INSPIRING DESTINATIONS
Africa
It will mesmerize you with its beauty, rawness, polished cities, and its cultures. But, no visit to Africa seems to be complete without including a Safari. The allure of being lucky enough to spot the BIG Five wildlife animals freely roaming is captivating. The beautiful photos in magazines and brochures of up-close viewings of wild animals create a dream for most, to make it a thing to do in their lifetime. After someone travels to, Africa they are always eager to return to the beauty, culture, wildlife, and people.
Highlights:
Africa's size and contrasts often are taken for granted.
Cape Town, Ngorongoro Crater, Victoria Falls, Okavango Delta,
Kruger National Park Game Reserve, Seychelles or Mozambique
LET'S START PLANNING
Cape Town
Explore the cosmopolitan city on your own or with a small group guided tour that takes you outside the city to Table Mountain for a cable car ride or a take an invigorating hike to the top. Visit the idyllic Cape Winelands just 45 minutes outside the city. Stellenbosch is called City of Oaks” and offerer 170 wine farms. Walk the oak-lined streets and indulge as many wine and cheese pairings as your pleasure quota will allow!
Ngorongoro Crater
Embark on a game drive, in search of the Big 5. In Africa, the Big Five game animals are the lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and Cape buffalo. The term was coined, by big-game hunters. It refers to the five most difficult animals in Africa that were hunted on foot but are now widely used by safari tour operators. The crater is one of the few places where you'll find the Big 5. Although the leopard sightings are hit-and-miss, inside the crater than on the forested rim. You might take your trip at a time when you can experience The Great Migration. It’s Africa’s epic event.
Victoria FallS
Victoria Fall's roar awaits. Awe at its beauty or make it a day filled with adventure. Visit Victoria Falls while staying at one of the worlds Classic hotels, the Victoria Falls hotel. Kick up your adventure quota with a Heli-Flight above the falls that has you feeling its majestic power or bungee jump the 111-meter free-fall in 4 seconds that provides a pure adrenalin rush.
Okavango Delta
Okavango Delta is the place where you will find the largest lions on the planet.
They have an abundance of buffalo and other animals for their prey which makes them very large and content.
Kruger National ParK
Kruger National Park is the biggest game reserve in Africa, which houses a high density of wild animals and covers 7,500 square miles. It is the home to thousands of elephants and leopards. Y
our game drives will have you on a quest to see all of the Big 5! Plus, more!
Seychelles
You have come this far.
Why not end your visit sipping cocktails on a beach on the Seychelles Islands or in Mozambique with its tropical climate, beach, and delicious seafood with Portuguese influence
ITALY - Amalfi coast
A scenic drive is full of breathtaking windy roads that offer WOW photo opts. You may catch a glimpse of the Blue Grotto island of Capri, only an hour and a half ferry ride away. The Amalfi Coast has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its undisputed beauty and the uniqueness of its natural landscape. Experience the breathtaking views, learn the secrets of making authentic Italian pizza.
Highlights:
The Amalfi Coast is known for its amazing Mediterranean coastline, colorful rooftop homes along the sides of jaw-dropping cliffs.
Sorrento,Positano, Ravello, Naples
Sorrento
Enroute to Sorrento stop at the legendary site of Pompeii, where a local private guide will join your visit to this important historic site that nearly 2,000 years ago was destroyed by a furious eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Settle into your elegant cliffside hotel that won’t lack glorious views. Take in the aroma of the lemon trees. Visit the steep, rocky slopes where they are grown and harvested. These unique Limone di Sorrento allow for a constant harvest. Sorrento lemons are aromatic, contain few seeds and, the unwaxed rind contains lots of oil. For all of these reasons, Limone di Sorrento is the best choice for making limoncello liqueur. Have lunch and listen to stories with the family that has been doing this for generations. And of course, there will be limoncello!
Positano
Arrive at this stunning fishing town. You enter a small boutique-style hotel where you are, welcomed as if you were a friend. Wander the pebbled beachfront and the steep, narrow streets lined with shops and cafes.
If you want to work up an appetite, take a hike on the Sentiero Degli Dei trail. Visit a dairy farm to learn how to make mozzarella, then join in the process. This soft goodness is like no mozzarella you’ve ever had before! Enjoy a one-of-a-kind meal hosted in a local home.
