I woke up in an unfamiliar room thoroughly confused. I had gone to sleep in Vancouver, and it appeared from the snowy mountains right outside my window that I had awoken inside a Christmas card.

As I became more conscious, I remembered that the dark forests covered in snow meant that the train had entered the Canadian Rockies. My cozy train cabin allowed me to watch a heavy April snow descend on the remote winter wonderland without even getting out of bed.

Via Rail Canada’s private train cabins proved a pleasant way to travel from Vancouver to Jasper, as I had covered a great distance during the night and gained plenty of time to enjoy the scenery during the day. All my comforts were met as the train chugged on toward its destination with meals freshly cooked onboard, a scenic dome car and even heaven-sent showers.

While I watched for wildlife and reveled in all my legroom, little did I know that the beauty of the Canadian Rockies ahead would prove even more majestic than the misty mountains at present.

I was touring the spectacular Canadian Rockies on a trip with Collette Vacations….

Read more here.

Chateau Lake Louise

Masada

Israel: A Journey to the Holy Land is a 10 day guided tour that visits historic sites and cities such as the Mt. of Beatitudes, Masada, the Dead Sea, Jaffa, Caesaria, Nazareth, Cana, Qumran, Bethlehem, Tel Aviv, Tiberias, and Haifa. Also, Collette clients will visit Acre, the ancient crusader city and UNESCO World Heritage site; Jerusalem’s Old City; and the ruins of Jericho, the oldest city in the world. For those wishing to customize their itinerary, they may do so with the purchase of an optional Jordan post tour extension where they will cross the border and spend 4 days in Jordan visiting the stone-carved city of Petra, the immense, beautiful desert of Wadi Rum, Madaba, known as the “City of Mosaics”, and Amman, known as the “White City” before returning to Israel and departing from Tel Aviv.

In speaking with Manuel Paulo, Collette’s vice president of worldwide contracting, he told me, “Israel and Jordan are amazing destinations with incredible ancient sites and warm, welcoming people. It’s easy to fall back on traditional destinations, but then you’d be missing out on a first-rate travel experience that will leave a lasting impression. Everyone should visit Israel and Jordan during their lifetime;  two countries that I consider ‘must see destinations’ that should be on everyone’s travel list.”

Because many of Collette’s district sales managers  and staff traveled to Israel in 2010 for the company’s annual sales meeting, Collette President and CEO Dan Sullivan, Jr. has said,  “We ‘know because we go’ is really applicable here”.

There are many highlights on this tour - here are my top 5:

1. “float” in the tranquil, healing waters of the Dead Sea;
2. ascend the ancient walls of Masada, a UNESCO World Heritage site, by cable car;
3. take a tour and lunch at a local community restaurant in a Kibbutz;
4. follow the Via Dolorosa and walk the path of the Stations of the Cross;
5. visit the area of Qumran where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered.

Dead Sea

With a 2 night stay in Tiberias and 4 nights in the holy city of Jerusalem, “travelers on this tour will enjoy the more relaxed pace,” said Paulo.

In Peking opera there are four main types of roles: male, young female, painted face male, and clown (male or female). The characters may be loyal or treacherous, beautiful or ugly, good or bad, with their images being vividly manifested. The repertoire of Peking opera is mainly engaged in fairy tales of preceding dynasties, important historical events, emperors, ministers and generals.

The performance is accompanied by a tune played on wind instruments, percussion instruments and stringed instruments. The costumes are graceful, magnificent, elegant and brilliant, most of which are made in handcrafted embroidery. As the traditional Chinese patterns are adopted, the costumes are of a high aesthetic value.

Join us for an incredible performance at the Peking Opera.

Wat Arun's Temple of the Dawn

If you’r reading this blog post perhaps you have always wanted to travel to Southeast Asia and the beautiful country of Thailand. Or maybe you have already visited and are looking to return.

Collette Vacations’ new tour Flavors of Thailand is but one of the 15 new tours the company has unveiled for 2012.

“We wanted to introduce a new escorted tour to Thailand for travelers seeking a fresh take on traditional tours to the region. By combining world-famous attractions and the not-so-familiar, Flavors of Thailand is designed to help passengers develop a multi-dimensional perspective on the country as well as discover another way of life,” explains Krystle Ang, Collette’s Product Manager for Asia. “Exotic destinations like Thailand deliver the mystique of travel and the promise of the unknown.”

