Europe is a continent that continues to fascinate me. Having written about the Top Experiences in Europe in a previous post, here is my selection of the best trips in Europe.
Iceland
Dubbed the "Land of Ice and Fire", Iceland is a country of glaciers, volcanoes and rugged beauty. The contrast between the lush coast and the stark volcanic deserts of the interior is astounding. See all of the sights on our 15-day Grand Tour of Iceland. If you would rather spend less time and see the highlights, check out the 8-day Discover Iceland. And for those who love being active, the Iceland Walking Explorer is a fabulous trip.
Scandinavia & the Arctic
Norway is a country of stunning fjords, well worth exploring on foot on our Walking the Fjords. For those wanting to see the glorious countryside as well as some of the cultural highlights of Scandinavia, our 2-week Scandinavia Explorer is a great trip. And if you really want to get off the beaten track, and experience the High Arctic and its wildlife, Spitsbergen is the place to go.
Russia & the Baltics
Russia is an enormous country, but if you only have one week, you can do worse than exploring the highlights on our Russia Highlights tour. But if you can find an extra week on your busy agenda, consider doing the extended Russia Experience trip. In the Baltics, where the three capitals each are so different, don't forget to also include the countryside for its beauty and its history. The best trip through Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania is Discover the Baltics. And if you'd rather be active, the countries are great cycling territory: Cycle the Baltics.
Greece and Turkey
Steeped in classical history, Greece and Turkey may be sworn enemies, they also share a lot of heritage. See the best of Turkey on our Treasures of Turkey trip and all of Greece on our Complete Greece tour. For a combination of both the Greek Islands and the highlights of Turkey, check out Classical Turkey and the Greek Islands. If you'd rather be active, consider Walking the Greek Islands or the Lycian Activity Week.
Croatia
With its varied history, pretty towns and beautiful coastline, Croatia keeps drawing many visitors. See Dubrovnik and the coastal towns or cycle the Dalmatian Coast. If hiking is your thing, Croatia has plenty to offer. With Venice having dominated the Adriatic region for centuries, our Jewels of the Adriatic make for a fantastic choice.
Italy
Birthplace of the Renaissance, land of glorious food and home to the Eternal City. What can be said about Italy that has not been said already. Check out my post on the Best trips in Italy.
France
Many years ago I lost my heart in France. I love the food, I love the people, and heck, I even love trying out my two words of French. Cycle the Chateaux of the Loire Valley, discover the delights of Provence, Hike the Highlights of Mont Blanc, taste truffles in the Dordogne, or simply see the Best of France. Not one for group tours? France is probably the country where we have the most self-guided trips. Just e-mail me!
Spain & Portugal
From the splendours of Andalucia, to the spiritual path of the Camino, Spain is a land of contrasts. See the best of Spain and Portugal, walk the forgotten villages of the Sierra Nevada or enjoy the great wines of Rioja while cycling this undiscovered region. The Atlantic Islands of Madeira and the Azores draw walkers from all over the world to discover volcanic landscapes and lush coastal scenery.
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
Best trips in Italy
Having written about the Highlights of Italy in an earlier post, here is my selection of the best trips in Italy. For more great trips in Europe, check out the post Best trip in Europe.
Spirit of Amalfi - walking trip
On this enchanting walking adventure, we go beyond the crowds to experience the hidden treasures and authentic culture of this Italian paradise. Highlights include a hike along the stunning Sentiero degli Dei (Footpath of the Gods), the mysterious Valley of the Mills and the spectacular village of Positano. Included is a visit to Pompeii and a day trip to the Isle of Capri. We are also based for four magnificent days in a wonderful hotel right on the waterfront in the village that lends its name to this glorious coast – Amalfi.
Colours of Tuscany - walking trip
The deep green of cypresses in rows. The glowing ruby of a waiting glass of Sangiovese. The burnt orange of terracotta rooves, mottled brown village piazza and the gold of endless fields. These are the colours of Tuscany you’ve dreamed of, and the colours we’ll show you.
Mouth watering feasts, undulating landscapes, rustic villas and a network of scenic trails – Tuscany is the walking adventure you’ve been dreaming of.
Secrets of Italy - sightseeing trip
The best of Northern Italy in one great 10-day tour. Experience Venice from the water, walk the Cinque Terre, see the leaning tower, live the Renaissance in Florence, discover hilltop towns in Umbria and end this fabulous trip in Eternal Rome.