Ravello
Ravello is the gem town of the Amalfi Coast. Stroll along with this city of villas and gardens with the smell of your cup of robust Italian coffee. If it’s summertime, you may hear the melodic sound of music from the music festival in the air. The music festival takes place in the glorious terraced gardens of the Villa Cimbrone or Villa Rufolo that overlooks the sea. Poke into the shops filled with the bright-colored Italian pottery. What’s Italy without their food? Save some time for a cooking class that ends with eating on a terrace overlooking the sea. Make this dish again when you’re home, and watch how food will re-connect you to the lovely memories and moments.
Naples
Napoli is the city that will round out any visit to the Amalfi Coast.
Take a private guided walking tour of Naples and request that this tour includes pizza, espresso, and gelato.
Arrivederci, Italy!
ALASKA
Miles of spectacular shoreline, quaint harbors, massive glaciers, hidden wildlife and wilderness are a glimpse of the treasures of Alaska. Wildlife, Fishing, Glaciers, Culture, Gold-rush History, and more. Whether visited by land or sea, Alaska offers a multitude of exhilarating opportunities.
Highlights:
Alaska, known as, The “Last Frontier”.
Ketchikan, Glacier Bay, Juneau, Hubbard Glacier
Ketchikan
Ketchikan is known as the "First City" of Alaska. It's the first major community travelers come to as they journey north. Stroll by the colorful timber buildings that line Creek Street.
Enjoy the excitement of a Lumberjack Show, where athletes throw, race, and chop their way to victory. At the Totem Pole Heritage Center, you will find the world's oldest collection of totem poles.
Maybe it is time to live that dream of casting a fishing rod out to catch a 40-pound salmon here in the salmon capital of the world.
Glacier Bay
Bring binoculars for the unforgettable sights to see while sailing through one of the most iconic Alaska locations — Glacier Bay National Park.
Keep your eyes and ears peeled for the sounds and sights of humpback whales breaching the water. This experience will get your heart pounding. Listen to the roaring sounds and see the waves created as the ice of the glacier calves into the sea.
If you are lucky, the crew will collect a piece of the ice and carve it into an ice sculpture for an evening dinner display.
Juneau
Juneau has no roads connecting it to the rest of Alaska or North America, so it truly is a protected destination. It was founded as a gold mining town and is the capital of the state.
You may be pleasantly surprised that as you peacefully paddle a kayak, you will have the opportunity to see black or brown bears strolling along the shoreline. And you thought the array of birds and the majestic bald eagle flying above were going to be the wildlife highlight of the day!
Juneau is a picturesque town that provides a mix of outdoor recreation, fresh seafood, and fine dining.
Tahiti
Tahiti has the nickname “Island of Love”. Sinking your toes into the black sand of a private beach that meets up with a turquoise-colored lagoon will certainly conjure up images of romance.
Here are a few handy Tahitian words Hello – Ia Orana (yo-rah-nah) Welcome – Maeva (mah-yeh-vah) Thank you – Maururu (mah-roo-roo)-Goodbye-Nana, which you won’t want to utter after experiencing this magical place.
Highlights:
Words can’t capture the enthralling beauty of French Polynesia’s 118 islands.
Overwater Bungalows, Tattoos, Mutiny on the Bounty and Military History, Black Pearls, Luxury Island Hopping Cruise
Overwater Bungalows
Oh Yes, You’ve Seen Pictures of these Romantic Structures that are at Tahiti’s essence!
Imagine being nestled over the water with magnificent views and fall asleep to the musical sounds of waves gently lapping beneath you. You’ll create a show when you open up the glass floor to feed the schools of tropical fish below. The Islands of Tahiti are the birthplace of the overwater bungalow. Since their invention by three Californian men known as the Hai Boys in the 1960s, they have filled many with wondrous memories. Enjoy Tahiti’s most famous cocktail, the Mai Tai while sitting on the deck of your bungalow and try to convince yourself this isn’t a dream!
