Inspirational
Itineraries
Let’s get excited about some options
for your next adventure!
Inspirational
Let’s get excited about some options
I Love To Explore Exotic Destinations.
Are you looking for an incredible vacation but don’t know where you want to go?
Here are just a few samples of itineraries that are open to you!
It’s time to get excited about all the exotic locations that could be your next vacation!
Amawaterways
Vineyards of the
Rhine and Moselle
Not only will you sip on wines and beers during this river cruise from Amsterdam to Luxembourg, but you will drink up the beauty and history of the Rhine and Moselle river valleys’ iconic vineyards.
Overview
Your journey begins cruising through some of Amsterdam’s 165 canals before arriving in Cologne. Besides taking in the guided tours of the Old Town, your palette will begin its vacation when we visit a local tavern and sample the famous Kolsch beer, only made in Cologne, along with reibekuchen, potato pancakes typically served with applesauce. You will enjoy the castles while we cruise down the Rhines to the next stop, Rudesheim. Enjoy more wine sampling, or for those who want to help keep the “wine weight” off, hike a vineyard or go on a guided bike tour! Our next stop is in Mainz, where you will experience the local culture with a guided walking tour, including stopping at the Romanesque cathedral and the Chagall stain-glass windows depicting scriptural scenes in stunning blue colour. We will cap off the day with a visit to Lahneck Castle. Enjoy the scenic view of the Moselle Valley before we stop in Cochem and enjoy a walking tour and a visit to Reichsburg Castle. There are many other excursions available to explore this area — tour one of Europe’s oldest working mustard mills, enjoy a guided bike tour — different adventures open to you. Our next stop is in Bernkastel where you will enjoy a walking tour through this very colourful city which includes a winery visit and tasting! For those who love to cycle, join the bike tour along the Moselle.
This river cruise will have you telling stories about the flavours that blessed your palette and the ashore experiences that truly transformed you.
COUNTRIES
Germany, Luxembourg, Netherlands
• Pre- or Post-cruise land program available
Oceania Cruises
Istanbul to
Monte Carlo
This extended Mediterranean cruise will deepen your appreciation of the nine countries you will visit.
Overview
It’s time to indulge your sense in the largest city in Turkey, which straddles two continents. You can visit one of the many museums, the impressive Blue Mosque, cruise the Bosphorus to see Instanbul and its surroundings or stroll through the spice market.
Then we’re off to the beaches and numerous historic sites of Kavala and Philippi, Greece. The city of Kavala was surrounded by a defensive wall, which was repeatedly modified over time. The Byzantine castle was destroyed in 1391, but in 1425 was rebuilt and is what we see today. Not far from Kavala, you will find the ruins of the ancient city of Philippi, one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece. Archaeological research continues to this day.
Travel through the ancient ruins of Ephesus, Turkey, and marvel at one of the most impressive buildings in the Roman Empire — the Library of Celsus. Next, we’ll visit the cities of Priene, Miletus and Didyma — known for their impressive stadiums and majestic temples — this tour will take you back in time. You will have the opportunity to imagine what it was like to live in ANcient Greece.
Off to Athens to climb Scropolis and stand in awe of the Parthenon. This tour will cover the city highlights, then either journey to the temple of Poseidon, or visit ancient Corinth.
After we sail the sea, we’ll arrive at Kotor and admire the impressive walls and tour the imposing St. Tryphon Cathedral.
Speaking of walls, our next stop will be in Dubrovnik, Croatia, where you will enjoy a walk through this famous walled medieval city. You will also experience the hospitality of a local family where you will sample brandy and figs while being serenaded by local musicians.
Then we’re off to Italy — Ravenna where the most breathtaking mosaics are. The tomb of the Italian poet Dante within the Dante Museum is also well worth a visit.
Time to immerse yourself in Corfu, with its glorious scenery and beaches and its beautiful palaces.
Sail into Spain and discover the amazing natural wonders in the Drach Caves and see the windmills in the countryside. When we arrive in Barcelona, you will visit the magnificent Gothic cathedral and the amazing La Sagrada Familia.
We’re off to see the sights and views of Provence, France — with its fields of lavender and sunflowers.
Now we’ve come to Monte Carlo, Monaco. With stunning views, this is a great time to explore the wonderful old villages — each one a jewel to be savoured.