Highlights of Italy - sightseeing trip
Venice, Florence, Rome and Naples need no introduction as historically fascinating and architecturally impressive cities. Still, it isn't all about romantic canals, legendary monuments or religious heritage, as the best of Italy is in the family atmosphere of a traditional agriturismo where we enjoy some renowned warm hospitality. Travelling by train through Italy's beautiful landscapes makes for an unforgettable experience as we can absorb the incredible views of Lake Como, the Apennine Mountains and the stunning Mediterranean coastline. Optional visits to Capri and Pompeii should not be missed but the included visits to Verona, Pisa and Lucca add to a truly memorable holiday.
Classic Dolomites - hiking trip
The week is based at Hotel Adler, a lovely 4-star hotel with wellbeing centre and indoor swimming pool in the small village of Villabassa. Nestled close to the Austrian border and sandwiched between the spectacular, jagged limestone peaks of the Dolomites, our base offers an excellent choice of wonderful routes with the opportunity to relax in comfort at the end of a day's walking.
Cycle Cilento & the Amalfi Coast - cycling trip
The Cilento National Park is largely undisturbed by the 21st Century and we cycle through quaint fishing villages where the traditional way of life is still very evident. Cycling is a great way to navigate this peaceful place and our route take us through the Greco-Roman city of Paestum, with its three major Doric style temples, before heading to the lovely town of Minori on the Amalfi Coast. In order to appreciate the area, we spend two days here, visiting beautiful towns such as Positano and of course Amalfi itself. All that cycling will help build your appetite for the fine food that the area is famous for.
Treasures of Sicily - sightseeing trip
Sicily has to be one of the most fascinating islands in Europe. It has an incredibly diverse history, thanks to the different marks left by the Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Normans and Spanish civilizations. On this comprehensive tour, we explore the island through its picturesque villages, well-preserved archaeological sites and splendid scenery. Of course no trip to Sicily is complete without trying the local delicacies and we have plenty of opportunities to sample its mouth-watering cuisine and world-renowned wines.
Spirit of Amalfi - walking trip
On this enchanting walking adventure, we go beyond the crowds to experience the hidden treasures and authentic culture of this Italian paradise. Highlights include a hike along the stunning Sentiero degli Dei (Footpath of the Gods), the mysterious Valley of the Mills and the spectacular village of Positano. Included is a visit to Pompeii and a day trip to the Isle of Capri. We are also based for four magnificent days in a wonderful hotel right on the waterfront in the village that lends its name to this glorious coast – Amalfi.
Colours of Tuscany - walking trip
The deep green of cypresses in rows. The glowing ruby of a waiting glass of Sangiovese. The burnt orange of terracotta rooves, mottled brown village piazza and the gold of endless fields. These are the colours of Tuscany you’ve dreamed of, and the colours we’ll show you.
Mouth watering feasts, undulating landscapes, rustic villas and a network of scenic trails – Tuscany is the walking adventure you’ve been dreaming of.
Secrets of Italy - sightseeing trip
The best of Northern Italy in one great 10-day tour. Experience Venice from the water, walk the Cinque Terre, see the leaning tower, live the Renaissance in Florence, discover hilltop towns in Umbria and end this fabulous trip in Eternal Rome.
Highlights of Italy - sightseeing trip
Venice, Florence, Rome and Naples need no introduction as historically fascinating and architecturally impressive cities. Still, it isn't all about romantic canals, legendary monuments or religious heritage, as the best of Italy is in the family atmosphere of a traditional agriturismo where we enjoy some renowned warm hospitality. Travelling by train through Italy's beautiful landscapes makes for an unforgettable experience as we can absorb the incredible views of Lake Como, the Apennine Mountains and the stunning Mediterranean coastline. Optional visits to Capri and Pompeii should not be missed but the included visits to Verona, Pisa and Lucca add to a truly memorable holiday.
Classic Dolomites - hiking trip
The week is based at Hotel Adler, a lovely 4-star hotel with wellbeing centre and indoor swimming pool in the small village of Villabassa. Nestled close to the Austrian border and sandwiched between the spectacular, jagged limestone peaks of the Dolomites, our base offers an excellent choice of wonderful routes with the opportunity to relax in comfort at the end of a day's walking.
