Posts tagged travel advisor
Egypt | Northern Italy - Normandy | Dude Ranches | Travel with Confidence

Karnak Temple, Luxor, Egypt

Wonders of the World Await in Egypt

It’s hard not to feel the draw of Egypt’s thousands of years of history. Standing witness to the last ancient Wonder of the World – the Great Pyramid of Giza – is reason enough to make the trip, but it is merely one of many compelling reasons.

In Cairo, listen to the call to prayer as you head out to explore this incredible city - the Mosque of Muhammad Ali, the Hanging Church and the Saladin Citadel in the central part of the town are must-sees. Plan to spend some time wandering Khan el-Khalili, Cairo’s large souk, or market, with its mind-boggling array of shops and vendors – photography opportunities (and bargains) are found in every aisle of the bazaar.

Pyramids and the Great Sphinx in Giza | Khan el-Khalili, Cairo, Egypt

Go off-roading on a Jeep in the desert or head out to explore the dunes Lawrence of Arabia style (just substitute a camel), both can offer incredible night-sky viewing if combined with a Bedouin glamping experience overnight. And perhaps it’s time to teach the kids that Luxor isn’t just a big hotel in Vegas but one of the world’s greatest open-air museums. 

The ancient temple site is located in the Upper Nile Valley, and the city of Luxor is where many Nile River cruises cast off from. Whether they head north or south, these cruises take travelers into the heart of Egypt. Fly into Cairo early to ensure you take in the Pyramids and the Sphinx before transferring into Luxor, home to the Valley of the Kings.

Top: Viking Cruises - Luxor, Egypt  |  Bottom: Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Aswan

Nile river cruises often run from August through May and take a break during the extreme heat of summer. The best time to cruise the Nile is October to April, though it will be busier. Work with us to discover the best locations and experiences for your family.


Ancient treasures and stunning architecture make Egypt a country everyone should see.

 

Cliffs of Etretat, Normandy

Northern France: Home to History, Monet’s Garden and Culinary Delights

Normandy, most widely known for its part in D-Day, has a lot more to offer visitors. Sites such as the Juno Beach Centre, the British Normandy Memorial, the Normandy American Center and France’s Memorial Museum for the Battle of Normandy help us understand the past. But travelers should also plan to spend a few extra nights and discover why Normandy is renowned for more than its Second World War history.

Old Market Square, Rouen  |  Market Cheese Selection

The region – around 2.5 hours by car or train from Paris – makes a terrific multiday add-on to your Loire Valley and Paris visits. River cruises along the Seine are also a fantastic option here – leaving the driving to the captain and sightseeing your only responsibility.

By river or by road, consider your options: If you travel to eat (and who doesn’t?) dip into local delicacies such as camembert, cider and Calvados brandy – all made for centuries in the region. Along the coast, seafood, especially oysters, are a must, so stop at the first oyster shack you spot and order a bottle of Muscadet on the side.

Mont-Saint-Michel  |  Monet's Garden

And if you haven’t already made the pilgrimage to Mont-Saint-Michel, maybe this is the year to chase the tides to the architectural marvel built on an island. We can help arrange access outside of the busier times. Inland, Monet’s home and famous painted garden in Giverny will delight travelers; it is often a stop on river cruises.  


Discover the delights of the north coast of France; it’s an easy addition to your trip.

 

The Ranch at Rock Creek, Montana

Dude, Where’s My Ranch?

A ranch vacation is one of the greatest North American vacations – nothing gets you back to the land like learning to live like a cowboy. And we all deserve to disconnect from city life for a while. Dude ranch getaways are found across the U.S. and in Canada’s Western provinces. Working ranches in Montana, Texas, Wyoming, British Columbia and Alberta often allow guests to spend as much or as little time in the barn as they need.

Those who love to ride, or those who’ve never sat astride a horse are catered to with daily outings and horsemanship training. Ranches always offer more than just horses, too: hiking, trail riding, swimming, and fly fishing are just some of the other options available to guests. Think about what’s going to excite and delight your ranchers-in-training (no matter their age) before you select a destination.

