June 7, 2024
IN THIS ISSUE OF TRAVEL PROMOTIONS, INSPIRATION AND TIDBITS:
Promotions and Inspiration
Travel New Zealand by train.
Embark on a journey through Japan.
Discover the wonders of Slovenia to Croatia.
Gaze the Northern Lights and sleep in an ice hotel on this Finland Sweden multi adventure.
Discover the breath-taking Philippines.
Take a life-changing walking and camping safari in Zambia.
Spend Thanksgiving with the penguins.
Sail on an adventure in Thailand.
Hop around the Greek Islands.
Travel on the Trans-Mongolian Railway for a truly vast adventure.
Take a private group Ireland brewery and distillery tour with your friends.
Eat your way through Spain with a real food adventure.
Travel Tidbits
Video: Spin the Globe
Article: India: Beyond the Taj Mahal
Article: Eating Umbria: Diamonds of the Gourmet World
Tidbit: A Beginner's Guide to International Driving
IN THIS ISSUE OF TRAVEL PROMOTIONS, INSPIRATION AND TIDBITS:
Promotions and Inspiration
Travel New Zealand by train.
Embark on a journey through Japan.
Discover the wonders of Slovenia to Croatia.
Gaze the Northern Lights and sleep in an ice hotel on this Finland Sweden multi adventure.
Discover the breath-taking Philippines.
Take a life-changing walking and camping safari in Zambia.
Spend Thanksgiving with the penguins.
Sail on an adventure in Thailand.
Hop around the Greek Islands.
Travel on the Trans-Mongolian Railway for a truly vast adventure.
Take a private group Ireland brewery and distillery tour with your friends.
Eat your way through Spain with a real food adventure.
Travel Tidbits
Video: Spin the Globe
Article: India: Beyond the Taj Mahal
Article: Eating Umbria: Diamonds of the Gourmet World
Tidbit: A Beginner's Guide to International Driving
EXPLORATIONS
cultural - historical - architectural - castles
TRAVEL NEW ZEALAND BY TRAIN.
Enjoy the best scenery and wine this great country has to offer on this 15-night rail holiday. From the vibrant and cosmopolitan city of Auckland enjoy the other worldly landscape of Rotorua. Taste some delicious wines in Napier before discovering the remote beauty of Adel Tasman National Park. Scale the Southern Alps and enjoy a night in the shadows of the majestic Mount Cook before discovering the jaw dropping wonder that is Milford Sound. From the mountains to the sea, this is one unforgettable holiday.
Enjoy the best scenery and wine this great country has to offer on this 15-night rail holiday. From the vibrant and cosmopolitan city of Auckland enjoy the other worldly landscape of Rotorua. Taste some delicious wines in Napier before discovering the remote beauty of Adel Tasman National Park. Scale the Southern Alps and enjoy a night in the shadows of the majestic Mount Cook before discovering the jaw dropping wonder that is Milford Sound. From the mountains to the sea, this is one unforgettable holiday.
- Travel aboard three of the most scenic railways in the world: The Northern Explorer, The Coastal Pacific and The TranzAlpine.
- Discover the world of volcanic wonder that is Rotorua and learn about the Maori way of life.
- Sample some of the finest wines of the southern hemisphere in Napier
- Explore the natural wonder and beauty of Adel Tasman National Park.
- Scale the Southern Alps and spend a night in the shadows of Mount Cook.
- Cruise Milford Sound and be amazed by its abundant wildlife and natural beauty.
EMBARK ON A JOURNEY THROUGH JAPAN.
Explore Japan's rich history, breathtaking landscapes and vibrant cities. This comprehensive tour offers a blend of iconic landmarks, cultural experiences and local flavors, ensuring an immersive and memorable adventure.
Explore Japan's rich history, breathtaking landscapes and vibrant cities. This comprehensive tour offers a blend of iconic landmarks, cultural experiences and local flavors, ensuring an immersive and memorable adventure.
