Friday, October 30, 2015

Our Holiday Tree and Office Are Ready For Halloween

As you can see our Holiday Tree is dressed for Halloween and we have the Office all ready too. We are gearing up for the fun family travel that is coming up quickly. Are you ready?  Well we can help and are as close as your phone. 

Whether business or pleasure, Rawhide Travel and Tours delivers. Internet Travel sites list hotels and destinations, but offer little else. Our years of experience in the industry will help you design the perfect traveling experience. From romantic getaways to large events, our experienced agents will handle all the details. Traveling does not need to be stressful. You can count on us for great value and dependable service.

We arrange travel air, land and sea. We can arrange the perfect destination package including, resorts, conference rooms and meeting locations, special events, and attractions.


Are your business travel plans always up in the air, so to speak. We have many years under our collective belts and know all the
tricks of the trade to make sure your business travel is nothing but treats. We look forward to solving your business travel so you don't feel haunted with problems. We assure you that we don't have any skeletons in our closet. They are all running around the office. 

Speaking about our offices, we invite you to visit anytime and see our year round western decor. We decorate differently so you know we are a better place to book your travel.

Rawhide Travel and Tours hopes you have a Boo-ful Day!


Call us and start planning that special vacation or event today. 602-843-5100 or visit our website rawhidetravel.com



Presented By:
Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc
6008 West Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, Arizona  85308-3793
(602) 843-5100

 rawhidetravel.com

Thursday, October 29, 2015

In The News – Stanley Hotel To Add Horror Museum

Fitting for the end of our spooky themed month is this bit of news about a change planned for a very infamous hotel.

One of America's most spine-tingling hotels wants to up the ante with an on-site horror museum.
The Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado, the hotel where Stephen King found inspiration for "The Shining," released plans last week for the Stanley Film Center, a facility that would house a horror-themed museum, an auditorium, traveling exhibits and a soundstage and production space.

The Stanley estimates that the project will cost $24 million, and the hotel is seeking $11.5 million in Colorado tourism funding, according to a report in the Los Angeles Times.

The new facility would operate as a public-private partnership, with a board of directors that would initially include actors Elijah Wood and Simon Pegg.

The grand hotel, located just a few miles from Rocky Mountain National Park, opened in 1909. By the 1970s, its grandeur was fading, and the hotel had gained a reputation for being haunted.

That reputation served it well when guest Stephen King found inspiration there for his 1977 bestseller "The Shining," reviving interest in the hotel and solidifying its status as a hotbed of paranormal activity.

The hotel offers regular ghost tours and will be hosting "3 Nights of Fright" this Halloween season. In 2013, the Stanley launched an annual horror film festival.

3 NIGHTS OF FRIGHT

The Historic Stanley Hotel has had a long running tradition of throwing some of the most sought after Halloween parties in the country and has done a “3 Nights of Fright” Halloween events for this year.

Celebrating the literary and ghostly character of the Stanley Hotel, This event kicked off with the deliciously suspenseful Murder Mystery Dinner on Friday October 23, 2015. The event featured a top theater act and an elegant 4-course meal in the magnificent and notoriously haunted MacGregor Ballroom. The horrific fun continued on Saturday, October 24th, with the hotel’s flagship event “The Shining Ball”. This “see and be seen” event has become famous for the partygoers’ incredibly detailed and inspired costumes ranging from Shining-themed custom garb to other-worldly, nightmarish creations. This amazing night of music, food, drink, horror and dancing is Estes Park’s most coveted costume party. Rounding out the week on Saturday October 31st, The Stanley Hotel will be hosting the Halloween Masquerade Party, which is Northern Colorado’s wildest Halloween costume party bringing in guests from across the country to experience the haunted debauchery that only Halloween night at the Stanley can define.

The Stanley Hotel has traditionally sold out these events within days of releasing tickets, so this year to compensate the growing attendance and demand, The Stanley Hotel has made Halloween at the Stanley bigger than ever before. The flagship event “The Shining Ball” and the popular “Halloween Masquerade Party” will be taking place in the most paranormally active site in the Stanley Hotel, the Historic Concert Hall. The Historic Concert Hall will provide an opportunity for an additional 100 guests to join the best Halloween party in the country. 

If you miss this event this year, remember it for next year. 

Let Rawhide Travel and Tours help you with all your business and leisure travel needs. Call us at (602) 843-5100 or visit our website: rawhidetravel.com

Presented By:
Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc.
6008 West Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, Arizona 85308-3793
602-843-5100
rawhidetravel.com

Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Off The Beaten Path: - Prague, Czech Republic

Many people complain about Prague being too crowded with tourists, but there is much more to Prague than just the main sights. So, get off the beaten path in Prague by trying some less-touristy places.
Of course there will be tourists at these sights, but just not nearly as many as at the main ones. These are just some possibilities; honestly, Prague is a city with a rich history and culture.

