 | Maxine Nohrr Expert Bio
Interests & Specialties
Luxury Cruising with an emphasis on small deluxe ships, small and large group cruises including culinary cruises with a guest chef. Unique tours and private shore excursions.
Expert Bio
President.... Certified Travel Consultant, Master Cruise Counselor.
Australia and New Zealand specialist, luxury cruise specialist. Have sailed on all the luxury ships on every luxury cruise fleet, including Crystal, Silversea..Regent Seven Seas,Seabourn, Sea Dream Yacht Club and Windstar.
For 2008, One of our group cruises is an exciting 12 day Gala New Years Cruise booked on the Regent Seven Seas Navigator, leaving Ft Lauderdale Dec 29,2008 and returning Jan 9, 2009. Ports include Princess Cays, San Juan, Puerto Rico,, St Thomas, Gustavia(St Barts), St Maarten, St Johns (Antigua) Tortola, Grand Turk, Ft Lauderdale.
I hope you will consider joining us – email me for details maxine@travelmax.com
My Recent Trips
March 2008 - South Africa - It was a fabulous trip and it was so interesting to compare the differences between an Eastern Central Africa Safari and a South Africa Safari. Both have their own unique appeal.
2007 was an especially busy travel year for me and Don. Below are some of my recent trips, (Actually every year seems to be an active travel year). We’ve created some wonderful travel memories and as an expert CTC and MCC, I can create your special trip.
In August, 2007, my husband Don and I hosted a group of 12 aboard the Silversea Silver Cloud for a most unique cruise to Northern Europe departing from Copenhagen and sailing to Bergen Norway, Ulvik and Reykjavik, Iceland and then to the UK stopping in Edinburgh Scotland, where we attended the annual Military Tattoo which is held at Edinburgh Castle. Military Bands from all over the world perform at this event and even though it rained that night, it was still one of the highlights of the cruise. Another exciting aspect of the cruise was sailing up one of the most famous rivers in the world while the cruise historian narrated our progress up the Thames. All the Silver Cloud’s passengers were on deck, waving to the scores of people who lined the riverside waving back. It was breathtaking to see the Tower Bridge lifted in the classic arch pose we have seen in pictures as we glided through the bridge to our berth.
As a post cruise visit, before returning to the U.S., six of our group had made prior arrangements to fly to Prague, Czech Republic. Prague is a pristine city compared to many other European cities and maybe it’s because it was not allowed to open up for tourism until several years ago. The restaurants were wonderful and our hotel was a delight and to top it all off, we had one of the best guides ever, who had majored in history and had lived in the U.S. so spoke perfect English.
The June before the chilly Northern Europe trip Don and I were the Virtuoso Voyager Club hosts on a totally opposite type of cruise which was Regent’s Paul Gaugin which sailed from Figi to the Cook Islands, then to the Society Islands and on to Tahiti. I had always heard that this was the most beautiful spot on earth, and after visiting Moorea, Bora Bora and Papete, I agree. The waters are crystal clear and the mountains in the background make it even more spectacular, and it is so romantic. This is a perfect type of trip for that special anniversary, honeymoon or birthday. In fact we were thrilled that my brother and sister-in-law, Merle and Ronnie joined us and Don and Ronnie both celebrated their special birthdays on this trip.
March 2007, we were fortunate enough to host a Virtuoso cruise on the Silver Whisper that sailed from Mumbai,(Bombay) India to Dubai. We had four people join us for a custom week’s tour of Northern India before the cruise. I fell in love with India, it is such a country of contrasts and I am excited that we will be returning to Dubai and India in October 2008 when we host a Silversea cruise from Dubai to Singapore. In India we spent a few days in Delhi, before traveling to Agra where we visited the magnificent Taj Mahal and from Agra, drove to Jaipur, known as the Pink City. There was a festival in progress so it was a very happy and colorful time to be there. Finally, we flew from Jaipur to Udaipur which is a gorgeous and serene area to end an India trip. We flew to Mumbai and after a day’s tour boarded the Silver Whisper ship and sailed to Muscat, Oman (very clean city, people pay a fine if their car is even dirty).
Dubai, was exciting, with growth that is mind boggling. One hotel is more spectacular than the next and just when you think the hotel you are in can’t be topped, the next one is even more fabulous. We had lunch at the El Burg Hotel in their Acquarium restaurant and visited the shopping mall which has a ski resort with real snow (in the middle of the dessert).
If you are interested in visiting Dubai, consider wait lisiting for a cruise departing October 23, 2008. Don and I are the hosts for the Virtuoso Group on this sailing Ports of call on the cruise are Khasab, Oman; Mumbai, Cochin, India and Colombo, Sri Lanka; Phuket, Thailand; Penang, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; and Singapore. E-mail me and I will send you the complete itinerary and pricing. Go to our "Featured Getaway" Page for more information.