- Trip to Mt Fuji, Hakone, Lake Ashi Cruise
- Tokyo City Tour
- Kyoto Tour with a Local, Highlights and Hidden Gems
- Kyoto Sake Brewery and Tasting Walking Tour
- Walking Tour of Osaka's Must-See Sights, with Ramen for Lunch
- Arashiyama and Yasaka Shrine and Nara and Todaiji Day Trip
- Hiroshima and Miyajima Walking Tour
DISCOVER THE WONDERS OF SLOVENIA TO CROATIA.
Spectacular natural beauty and fascinating cultural heritage go hand in hand in Slovenia and Croatia. This nine-day premium journey will take you from the glittering canals of Venice to the beaming waters of Lake Bled and the underground world of the Postojna Caves. Ride the cable car up Mt. Vogel for views over Lake Bohinj, and appreciate the caves and waterfalls abound in Plitvice Lakes National Park, an amazing UNESCO World Heritage site. Indulge in the epicurean delights like truffles, wine and Adriatic sunshine and let this part of the world enchant you on a small-group adventure.
Spectacular natural beauty and fascinating cultural heritage go hand in hand in Slovenia and Croatia. This nine-day premium journey will take you from the glittering canals of Venice to the beaming waters of Lake Bled and the underground world of the Postojna Caves. Ride the cable car up Mt. Vogel for views over Lake Bohinj, and appreciate the caves and waterfalls abound in Plitvice Lakes National Park, an amazing UNESCO World Heritage site. Indulge in the epicurean delights like truffles, wine and Adriatic sunshine and let this part of the world enchant you on a small-group adventure.
- Enter the fantastical underground world of the Postojna Caves – one of the longest karst caverns in the world – home to strange rock formations and creatures like the eye-less salamander.
- Ride the cable car up Mt. Vogel for exceptional views over Lake Bohinj and the foothills of the Alps.
- Treat yourself to a truffle tasting in Motovun during an exclusive experience. Truffles are combined with local specialty dishes and a sommelier will pair your tasting with suitable Istrian wines.
- Spend a night in Rovinj at the stunning Hotel Istra, which sits on its own private island. Then, head to your feature stay that pairs centuries of history with the perfect location right on the most gorgeous square in Split.
- Explore scenic Croatian towns like the resort town of Opatija and seaside Sibenik, where you'll explore the 15th century stone Cathedral of St. James, decorated with 71 sculpted faces.
EXPERIENCES
adventure - ethical eco- and animal tourism - events and celebrations
GAZE THE NORTHERN LIGHTS AND SLEEP IN AN ICE HOTEL ON THIS FINLAND AND SWEDEN MULTI-ADVENTURE TRIP.
When you're this close to the Arctic Circle, you're likely far, far away from home. You've been transported to a winter wonderland where smoked game and hot lingonberry juice are on the menu. Pristine and snowy landscapes amaze as you trek through Swedish and Finnish Lapland. And where else can you gaze at the northern lights and snuggle into a bedroom sculpted from ice and snow?
When you're this close to the Arctic Circle, you're likely far, far away from home. You've been transported to a winter wonderland where smoked game and hot lingonberry juice are on the menu. Pristine and snowy landscapes amaze as you trek through Swedish and Finnish Lapland. And where else can you gaze at the northern lights and snuggle into a bedroom sculpted from ice and snow?
- Snowshoe in one of Northern Europe's most stunning regions, trekking through glittering snow and ice, reminiscent of Narnia.
- Chase the dancing hues of the aurora borealis in some of the world's best places for spotting this mesmerizing natural phenomenon.
- Discover insights into Sámi, Swedish and Finnish culture while warming your hands over open fires, enjoying a sauna and meeting resident reindeer.
- Unwind in magical hotels—sleep in a unique ice sculpture at the Icehotel and view the captivating sky from your private glass cabin.
DISCOVER THE BREATH-TAKING PHILIPPINES.
Start in Boracay and end in Bohol! With the Custom tour Boracay, Cebu and Bohol, you have a 10-days tour package taking you through Boracay, Philippines and Cebu and Bohol. This trip includes accommodation in a hotel as well as between city flights, meals and local transport.
Start in Boracay and end in Bohol! With the Custom tour Boracay, Cebu and Bohol, you have a 10-days tour package taking you through Boracay, Philippines and Cebu and Bohol. This trip includes accommodation in a hotel as well as between city flights, meals and local transport.