The Nový Svět Area
This quaint little pocket just beyond Prague Castle is virtually tourist-free. Nový Svět is named for a long winding alley that starts near the castle and continues past several quiet residential streets that house art galleries. Because Nový Svět used to be a poor neighborhood, it doesn’t have the grand architecture that is typical of central Prague, but it has tons of charm. The combination of walled streets, cobblestones, trees, old street lamps, and charming houses give the area a calm beauty. At the far end is the Loreta, an impressive Baroque church and cloister.


Strahov Monastery
Near Nový Svět is Strahov Monastery, which overlooks Prague and is easily reached from Malá Strana (the Little Quarter) or Prague Castle. Founded in the 12th century, it was rebuilt several times after fires and wars.  It is now famous for its incredible library of old books and illuminated manuscripts. Strahov Monastery also houses a basilica, an art museum, a brewery, the Museum of Miniatures, and the Galerie MIRO, with modern art exhibits.  The grounds offer wonderful views of Prague.


Valdštejn Garden
Prague Castle is surrounded by beautiful formal gardens, including the terraced ones directly below the castle and the Royal Garden just past the castle, but Valdštejn Garden (Wallenstein Garden), located in Malá Strana below Prague Castle, is part of the Valdštejnský palác (Wallenstein Palace), a 17th century Baroque palace that is now home to the Czech Senate.  These formal European gardens are a peaceful respite from the busy sightseeing of Prague’s center.  The entrance can be hard to notice-it is located on Letenská Street near the Malostranská metro station.

Vyšehrad
Vyšehrad is Prague’s other hilltop castle. Actually, little remains of the castle from the 11th century, but there is still a lot to see in this quiet spot above the river in Prague. You will see the impressive Gothic cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, with its intricate doors and murals by art nouveau master Alphonse Mucha. Vyšehrad Cemetery is a must-visit: its sculptures, painted walkways, grandly decorated headstones, and stunning art nouveau monuments are beautiful.  The cemetery is also of great cultural importance because it is where many famous Czechs are buried. Vyšehrad also includes an 11th century rotunda, ruins of a lookout tower and castle walls, and green space for you to relax—bring a picnic and soak in the views of Prague and the Vltava River.


Olomouc, a great
day-trip
Very few people think of taking a day-trip as far as Olomouc and instead go to Kutná Hora to see the bone church or to a nearby castle, but with fast trains going to Olomouc in about 2 hours, it’s easy to visit this charming city in a day.  The city receives only a small number of tourists, so you can easily witness daily Czech life there. Olomouc, the fifth-largest city in the Czech Republic and former capital of the region of Moravia, offers plenty to do.  It is home to the old and prestigious Palacký University and has the highest density of university students in Central Europe.  Besides people-watching and taking in daily life in Moravia, you can visit St. Wenceslas cathedral, the enormous plague column (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), the squares with their lovely fountains, the local shops and cafes, and the town hall with its communist-inspired astronomical clock.


Let Rawhide Travel and Tours help you with all your business and leisure travel needs. Call us at (602) 843-5100 or visit our website: rawhidetravel.com

Presented By:
Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc.
6008 West Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, Arizona 85308-3793
602-843-5100
rawhidetravel.com

Tuesday, October 27, 2015

Culinary Travel: Knedliky - Czech Dumpling with Sauerkraut

This recipe will quickly become a family favorite... It should be served with roast pork, sauerkraut and traditionally with a nice glass of beer. A very traditional way to eat the leftover dumplings the next day for breakfast or brunch is to chop them up into cubes, pan fry in a little butter; then add eggs and milk, and cook as if you are making scrambled eggs. It's great.

Ingredients
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon sugar
3 eggs, beaten
1 1/2 cups milk, or as needed
4 cups dry white bread cubes
4 slices bacon, sliced into small strips
1 (16 ounce) jar sauerkraut
salt and pepper to taste
1 teaspoon caraway seeds
2 teaspoons cold water
1 teaspoon cornstarch

Directions
In a large bowl, stir together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt and sugar. Make a well in the center, and pour in the eggs and 1 cup of milk. Stir to blend, and add enough additional milk to make a moist battery dough, not like pancake batter. Use a sturdy wooden spoon to beat the dough at least 200 strokes, rolling it over and over in the bowl until smooth and an occasional bubble appears on the surface. Add the dry white bread cubes, and stir into the dough until they disappear.

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Place the dough onto a cheesecloth or white cotton cloth, and form into a loaf shape. Wrap the cloth around the loaf, and tie the ends.

Place the loaf into the boiling water, and cook for 45 minutes, turning the loaf over about half way through. Remove from the water, unwrap, and cover with a tea towel. Let stand for 10 minutes.