Another spectacular trip we made in the summer of 2006 was with a group of 12 on a Seabourn cruise that sailed from one of my favorite cities. Istanbul and ended in Venice. Private bus tours were a highlight in Yalta, Sevestapol and Odessa.
Our pre-cruise trip was as unique as the cruise. We did a four day Buddy Bombard ballooning trip with another couple, the Morgans, in the Burgundy region of France. Days were spent touring wonderful wineries and eating magnificent lunches and at twilight we would begin our balloon trip drifting silently over French villages and countryside. We would have champagne waiting for us upon landing and were then driven to a Chateau for a private evening dinner and then to a hotel for our overnight stay.
In March 2005 we hosted an Amazon Cruise aboard the Silversea Silver Cloud. I have always loved Buenos Aires and was so happy to be back for a pre cruise stay at the Four Seasons. Ricoletta is still fabulous and the restaurants and shopping cannot be beat. Saw a great Tango Show at the newest “in” hotel in the meat packing district. Of course, the Amazon cruise was fascinating and ended in Rio de Janero, Brazil. It had been many, many years since I had been in Rio and was reminded of just what a gorgeous city Rio is.
In January 2005, it was great fun to sail on a Seadream Yacht in the Caribbean and in March 2005 I explored the Antebellum south on the Nantuket Clipper along the intracoastal waterways.
In July, 2004, we cruised from Istanbul to Venice on Silverea’s Silver Whisper. I thoroughly enjoy Istanbul whenever I am there and on this cruise got to visit Dubrovnik for the first time. Post cruise we drove from Venice to Lake Como/Bellagio region and stayed at the Villa d’Este for a few days. The area has one of the most breathtaking views of the lake and the mountains..We then headed to Milan and took advantage of the wonderful shopping there before flying home.
|  | Kay Gajonovich
Interests & Specialties
European travel, specialist in Great Britain, certified Australia specialist, Spain specialist, World cruises, luxury cruising and custom tours.
Expert Bio
Kay was born and raised in Great Britain. As an adult She lived in several European countries including Spain, Holland and Belgium. Kay particularly enjoys creating custom European trips and has traveled extensively visiting new and interesting places.
kay@travelmax.com
My Recent Trips
I have just returned from a wonderful tour of Queensland and Sydney. Australia.
We flew non stop from Los Angeles to Brisbane our first stop was Dreamworld. Whether you want to cuddle a koala, wink at a wombat, smile at a crocodile or roam with the 'roos, you won't want to miss Dreamworld's Wildlife Experience deep in the heart of the theme park. The Wildlife Sanctuary is home to the second largest colony of koalas in the world, more than 100 native animal species and some rarely exhibited native animals including Saltwater Crocodiles and Tasmanian Devils… all displayed in their natural habitats. The four new natural habitats include Koala Country, Outback Adventure, Daintree Rainforest and Kakadu Wetland. This interactive park is a must for families.
We then took a yacht to the Gold Coast and stayed at the Palazzo Versace Hotel, the hotel has a private Marina so you can dock your boat right at the hotel. This is the first hotel that the designer Donatella Versace has designed. It is very elegant reflecting the past and the present, classical and contemporary. Just 30 minutes drive from the hotel is the Hinterland, known as the ‘green behind the gold’. Visitors may explore the lush rainforests, mountain villages, wineries, craft galleries, charming teahouses, museums and historic buildings. Much of the area is a World Heritage National Park with excellent walking trails.
The next day we went by coach to Port Douglas and stayed at a wonderful resort called Peppers Bale. The accommodations are actually homes and guests can choose from a range of beautiful 1, 2, 3 and 4 bedroom sanctuaries homes all with private plunge pools, poolside pavilion with day bed, internal and external spaces throughout, and full kitchen, lounge and dining facilities. The sanctuaries feature premium facilities including LCD Televisions, DVD players and sound systems and are inspired by the pavilion accommodation found in South East Asia. The resort has a wonderful restaurant and spa and is on a golf course. The Sanctuaries either face the golf course or a rainforest. There is a lovely deserted beach just a 10 minute walk away.
Our next journey was also by private coach to the domestic airport in Cairns for our one hour flight to Lizard Island on a small plane. The views of the Great Barrier Reef Islands were spectacular. We landed on a small airstrip and the staff of the only resort on the island called Voyages Lizard Island was waiting for us. The drive to the resort took 3 minutes. Voyages has mostly suites with king beds and a few rooms with 2 double beds. They do not accept children under 15 and the resort is very popular with honeymooners. The suites all face the ocean with large patios and wonderful views. The resort also offers, scuba diving, snorkeling, fishing and has an assortment of boats and kayaks There is also a spa. We spent two glorious days on the island and then we flew back to Cairns and then back to Peppers Bale for 2 nights. On our second day there we went to visit the Daintree Rainforest just north of Cairns in the Tropical Far North of Queensland. One of the most diverse and beautiful examples of Mother Nature in the world. It is home to the largest range of plants and animals on earth, and all are found within the largest chunk of rainforest in Australia - an area spanning approximately 1200 square kilometers. The Daintree Rainforest is a unique area, precariously balanced between the advances of development and the warnings of environmentalists. The local Aboriginal guide was wonderful.
