Six Favorite Highlights of Our Staff

Interested in receiving the inside scoop on a destination? So are we! There’s no better way to find out what makes a tour memorable than to ask the people who created it. From Montana to South Africa, here are a few of our Tour Directors’ favorite highlights.

Tricia Dowhan on our Portugal tour

“While walking the Rota Vicentina (the Fishermen’s Way) is certainly a highlight of our new Portugal itinerary, a lesser known and equally stunning walk departs right out the front door of your hotel on Day 2. Starting at the whimsical Cooking & Nature Hotel, you walk along limestone karst hills, admiring a landscape dotted with ancient olive trees. Upon returning ‘home,’ you’ll have time to take a dip in the outdoor pool before a fun evening marked by a hand-on cooking class and a visit with a local potter, who shows you how to build a paper kiln—quite the vibrant ‘fire’ show to pair with your homemade meal.”

See Our Portugal Tour

Cammy Richelli on our Czech Republic tour

“We’ve discovered an absolute gem of a medieval town in Ceské Budejovice. It’s largely unknown to tourists and presents an enchanting labyrinth of alleyways and narrow lanes--plus it’s the birthplace of the original Budweiser Budvar beer. We’ve also made room for more time in Prague, the ‘City of 1,000 Spires.’ Guests will love our farewell dinner in a panoramic location overlooking the sparkling city lights, as well as an introductory walking tour of the city that takes in both the well-known sites and the quiet corners known only to locals.”

See Our Czech Republic tour

Tricia Dowhan on our Sicily, Italy tour

“I’m really excited about a new boutique hotel and country estate on the slopes of Mount Etna. Guests will love the contemporary feel of this property, as well as some of its unique flourishes (like lava-rock walls in some rooms). We’ve also made time for a visit to the spectacular Norman cathedral in Monreale, a UNESCO World Heritage site. But nothing can compare to the sunset views you’ll enjoy in the fishing village of Trapani. This vibrant seaside town on the island’s west coast has a compelling North-African influence, which you’ll enjoy in its delicious cuisine.”

See Our Sicily Tour

Joe Flynn on Our New Zealand tour

“The remote Raetihi Lodge is accessible by water taxi and occupies a beautiful spot on Kenepuru Sound, on the eastern coast of South Island. Guests will love walking the Queen Charlotte Track, with beautiful waterfront views along the way, and Hanmer Springs, where they can soak in the thermal pools.”

See Our New Zealand Tour

Tracey Scott on our Scotland tour

“I’m excited to branch out from the Isle of Skye and experience a rich variety of Scotland’s landscapes: lakes, moorland, mountains, woodlands, and the coast--of course stopping at charming villages along the way. This itinerary gives us the opportunity to walk portions of the famous West Highland Way and stay in historic inns.”

See Our Scotland Tour

Katerina Bacevicius on South Africa

“Everyone associates South Africa with the ‘Big Five’ (lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and water buffalo), but when you’re staying beside Walker Bay in Hermanus, you’ll have the opportunity to do a little ‘coastal safariing.’ This region is one of the best whale-watching destinations in the world (according to the World Wildlife Fund). You’ll have the chance to spot Cape fur seals, African penguins, southern right whales, Bryde’s whales, and humpbacks during your explorations here. In fact, the town even employs a ‘Whale Crier’ who blows a kelp horn to alert land-based whale watchers to a sighting.”

See Our South Africa Tour