Fry bacon in a small skillet over medium-high heat until evenly browned. Set aside. Place the  rinsed and drained sauerkraut into a saucepan, and add enough water to cover the surface. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Add bacon, and season with salt, pepper and caraway seeds. Stir together the cornstarch and water; mix into the sauerkraut, and simmer for a few minutes before removing from the heat.

Slice the dumpling loaf. Drizzle dumpling slices with some of the roast drippings from the pan. Serve with sauerkraut. 

Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes 
8 servings  

Let Rawhide Travel and Tours help you with all your business and leisure travel needs. Call us at (602) 843-5100 or visit our website: rawhidetravel.com

Presented By:
Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc.
6008 West Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, Arizona 85308-3793
602-843-5100
rawhidetravel.com

Monday, October 26, 2015

Ghost Walks - Around the World

On our final week of this haunting month, I leave you with Ghost tours from other corners of the globe. Have a fun and safe Halloween and as always, Happy Traveling!

Q Station - Australia
This popular heritage hotel inside Sydney Harbor National Park is a former quarantine station from the 1800s. Immigrants from 1830 to 1884 who were suspected of carrying contagious diseases were quarantined here for an average 40 days. Plenty of deaths occurred in this station -- almost 600! -- and some individuals never seemed to leave. One of the most haunted places in all of the Australia, Q Station offers a variety of ghost tours, but the most thrilling is the Ghostly Sleepover. After a late-night tour of the most haunted buildings, guests have the opportunity to bring their own sleeping bags and stay the night in the former doctors’ and nurses’ rooms, infamous for spirit activity.
Original Stockholm Ghost Walk and Historical Tour - Sweden
When Stockholm's museums have locked their ancient doors, when the stores are all closed and people have retreated to the safety of their homes, this is when the empty streets of Stockholm's Old Town are handed over to the spirits, vampires and this original Ghost Walk. Stockholm's past will come to life on this 2 hour walking tour. Explore the medieval streets Stockholm haunted by spirits of the past as your guide tells true accounts of murders, unsolved mysteries, myths and legends 

Prague Ghost Tour - Czech Republic
As twilight descends upon Prague, meet your ghostly guide in a convenient central location and embark on your three-hour ghost walking tour through the city’s dark and mystical streets. Sights you may see include the Old Town, the graveyards in the Jewish Quarter and the Charles Bridge, an ancient river crossing that has seen bloodshed and haunting through the ages. As you walk, learn about the ghost of a young Turkish soldier who wanders around the Prague district of Ungelt at night, and hear about the legend of the Infant Jesus of Prague. Your guide will let you in on creepy stories like the mystery of a headless Czech girl named Laura and the dark secrets that haunt the church of St Jacob.

Crypts and Roman Catacombs Small Group Tour - Italy
Discover Rome's hidden delights and quirky sites on a 3.5-hour walking tour of the underground catacombs, Capuchin Crypt and the Basilica of San Clemente. The intriguing tour showcases the best of Rome's underground attractions, such as the crypt made from Capuchin monks' bones and the Domitilla Catacombs where early Christians worshiped in secret. Finish with a visit to Basilica of San Clemente to see a church like no other, and marvel at the centuries of history displayed through its architecture.

Paris Ghost and Mystery Walking Tour - France
When the sun sets over Paris, another side of the city comes to life - an older and more mysterious city where fact and legend are intertwined. 

This two-hour stroll through the dark heart of Paris takes you along winding lanes to explore the Catacombs (external visit only), the real Theater of the Vampires, the Knights Templar, the Marquis de Sade, flying machines, mummies in the Bastille, gargoyles, medieval alchemists, the Hunchback of Notre Dame!

Take this tour, if you dare, and you will also learn about the haunts, murders, conspiracies and disappearances that form part of the lesser-known history of the enchanting city of Paris. 

Start Your Adventure With Us
Let Rawhide Travel and Tours help you with all your business and leisure travel needs. Call us at (602) 843-5100 or visit our website: rawhidetravel.com

Presented By:
Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc.
6008 West Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, Arizona 85308-3793
602-843-5100
rawhidetravel.com

Friday, October 23, 2015

A Vacation Where Your Hotel Moves With You

The one rule on a cruise vacation is very simple: Anything is possible. From an endless array of dream-come-true destinations to the unforgettable adventure of the most innovative ships at sea, you're going to love every minute. We promise.

The world is waiting. Experience the vacation of a lifetime, only on Royal Caribbean International®.

Adventure Awaits 

Sail with Rawhide Travel and Tours and explore 240 incredible destinations in 72 countries.

Caribbean
Where Everyone Feels Like A Kid. Even The Kids: Welcome to the world's ultimate outdoor playground. Gorgeous coral reefs, swimming with dolphins and our private islands are only the beginning. Bring your sense for adventure and get ready to have fun. 



Bermuda
You'll Be Locals By The End Of Your Journey: Get up close and personal with the pink-sand beaches and pastel-painted houses of this enchanting island. Just 600 nautical miles off the coast, its charming culture and colorful cuisine make for the perfect getaway cruise.