COUNTRIES
Turkey • Greece • Montenegro • Croatia • Italy • Malta • Spain • France • Monaco
• Pre- or Post-cruise land program available
GAdventures
Highlights of
Morocco
Wander through kasbahs, spice markets, and cities pulsing with energy on this comprehensive trip. Climb onto a camel and explore the edge of the Sahara before admiring the views from the heights of the Atlas Mountains.
Overview
This 15-day adventure will have you experiencing the energy of imperial cities as you explore souks stuffed with exotic wares. Then take a moment to appreciate this amazing adventure as you spend a night in a mountain gîte.
You are going to check off a lot of things on your Bucket List:
• Wander through ancient medinas and Roman ruins
• Ride a camel into the Sahara
• Enjoy traditional Moroccan fare at a local home
• Shop in seaside Essaouira
• Set eyes on the blue city of Chefchaouen
One thing I would suggest is, despite this tour beginning in Casablanca, there is no time spent actually in Casablanca, so I would suggest going a day earlier and spend it exploring its medina, beachfront and classic examples of Art Deco architecture.
This classic tour starts in Casablanca and finishes in Marrakech. You will have a small group experience, a maximum of 14 people. The accommodation is comfortable tourist-class with character, and there is a mix of public and private transportation. The physical grade is nothing challenging — light walking and hiking — which is suitable for most fitness levels.
This tour will cover all of the highlights, culture, access and I-can’t-believe-we-did-that moments!
You will also enjoy a “Your G for Good” moment — this is where you experience first-hand G Adventures’ commitment to making travel a force for good. In this tour, you will enjoy a G Adventures-supported traditional lunch that benefits rural Moroccan women and children. This G Adventures lunch program provides access to education opportunities and healthcare services. The proceeds from this lunch program help support vocational training for rural women, allowing them to support their families and children. Enjoy a traditional home-cooked Moroccan meal and meet some of the women that are part of this program.
STOPS ON TOUR
Casablanca, Chefchaouen, Fès, Merzouga, Todra Gorge, Aït Ben Haddou, High Atlas Mountains, Essaouira, and Marrakech
Viking Ocean Cruises
Russia &
the Baltic Sea
Europe’s Baltic nations boast some of the continent’s most atmospheric Old Towns. Come experience the world’s iconic cities in Norway and Sweden. See Peter the Great’s namesake Russian capital. Discover the jewels of Estonia.
Overview
You will begin your cruise in Stockholm’s stunning archipelago, nestled where Lake Mälaren meets the Baltic. Set amid 14 islands, Stockholm is a mosaic of natural beauty and has timeless traditions. Consider visiting the Vasa Museum to see with your own eyes an amazingly preserved 17th-century ship. Take off to the Swedish countryside and visit Skokloster Castle, or let your taste buds indulge in a smorgasbord, complete with smoked salmon — it’s OK, you’re on holiday!
You will sail through the vast expanse of islands along Sweden’s coastline before arriving in St. Petersburg, Russia.
You will explore St. Isaac’s Cathedral, the Peter and Paul Fortress, Nevsky Prospekt and more. You will also have optional tours to allow you to experience more of St. Petersburg.
You will walk back in time as you explore Tallinn’s Old Town, a UNESCO site and one of the finest medieval quarters in Europe. You will work up an appetite from strolling through the streets, and that will be great, as you will feast on marzipan — as this is the honey and almond confection’s birthplace. You will find edible creations throughout the city … so sample as often as possible!
The next stop is in Gotland (Visby), Sweden, where you can explore by foot the UNESCO World Heritage site. Vikings had settlements here and left more treasures here than anywhere else in Sweden.
Time to explore the charming village of Rønne, the largest town on the Danish island of Bornholm. Sample local food and drink, including its famous smoked herring, and take a tour around Bornholm’s Medieval Center.
By Day 10, we sail into Copenhagen, Denmark. You will have the entire day to explore, pass the brightly coloured houses Nyhavn, or New Harbor, once the home of Hans Christian Andersen. This fairy-tale city provides you plenty to explore, as well as delight your palate.