Some experiences on this tour that deliver the unfamiliar include:

• a pre-dawn visit to a local market where you can participate in the offering of alms to hundreds of saffron-robed ;
• a visit to the Akha and Lisu hill tribes where you’ll share a simple lunch;
• travel through the jungle to Maesa Elephant Camp;
• stroll along the historic Bridge over the River Kwai;
• embark on a Mekong river cruise and visit the Hall of Opium at the Golden Triangle;
• enjoy unique culinary experiences including a welcome dinner at a restored teak house, a picnic by the Mekong, lunch at a community development restaurant, and a farewell dinner at a riverside art gallery.

In addition to unique experiences, this tour includes traditional must-see sights like the Grand Palace and a stop at Wat Phra Kaew, home of the Emerald Buddha; shopping at Chiang Mai’s famous night market; and a trip to the iconic Damnoen Saduak floating market. Also, you will visit The Golden Buddha, one of the world’s largest solid gold statues and Wat Po, temple of The Reclining Buddha – all truly rich experiences ideal for first-time visitors.

This Collette tour is 14 days, 24 meals, with an incredible starting at price of $1349 per person, double, land only.  Some dates are guaranteed departure dates. Each tour includes the services of a professional tour manager throughout the journey in addition to expert local guides and an industry-leading cancellation waiver that allows passengers to cancel any time prior to the day of departure and receive a full cash refund. Collette Vacations is also the only major US travel tour operator that offers the benefit of complimentary roundtrip home to airport sedan service on all air-inclusive tours, enabling travelers to begin their vacation at home, all included in the published air-inclusive tour price (gratuities included).

If you book this tour by December 31, 2011 through your travel agent, receive $200 off per couple on the land only price for travel between 5/1/12 and 4/30/13. Offer can expire earlier due to space or inventory availability. Space is on a first come, first served basis. Offer is not valid on group bookings or combinable with any other offer. Other restrictions may apply.

Mount Vernon

With Collette Vacations introduction of a new Washington D.C. tour, Exploring America’s Capital makes perfect sense for the traveler looking for a longer tour with more inclusions. 

The extra days means that day trips outside the nation’s capital are now possible such as guided tours of both  Baltimore and the US Naval Academy in Annapolis as well as Mount Vernon; plus time spent in old town Alexandria.

“We’ve offered D.C. tours in the past, but what makes this one unique is new inclusions like the National Cathedral, Ford’s Theater, and a guided tour of Mount Vernon,” says Suzanne Kinahan, Collette product manager responsible for the itinerary.

This tour spends six nights in the heart of Washington, D.C., where passengers will enjoy a single hotel stay near the Nation’s top attractions. Featured on a guided tour of Baltimore is a visit to Fort McHenry, the location in Baltimore that inspired Francis Scott Key to pen the “Star Spangled Banner” during the war of 1812.

 “The story of American democracy comes to life on this tour of our nation’s capital city,” says Kinahan. “Beginning with a comprehensive, locally guided tour with views of the U.S. Capitol building and the White House, the excitement builds for stops at the extraordinary monuments throughout the National Mall that commemorate the heroes who have shaped our past.”

The Washington D.C. tour includes a docent-led tour of the Washington National Cathedral, with a visit to the location of the last sermon given by Martin Luther King, Jr.; a stop at Mount Vernon, home to President George Washington; a visit to the gravesites of the Kennedys and the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery; a guided walking tour of the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis; a visit to the World War II Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and the Korean War Memorial; a trip to the historic town of Alexandria, VA; and a visit to the world-famous Smithsonian Institution.

This Collette tour is 7 days, 9 meals, with a starting at price of $1499 per person, double, land only. Departures begin in March 2012; with some departures coinciding with the Cherry Blossom Season.

Collette is offering savings of $200 per couple* off the land only price of this tour now through March 31, 2012 for travel between 5/1/12 and 4/30/13.  And for all air-inclusive tour bookings, Collette passengers enjoy complimentary roundtrip home to airport sedan service so the difference starts at your door.

*Offer is valid on new bookings only made between 9/2/11 and 3/31/12 for travel between 5/1/12 and 4/30/13 on 2012 new tours only. Offers can expire earlier due to space or inventory availability. Space is on a first come, first served basis. Offer is not valid on group bookings or combinable with any other offer. Other restrictions may apply.

Keukenhof Tulips

In a recent press release, Collette announced the launch of another new Europe tour featuring Floriade 2012, a major world horticultural expo which only occurs every 10 years. Collette’s 11-day Dutch & Belgium Delights joins Netherlands, Belgium, and Paris tour giving itinerary options for those travelers interested in experiencing Floriade on departure dates, April through October 2012. Collette is offering Early Booking Savings of $200 per couple on both tours.*

In addition to Floriade, the Dutch & Belgium Delights program also has a military aspect to the itinerary that will appeal to history buffs and war veterans. A stop at the historic Waterloo battlefield, site of Napoleon’s final defeat; and a visit to the Battle of the Bulge Museum in Bastogne, site of one of the epic battles of WWII are included.

