Traveling Well » John Geysen

The Shades of Ireland Top 10

John Geysen — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 13:47:57 +0000

Shades of Ireland remains one of Collette’s most popular tours. Here’s a quick Top 10 with some major highlights.

Experience an overnight stay on the grounds of a castle.
Meet the locals on a visit to a working Irish Farm.
Enjoy a truly memorable evening of traditional Irish entertainment.
Travel one of the most beautiful coastal routes in the world,
the Ring of Kerry.
View the spectacular Cliffs of Moher, soaring nearly 700 feet above the mighty Atlantic.
Take a jaunting car ride in beautiful Killarney.
Learn how Irish Whiskey is made and enjoy a tasting.
Tour the rollicking city of Dublin with a local guide.
Explore the medieval city of Kilkenny.
Kiss the famous Blarney Stone!

Give us your feedback. Could you add to this list? What are some of your favorite Ireland experiences?

How Will You See the World?

John Geysen — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 12:32:30 +0000

Everyday our team of travel experts strives to build and deliver journeys that match the adventurous spirit of a Collette traveler.

This Video captures that.

Cuba, Hemingway… someday

John Geysen — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 12:41:24 +0000

More than anyplace else in Cuba I’d like to check out Finca Vigía (Lookout Farm) – Ernest Hemingway’s home 12 miles outside of Havana. It was here that he wrote For Whom The Bell Tolls and conceived his final masterpiece, The Old Man and the Sea. Even his famous boat (the Pillar) resides at the home.

Hemingway left in 1960, after the revolution. Ernesto, as he was known there, stepped out of his front door never to return.

Finca Vigía remains a major cultural attraction, along with Hemingway’s favorite bar, the Floridita. I read recently that a team of American and Cuban experts are working to preserve the country estate, which houses thousands of the great writer’s books, papers and artifacts. Politics have been put aside for a common goal.

Tour Video: Italy’s Treasures

John Geysen — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 21:18:41 +0000

This weekend – after the Patriots beat the Ravens – kick back with our Italy’s Treasures travel video. Imagine yourself on this culinary and cultural adventure.

Experience It: Tierra del Fuego

John Geysen — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 14:00:45 +0000

It’s always been a travel goal of mine to embark on a journey to the end of the world.

On our Exploration tour Patagonia: The Marvels of Argentina & Chile, you can get up close with wildlife, glaciers, fjords, and the mythical Cape Horn while exploring the archipelago of Tierra del Fuego.

This is a place where civilization stops and adventure awaits. I’d love follow in the footsteps of some of the world’s greatest explorers – Ferdinand Magellan and Sir Francis Drake.

I can easily imagine myself riding a zodiac boat, sharing in the same thrill of discovery that Charles Darwin experienced when he sailed here on the HMS Beagle in the 1830’s.

Our guests, delight in opportunities to observe Magellanic penguins, elephant seals, guanacos, and the unique flora of the Magellanic forests. Face-to-face encounters with glaciers and fjords give insight into the dramatic geological history of this region, while land excursions reveal the legacy of remarkable indigenous cultures and the settlers who followed. This trip is the highlight of our small group Patagonian odyssey.

Tour Video: Three Kingdoms of Indochina

John Geysen — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 12:21:34 +0000

From contemplating the Fall of Saigon to exploring a once forgotten temple deep in the jungle, each day paints a new picture of the rich cultures of Indochina.

Learn more about this small group tour that capture another way of life.

Three Kingdoms of Indochina:
Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia

Check Out the New Collette Foundation Video

John Geysen — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 14:20:45 +0000

Today, I encourage you to head on over to our sister blog – www.collettefoundation.org.

We have a brand new video that I was lucky enough to be a part of. Regular Traveling Well readers will recognize the great work of Collette’s media team.

Also, the dedicated employees who run the Foundation kicked off 2012 with some great news.

Tour Video: Best of Portugal

John Geysen — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 12:05:26 +0000

Let’s kick off 2012 with what I believe will be one of the most popular destinations this year

Discover a side of Portugal few travelers have seen. Learn more about The Best of Portugal featuring the Estoril Coast, Azores & Madeira Islands .

Travel and Be Merry!

John Geysen — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 14:06:13 +0000

Best Wishes from everyone at Collette Headquarters and from our team around the globe.

Traveling Well will be back after the New Year with some exciting new content, including an all new Reality Tour!

Meanwhile please check out some of our most popular topics:

May all your travels be merry!

Tour Video: Patagonia

John Geysen — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 20:31:36 +0000

In some places, the images speak for themselves.

From the dramatic Southern Patagonian fjords and Cape Horn to the penguin colony on Magdalena Island to life at the “end of the world” in Ushuaia, this is a grand adventure.

Best seen as part of a small group tour – Patagonia is new to Explorations!