1. Siwash Lake Wilderness Resort, BC  |  2. The Ranch at Rock Creek, Montana  |  3. The Ranch at Rock Creek, Montana  |  4. Lodge and Spa at Brush Creek Ranch, Wyoming  |  5. Triple Creek Ranch, Montana

And who said anything about living like a ranch hand? The Siwash Lake Wilderness Resort in the Chilcotin region of B.C. offers five-star dining and luxurious accommodations, while also providing opportunities to connect with horses and nature. In Big Sky Country, The Ranch at Rock Creek and Triple Creek Ranch offer a chance to fulfill your Yellowstone-inspired dreams. And after a day of outdoor activities in Wyoming, unwind with a pampering spa experience at The Lodge and Spa at Brush Creek Ranch, where the treatments are tailored to calm tired and achy muscles. 

Great for families and couples, ranch vacations always need to be booked early to find the best luxury location that fits your needs and interests. With so many options to choose from, let us help you plan your perfect ranch getaway that combines adventure, relaxation, and luxury.


Let us give you a home, where luxury roams.

 

Travel With Confidence

As your travel advisors, we pride ourselves on delivering exceptional experiences to our clients. It's not just about booking the best hotels and flights, it's also about ensuring that your travel credentials are in top shape. When you book with us, you can rest assured that you're in good hands.

One of the most important things that we do is keep our clients up-to-date on the latest travel requirements. Are you ready for new European visa requirements? Is your identification considered Real ID? Have you to had to navigate high-tech security screenings yet? And do you have the Mobile Passport Control app on your phone for quick and easy crossings at the Canada/U.S. border?

We know that travel can be stressful, but with our help, you can rest easy knowing that everything is taken care of. So why not give us call and let us make sure that you have everything you need for your next adventure? Whether you're traveling solo or with a group, we're here to help make sure that your trip is smooth, stress-free, and unforgettable.


Travel tech changes all the time, we stay on top of it.

Spain | Sicily Travel White Lotus | Treat the Ones You Love When You Travel | Why the Best Trips are Created by TAs

Mallorca, Spain

Spain Awaits: Experience the Culture, Cuisine & Scenery

A feeling of fiesta moves through Spain and its people, who are warm and welcoming and love to celebrate the good things in life. It’s time to see this cultural and culinary-focused country for yourself, done at any time of year. With its mild climate, beautiful beaches, and delicious food, Spain is a popular tourist destination for a reason. Its bustling cities and charming villages offer something for everyone.

Left: Pintxos  |  Right: Guggenheim, Bilbao

In the northern Basque region of Spain, not far from the French border, sits the renowned foodie destination of San Sebastian, famed for its many, many Michelin-starred chefs. Visitors should also go out for pintxos, tiny pieces of bread piled high with flavor. By casually dropping in at neighborhood bars for small snacks and a short glass of beer or wine, you can easily soak up the local life and culture around you. 

Why not combine your foodie stop with a cultural one, and head to nearby Bilbao, just over an hour’s drive east along the coast? Here your first stop is the Frank Gehry-designed Guggenheim modern art museum. This architectural marvel is breathtaking both inside and out.

Left: La Sagrada Familia  |  Right: Mallorca

Another great destination coupling is the architectural delights of Barcelona (for Gaudi’s breathtaking La Sagrada Familia and his eye-popping Casa Batlló) and Mallorca’s sunny, warm beaches (the island is easily reached by ferry or short flight). Mallorca’s capital, Palma de Mallorca, is a feast for the eyes, with historical sites dating back to the 13th-century Christians and earlier Moor, Roman and Talayotic civilizations.

Madrid is a vibrant and dynamic city that should not be missed. With a population of over 3 million, it is the beating heart of Spain, bursting with energy and life. Known for its nightlife, this city is a haven for those looking for an authentic and off-the-beaten-path experience. Take a stroll down Gran Via, "street that never sleeps," where you'll find an eclectic mix of shops, bars, and restaurants.


