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United Kingdom Royal Monarchy

Wednesday, June 15th, 2011

The Royal Family has been in the international tabloids very much so recently but in the UK is pretty common to get at least one news per day about them: together with the weather forecast the Royal events, gossips, birthdays, dresses & hats, or appearances are interesting discussion topics in the British realm.

The British Monarchy has got even a great website http://www.royal.gov.uk/ and a facebook page http://www.facebook.com/TheBritishMonarchy. Its story is too long to summarize here just figure that goes back to 400 AD. The United Kingdom became one country ruled by one king just recently, in 1707 and since then started loosing gradually executive power becoming subject to Parliament, which is the today’s Constitutional Monarchy.

Since 1952 Elizabeth II is theQueen and head of state of UK and 15 other Commonwealth realms… guess which ones! And London despite being modern and one of world financial centers still has this Royal aura and atmosphere. Wanna experience it?

Raffa

Posted in London 2012, Uncategorized | 1 Comment »

2012 London Olympic Torch

Monday, June 13th, 2011

Last week the prototype of the Olympic Torch for the 2012 Olympic Games has been unveiled. The torch is one of the strongest symbol of the Games and for the London ones will summarize the dream of 8,000 torch bearers!

Its triangular design represents three Olympic Values – respect, excellence, friendship; the fact that UK has hosted the Olympics three times – 1908, 1948, 2012 -  and the vision of the London Olympic Committee – sport, education, culture. It’s gold colored, the lightest in weight ever made before and have a high grade of transparency which will allow to see the inner hearth of it.

The big campaign in London now is about nominating 8,000 truly inspirational people from the UK to be the Olympic Torchbearers next year: “We’re looking for truly incredible individuals whose personal stories will inspire millions of people watching the Olympic Torch Relay – in their community, across the UK and around the world.
Ordinary people doing extraordinary things. From any walk of life, anywhere in the UK” is the Organizing Committee claim. Suggestions?

The flame will start its trip next 19 May 2012 from Land’s End in Cornwall, the extreme south-westerly point of Britain, and will tour for 70 days before arriving to the Olympic Green and giving the official start to the 2012 Summer Games on July 27th. This is always a touchy moment for the lucky ones at the stadium as well as for those, like me, just watching on TV. Tears might drop down.

Posted in London 2012, Summer Games, Uncategorized | 1 Comment »

“What happened in Bath stays in Bath”

Tuesday, May 31st, 2011

Bath is just an hour and a half by train from London and has been an amazing surprise to my eyes! Inscribed as World Heritage Site in 1987 it’s a stone honey colored city, with a small surface and great green hills surrounding it.

Bath is taking the name from the Roman baths founded in AD 43 by the Roman conquerors who discovered the hot water springs in the area. It became a popular and fancy place in the 18th century as rich Londoners and not only, were sent by their doctors to bath in the hot springs in order to cure rheumatism and other sort of diseases.

Smart business men and great architects took advantage of its increasing popularity and started to build Palladian style houses & villas, create new commercial activities and promote cultural events to attract more wealthy families and give them good reasons to stay for longer periods. It became a fashionable city pretty famous for having great tailors, fun gambling venues, good theater ledgers and music rooms, gorgeous houses, assembly & ball rooms for social and networking happenings. “What happened in Bath stays in Bath” was already in use at that time, just to give you an idea of the type of life you could lead in the city…

It’s a day trip from London but if you want to submerge yourself a bit deeper into its history, organize a romantic break or just take some energy back from the hectic London life style that’s the ideal place!

My menu is:

- Free Walking Tour, in two hours you explore the city and get a perfect knowledge of its past and present!
- Roman Baths, a must seen as that’s the starting point of Bath fame. Buy a ticket at the Information Center for both the Roman Bath & the Fashion Museum and you’ll be able to skip the long queue!
- Pamper yourself with a typical afternoon tea in Bath at the Pump Room at the Roman Baths or browse the Visit Bath website and pick your place.
- Music & Art Festivals.
- Assembly Room & the Fashion Museum.
- Jane Austin Walking Tour. The British novelist was one of the most popular guests in Bath!
- Shopping is just great as you can find stores less crowded and stressful than London
- Go eating & drinking, try it all!
- Cotswold Way. Perfect hike to explore the English countryside, the Cotswold way is leading to Bath.

A great website to browse while planning your trip is Visit Bath and when you’re in town visit the Information Center!

Definitely add Bath to your list of things to do while you’re in UK…

Raffa

Posted in London 2012, Olympic Hospitality, Summer Games Tours, Tour Packages | 8 Comments »

London newest attractions: Orbit Tower & Lee Valley Rafting

Wednesday, May 18th, 2011

Since in Ludus Tours we have become London official residents, we are able to check the progress of the Olympic Venues from very close!