Cycle Cilento & the Amalfi Coast - cycling trip
The Cilento National Park is largely undisturbed by the 21st Century and we cycle through quaint fishing villages where the traditional way of life is still very evident. Cycling is a great way to navigate this peaceful place and our route take us through the Greco-Roman city of Paestum, with its three major Doric style temples, before heading to the lovely town of Minori on the Amalfi Coast. In order to appreciate the area, we spend two days here, visiting beautiful towns such as Positano and of course Amalfi itself. All that cycling will help build your appetite for the fine food that the area is famous for.
Treasures of Sicily - sightseeing trip
Sicily has to be one of the most fascinating islands in Europe. It has an incredibly diverse history, thanks to the different marks left by the Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Normans and Spanish civilizations. On this comprehensive tour, we explore the island through its picturesque villages, well-preserved archaeological sites and splendid scenery. Of course no trip to Sicily is complete without trying the local delicacies and we have plenty of opportunities to sample its mouth-watering cuisine and world-renowned wines.
Friday, April 25, 2014
Friday, March 14, 2014
Customer Feedback Winter 2014
In a previous post I wrote about what makes a good travel agent. I am blessed to have a loyal following of clients. Here is some of the feedback I received in January and February of 2014.
"I have been booking trips with Tom since 1998. He is always very helpful in identifying options and has excellent information to help with making decisions." - Chris, Toronto, ON
"You should do whatever it takes to keep Tom in your employ." - Allan, Waverley, NS
"I did 17 long journeys with other operators..... and never did I receive such good service from the sales person. No service matched the service you gave me. From now on, you will be my first contact. " - Dominique, Toronto, ON
""You are just great, Tom!!! I will be going over all you sent……….and looking at your suggested books. Hope we can work with you again in the future!" - Anonymous from feedback survey
"I just completely adore your fantastic customer service! thank you so much!" - Bryan - Toronto, ON
Tom is outstanding and ensures we have the best possible experience. We have worked with him to book a number of trips, and I have referred friends and colleagues who have been equally pleased. Judy & Jocelyn, Toronto, ON
"I haven't done many group trips, so I didn't know what to expect from the agent. I was very pleased with the service I got from Tom. He's an experienced traveller, so he understood the questions I asked and addressed them to my satisfaction. Also, because he's a traveller, he was enthusiastic about the trip I'm taking." - Ron, Bracebridge, ON
It was a joy to work with a skilled, knowledgeable and responsive travel professional like Tom who provides not just the standard services but also tailored the add-on services to the individual customer's needs (e.g. reading recommendations, packing list etc.) - Celia, Toronto, ON
Tom answered my questions before I knew I had them as questions. Before I had the benefit of connecting with Tom, I had booked a trip with another company. When Tom learned I was on the other trip, he sent me tips and resources that he thought would be helpful to me. Something the tour provider I booked with, didn't do. He clearly loves travel, and he w ants others to have the travel experiences that will make them love travel as well. - Barry, Calgary, AB
"Tom is great and very helpful. I will always make my travel arrangements with him." - Sarala, Montreal, PQ
"Your service was excellent. Thank you. I will continue to recommend you your travel agency."
- Anonymous from feedback survey
"He is the best" - Ghislain, Orleans, ON
"Tom was great as a travel agent, very helpful and understanding. His advice has been excellent." - Kim, Hamilton, ON
"Tom has always been a great help in planning many of our trips, and his help is much appreciated." - Michael, St Basile le Grand PQ
"I have been booking trips with Tom since 1998. He is always very helpful in identifying options and has excellent information to help with making decisions." - Chris, Toronto, ON
"You should do whatever it takes to keep Tom in your employ." - Allan, Waverley, NS
"I did 17 long journeys with other operators..... and never did I receive such good service from the sales person. No service matched the service you gave me. From now on, you will be my first contact. " - Dominique, Toronto, ON
""You are just great, Tom!!! I will be going over all you sent……….and looking at your suggested books. Hope we can work with you again in the future!" - Anonymous from feedback survey
"I just completely adore your fantastic customer service! thank you so much!" - Bryan - Toronto, ON
Tom is outstanding and ensures we have the best possible experience. We have worked with him to book a number of trips, and I have referred friends and colleagues who have been equally pleased. Judy & Jocelyn, Toronto, ON
"I haven't done many group trips, so I didn't know what to expect from the agent. I was very pleased with the service I got from Tom. He's an experienced traveller, so he understood the questions I asked and addressed them to my satisfaction. Also, because he's a traveller, he was enthusiastic about the trip I'm taking." - Ron, Bracebridge, ON
It was a joy to work with a skilled, knowledgeable and responsive travel professional like Tom who provides not just the standard services but also tailored the add-on services to the individual customer's needs (e.g. reading recommendations, packing list etc.) - Celia, Toronto, ON
Tom answered my questions before I knew I had them as questions. Before I had the benefit of connecting with Tom, I had booked a trip with another company. When Tom learned I was on the other trip, he sent me tips and resources that he thought would be helpful to me. Something the tour provider I booked with, didn't do. He clearly loves travel, and he w ants others to have the travel experiences that will make them love travel as well. - Barry, Calgary, AB
"Tom is great and very helpful. I will always make my travel arrangements with him." - Sarala, Montreal, PQ
"Your service was excellent. Thank you. I will continue to recommend you your travel agency."