Alaska
A Family Outing Of Glacial Proportions: Stunning wildlife. Awe-inspiring glaciers. Budding metropolises. Nothing compares to an expedition through the Northwest. It's easy to see why so many flock to this region every year.




Europe
The Destination That Takes Your Family Places: Unpack once and experience all the richness and beauty of Europe. From cites where the history books come to life before your eyes to the breathtaking fjords of the North, there's something for everyone.


Your Adventure Starts Here
Let Rawhide Travel and Tours help you with all your business and leisure travel needs. Call us at (602) 843-5100 or visit our website: rawhidetravel.com

Presented By:
Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc.
6008 West Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, Arizona 85308-3793
602-843-5100
rawhidetravel.com

Thursday, October 22, 2015

In the News - Irrawaddy River The Strand Cruise

Hotel expansions occur daily, but rarely do hotels replicate themselves in the form of a cruise ship as the colonial-era Strand Hotel in Myanmar plans to do. In December, the 1901-built Yangon landmark will launch its own floating version on the Irrawaddy River. The Strand Cruise will hold 54 passengers and mimic the mother hotel with butler service, afternoon tea and cultural performances, as well as a swimming pool, library, wine bar and wellness center with a gym, nail salon and spa services. 
“The Strand Cruise is the latest Luxury Cruise to sail the magnificent Ayeyarwady River of Asia’s hidden treasure that is Myanmar. Embark for an authentic journey of discoveries from visiting temples, pagodas, palaces and monasteries to remote villages aboard this ship, which mirrors the heritage and reputation of its sister property, The Strand Hotel in Yangon.”

The Strand Hotel Yangon
During the colonial period the Strand Hotel was an eminent and distinguished hotel, regarded as "the finest hostelry east of Suez" and "patronized by royalty, nobility and distinguished personages". In 1988 the Strand was sold and renovated extensively to return it to its former glory.

By 1993, the prominent hotel had reopened as an all suite, deluxe boutique hotel, staying true to its original architectural heritage. For the first time this landmark property was listed on the Yangon City Heritage List and also amongst the select Members of the Most Famous Hotels in the world.

Inaugurating in early 2016, the Strand Cruise is a reinvention of the legendary style and unique personality of The Strand Hotel within a contemporary river cruise experience, with exceptional standards of comfort, discreet personalized service, and design touches that combines the character of the Strand in its heyday as a meeting place for explorers and raconteurs with the latest technology such as individually controlled air conditioning and satellite WI-FI throughout the ship.

The luxurious Strand Cruise takes you on a lavish journey down the historical Ayeyarwady River with breathtaking views of Myanmar and its beautiful scenic heritage. Cruise itineraries include 4 nights from Bagan to Mandalay and 3 nights from Mandalay to Bagan.

With its sister property being the refined Strand Hotel, it is no surprise this latest embodiment of the Strand legacy offers the same range of activities to indulge in.

Clear your mind with a rejuvenating massage, or relax by our custom swimming pool. Enjoy the magnificent sunset from the upper deck while our sommelier delights you with our wide variety of wines. For dinner, let our Chef take you on a journey through refined cuisine. When the night is over, retreat to your comfortable cabin and sleep soundly on the waves of the river.

Three- and four-night cruises will operate between Bagan and Mandalay, and the itineraries promise exclusive access to Ava, an ancient imperial capital, after the day-trippers have departed, with an overnight mooring, and a private dinner set on a seasonal river sandbank. Three-night cruises start at $1,782 per person, double occupancy, including excursions.

Call Rawhide Travel and Tours and start planning that special vacation or event today. 602-843-5100 or visit our website rawhidetravel.com.

Presented By:
Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc.
6008 West Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, Arizona  85308-3793
(602) 843-5100
rawhidetravel.com

Wednesday, October 21, 2015

Off the Beaten Path - Edinburgh

Hilly Edinburgh, Scotland's capital, has a medieval Old Town and an elegant Georgian New Town, with gardens and neoclassical buildings. It's home to Arthur’s Seat, an extinct volcano in Holyrood Park with sweeping views from its peak. Looming over the city is hilltop Edinburgh Castle, home to Scotland’s crown jewels and the Stone of Destiny, traditionally used in the coronation of Scottish rulers. Beyond the sights that you know of here are a few that you should not miss.

Greyfriar's Bobby
The story of Bobby is quite famous, the little dog who watched over his master's grave for 14 years. 

Since he was technically homeless, to keep him from being destroyed, a wealthy man bought his license for life.  You can see the collar and gold license at the Museum of Edinburgh on the Royal Mile. 

This museum is free and has very interesting displays with wonderful collections of silver and ceramics. If you have been touched by the story of Greyfriar's Bobby go to the museum to see his collar and dinner dish, the plaster cast of his statue created whilst he was still alive, as well as some photographs of him. 