Just a couple of curiosities we want to point out to you guys:

1) The Orbit Tower at the Olympic Park also described as “a roller coaster that’s survived a hurricane” has been elected as one of the World’s coolest new touristic attractions.

Anish Kapoor and Cecil Balmond are the two artists that collaborated on the 377-foot-high sculpture, designed for the 2012 Summer Olympics and meant to be ready by December this year.

To check this out with your eyes you could join the Ludus gang next summer… think about it!

2) The Lee Vally White Water Centre has been the first Olympic venue to be launched. Since April 22 thousands of people have started booking their rafting adrenaline experience!

Ludus Tours is going to be the next in to queue and will keep you posted.

Raffa

Posted in London 2012, Summer Games, Summer Games Tours, Tour Packages, Uncategorized | 2 Comments »

London: Olympic Sites & Restaurant Tips

Wednesday, April 13th, 2011

Lisa came to London for SportAccord. Not sure how many people she met and for how many hours she’s been talking without interruption but she survived! We had great weather by the way so she need to come back to get more of a local rainy experience (a bit different from Vancouver)!

We’ve been to most of the Olympic Sites, checked venues for Ludus Hospitality and tried some interesting restaurants that I would definitely suggest to anyone coming to London:

Camden Town / www.caponatacamden.co.uk: Great Italian food & wine with an area for live concerts
Bermondsey / www.villageeast.co.uk & www.thegarrison.co.uk: two funky places with great atmosphere and good food! Bermondsey has got at least 10 other really good places for atmosphere & meals!!
Portobello / www.firstfloorportobello.co.uk: candle light dinner, great staff & service, awesome value for money!
Chelsea / www.rossopomodoro.co.uk: Great Pizza! They’ve got real oven and different locations in town.

I’ve explored with my bike Greenwich and a bit of Southern London, but will tell you more later on. The London Marathon will happen next week end, Easter the following one, and the wedding at the end of the month. Good vibe in sunny London!

Raffa

Posted in Corporate Hospitality, London 2012, London Accommodation, London Hotels, Olympic Hospitality, Summer Games, Summer Games Tours, Tour Packages | 2 Comments »

USAV, Ludus Tours Announce Grant for Boys’ Volleyball

Tuesday, October 26th, 2010

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Oct. 19, 2010) – USA Volleyball is joining forces with its newest partner to offer the 2012 Ludus Tours Sport Development Grants to volleyball clubs for the development or enhancement of programming for boys, ages 14 years or younger.

Any USAV-sanctioned volleyball club that is in good standing with their Region and USAV is eligible to apply for one of five $1,000 grants. Only one club per USAV region will be awarded a grant. Grant funds must be used to develop new programming or enhance existing programming for boys, ages 14 years or younger. It is strongly suggested that the funds be used to create or improve youth leagues that cater to boys.

“It is a distinct pleasure to add Ludus Tours to our family of corporate partners. We know that Ludus Tours will provide USA Volleyball’s members and athletes’ families with a memorable experience at the Summer Games,” USA Volleyball Secretary General Kerry Klostermann said. “We appreciate Ludus’ commitment to volleyball at the grassroots level in the form of its Ludus Sport Development Grant.”

“As an organization, we went to the drawing board to figure out how we can help an organization like USA Volleyball,” said Adam Dailey, Managing Director at Ludus Tours.  “For Ludus, we wanted to look back after a few years and see progress from the elite to the grassroots levels and if we can contribute to that in even one small positive way, we’re contributing in a way that we’re very proud of.”

Applications will be accepted immediately and will be reviewed upon receipt. Applicants will be notified when the application is received and when a decision has been made concerning the application. Applicants should expect a response within 45 days of submitting their application.

Grant funds must be tracked and a written account of their use must be provided to USAV by July 1, 2012.

For further details and to download the application, visit: http://assets.teamusa.org/assets/documents/attached_file/filename/32380/2012_Ludus_Tours_Grant.pdf.

Victoria Whyte

PR Manager, Ludus Tours

Phone: 778-322-7474

Email: Victoria@ludustours.com

Posted in Corporate Hospitality, London 2012, London Accommodation, London Hotels, Olympic Hospitality, Summer Games, Summer Games Tours, Tour Packages, USA Volleyball | No Comments »

USA Volleyball, Ludus Tours Form Partnership for 2012 Summer Games

Monday, October 18th, 2010

USA Volleyball is pleased to announce its partnership with Ludus Tours as the organization’s “Official Tour Operator and Hospitality Provider” for international competitions, including the 2012 Summer Games in London.

As part of the partnership, Ludus Tours will provide custom fan packages for USA Volleyball members and fans. Ludus packages will include hotel accommodations, transportation, excursions and local guide assistance during the 2012 Summer Games.