From Barcelona to Mallorca, from cava to rioja, let us style your Spanish immersion.

 

Piazza IX Aprile, Taormina, Sicily

Exploring Sicily Beyond HBO's White Lotus

Be warned: if you’ve fallen under Sicily’s spell and want to make it your base for la dolce vita, understand that you are not planning a trip to Italy but a trip to Sicily. This is the largest island in the Mediterranean, just off the toe of Italy’s boot, and it’s experiencing a visitor renaissance thanks to HBO’s White Lotus.

Four Seasons San Domenico Palace  |  Isola Bella

The wry, dark comedy set its second season in the Four Seasons San Domenico Palace, a heritage property perched near the hilltop town of Taormina. This former convent-turned-hotel overlooks Mount Etna and the Bay of Taormina and has welcomed the elite for decades – it is a fantastic place to stay, but it’s not the only spot. Fans of the TV show should drop by the hotel for a drink on the terrace or a meal at one of its three restaurants, but there’s so much more to explore elsewhere. 

The main town of Palermo is fun to get a little lost in as you wander through the stone streets and markets in neighborhoods such as La Kalsa, Il Capo and Albergheria. 

Ancient theatre of Taormina |  Palermo Cathedral church

Aside from the Four Seasons, the resort town of Taormina is known for its hillside views, and culinary delights and these are best explored in the spring or fall to avoid the summer frenzy of local crowds. 

History buffs must head to the Valley of the Temples in the south, where preserved Doric temples still stand as beacons to sailors, just as the Greeks intended in the 5th century. On the island’s west side, head to the top of Erice to visit a Norman castle (built over the Temple of Venus) with jaw-dropping 360-degree views.


Explore the riches of the largest Mediterranean island.

 

Belmond’s Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

How to Treat the Ones You Love When You Travel

In this month of love, we’d like to offer a few suggestions on how to make the ones you love feel special on your vacation. Sure, going away together, whether as a couple or a family or a group of friends, is special enough, but there are ways to make the memories unforgettable.

Glam up your European getaway with a night or two on Belmond’s Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. Rail travel is making a comeback, so do it right and ensure the Champagne is flowing. The art-deco glamour, exquisite cuisine and the train’s storied history make the trip from Paris to Vienna, Venice, Verona or Prague (and many points in between) a journey to remember.

Top: Hacienda Altgracia  |  Left:  Belmond’s Venice Simplon-Orient-Express  |  Right: La Côte d'Or

Indulge in a luxurious spa day at the Hacienda Altagracia in Costa Rica and be swept away by the ultimate relaxation experience. The Well spa at Hacienda Altagracia is a true sanctuary of rejuvenation, offering a wide range of services designed to transport you to a state of complete relaxation. This spa day is the perfect way to unwind, reconnect and create an unforgettable memory in the natural paradise of Costa Rica.

Reserve a table at a Michelin-starred restaurant. Not only will the meal and wine pairing be exquisite, but the level of service will make you feel like a celebrity. In France, where food is a religion, there are 436 to choose from. If you're introducing the kids to fine dining, consider a meal at two-star La Côte d'Or in Burgundy. The restaurant is nestled inside the five-star Relais Bernard Loiseau, named for the chef who inspired the animated film Ratatouille. His wife and children run it still and love welcoming families.


Let’s find the right experience to make your trip even more special.

 

Why the Best Trips are Created by Travel Advisors

It’s smart to hire the right skill for the right job. You appreciate the keen eye of an interior designer to style your home and a gardener to tidy the landscaping to your liking. You bring in a plumber to fix that leaky faucet and finicky toilet and a contractor to complete the kitchen renovation. That’s also why smart travelers hire a travel advisor to craft a top-notch vacation. 

We listen to what you want and devote a lot of time and energy to your trip – we’ve got experience and training you can lean on. And if anything goes awry during your vacation, we've planned it from start to finish and will be your best bet to get things sorted. You already know how important experts are, and travel is no different.


Take advantage of our skills and explore with confidence.