Mutiny on the Bounty
Be sure to get a copy of the book Mutiny on the Bounty. It will keep you company on your long flight to paradise. One of Tahiti’s most famous residents was author James Norman Hall who co-authored the book with Charles Nordhoff. The book will come alive when you visit the James Norman Hall house. The house is just a few miles east of Tahiti’s town of Papeete. From 1920-1951, this was the home of the author James Norman Hall, a World War I Army pilot that had a fortuitous friendship with Charles Nordhoff after the war. The writers moved to Tahiti in 1920, where they collaborated on writing the book and several other novels. During the war, the United States had a strategic military supply base in Bora Bora. For a bit of adventure, hop on an exhilarating off-road Bora Bora Island 4x4 tour and search out some of the US military leftovers.
Tattoos
Polynesians consider a tattoo a sign of beauty and if a tattoo has been on your wishlist-what better place to get one.
The word tattoo comes from the Tahitian word “tatau”.
They were ceremoniously applied to the body when reaching adolescence. No awful art mistakes here.
They are a work of art.
Luxury Island Hopping Cruise
There’s no better way to visit the French Polynesian Island than aboard a small luxury ship that whisks you away to well-known and less known islands. The adventures of land, water, and sky await you. Spend the morning learning about back pearls, then go shopping for pearls in the local boutiques or decide to take part in a local hands-on handicraft group. Later enjoy the specially designed water-sports platform that descends effortlessly on the back of the ship into the sea, making it easy to hop on your paddle-board, snorkel the waters in search of marine life or launch a kayak. Round out the day, being pampered with an elegant dinner that concludes with Tahitian traditional song and entertainers telling ancestral legends through dance. Wake the next day to the smell of the Tiare flowers that are in your stateroom. You smile at each other as you get ready to go ashore to visit a vanilla plantation saying, nothing could be better than this.
Hawaii
Out of the 132 islands, 7 of them are inhabited. The Big Island of Hawaii, Maui, Molokai, Lanai, Oahu, Kauai, and Niihau are uninhabited islands. Hawaii is renowned for its beaches and natural beauty. While each island has an individual personality, they all offer authentic Hawaiian hospitality.
Highlights:
Aloha, Hawaii Awaits. Hawaii is the only state in the United States that comprises a chain of islands.
Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head, Pearl Harbor the National Historic Site, Volcanoes National Park, Natural Beauty of the Hawaiian State Parks, Whale Watching
Waikiki Beach
Waikiki Beach is a beautiful stretch of beach, amazingly located in the heart of Honolulu. Waikiki Beach is one of the most popular tourist spots. Rent a motorcycle and take a ride out of town from Waikiki to Diamond Head. Well, that’s what my husband surprised me with on our trip to Hawaii. It’s a story we tell and a memory that is priceless. Diamond Head Road travels a scenic stretch of road along the coast. The road goes uphill along the cliff and provides lookout points to the ocean below. Diamond Head was an important coastal defense vantage point. A steep hike to the top will bring you to old bunkers and the artillery control station. Take in the panoramic views of the Oahu coastline and smile, thinking it was worth it. How does this sound for a memorable Hawaiian experience?
Pearl Harbor
Pearl Harbor is a National Historic Landmark.
In 1941 it earned a place in history when an attack on the USS Arizona killed 1,1 77 servicemen.
The site is now home to several attractions which are part of the World War II Valor in the Pacific Monument memorial, including the USS Arizona Memorial.
Others include the USS Oklahoma, USS Utah, and the Battleship USS Missouri.
Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park is on the Big Island of Hawaii.
Volcanoes National Park offers a unique, close-up look at an active volcano system where lava seeps from the earth. The park has many things to do and see.
Tourists have the chance of experiencing the thrill of feeling seismic activity, hearing the boom of gas emissions, and seeing a pillar of ash in the air.
Hawaiian State Parks
The Beauty of the Hawaiian State Parks includes parks celebrated for each of their unique attributes; here are a few.
Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park is on the island of Kauai and is known for its dramatic landscapes. The dramatic coastline, spectacular cliffs, and cascading waterfalls have made it a sought backdrop for movies like Jurassic Park. Some of the best ways to view it in its splendor would be to take a water tour or to take it to the skies by helicopter.
Haleakala National Park is on a volcano located on the island of Maui. There are many adventurous hiking trails to explore on your own or with a ranger-led tour. Kudos to those who dare to spend an overnight on the volcano.
Waimea Canyon
Waimea Canyon is on the west side of the island of Kauai.