- Boracay - Scuba diving or water sports activies like parasaling
- Cebu - Oslob Whale Shark watching
- Boracay : Countryside tour
TAKE A LIFE-CHANGING WALKING AND CAMPING SAFARI IN ZAMBIA.
On this camping trip to Zambia you will visit South Luangwa National Park, camp on campsites near the Nsefu Sector and next to North Luangwa National Park, visit Bangweulu Swamps and see the bat migration in Kasanka National Park (in October each year).
On this camping trip to Zambia you will visit South Luangwa National Park, camp on campsites near the Nsefu Sector and next to North Luangwa National Park, visit Bangweulu Swamps and see the bat migration in Kasanka National Park (in October each year).
EXPEDITIONS
immersive land plus sea - river - ocean - yacht - world
SPEND THANKSGIVING WITH THE PENGUINS.
Second guest sails FREE! Always FREE: cultural immersion, expedition guides, unlimited wine and spirits and gratuities! As you cross the Antarctic at the 66th southern parallel, you enter what feels like another world, creating a connection with your inner explorer spirit. It’s a space rarely navigated, with narrower channels that bring you closer to ice floes, snow-capped mountain peaks and wondrous icebergs, making for a picture-perfect scene you’ll want to capture on your camera. On this expedition, aside from joining the Order of the Red Nose, you’ll also spend five days exploring the Antarctic Peninsula for a deep dive into the breathtaking landscapes of the Seventh Continent. An overwhelming sense of gratitude will wash over you as you spend Thanksgiving among extraordinary wildlife, such as chinstrap and Adélie penguins as they build their nests.
Second guest sails FREE! Always FREE: cultural immersion, expedition guides, unlimited wine and spirits and gratuities! As you cross the Antarctic at the 66th southern parallel, you enter what feels like another world, creating a connection with your inner explorer spirit. It’s a space rarely navigated, with narrower channels that bring you closer to ice floes, snow-capped mountain peaks and wondrous icebergs, making for a picture-perfect scene you’ll want to capture on your camera. On this expedition, aside from joining the Order of the Red Nose, you’ll also spend five days exploring the Antarctic Peninsula for a deep dive into the breathtaking landscapes of the Seventh Continent. An overwhelming sense of gratitude will wash over you as you spend Thanksgiving among extraordinary wildlife, such as chinstrap and Adélie penguins as they build their nests.
SAIL ON AN ADVENTURE IN THAILAND.
It doesn't get much better than a 7-day sailing adventure through Thailand’s best islands. Spend your time enjoying sublime seascapes, snorkeling through turquoise waters, relaxing on white beaches and discovering craggy limestone peaks by boat. Welcome to the beautiful Andaman Sea! This is your chance to experience the region with the wind in your hair and the sun and salt on your skin. From the iconic landscape of Koh Phi Phi to bustling Phuket – this yacht adventure gives you plenty of time to swim, snorkel, paddleboard and kayak by day and chill out on the deck watching the sunset by night. With a like-minded group by your side and a private chef cooking up fresh Thai flavours – what better way to spend a week in Thailand?
It doesn't get much better than a 7-day sailing adventure through Thailand’s best islands. Spend your time enjoying sublime seascapes, snorkeling through turquoise waters, relaxing on white beaches and discovering craggy limestone peaks by boat. Welcome to the beautiful Andaman Sea! This is your chance to experience the region with the wind in your hair and the sun and salt on your skin. From the iconic landscape of Koh Phi Phi to bustling Phuket – this yacht adventure gives you plenty of time to swim, snorkel, paddleboard and kayak by day and chill out on the deck watching the sunset by night. With a like-minded group by your side and a private chef cooking up fresh Thai flavours – what better way to spend a week in Thailand?
HOP AROUND THE GREEK ISLANDS.
Are you between 18 and 35 years old? This trip is for you! Bounce between Greece’s major islands where the nightlife’s as wondrous as the architecture. You’ll immerse yourself in Greece’s wonderful sea, sun and sumptuous culture. Villages, volcanoes, tzatziki for days and enough pretty coves to put glowing hearts in your eyes. By day you’ll have ample time for exploring and by night you’ll sleep like a baby in accommodation that’s specially selected for its coziness. Speedboat safaris and Star Wars sunsets, anyone?