Linlithgow
Linlithgow is a small town about 25 km west of Edinburgh, best-known as the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots. The palace where she was born is now a roofless ruin, but its romantic rooms, stairways and passages can still be explored, with the windows offering great views of the park and the loch. 


The Queen did not stay here long: seven months later she was taken to Stirling Castle, but she and her successors, the Stuarts, visited the place repeatedly. The last of them to stay there was Bonnie Prince Charlie in 1745. On 1 February 1746, someone had left an unattended fire, which soon engulfed the whole building, leaving just the burnt-out shell that we can see today.

The Palace grounds with the lawns going down to the loch, home to many species of birds, can be a good place for a picnic. The palace overshadows the charming St.Michael's Church nearby.

Duddingston Village
Duddingston Village is situated only a mile from Edinburgh's City Center. Bordered on one side by Duddingston Loch and on the other by Arthur's Seat, it has preserved its rural character and remains one of the most charming locations in the area. The central building of the village is the 12th century Duddingston Kirk. The graveyard around it has some interesting old tombs and on the left hand side of the entrance gates to the church, you can see the hexagonal stone building of the WatchTower dating from 1824.The Tower was used to watch over the graves of the newly buried for 21 days after internment. Walk past the church and you will find a lovely place for a picnic overlooking a Loch, where you can watch wildlife. As you walked towards the kirk, there is a stone wall and a gate with a notice 'The Manse'. This is the entrance to some wonderful gardens on Duddingston Loch. Your visit to Duddingston Village wouldn't be complete without dropping into the Sheep Heid Inn, the famous local pub.

Call Rawhide Travel and Tours and start planning that special vacation or event today. 602-843-5100 or visit our website rawhidetravel.com.

Presented By:
Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc.
6008 West Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, Arizona  85308-3793
(602) 843-5100
rawhidetravel.com

Tuesday, October 20, 2015

Culinary Travel: Scottish Shortbread

Shortbread, historically speaking, was an expensive luxury and for ordinary people, shortbread was a special treat reserved just for special occasions such as weddings, Christmas and New Year. However, this special luxury is a simple recipe you can make in your own home.

Ingredients

7 ounces all-purpose flour
2 ounces sugar
4 ounces butter
1 pinch salt (small)

Directions

Sift/sieve the flour into a bowl and add the pinch of salt. Put aside for the moment.
Using butter, grease the baking tray well and put it aside for the moment. 

Pre-heat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit

Put the butter (if using unsalted butter then add a pinch of salt to it) into a medium-size mixing bowl and mash it with a fork until it is soft and creamy without lumps. But don't let your hand heat warm it so much it starts to get runny. If you do, then put the bowl complete with butter & fork into the fridge for 5 - 10 minutes to cool it, then take it out and mash quickly again until smooth and creamy with no lumps.

Add the sugar and mix it in well, and quickly.

Add the salted flour a very little at a time - mixing it in with the fork to start with, but do this quickly.

Knead well (on a very lightly floured surface). Knead for several minutes, the longer you knead, the better the shortbread will be. Try kneading for anything up to 10 minutes. What is very important is: Don't allow the mixture to become too warm from your body heat whilst kneading. If it does, put it into the fridge for a couple of minutes to chill it slightly before resuming. If you do find the need to chill it, then knead it for at least a minute or so before rolling it.

Roll the mixture out to shape and size of the tray. For fingers, roll out to about 1/2 inch thick or perhaps even slightly thicker (this sounds awfully thick, but it is important as if you go thinner it will affect the texture, and amazingly, the taste). 

For fingers: prick all over with a fork and put it into baking tray. Do try to use one that can fit exactly, or one that at least three sides of the mixture fit snugly against, as any outer edges that don't butt right up against the sides of a tray tend to get a bit over-baked.

Bake until golden brown for about 45 minutes at 325 degrees Fahrenheit 

While it is still quite warm in the tray, mark across and cut into finger-shaped pieces, but leave them there in the tray, cut and together until fully cold.

Call Rawhide Travel and Tours and start planning that special vacation or event today. 602-843-5100 or visit our website rawhidetravel.com.

Presented By:
Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc.
6008 West Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, Arizona  85308-3793
(602) 843-5100
rawhidetravel.com

Monday, October 19, 2015

Ghost Walks - United Kingdom

The reason ghost walks are fun has little to do with fear. It's more about exploring an atmospheric place after dark with a well-informed historian or actor. Ghost-walkers also know routes that normal tourists rarely take, leading you to broaden your horizons even further.  
England
London Ghost Walks
Richard's tours are widely regarded as being the best ghost walks on offer in London. Dressed in his trademark outfit - that of an esteemed Victorian undertaker - he knows the places to take you to where ghosts are known to lurk. Indeed, having devoted 33 years to introducing residents and visitors alike to the darker and more sinister side of London's history, he can offer you more experience in the field than any other London guide.