It's referred to as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. The canyon is a mile wide at some points and it stretches over ten miles long, with depths of 3,600 feet.
The landscape features rock strata in varying colors and several stunning waterfalls.
Guided tours along the many challenging hiking trails and rafting tours that explore the river below are available.
Whale Watching Season
Whale Watching Season in Hawaii in November & April.
Humpback whales make their annual journey to Hawaii and the Big Island is one of the best Hawaiian islands to see them!
Other great islands for whale watching are Oahu, Maui, and Kauai.
The splendor of seeing a whale breach the water and make a huge splash is something to remember always!
AUSTRALIA
The massive size and contrasts of the continent are factors that make planning a trip that includes all the highlights challenging. Travel to the other side of the globe and experience the people and the grandeur of Australia!
Highlights:
Australia is mesmerizing with its beauty, roughness, polished cities, and its culture.
Sydney Views, Great Barrier Reef, Kangaroos, Koalas & Penguins, Outback Wilderness
Climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge
Climbing of the Sydney Harbour Bridge is an exciting, unique adventure that will please families with kids, couples, and those who want to go solo. Three different climbs allow everyone to take in the 360 views of the city and the Opera House.
What an exhilarating way to celebrate a special occasion, join a photography session or create a bit of romance with a dine and climb.
How fabulous to return home with stories of your Sydney Bridge climb!
Kangaroos, Koalas & Penguins
No trip to the Land Down Under would be complete without a kangaroo or koala story. A drive from Melbourne to the picturesque beaches of Phillip Island with its penguin sightings may also grab your attention. Each evening at dusk, witness the little penguins as they waddle onto the beach in a parade after a day of fishing. Keep an eye out for the abundant wildlife that lives on Phillip Island. Visit a Koala Conservation Centre or Animal Park where you'll see native Australian animals in their natural habitats. Walk amongst the treetops in nature reserve bushland and see wild koalas within touching distance. Keep an eye out for a Kangaroo or wild wallaby. They are a look-alike version of a kangaroo but a smaller version. The animals of Australia are sure to be captivating.
Outback Wilderness
Uluru is the official Aboriginal name for Ayers Rock. This massive red rock in the center of the country's desert is a sight to behold. It dates back a half billion years. It is older than the dinosaurs! There’s something mystical about something that is that old.
While visiting the Australia Red Center visit the Aboriginal Heritage Cultural Center and enjoy a delicious BBQ dinner as you watch the sunset over Uluru (Ayers Rock). Why not be adventurous? You are in the desert dunes. Take a ride, ten feet off the ground, on the back of a camel, and watch the changing colors of Uluru at sunrise or sunset. The events at Uluru center around the glow of sunset and sunrise on this magnificent rock, along with viewing the spectacular evening ceiling of stars!
IRELAND
Highlights:
Ireland immediately conjures up images of pubs, music, ruins, castles, monasteries, Celtic lore, and friendly people.
All are very hard to resist!
Dublin, Cliffs of Moher, Unique Small Towns, Kylemore Abbey, Titanic
Dublin
Dublin is a city that immediately feels comfortable. Walk around Trinity College campus and find your way to the Library, the home of the Book of Kells. If you would like more history, take a 15-minute drive to visit and learn about Dublin Castle. Ready for some refreshments? Head to the famous Temple Bar, established in 1840 with its bright red exterior that will beacon you with its 450 different kinds of rare whiskies. This busy cobbled stoned, riverside neighborhood is full of pubs, restaurants, and funky boutiques that are a perfect photo opt location. A stop at the Guinness Store is almost a prerequisite with a visit to Dublin. Learn how to pour a perfect pint of Guinness. Explore across the seven floors before taking in the 360 views of Dublin city from Gravity Bar.
The Cliffs of Moher
The Cliffs of Moher in County Clare are stunning.
On a clear day walk the paths along the unforgettable Wild Atlantic Way and take in the wonders of this place. The windswept cliffs along the Atlantic, offering sheer 700-foot drop-offs and magnificent views.
Most see the cliffs from their top; why not arrange a boat ride, and see how majestic the cliffs are looking up from below? Enjoy a perspective of the cliff’s splendor seldom seen by others.