- Anonymous from feedback survey
"He is the best" - Ghislain, Orleans, ON
"Tom was great as a travel agent, very helpful and understanding. His advice has been excellent." - Kim, Hamilton, ON
"Tom has always been a great help in planning many of our trips, and his help is much appreciated." - Michael, St Basile le Grand PQ
 |
| Tom on one of his recent trips in Italy. |
Thursday, February 20, 2014
Thursday, February 13, 2014
Friday, February 7, 2014
Highlights of South India
South India is a land of temples, colonials towns, beautiful beaches, tea plantations and palm trees. More laid-back than the north of India, the south is a great place to get acquainted to India, or get some R&R. Here are all the highlights of South India. You can see images and a map on my Pinterest site.
Cycling is a great way to explore the country side, or join a small group tour to discover larger areas.
Set on the Malabar, or 'Pepper Coast', Cochin (Kochi) is one of South India's most interesting towns and is believed to have been the first European settlement in India. It has a relaxed atmosphere and is famous for its Chinese fishing nets. Discover the old Mattancherry Palace, the synagogue with its hand painted 18th century blue ceramic floor tiles and St Francis Church where Vasco de Gama died in 1524.
The journey up to Coonoor is one of the most scenic in South India with superb views of the plains below. Don't forget to take the narrow gauge steam Blue Mountain Railway from Coonoor to Ootacamund, a delightful one-hour train journey.
Ootacamund, or 'Snooty Ooty' was a refuge for British Officials and tea planters in Southern India as the climate this high up is much cooler. Views from peaks, pleasant forest walks and the beautiful botanical gardens are the highlights of this area.
On the beautiful drive down the hills towards Mysore you may spot deer, elephant and monkeys. Mysore, a former capital, is a city of royal palaces, sandalwood and the manufacture of incense sticks. Explore the beautifully restored City Palace, with its domes, arches and colonnades of carved pillars and shiny marble floors. Marvel at the stained glass, wall paintings, ivory inlaid doors and ornate golden throne.
Just outside of Mysore is Srirangapatnam, the capital of Haider Ali and his famous son, Tipu Sultan. Tipu's famous battles against colonization are depicted in the murals on the walls of his summer palace.
Kanchipuram, one of Hinduism's seven most sacred cities, is known as 'the Golden City of a Thousand Temples'. There are still about 70 temples in the town, including the Ekambaresvara Temple with its Thousand Pillared Hall and the Kailasanatha Temple, considered to be the most beautiful of the town.
On the Coromandel Coast, visit the rock cut caves and temples at Mahabalipuram, occupying a stunning position on a rocky outcrop overlooking the sea. There are plenty of cave temples, rock-carved shrines and sculptured rock panels all dating back to the 7th century.
Pondicherry enjoys a hint of its French colonial atmosphere in the grid pattern streets, distinctive police uniforms and the occasional colonial building. But if colonial charm is what you are after, Cochin is the place you want to be.
Thanjavur is famous for the Thanjavur Brihadisvara Temple, one of the great monuments of southern India. It is built mainly from granite and has outstanding inscriptions and sculptures of Shiva, Vishnu and Durga. Here you can also visit a beautiful 16th century palace which houses a huge library as well as the Rajaraja Museum with a collection of magnificent Chola bronzes.
Life revolves around the Meenakshi Temple in the bustling city of Madurai. It is a hive of activity and the scene of an almost continuous religious festival. One of the most spectacular parts of the complex is the 16th century Thousand Pillared Hall with exquisitely carved columns and its sculptured ceiling,
Periyar National Park is known for its elephants, sambar, wild boar and barking deer. Don't expect wildlife sightings as you would in Africa, but you can enjoy a jungle walk or boat cruise or go on a tour of the spice gardens. Coffee, tea, rubber, cardamom and pepper are just some of the local produce.