Original Ghost Walk of York
The Ghost Walk established in 1973, was an original creation believed to be the first in the world. The walk is accurate, authentic and genuine, but it remains above all a fun night out for all.  York claims to be Europe's most haunted city, with hauntings going all the way back to the ghostly Roman legions who walk the cellars of the Treasurer's House. With so many layers of culture and civilization, it's no surprise that plenty of ghosts hang around York.

Scotland
City of the Dead Tours
Founded in 1999, Black Hart Entertainment runs the world famous City of the Dead walks in Edinburgh – The Haunted Graveyard Tour, Underground City of the Dead and Double Dead Tours. All of their walks are written and researched by the historical author and award winning novelist, J A Henderson – who has written non-fiction books on the Underground City, The Mackenzie Poltergeist and Haunted Edinburgh.   

Auld Reekie Tours
Auld Reekie Tours have four different tours, Two of which have age restrictions. Join a costumed guide on a journey into Edinburgh’s grisly past, then as you walk through the old wynds and closes hear tales of the unsavory characters who once stalked the old town. Visit the infamous vaults hidden under the South Bridge in Edinburgh’s Old Town. Hear tales of how the poor and unfortunate lived in these former slums. Explore these dimly lit vaults, once the haunt of criminals and witches!

Northern Ireland
The Supernatural Ghost Hunt
Join the Northern Ireland Paranormal Research Association on a spine-tingling guided tour of Titanic’s Dock & Pump-House. Delve deep into Belfast’s dark past by descending 44ft into Titanic’s Dock where you may experience the presence of workers long gone. On your 90 min experience you will have access to EMF detectors, used by paranormal investigators. 

Wales
The Ghost Walk of Tenby
Take a walking ghost tour of the seaside town of Tenby in West Wales. Your informative guide will meet you outside the Lifeboat Tavern where you will start your ghost tour. You go to various haunted locations and hear tales of ghosts, pirate spirits, murders and demons. This tour is packed with local history, hauntings, local superstitions at sea, death rituals, fairy magic and witches.

The Llandaff Ghost Walk
This highly recommended ghost tour takes place in the ancient village setting of Llandaff in Cardiff. Behind today’s quiet setting lies a turbulent past of war, plunder and tragedy. On the tour you will hear ghostly tales of ancient Celtic spirits, modern hauntings, mysterious lights and misty forms that appear in the cathedral cemetery and along the River Taff.

Creepy Cardiff Ghost Tour
This walking ghost tour takes in some of Cardiff’s most haunted buildings. Starting in the heart of the city center outside the National Museum of Wales, your guide will tell you stories of ghost hauntings, reincarnation, dragons and burials. This ghost tour is widely regarded as one of the most informative and entertaining in Britain.

Call Rawhide Travel and Tours and start planning that special vacation or event today. 602-843-5100 or visit our website rawhidetravel.com.

Presented By:
Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc.
6008 West Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, Arizona  85308-3793
(602) 843-5100
rawhidetravel.com

Friday, October 16, 2015

Experience Full Service Travel With Us

Need to travel on business or leisure, Rawhide Travel and Tours will make it happen. We will arrange your flights, rail, hotel, car rentals and cruises. Let us assist you in planning your upcoming business trip. We're also available to help you plan that exciting vacation.

Want a small hotel or a luxury resort? Let Rawhide Travel and Tours customize the perfect spot just for you! We have many choices.  Let Us Help You Get Lost.

Call us at (602) 843-5100. Check out our website: rawhidetravel.com or email us at flythis@rawhidetravel.com.


Presented By:
Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc
6008 West Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, Arizona  85308-3793
(602) 843-5100
rawhidetravel.com

Thursday, October 15, 2015

In The News - Cruising A Viking Route

In 2016, Abercrombie & Kent plans to offer an itinerary that follows the route charted in 982 by Erik Thorvaldsson, a.k.a. Erik the Red, in a Norse-themed two-nation vacation. The 12-day Iceland & Greenland: In the Wake of the Vikings trip begins in Rekjavik and sets out westward for the Westman Islands, known for their colonies of Atlantic puffin. Crossing the Denmark Strait, the 199-passenger Le Boreal then spends several days tracing the southern coast of Greenland, launching Zodiacs for more intimate explorations of fjords, glaciers, icebergs and the Arctic tundra. Erik the Red purportedly named the icy island Greenland to attract winter-weary settlers, and the trip visits Norse settlements including the ruins of Hvalsey and those around Narsaq. 
The trip departs Aug. 16, 2016, and fares start at $10,495 per person, a $1,500 savings offered through December 31. The company is also waving the single supplement for bookings before December 31.