Additional highlights of this tour include a visit to Keukenhof Gardens on select dates; a walk through historic Bruges with a local resident, a city famous for its breweries, canals, chocolate and medieval architecture; a tour of Brussels featuring the Royal Gardens and Castle and world-famous Grand Palace; a cruise of the castle and vineyard lined Moselle River; and a candlelight cruise on one of Amsterdam’s famous canals. In addition to must-see attractions, this tour features a unique, 3-night stay in the Belgian Ardennes Forest in the resort village of Spa; as well as cultural experiences like a visit to one of Amsterdam’s famous diamond-cutting artisan workshops.

“This tour is ideal for travelers looking for a pure Benelux experience,” say David Lutz, Collette product manager for the region. “For about $200 per day, our passengers will visit 4 countries – Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and Luxembourg– and be part of the fascinating world of nature and culture during their day at Floriade.”

Floriade takes place in a 165 acre park in the city of Venlo, outside of Amsterdam, and near the Dutch and German border.  Collette took passengers to the Floriade in 2002; in 2012, Floriade event organizers are projecting about 35 million visitors and over 100 exhibitions.

“One of the delights for our passengers will simply be wandering through gardens created by famous landscape architects,” adds Lutz.

The Dutch & Belgium Delights with Floriade included starts at $2299 per person, double, land only.  For more information, visit www.collettevacations.com or call 1-800-340-5158.

*Offer is valid on new bookings only made between 9/2/11 and 3/31/12 for travel between 5/1/12 and 4/30/13 on 2012 new tours only. Offers can expire earlier due to space or inventory availability. Space is on a first come, first served basis. Offer is not valid on group bookings or combinable with any other offer. Other restrictions may apply.

Once a powerful monastery, today Glastonbury Abbey attracts tourists and pilgrims alike. Dating to at least the 7th century, this was a site of importance to Britons, Saxons, and Normans. Already a religious center, it rose to fame in 1191 when it was heralded across Britain that the grave of fabled King Arthur and Queen Guinevere had been found here.

A massive covering stone, buried deep in the churchyard, held an inscription that purportedly read, “Here lies interred the famous King Arthur on the Isle of Avalon.”

Could this truly be Avalon, the mythic place where Excalibur was forged? Explore the legend for yourself amid the ruins of the great church and beautiful public park.

Iguazu Falls

Collette is introducing a new concept called modular touring and is launching it with their new Wonders of South America cornerstone itinerary which is on sale now with departures starting in May 2012.

Personally, I think the idea is a good one.

Cornerstone Itinerary

Rio de Janeiro

Essentially, travelers can purchase this 11-day South America highlights tour that will feature Rio, Iguazu Falls, Mendoza and Buenos Aires. Rio de Janeiro is host to soccer’s World Cup in 2014 as well as the 2016 Summer Olympics and Collette passengers can spend three nights in this exciting and happening city.

Spice it up with a bit of Chile

For those who want to delve deeper into the continent, the new 11-day tour may be extended to 16-days with the addition of Chile featuring Bariloche, a Lake Crossing of the Andes, Chilean Wine Country and the sights of Santiago, Chile’s capital city.

Add an Amazon experience or the Lost City of the Incas…or both!

Then there are the pre and post extensions that can be added to either the 11-day or 16-day  itinerary. Choices include the Brazilian Amazon pre-extension where you can spend three nights at the Jungle Lodge and one overnight in Rio; or add on the 7-night Machu Picchu and Peru post-extension to either base tour for a complete South American journey. 

South America – Your Way!

Machu Picchu

You see where I’m going? Not literally…though I have been to Chile and Argentina with Collette and, if time had allowed, I would have opted for some of these add-ons. After all, you’ve traveled a pretty long distance so why not take advantage of seeing more of what the continent has to offer, especially Machu Picchu? I recall on this journey meeting a couple who had been in South America close to a month – they were leaving Santiago, Chile, the next morning to fly to Easter Island. I think having the ability to customize your vacation…to take an escorted tour and add components that make it more personal - (all without having to do too much work) – is the best of both worlds.