Traditional wooden boats were the method of transport for hundreds of years in Kerala and a houseboat cruise in the Kerala Backwaters is the highlight of many a South India trip. As your boat meanders through canals and waterways lined with lush tropical vegetation you will enjoy the scenery, watch locals travel by boat or spot some of the prolific bird life. Don't forget to step ashore to get an insight into traditional village life.
A typical trip through South India will end in Kovalam or Varkala. Enjoy the idyllic soft sandy beaches, warm clear waters and wide views of the ocean horizon that these seaside has to offer. It makes for a great end to any highlights trip through South India!
Cycling is a great way to explore the country side, or join a small group tour to discover larger areas.
Set on the Malabar, or 'Pepper Coast', Cochin (Kochi) is one of South India's most interesting towns and is believed to have been the first European settlement in India. It has a relaxed atmosphere and is famous for its Chinese fishing nets. Discover the old Mattancherry Palace, the synagogue with its hand painted 18th century blue ceramic floor tiles and St Francis Church where Vasco de Gama died in 1524.
The journey up to Coonoor is one of the most scenic in South India with superb views of the plains below. Don't forget to take the narrow gauge steam Blue Mountain Railway from Coonoor to Ootacamund, a delightful one-hour train journey.
Ootacamund, or 'Snooty Ooty' was a refuge for British Officials and tea planters in Southern India as the climate this high up is much cooler. Views from peaks, pleasant forest walks and the beautiful botanical gardens are the highlights of this area.
On the beautiful drive down the hills towards Mysore you may spot deer, elephant and monkeys. Mysore, a former capital, is a city of royal palaces, sandalwood and the manufacture of incense sticks. Explore the beautifully restored City Palace, with its domes, arches and colonnades of carved pillars and shiny marble floors. Marvel at the stained glass, wall paintings, ivory inlaid doors and ornate golden throne.
Just outside of Mysore is Srirangapatnam, the capital of Haider Ali and his famous son, Tipu Sultan. Tipu's famous battles against colonization are depicted in the murals on the walls of his summer palace.
Kanchipuram, one of Hinduism's seven most sacred cities, is known as 'the Golden City of a Thousand Temples'. There are still about 70 temples in the town, including the Ekambaresvara Temple with its Thousand Pillared Hall and the Kailasanatha Temple, considered to be the most beautiful of the town.
On the Coromandel Coast, visit the rock cut caves and temples at Mahabalipuram, occupying a stunning position on a rocky outcrop overlooking the sea. There are plenty of cave temples, rock-carved shrines and sculptured rock panels all dating back to the 7th century.
Pondicherry enjoys a hint of its French colonial atmosphere in the grid pattern streets, distinctive police uniforms and the occasional colonial building. But if colonial charm is what you are after, Cochin is the place you want to be.
Thanjavur is famous for the Thanjavur Brihadisvara Temple, one of the great monuments of southern India. It is built mainly from granite and has outstanding inscriptions and sculptures of Shiva, Vishnu and Durga. Here you can also visit a beautiful 16th century palace which houses a huge library as well as the Rajaraja Museum with a collection of magnificent Chola bronzes.
Life revolves around the Meenakshi Temple in the bustling city of Madurai. It is a hive of activity and the scene of an almost continuous religious festival. One of the most spectacular parts of the complex is the 16th century Thousand Pillared Hall with exquisitely carved columns and its sculptured ceiling,
Periyar National Park is known for its elephants, sambar, wild boar and barking deer. Don't expect wildlife sightings as you would in Africa, but you can enjoy a jungle walk or boat cruise or go on a tour of the spice gardens. Coffee, tea, rubber, cardamom and pepper are just some of the local produce.
Traditional wooden boats were the method of transport for hundreds of years in Kerala and a houseboat cruise in the Kerala Backwaters is the highlight of many a South India trip. As your boat meanders through canals and waterways lined with lush tropical vegetation you will enjoy the scenery, watch locals travel by boat or spot some of the prolific bird life. Don't forget to step ashore to get an insight into traditional village life.
A typical trip through South India will end in Kovalam or Varkala. Enjoy the idyllic soft sandy beaches, warm clear waters and wide views of the ocean horizon that these seaside has to offer. It makes for a great end to any highlights trip through South India!
 |
| Meenakshi Temple, Madurai |
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)