Are you between 18 and 35 years old? This trip is for you! Bounce between Greece’s major islands where the nightlife’s as wondrous as the architecture. You’ll immerse yourself in Greece’s wonderful sea, sun and sumptuous culture. Villages, volcanoes, tzatziki for days and enough pretty coves to put glowing hearts in your eyes. By day you’ll have ample time for exploring and by night you’ll sleep like a baby in accommodation that’s specially selected for its coziness. Speedboat safaris and Star Wars sunsets, anyone?
- Explore the historic and vibrant city of Athens.
- Island hop across the stunning Greek islands including Mykonos, Paros Santorini and Ios.
- Experience the iconic windmills and blue domes of Mykonos.
- Discover the naturally sculpted swimming coves and traditional villages of Paros.
- Enjoy a Paros sailing adventure and sample the legendary nightlife.
- Relax on the rugged and remote island of Ios with an option for a speedboat safari.
EXCURSIONS
friends trip - wellness - wine, whiskey and culinary
TRAVEL ON THE TRANS-MONGOLIAN RAILWAY FOR A TRULY VAST ADVENTURE.
Want an epic rail journey that takes you to some of the world’s most remote regions? This 11-day adventure is for you. Experience riding a section of the Trans-Mongolian Railway as you make your way from China to Mongolia. Start with the bright lights of Beijing, then take a bullet train to Inner Mongolia. Then, it’s on to the vast steppes of Khustai National Park, the dunes of the Gobi Desert, the spiritual wonders of Sainshand and more. Spend time staying in a traditional ger campsite, join a family of camel herders for lunch and return home with truly unique travel stories to tell!
Want an epic rail journey that takes you to some of the world’s most remote regions? This 11-day adventure is for you. Experience riding a section of the Trans-Mongolian Railway as you make your way from China to Mongolia. Start with the bright lights of Beijing, then take a bullet train to Inner Mongolia. Then, it’s on to the vast steppes of Khustai National Park, the dunes of the Gobi Desert, the spiritual wonders of Sainshand and more. Spend time staying in a traditional ger campsite, join a family of camel herders for lunch and return home with truly unique travel stories to tell!
- Travel along a section of the epic Trans-Mongolian Railway through Mongolia, following the ancient path of tea caravans.
- Explore China’s Inner Mongolia region and its iconic vast rolling grasslands, sandy deserts and dunes, and an otherworldly stone forest.
- Get a (literal) taste of local life as you stop for barbeque lunch at the Ulihan Desert Campsite, sampling the freshest local lamb.
- Whisper your wishes at Sainshand’s Mountain of Wishes, then learn about the nomadic way of life as you join a camel herding family for lunch.
- Spend a full day seeing Khustai National Park, staying in traditional gers and spotting free roaming wild horses, Golden Eagles and more.
TAKE A PRIVATE GROUP IRISH BREWERY AND DISTILLERY TOUR WITH YOUR FRIENDS.
Céad míle fáilte (a hundred thousand welcomes)! Despite being a relatively small country, Ireland has made some fairly big contributions to worldwide beer culture. Chances are when you hear the words “Irish pub” you can conjure up a pretty distinct image that has been imitated around the globe. Irish beer history reaches all the way back to the Bronze Age when the first form of beer in Ireland is believed to have been brewed, though a variety of plants and herbs took the place of hops. And taking a look at modern day, Ireland is experiencing a craft beer boom, developing new creative brews around the country. Gather a group of your fellow beer enthusiasts as we spend our days visiting breweries, sipping at distilleries, and wandering through small towns and larger cities on this Ireland Brewery Vacation. Our evenings are spent in accommodations that range from fun and modern hotels to warm and welcoming country guesthouses. We’ll explore breweries ranging from the very well-known such as Guinness to smaller, newer craft breweries you likely have never heard of. And as a change of pace, we’ll also sample a bit of the harder stuff and visit a few whiskey distilleries. We’ll pair our beer experiences by visiting some of the top natural sights in the country such as the Rock of Cashel, the Cliffs of Moher, and the Dingle Peninsula. You will have the option to participate in a few splendid, picturesque walks throughout the Irish countryside and coastline. The walks are generally suitable for most people. Or you can spend extra time relaxing, sightseeing or shopping.
