Travel Briefs

As of Nov. 11, 2007, any Western visitor to Libya must provide an Arabic translation of his passport, even if he has a valid visa.

The change in policy was instituted without any notice, and several planeloads of tourists were turned away. Libya is currently the only country in the region with this requirement. 

The newer European Union (EU) member countries Slovenia, Hungary, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Poland, Lithuania, Estonia and Latvia on Dec. 20, 2007, became part of the “Schengen” agreement zone in which citizens of participating countries may cross land borders (but NOT air) without having to show passports.

For travelers from non-EU countries, the border and Customs inspections on driving and river trips will continue as usual, though a visa issued by one country usually will...

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Copenhagen’s metro now offers a rail link from Copenhagen Airport to the city center. Trains run from the airport every four minutes during rush hour and every six minutes until midnight, with a ticket costing DKK28.50 (near $5.60).

Travelers can use the Copenhagen Card for unlimited travel on public transit. A 24-hour card costs €29 and also provides free entry to 60 museums and attractions.

Contact the Copenhagen tourism office (1, Gammel Kongevej DK-1610, Copenhagen, Denmark...

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The 6-night cruise “Grand Cru Special” on the 12-passenger barge Napoléon will focus on the 33 wines that come from plots of land certified as Grand Cru (great growth), the highest classification for vineyard land in Burgundy, France.

Guests will take the Eurostar to the TGV express from London to Macon to embark July 20, 2008, cruise the canals and arrive in Dijon July 26, returning to London by train. There will be wine classes, tastings and receptions plus meals from the ship’s...

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General Tours’ 14-day “Land of the Penguins” cruise aboard the 84-passenger MV Ushuaia includes tours of Buenos Aires and Ushuaia and two shore landings per day in the South Shetland Islands and on the Antarctic Peninsula.

Including three hotel nights, prices run $5,469-$10,119 per person, double occupancy, with departures March 23, Nov. 5, Dec. 5 and Dec. 25, 2008. Contact General Tours (Keene, NH; 800/221-2216, www.generaltours.com).

Aqua Expeditions offers cruises near the headwaters of the Amazon aboard the 12-passenger M/V Aqua. Travelers may view pink Amazon dolphins, 3-toed sloths and giant river otters.

Cruises leave from Iquitos, Peru, year-round, with per-person, double-occupancy, prices as follows: three nights (Saturday-Tuesday), $1,950; four nights (Tuesday-Saturday), $2,600, and seven nights (Saturday-Saturday), $4,550. Single supplement is 1.5 times the rate.

Contact Aqua Expeditions (Calle La...

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Eight-day/7-night “women only” cruises to the Galápagos Islands will sail April 13-20 and Aug. 24-31, 2008.

Rates of $2,676-$3,250 per person, double, include nonalcoholic beverages, shore excursions, airport/dock transfers in the islands, and use of wetsuits, snorkeling equipment and sea kayaks. Excluded are airfare, entrance fees, taxes and gratuities.

Ecoventura/Galapagos Network (58805 Blue Lagoon Dr., Ste. 160, Miami, FL 33126; 800/633-7972 or 305/262-6264, www.ecoventura....

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During the 2008 summer opening of Buckingham Palace in London, July 31-Sept. 29, visitors for the first time may see the spectacle of the Ballroom set up for a state banquet.

The horseshoe-shaped table will be dressed with silver gilt, jeweled cups, ivory tankards, chased dishes and sconces, with shields and basins arranged around the room.

£15.50 (near $30) adult, £14 senior/student. Call (020) 7766 7321, www.royalcollection.org.uk.