Easy for travel agents to custom tailor a group trip

We have already been seeing interest in South America grow. With the introduction of this modular concept of a shorter base tour with many options, Collette has made it easy for travel agents to custom tailor an unforgettable and comprehensive South American vacation for their clients based on budget and desired length of vacation stay.  

“We created this new, flexible tour to be customizable with optional modules that will uncover the many marvels of South America – its beauty, culture, history, cuisine, entertainment, and geography,” says Allison Flint, Collette product manager. “It’s a South American vacation your way – as long or as short as you want and we will definitely have clients interested in the 28-day adventure. These are the same clients who have already traveled on our Complete South Pacific tour.”

Top attractions and off the beaten path experiences

On the cornerstone itinerary, Collette has included the most sought-after attractions like a visit to Iguazu Falls and  Rio’s Christ the Redeemer statue with culinary experiences like learning how to craft the famous caipriniha cocktail and indulging in a Brazilian-style barbeque at a renowned ‘Churrascaria’ restaurant. In addition to the experience of viewing Iguazu Falls’ “Devil’s Throat” from a platform perch, other tour highlights include a tango lesson in Buenos Aires; a train ride to the top of Rio’s Corcovado Mountain to see the statue of Christ the Redeemer, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World; and a tour of Mendoza, the lovely Argentinean city within the shadows of the Andes Mountains and the ideal base for exploring the Caminos del Vino wine route. Experience the flavor and history of Argentina’s most famous wine, Malbec, during a gourmet wine pairing lunch and visits to bodegas in Mendoza.

The starting at price for the 11-day Wonders of South America tour is $2599 per person, double, land only. For more information and details of the pre- and post-extension options and alternate Chile itinerary, I suggest you call 800-340-5158.

An escorted tour that is flexible enough to fit any budget or length of stay issues. I think this will be a home run with travel agents and travelers and South America is the ideal destination to kick-off this modular tour concept.

Panama Canal Cruise

It’s not even Labor Day but my kids are already back in school.

Another summer comes and goes all to quickly and I realize that many of the things I had on our family travel list just didn’t happen. Which is why I am already thinking ahead to next summer and a family vacation experience that sounds like a whole lot of fun!

Sure you could rent the same beach house you have been going to since the kids were in diapers, drive long distances to visit relatives or even opt for a staycation. Or, maybe you should consider Collette’s new 8-day Panama Family Adventure where you and the kids can travel through the rainforest, opt for a cruise to Monkey Island and ride on an aerial tram.

Collette Vacations is the only major tour operator offering a family tour to Panama which is hard to believe because a transit through the Panama Canal seems to me like it would appeal to children and teens as much as adults. With departures set to begin in June 2012, this tour spends three nights in a deluxe river view room at Gamboa Rainforest Resort, situated in Soberanía National Park; two nights at the five-star Intercontinental Playa Bonita beach resort, where families can kayak together; and two nights in bustling Panama City, a vibrant melting pot of cultures.

Playa Bonita Resort

For families looking for a tropical rainforest experience like neighboring Costa Rica, this tour offers the added once-in-a-lifetime adventure of a partial transit Panama Canal cruise on the Pacific Queen where you will learn about this famed engineering marvel from on-board guides. In addition, ride the historic Panama Canal Railway and relax in elegant wooden rail cars, an experience reminiscent of yesteryear, as your family travels from the Atlantic to the Pacific.

Miraflores Lock

This inclusive itinerary is ideal for a family vacation because of its exceptional hotel and food experiences as well as cultural opportunities such as travel by dugout canoe to visit an Emberá indigenous village.   

“With English spoken throughout Panama and the US dollar the accepted currency, our clients will find this is an affordably priced destination ideal for families looking for something more exotic feeling,” said Allison Flint, Collette Vacations’ product manager.  “Just three hours from Miami, the tropical rainforest environment makes you feel like a world away.”

Like all Collette Family Vacations, Panama Family Adventure has been designed to keep the whole family engaged. Highlights include the opportunity to get hands-on with marine life at Punta Culebra Nature Center; spot crocodiles and monkeys during a lunch overlooking the Gamboa marina; savor the taste of pineapple fresh from the field during a tour of a pineapple plantation; learn how to cook sea bass and plantain cakes from a culinary demonstration hosted by a chef; and enjoy a private salsa dance lesson.

For more information and pricing, visit www.collettevacations.com and click on the family tours tab.

Uncover Italy’s hidden gems via small-group tour
Romantic Italy is steeped in  history and blessed by beauty. Travelers can create their own Italian Renaissance experience by taking a small-group tour that offers immersion in the heart of the local culture. Read more…

Cinque Terre