“I used to play volleyball in high school and have always felt very connected to the sport,” Ludus Tours founder Jessica Dailey said. “Being able to partner up with USA Volleyball is a great opportunity for us to reach volleyball fans from around the country, including young athletes hoping to one day represent the United States. Ludus Tours is looking forward to working with USA Volleyball to make the 2012 Summer Games an unforgettable experience for its members and fans alike.”

“It is a distinct pleasure to add Ludus Tours to our family of corporate partners,” USA Volleyball Secretary General Kerry Klostermann said. “We look forward to this alliance providing USA Volleyball’s members and athletes’ families a memorable experience at the Games as well as providing quality services for other travel needs.”

Ludus Tours prides itself on offering flexible tour packages that fit all schedules and budgets. Through its partnership with USA Volleyball, all USAV members will be entitled to a discount on all travel packages.  Tours will specifically be catered to American volleyball fans and enthusiasts.

In addition to partnering with USA Volleyball, Ludus Tours is the Official Hospitality Provider for USA Taekwondo, USA Weightlifting and Athletics Canada.

About USA Volleyball: Founded in 1928, USA Volleyball is a Colorado incorporated non-profit organization recognized by the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) and the Federation International de Volleyball (FIVB) as the National Governing Body for the sport of Volleyball in the United States.  USA Volleyball is responsible for both the Olympic disciplines of indoor volleyball and beach volleyball. USA Volleyball has over 260,000 registered members, 12,000 teams and 5,000 clubs nationwide. With an annual budget in excess of $11 million dollars, USA Volleyball supports the USA men’s and women’s senior national team programs, youth and junior national teams, national championship events, coaching education and certification programs, grassroots development, and programs for the disabled and Paralympic Teams. USA Volleyball has a rich tradition of success as evidenced by winning an Olympic medal in every Olympic Games since 1984 and capturing numerous World Cup, World Championship and Continental Championship titles. USA Volleyball is committed to and works toward opportunity for all to participate. It is an advocate for all Americans endeavouring to assure universal access to opportunities at all levels of the game.

About Ludus Tours: Ludus Tours specializes in tour packages and hospitality at the world’s biggest cultural and sporting events.  They offer travel packages to the 2012 Summer Games in London, the 2014 Winter Games in Sochi, and Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany, among other events. Since 2003, Ludus has helped thousands of individuals, families and organizations with their accommodation and hospitality needs.  Ludus is the Official Hospitality Provider for various organizations including USA Taekwondo, USA Weightlifting, Athletics Canada, USA Volleyball and others. They are based in Austin, Texas, with offices in San Diego, CA and London, UK.

Posted in Corporate Hospitality, London 2012, London Accommodation, London Hotels, Olympic Hospitality, Summer Games, Summer Games Tours, Tour Packages, USA Volleyball | 1 Comment »

Athletics Canada announces Family & Friends Program for London 2012

Monday, October 18th, 2010

OTTAWA – Athletics Canada is pleased to announce today that it has partnered with Ludus Tours to be the official supplier of the Athletics Canada Family and Friends Program for the 2012 Summer Games to be held in London, England.  The partnership will see Ludus Tours providing hospitality package options for Athletics Canada members, family, friends, fans, and Games enthusiasts.

“This is a key element that we have overlooked in the past.  A comprehensive Games Preparation & Performance Delivery Plan must include a family and friends strategy.    Knowing well in advance that such an important piece will be looked after by a professional organization makes our National Coaching and Technical staff very comfortable as this will allow our athletes to focus on their preparation and performance.”

Ludus Tours offers flexible tour packages that fit all schedules and budgets for the London 2012 Summer Games.  Ludus can provide a customized solution that will fit your needs.  As a result of this partnership, all Athletics Canada members will be entitled to a 5% discount on all tour packages.

“We have had a relationship with Athletics Canada and Canadian athletes since 2004.  Athletics is in our blood and we’re very excited to take this partnership to the next level,” Adam Dailey, Managing Director of Ludus Tours, said.

“Being able to support the sport, the athletes and the organization of Athletics Canada is an honour for us.”

Athletics Canada is looking forward to working with Ludus Tours to make the 2012 experience a memorable one for its members and track fans alike.  More information, including package details, will soon be available at www.athletics.ca.

About Ludus Tours

Ludus Tours specializes in tour packages and hospitality at the world’s biggest cultural and sporting events.  They offer travel packages to the 2012 Summer Games in London, the 2014 Winter Games in Sochi, and Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany, among other events. Since 2003, Ludus has helped thousands of individuals, families and organizations with their accommodation and hospitality needs.  Ludus is the Official Hospitality Provider for various organizations including the NHL Players Association, USA Taekwondo, USA Weightlifting, US Speed Skating and others. They are based in Austin, Texas, with an office in London, UK.