COUNTRIES
Sweden, Russia, Estonia, Denmark
• Pre- or Post-cruise land program available
Windstar Cruises
Caribbean
Pleasures
This is a warm island adventure-packed cruise filled with inland excursions and underwater explorations.
Overview
Situated near the harbour on the Dutch side, St. Maarten is covered with pastel-coloured buildings and the perfect place to grab some souvenirs for friends back home.
When you wake up in the morning, you will see the brightly painted Victorian and Georgian buildings in Charlestown, Nevis. This town is a true treat for those who simply choose to wander. One of the Founding Fathers of the United States, Alexander Hamilton, is an iconic historical figure here (yes, the guy the Broadway musical is based on)! You can visit the Alexander Hamilton House, as well as the Museum of Nevis History.
Time to hop in the water in Roseau! Snorkel alongside brilliant coloured parrotfish, then when you are waterlogged, you can go check out the botanical gardens. If you are up to a three to four-hour hike — but so worth it — to view the Boiling Lake, the world’s second-largest boiling lake.
Bequia, second-largest island in the Grenadines. Its anonymity has its advantages — no traffic or daily newspaper or mega-resorts — truly relaxing, but it still offers a lot to do!
From the second-largest to the smallest island of the Grenadines — Mayreau! With no more than 300 residents, you will feel like you are on a private island. This is the perfect place to lay about on the miles of secluded beaches and enjoy fun in the sun!
You will find your senses on overdrive with the stop in Grenada — the island of spice! The island is best known for nutmeg, but you will also find cinnamon, cloves, allspice, turmeric and ginger. St. George’s is widely claimed to be the most beautiful city in the Caribbean.
When you arrive at Pigeon Island, if you get the opportunity, go visit the Pigeon Island National Park — beautiful views from the top.
Enter the view that you’ve always imagined of the Caribbean — yacht-filled harbours against volcanic mountains and palm-fringed beach — Les Saintes. The impossibly blue water is what attracted Jacque Cousteau here. So, obviously, you have to snorkel, or scuba dive, here!
Time to sink your toes in the blond-sand beaches of Saint Barthélemy (better known as St. Barts). Popular things to do here are all water-related — maybe it’s time to give kite surfing a try.
COUNTRIES
St. Maarten • Nevis • Dominica • Bequia • Mayreau • Grenada • Barbados • St. Lucia • Guadeloupe • St. Barthélemy • St. Kitts
Paul Gauguin Cruises
Tahiti & the
Society Islands
It’s time to slow down and learn how to truly relax and rediscover the romance among the swaying palm trees, and the breathtaking view of Tahiti.
Overview
Your seven-day cruise begins in Papeete, Tahiti, the largest of French Polynesia’s islands. It’s the perfect place to start your adventure (it’s also a great place to spend a couple of days before your cruise).
Your first stop will be in Huahine, Society Islands. This island is lush with rainforest and dramatic terrain that you will have your day filled with adventure!
Try the ATV tour and discover the sublime views Huahine has to offer. Once you’ve finished exploring the land, head underwater where treasures await in the lagoon.
Your next stop at Paul Gauguin’s private islet will provide you with several options — swimming, snorkelling, kayaking — or just lounging on the beach with a cold beverage.
Now, you’re off to Bora Bora for a couple of days to wander the white-sand beaches and marvel at the view of Mount Otemanu. Not only are the views amazing, but you have to take in the views under the water! If you’re not into scuba diving, give the Aquabike Adventure a try. You will be able to explore the underwater wonders of Bora Bora on an underwater scooter!
You can cruise French Polynesia without stopping in Moorea, where you will be hypnotized by the multi-hued lagoon. It’s said to be the inspiration for James A. Michener’s Novel, South Pacific, Moorea is a favourite port for travellers — and the pineapples too!
STOPS ON TOUR
Papeete, Huahine, Taha’a (Motu Mahana), Bora Bora, Moorea
• Pre- or Post-cruise land program available
Reconnect
with the joy
of travel!
We’ve been dreaming of travelling to faraway destinations — reconnecting with our love of travel.
Why not take this opportunity to reconnect with family and friends — and book a travel bubble!
To help ease you back into the world of travel, we will create an itinerary for your small bubble, eight to 12 people — even 50 people — which will fulfil your travel dreams.
- 250-361-7899
- rhonda@destinationsbydesign.ca