Céad míle fáilte (a hundred thousand welcomes)! Despite being a relatively small country, Ireland has made some fairly big contributions to worldwide beer culture. Chances are when you hear the words “Irish pub” you can conjure up a pretty distinct image that has been imitated around the globe. Irish beer history reaches all the way back to the Bronze Age when the first form of beer in Ireland is believed to have been brewed, though a variety of plants and herbs took the place of hops. And taking a look at modern day, Ireland is experiencing a craft beer boom, developing new creative brews around the country. Gather a group of your fellow beer enthusiasts as we spend our days visiting breweries, sipping at distilleries, and wandering through small towns and larger cities on this Ireland Brewery Vacation. Our evenings are spent in accommodations that range from fun and modern hotels to warm and welcoming country guesthouses. We’ll explore breweries ranging from the very well-known such as Guinness to smaller, newer craft breweries you likely have never heard of. And as a change of pace, we’ll also sample a bit of the harder stuff and visit a few whiskey distilleries. We’ll pair our beer experiences by visiting some of the top natural sights in the country such as the Rock of Cashel, the Cliffs of Moher, and the Dingle Peninsula. You will have the option to participate in a few splendid, picturesque walks throughout the Irish countryside and coastline. The walks are generally suitable for most people. Or you can spend extra time relaxing, sightseeing or shopping.
- Touring and tasting at 11 different breweries, from huge (Guinness) to tiny (Dick Mack’s Brewhouse)
- Visiting several Irish whiskey distilleries, including Killarney, Dingle, and Burren distilleries
- Seeing some of Ireland’s iconic sights, such as the Rock of Cashel and the Cliffs of Moher
- Rambling on scenic Irish trails and country roads, taking in Ireland’s stunning beauty
- Starting and ending in Dublin, the heart of Ireland and of the Irish beer industry
EAT YOUR WAY THROUGH NORTHERN SPAIN ON A REAL FOOD ADVENTURE.
Explore the sights, sounds and tastes of Northern Spain on this food-focused adventure. Immerse yourself in local history and culture as you sample produce at La Boqueria Market, whip up Catalan specialties in a cooking class, enjoy myriad tapas bars in Logrono, discover the medieval streets and underground wine caves of Laguardia, and venture north to San Sebastian where beaches and a thriving food and arts scene bask together under a beaming sun. Experience a traditional Asturian sidreria (cider house) near Oviedo, attend a centuries' old farmers market in the Potes and taste fresh seafood on the coast in Galicia. With Santiago de Compostela in your sights, your Spanish food pilgrimage is a path worth taking.
Explore the sights, sounds and tastes of Northern Spain on this food-focused adventure. Immerse yourself in local history and culture as you sample produce at La Boqueria Market, whip up Catalan specialties in a cooking class, enjoy myriad tapas bars in Logrono, discover the medieval streets and underground wine caves of Laguardia, and venture north to San Sebastian where beaches and a thriving food and arts scene bask together under a beaming sun. Experience a traditional Asturian sidreria (cider house) near Oviedo, attend a centuries' old farmers market in the Potes and taste fresh seafood on the coast in Galicia. With Santiago de Compostela in your sights, your Spanish food pilgrimage is a path worth taking.
- Barcelona - Cava or Vermouth tasting
- Barcelona - Santa Caterina Market Tour
- Barcelona - Catalan cooking demonstration and lunch
- Logrono - Tapas Crawl
- Laguardia - Wine cellar visit and tasting
- San Sebastian - Basque cooking class
- San Sebastian - Market tour
- Picos de Europa - Cocido Lebaniego dinner
- Potes - Market visit and brunch
- Arenas de Cabrales - Cheese tasting
- Oviedo - Asturian cider house visit and tasting
- Picos de Europa - National Park Visit
- Oviedo - Guided walk and market tour
- A Coruna - Fish market visit and seafood lunch
- Santiago de Compostela - City night walk
