Alaska
When: April 13th – 19th, 2009 (annually 2nd week of April)
What: The Alaska Folk Festival is an annual celebration of folk music from Alaska, the Northwestern United States and Canada. Featuring a wide variety of solo artists, musical groups and workshops, the festival attracts people from thousands of miles away, every single year.
Alaska Hummingbird Festival
Where: Ketchikan, Alaska
When: Mid March (annually)
What: Spring is cause to celebrate the return of many migratory birds from Central and South America back to southern Alaska. Hummingbirds, for example, typically arrive in Ketchikan around mid-March and are seen at feeders and flowers throughout the city by mid-April. Guided bird hikes, art displays, a bird-banding station and many activities for children, are all a part of the festivities going on during the event.
Springtime in the Caribbean Not only is the Caribbean beautiful during the spring, it's also a very popular place. Tired and depressed from the cold winter weather, many people would give anything to trade their snowy lawns for sandy beaches. And with the Caribbean boasting hot spring temperatures from 78-88 degrees, you're sure to lose that winter chill. Allow the endless beaches, turquoise blue water and warm sunshine to send you into a state of pure bliss. Whether you're looking to enjoy a relaxing tropical escape or to get your feet wet and try every water sport imaginable, a Caribbean vacation has it all.
Springtime Festivals in the Caribbean
Carnival
Where: St. Martin/St. Maarten
 When: Usually around April 17th-May 3rd
What: Carnival for St. Martin/St. Maarten is actually a combination of two carnivals…one for each side of the island. The French carnival occurs during the pre-Lenten period, in keeping with the tradition of the French Creole mas. The larger of the two celebrations – an action packed 17-21 day affair – is held on the Dutch side. Events to look out for are the "Unity Jump-up", featuring the local bands' latest soca and calypso hits, parades for children, talent shows and more. All Carnival events are tailored to the island's slogan, "a little European, a lot of Caribbean".
Ocean Fest Dive & Adventure Sports Expo
Where: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
When: Usually the 3rd weekend of April
What: What better way to kick off your cruise vacation than to spend a couple days in Fort Lauderdale before you disembark. And where better to acquire or brush up on your 'scuba-skills' than at "Ocean Fest". Featuring over 150 dive and adventure sports related exhibits under giant tents at the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, the expo includes concerts, treasure hunts, free seminars and tons of prizes! Why not enjoy this experience in the port of call renowned for its beaches and waterways.
Spring savings await! Book today at incredible value by contacting us today. |
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* CAD price displayed with exchange rate of the day applied
Estimated exchange rate of 1 USD = 1.0268 CAD as of May 16, 2008
Price is subject to change and valid only if booked in US dollars
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