The Ship
The Le Boreal was launched in May, 2010. 'Le Boreal' features elegant design and innovative state-of-the-art marine technology. The vessel boasts a convenient and sensible layout, aided by three passenger elevators. She offers a single seating dining room, al fresco dining, an outdoor heated pool, and a modern lecture facility and theater, as well as an ample and comfortable gathering area and library. A full-service salon, steam rooms, spa and fitness center complete the amenities. The large Staterooms and Suites range in size from 200 to 398 square feet. 95% of the ship’s accommodations feature private balconies.

Why Only the Summer?
The High Arctic is best explored in July to September, as the pack ice recedes. From the decks of huge ice breakers to Luxury Cruise Ships to 50 passenger converted research ships, there's a lot to explore. Polar bears, walrus, seals, and even Arctic foxes haunt the ice edge, while millions of seabirds breed and raise their young on ledges and barren islands. Remote villages, icebergs and magnificent scenery and historic sites make for unforgettable vacations.

Activities
While planning this Arctic cruise, be sure to check out their adventure options.  Many Arctic cruises incorporate different adventure options. Kayak through Arctic ice fields, Photograph Arctic wildlife and scenery found nowhere else on the planet or re-explore expeditions of the past using snowshoes. They have activities that will peak any interest.  Some of these activities do take prior experience, so check them out early and go get some practice. 

Call Rawhide Travel and Tours and start planning that special vacation or event today. 602-843-5100 or visit our website rawhidetravel.com.

Presented By:
Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc.
6008 West Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, Arizona  85308-3793
(602) 843-5100
rawhidetravel.com

Wednesday, October 14, 2015

Off the Beaten Path - Dublin, Ireland

I spent 2 weeks in Ireland and didn't hear about these places. Now they have me dying to go back!

Malahide Castle & Gardens
How far back can you catalog your family tree? Well at  Malahide Castle and Gardens the history of the Talbot family dates back to as far as 1175 and is one of the oldest castles in Ireland, set on 260 acres, this magnificent and historic castle was home to the Talbot family for over 800 years.

Malahide Castle has a long and rich history and played a central role in Medieval Irish history. The oldest parts of the castle date back to the 12th century.  The building was notably enlarged in the reign of Edward IV, and the towers added circa 1600-1650. The estate survived such losses as the Battle of the Boyne and the Penal Laws. 

During the Halloween season you might want to check out The Masquerade Mystery at Malahide Castle.  This spooky extravaganza takes place from Friday October 28th – 31st. Daily tours from 10:30 am until 3:30 pm. Don’t forget to dress up and you could be the chosen one! Face painting in the Castle! Magic Shows in the Visitor Center! Places are limited so please book in advance.  

Glendalough
For thousands of years people have been drawn to “the valley of the two lakes” for its spectacular scenery, rich history, archeology and abundant wildlife. Glendalough is a remarkable place that will still your mind, inspire your heart and fill your soul. The Glendalough Valley is located in the Wicklow Mountains National Park and has many attractions to entice, entertain and enthrall visitors, from its world famous Monastic Site with Round Tower to its scenic lakes and valleys, as well as a selection of walks and trails in the area including The Wicklow Way. 1 hour 25 minutes from Dublin

The Hell Fire Club
One of the most terrifying places on Earth! Perfect for a Halloween trip to Ireland. Perched high on a mountain-top overlooking the city of Dublin, The Hellfire Club is a place of Evil, of Terror and of Death. Built in the Eighteenth century on the site of a sacred Stone Age tomb, The Hellfire Club was constructed in a spirit of blasphemy and sacrilege. The young men who built it said it was a hunting lodge, it was anything but. It’s real purpose – the worship of The Devil!

Cursed from the very beginning, the aristocratic members of The Hellfire Club used this place as a headquarters for sex, drinking, and murder!

This lonely hilltop is said to be haunted by many, many ghosts. You might just hear the screams of a woman who was rolled down the hill to her death – in a burning barrel! Local people avoid the area after dark. Dogs whimper and turn away as they reach the summit. The few who are brave enough to go inside frequently report the smell of Brimstone – unsurprising given that Satan himself has been known to pay a visit!

If these places have piqued your interest, Let us help you plan the perfect vacation to Ireland. 

Call Rawhide Travel and Tours and start planning that special vacation or event today. 602-843-5100 or visit our website rawhidetravel.com.

Presented By:
Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc.
6008 West Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, Arizona  85308-3793
(602) 843-5100
rawhidetravel.com

Tuesday, October 13, 2015

Culinary Travel: An Éire Halloween Tradition

Halloween isn’t your typical celebration. And Irish Halloween food isn’t exactly ‘normal’ either. We owe a great deal of our Halloween traditions to Ireland. This is the autumn festival when, as once believed, the ghosts of the dead returned to the land of the living. Spooky. Really, though, that’s why we like Halloween. It’s scary, it’s unpredictable and it’s a little bit weird. Not to mention it is full of fun for all ages.