We then flew from Cairns to Sydney and spent two nights at the InterContinental hotel. The hotel has wonderful views of the Opera House and the famous Sydney Bridge, Sydney has a lot to offer for all ages from a walk over the bridge, touring the Rocks area and of course attending a show at the Opera House. We had dinner at a restaurant called 306 Bar and Dining in the Sydney tour and the restaurant revolves so you get an excellent view of the whole of Sydney. We also had dinner at the Opera House.
Unfortunately my stay was too short and I am ready to go back to see more of this wonderful country. In November 2007 I had an opportunity to return to Spain where I lived for several years. Because of my knowledge of this diverse country, I have arranged different types of travel for our clients from deluxe train tours on the Al Andalus Express through Southern Spain to the El Transcantabrico train through northern Spain. From skiing in Sierra Nevada Mountains of Granada to golf and spa packages in Marbella. This trip I chose to experience only Paradores in the South of Spain. Paradores are hotels that were once fortresses, castles, convents, palaces and other historical buildings. They are mostly 4 star properties and have wonderful restaurants serving local cuisine. Every Parador offers food that is a specialty of the area and serves a large selection of excellent regional Spanish wines.
Our first stop on our 7 day journey was at a 14th century Arabic fortress called Alcazar del Rey Don Pedro high on a hill above the town of Carmona about 30 minutes outside the city of Seville. The views were spectacular; the rooms were large and very comfortable. The town of Carmona is quite hilly with narrow streets and is typical of the whitewashed villages in Andalucía. In 1868 a burial site used by the Romans from the first to the third centuries A.D was discovered.
The third day we toured Seville, set on the banks of the Guadalquivir River. Seville is a beautiful and captivating city and legend has it that it was discovered by Hercules over 2,500 year ago. We toured the Jewish Quarter, the Maria Luisa Park and the enormous Giralda cathedral which was built between the 10th-15th centuries. Seville has a variety of cuisine to fit all tastes, they even have a map called ‘The best restaurants on the rice route’ which of course features restaurant’s that serve the famous Paella but also dishes with Duck, Crab, Lobster and Partridge.
Next we traveled to a town called Ubeda where we stayed in a 16th century Renaissance Palace which is in the main square of the town. Although very plain from the outside the giant wooden doors opened up to a beautiful inner courtyard with tall columns and colored tile walls and ceiling. The rooms were large and most of them have 4 poster beds. The food specialty here was peppers stuffed with Partridge and Oxtail in red wine.
The hills around Ubeda have approximately 80 million Olive trees. This area of Spain produces more olive oil than any other country in Europe and even exports its olive’s and basic olive oil to Italy. The Phoenicians and Greeks brought the first Olive plants to the Iberian Peninsula six thousand years ago. We stopped at The Museum of the Olive Tree Culture which was originally a monastery for Jesuit monks built in the 17th century. In the 19th century the building was transformed in to one of the most advanced haciendas for olive production of its time. The views were spectacular as we climbed the hills to the town of Jaen where we stayed in a 13th century Moorish fortress perched on the highest hill of Jaen and built to protect the town. The food specialty here was white garlic soup, Jaen-style spinach and a delicious cheesecake.
Our next stop was Granada high in the Sierra Nevada’s. Unfortunately the Parador there was being renovated. It’s a 15th century convent right in the gardens of the Alhambra The Alhambra palace also sits high above the city and its gardens are magnificent and not to be missed. The Parador will be a 5 star property when it reopens. Skiing in Granada’s mountains is very popular.
The last stop was Cordoba; the Parador there is modern but built on the ruins of the summer palace of Abderraman I, at the foot of the Cordoba mountain range. The Mezquita which is a combination of a Mosque and Cathedral is amazing.
I would be happy to arrange a similar parador tour for you either as part of a group or a private tour which can be tailored to your tastes and interests…whether it be history, art, culture or food and wine. The possibilities are endless!
I enjoyed traveling back to Great Britain in August, 2004. My stops included London, Stratford Upon Avon and Warwick Castle and the medieval town of Chester. I always enjoy visiting the Waterford/Wedgewood Factory and Royal Doulton China factory in my old home town!
|  | Betsy LaVier
Interests & Specialties
Islands - both in the Caribbean and all over the world. Also an International Air Specialist.
Expert Bio
A Travel Agent for 35 years - Betsy specializes in both vacation and corporate travel.
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