Quaint Small towns
Quaint Small towns are what attracts me and so many others to visiting Ireland. Ireland has many charming, small towns gems. Kinsale is my favorite, and it lives up to the name of the prettiest town in Ireland. Nestled at the mouth of the River Bradonon on the Wild Atlantic Way, this picture-perfect harbor town is full of sailboats. A perfect place for a seafood lunch. It offers an opportunity to visit the haunted ruins of Charles Fort or to meander quietly through the narrow streets of colorfully painted shops. Kinsale has plenty to do and is a lovely place to spend time!!
Titanic Belfast
Titanic Belfast will have you discovering the sights, sounds, smells, and stories of the ship, as well as the people and city that made her. The RMS Titanic was a well-built ship that had an ill-fated due to bad decisions. The museum consists of nine interpretative and interactive galleries with different themes. It allows visitors to walk the decks and even virtually travel to the depths of the ocean. Titanic Belfast and SS Nomadic are along the Belfast Maritime-Mile You can explore the Belfast historic waterfront and a walk from the city center out to Titanic Quarter.
Rail US National Parks
Highlights:
Glass Dome Rail Coach, Interesting Towns: Denver, Las Vegas, Glenwood, Springs, National Parks: Moab, Arches, Bryce, Zion
Coach Rail Car
Hear the whistle blow and take your seat. Travel in style and comfort in an expansive coach on two days of this adventure that offers the splendor of a glass viewing dome.
Indulge in the food and spirits presented as you travel from Denver to the historic resort old west town of Glenwood Springs.
Relax as your luggage is transported to your hotel, just a short walk from the rail station. Spend time at the hot springs, walk around town, take a hike, go fishing, or decide to stay at the hotel and drink wine and have a massage.
The Wild West, Red Rocks of the National Parks beckons to be explored, especially by rail. Travel through stunning scenery, seen from an expansive glass dome coach. Explore the American Southwest on a 7-day journey that will take you between Moab and Las Vegas with two days onboard the train and five days on a guided motorcoach tour and includes overnight stays in Denver, Glenwood Springs, Moab, Bryce Canyon, and Las Vegas. This journey takes you to red sandstone landscapes that twist through the bright blue sky to majestic mountain ranges.
Traveling by rail is a memorable luxurious experience where the rail journey is almost as exciting as the places you'll see.
National Parks
The landscape changes from sandstone to brilliant red stone as you make your way to Moab. Each of the National Parks has its own identity.
After crossing over the Colorado-Utah state-line, keep an eye out for Mount Peale, the highest point of the La Sal Mountains at 12,726 feet. As we reach Moab, get your first glimpse of the iconic Arches National Park, a wonderland of geological marvels. Depart the train and travel to Moab, the scarlet city, via a motorcoach transfer. You'll have time to river raft; almost a must-do excursion on a trip like this. Rafting is available for all adventure levels.
The Wild West, Red Rocks of the National Parks beckons to be explored, especially by rail. Travel through stunning scenery, seen from an expansive glass dome coach. Explore the American Southwest on a 7-day journey that will take you between Moab and Las Vegas with two days onboard the train and five days on a guided motorcoach tour and includes overnight stays in Denver, Glenwood Springs, Moab, Bryce Canyon, and Las Vegas. This journey takes you to red sandstone landscapes that twist through the bright blue sky to majestic mountain ranges.
Traveling by rail is a memorable luxurious experience where the rail journey is almost as exciting as the places you'll see.
National Parks
Bryce Canyon National Park, a sprawling reserve in southern Utah, is next.Unlike the arches of Moab and Arches-Bryce, these are known for crimson-colored hoodoos, which are spire-shaped rock formations.
Zion National Park is last but not least. Zion is renowned as one of the world's best places for canyoneering. Have a picnic lunch as you observe climbers descending slender canyons.
The Wild West, Red Rocks of the National Parks beckons to be explored, especially by rail. Travel through stunning scenery, seen from an expansive glass dome coach. Explore the American Southwest on a 7-day journey that will take you between Moab and Las Vegas with two days onboard the train and five days on a guided motorcoach tour and includes overnight stays in Denver, Glenwood Springs, Moab, Bryce Canyon, and Las Vegas. This journey takes you to red sandstone landscapes that twist through the bright blue sky to majestic mountain ranges.