Barmbrack
Caution is required at this time of year when biting into a slice of warm barmbrack.

This traditional Halloween bread/cake could contain any number of items that were meant to tell the future of the person lucky (or unlucky) enough to find something in their slice.

Within your slice of brack you may find: a ring (married in a year); a stick (a walking stick indicating future travels); a thimble (a spinster forever); a button (a bachelor forever); a coin (a lifetime of wealth); and a piece of cloth (a lifetime of poverty). Religious medals could also be found in bracks, predicting a life in the Holy Orders.

Ingredients 

For The Fruit Mix:
1½ cups raisins
¼ cup Bushmills whiskey
Warm tea (enough to cover the raisins)
1 Lemon, juice and zested skin

For The Dough:
2 cups strong bread flour
A pinch of salt
1 teaspoon dried yeast
9.5 ounces milk, at room temperature
3½ tablespoon butter, softened
3 ½ tablespoon sugar
1 egg beaten

For The Topping:
1 tablespoon butter
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground mixed spice

Directions:

Soak the raisins in the whiskey, warm tea and lemon juice for 30-45 minutes, then drain off the liquid.

To make the dough: put all the ingredients into a mixing bowl and bring together with a wooden spoon.

Knead on a floured surface with your hands for 5 minutes.

Put the dough in a bowl, cover with a damp tea towel and leave for about 1 hour, until the mixture has risen and fills the bowl.

Knead dough again on a floured surface, adding soaked fruit until evenly spread throughout.
Place in a 7 - 9 in. buttered cake tin and cover with a damp tea towel.

Leave in a warm place for about 20 minutes until the mixture rises up to the top of the tin.

Bake for 50 minutes in oven preheated to 392 degrees Fahrenheit

For the topping: cream the butter and spices together until soft.

Remove the barmbrack from the oven. Immediately spread spiced butter on top. Leave to cool. 

Call Rawhide Travel and Tours and start planning that special vacation or event today. 602-843-5100 or visit our website rawhidetravel.com.

Presented By:
Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc.
6008 West Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, Arizona  85308-3793
(602) 843-5100
rawhidetravel.com

Ghost Tours - Ireland

Ireland, a place both hauntingly beautiful and perhaps just plain haunted. Explore these two Ghost tours and get a taste of the fascinating history of the Emerald Isle.

The Gravedigger Bus Tour - Dublin
Do you want to find out what happened to the lost souls of medieval, plague-ravaged Dublin? This bus tour is your chance to do just that! Visit eerie yet impressive local sites where haunting historical events took place. 
Don't be fooled by the name bus tour. This tour shuttles you from site to site, but this tour has a lot of walking. Hear about the extraordinary events that took place and the ghoulish legends from Dublin's past along the way! Depart from College Green in Dublin and hear about the extraordinary events that took place and the ghoulish legends from Dublin's past along the way!

Pass by Dublin Castle and Christ Church and hear the stories of the city's central area, Cork Hill, as you make your way to St Audoen’s Church, your first major stop. Get off the bus and explore this historic building while listening to the shocking tales of 'The Black Dog' jail and the mysterious phantom pig. Then, head further to Kilmainham Jail, where you'll hear
 accounts of the various ghosts that are said to haunt the place. Visit Bully’s Acre, a historic graveyard more than 1,000 years old, where spooky accounts of gravediggers date back to the very beginning of the cemetery's opening.


Toward the end of your spooky adventure relax at the original Gravediggers Pub and enjoy a complimentary ‘ghoulish brew’ with your group and guide. After a final stop at the Black Church, also known as St Mary’s Chapel of Ease, you will return back to College Green.

A guide will also walk guest through the ruins of the original Augustinian Priory Chapter House and recite spooky tales of a plague-ravaged Dublin in a place where the dying were impounded. 

The price of the tour includes a free 'Haunted Dublin Historical Walking Tour' pass, which can be enjoyed separately from this ghost walking tour of eerie, cobblestone streets. It gives you more insight into Dublin's mysterious history of witches, gravediggers and creepy stalkers. Your ticket is valid for one month.

The Original Killarney Ghost Tour - Killarney

This tour was born out of a desire to promote the wonderful rich storytelling tradition of old Ireland and they've accomplished it with great flare. Explore local historical sites and hear not only the history but the rich myth and legend associated with these sites. The fuel of many a fun and fright filled night. Hear about Dracula’s association with Killarney, legends of the lakes, mythology and folklore, murder most foul, and The Faerie Folk, all delivered with a rich helping of humor.

Other Haunting Jaunts In Killarney 
Ross Castle
Innisfallen Island
Aghadoe

Call Rawhide Travel and Tours and start planning that special vacation or event today. 602-843-5100 or visit our website rawhidetravel.com.

Presented By:
Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc.
6008 West Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, Arizona  85308-3793
(602) 843-5100
rawhidetravel.com