Posted in Corporate Hospitality, London 2012, London Accommodation, London Hotels, Olympic Hospitality, Summer Games, Summer Games Tours, Tour Packages | 1 Comment »

Ludus Tours Partners with USA Weightlifting

Thursday, September 2nd, 2010

USA Weightlifting is pleased to announce that Ludus Tours has signed on to join the USAW family as the organization’s Official Travel and Hospitality Partner.

Through this partnership, USA Weightlifting members will receive discounted rates on tour packages to international locations, including London for the 2012 Olympic Games.

“USA Weightlifting is very excited about our new partnership with Ludus Tours,” said USA Weightlifting CEO Rick Adams. “Ludus has a strong background in hospitality and we are confident that this relationship will be extremely helpful leading up to London and thereafter.”

Founded in 2003 by Adam and Jessica Dailey, Ludus Tours hosted more than 2,000 clients from 27 nations at the 2006 Torino Olympic Games.  In addition to the Games, Ludus Tours also has coordinated trips to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa and will lead groups to the Super Bowl and Rugby World Cup in 2011.

About Ludus Tours: Ludus Tours specializes in tour packages and hospitality at the world’s biggest cultural and sporting events.  They offer travel packages to the 2012 Summer Games in London, the 2014 Winter Games in Sochi, and Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany, among other events. Since 2003, Ludus has helped thousands of individuals, families and organizations with their accommodation and hospitality needs.  Ludus is the Official Hospitality Provider for various organizations including the NHL Players Association, USA Track & Field, USA Taekwondo, US Speed Skating and others. They are based in Austin, Texas, with an office in London, UK.

About USA Weightlifting:  USA Weightlifting is a non-profit member organization of the United States Olympic Committee that is based out of Colorado Springs, Colo.   The National Governing Body for the Olympic sport of weightlifting in the United States, USAW serves more than 6,000 members with the mission of achieving sustained competitive excellence in Olympic competition and promoting weightlifting throughout the nation.

Posted in Corporate Hospitality, London 2012, London Accommodation, London Hotels, Olympic Hospitality, Summer Games, Summer Games Tours, Tour Packages | 25 Comments »

USA Taekwondo teams with Ludus Tours for 2012 London Summer Games

Wednesday, September 1st, 2010

Ludus Tours is pleased to announce a partnership with USA Taekwondo. Ludus will be the Official International Tour Operator for USAT and will offer packages to the London Summer Games in 2012 and other travel opportunities for international competitions.

Ludus Tours will provide USA Taekwondo with custom fan packages that include hotel accommodations, transportation, excursions and local guide assistance during the London Summer Games. Ludus will also provide VIP hospitality suite access for USA Taekwondo clients.

“Ludus’ dedication to the client experience at the events is what captures the identity of our relationship,” said David Askinas, CEO for USA Taekwondo. “With Ludus, we can give our fans and membership exclusive opportunities to follow our athletes in the highest levels of competition.”

“We’re extremely excited about this partnership,” said Adam Dailey, Managing Director at Ludus Tours. “Any opportunity we get a chance to work with such a successful organization like USA Taekwondo is a great one. We’re honored as well as enthusiastic about being able to provide our services to Taekwondo fans.”

In addition to a partnership with USA Taekwondo, Ludus Tours is also the Official Tour Operator of USA Weightlifting and hosts many other great travel packages to sporting events. Fans and members should see information on how they can book travel to the 2012 Summer Games and other tours updated on the USAT website in the very near future.

About Ludus Tours Ludus Tours specializes in tour packages and hospitality at the world’s biggest cultural and sporting events.  They offer travel packages to the 2012 Summer Games in London, the 2014 Winter Games in Sochi, and Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany, among other events. Since 2003, Ludus has helped thousands of individuals, families and organizations with their accommodation and hospitality needs.  Ludus is the Official Hospitality Provider for various organizations including the NHL Players Association, USA Track & Field, US Speed Skating and others. They are based in Austin, Texas, with an office in London, UK.

About USA Taekwondo USA Taekwondo is the National Governing Body for the sport of Taekwondo in the United States. U.S. Taekwondo athletes have won six medals in the past three Olympic Games (gold by Steven Lopez in 2000 & 2004, silver by Nia Abdallah in 2004 and by Mark Lopez in 2008, and bronze by Steven and Diana Lopez in 2008). USA Taekwondo’s mission is to enable U.S. athletes to achieve sustained competitive excellence and promote and grow the sport of Taekwondo.

Posted in Corporate Hospitality, London 2012, London Accommodation, London Hotels, Olympic Hospitality, Summer Games, Summer Games Tours, Tour Packages, USA Taekwondo | 9 Comments »

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