THIS WEEK'S DREAM TRIP - AS SEEN ON GLOBAL MORNING NEWS - 17 MAY 2022
Are you feeling adventurous? Do you feel you would make a good explorer? How about following in Darwin’s footsteps and setting up a visit to the incredible Galapagos islands? This is probably one of the few places in the world where the animals and birds are not scared of humans – and they come up close to you – not the other way round.
The best way to see the Galapagos is on a small expedition type vessel where you can get between the various islands and experience the sea animals and the land animals. And if you can get a 20% discount it is always worth it! We are talking about travelling next year – so plenty of time to brush up on your snorkeling skills in the local pool. With just 48 people on board this small ship will be able to get into every nook and cranny of the Galapagos. All meals are included while on board as well as drinks, room service, gratuities and park fees.
Ready? There’s a seal out there waiting to say hi!
8th July 2023
One week Galapagos Islands expedition
All meals, drinks, gratuities and wifi
All taxes
Cdn $6512 pp
The best way to see the Galapagos is on a small expedition type vessel where you can get between the various islands and experience the sea animals and the land animals. And if you can get a 20% discount it is always worth it! We are talking about travelling next year – so plenty of time to brush up on your snorkeling skills in the local pool. With just 48 people on board this small ship will be able to get into every nook and cranny of the Galapagos. All meals are included while on board as well as drinks, room service, gratuities and park fees.
Ready? There’s a seal out there waiting to say hi!
8th July 2023
One week Galapagos Islands expedition
All meals, drinks, gratuities and wifi
All taxes
Cdn $6512 pp
AS SEEN ON GLOBAL MORNING NEWS
One cruise line that I love to sail on is Silversea. They really take pampering to a new level and so I was excited when I found a great price on the Silver Shadow visiting Japan.
Japan is opening up for tourists in early June and this is without doubt one of my favourite destinations. Even more wonderful to see it on a Silver Sea cruise. Japan can be quite expensive as far as hotels and restaurants are concerned so when you can cruise around the islands on this beautiful cruise ship it makes it more affordable and much easier. Guess what? You don’t even have to unpack when you get these! Every suite on Silversea comes with a butler who will pack and unpack for you. You will be so spoilt you won’t want to come home
This small ship hosts just 390 guests. All special dining is included as well as your drinks and gratuities and an excursion in each port of call.
This special pricing is cruise only – (no air or transfers included)
7th October 2022
10 nights round trip Tokyo
All taxes and port charges
Cdn $6050 pp
SPECIAL SINGLE PRICING (Note most cruise lines charge double for a single traveller)
$7562
Silversea also has a special program where they include airfare from Calgary PLUS private car pick up from your home to Calgary airport – and they take care of your luggage all the way. It will be in your room when you arrive. Ask us for details.
Japan is opening up for tourists in early June and this is without doubt one of my favourite destinations. Even more wonderful to see it on a Silver Sea cruise. Japan can be quite expensive as far as hotels and restaurants are concerned so when you can cruise around the islands on this beautiful cruise ship it makes it more affordable and much easier. Guess what? You don’t even have to unpack when you get these! Every suite on Silversea comes with a butler who will pack and unpack for you. You will be so spoilt you won’t want to come home
This small ship hosts just 390 guests. All special dining is included as well as your drinks and gratuities and an excursion in each port of call.
This special pricing is cruise only – (no air or transfers included)
7th October 2022
10 nights round trip Tokyo
All taxes and port charges
Cdn $6050 pp
SPECIAL SINGLE PRICING (Note most cruise lines charge double for a single traveller)
$7562
Silversea also has a special program where they include airfare from Calgary PLUS private car pick up from your home to Calgary airport – and they take care of your luggage all the way. It will be in your room when you arrive. Ask us for details.
Aired on 22nd March 2022
Full Itinerary
Day 1Overnight Flight
This is your chance to experience a seldom-explored side of Ireland. From the vaults of Christ Church Cathedral to the rolling hills of Dingle, we’ll bring you back to your Irish roots (even if you don’t have any).
Day 2
Dublin, Ireland - Tour Begins
Fáilte and welcome to Dublin, Ireland’s cosmopolitan capital. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for a private tour in the crypt of Christ Church Cathedral.* Within the medieval walls of the city’s oldest structure, surrounded by nearly 1,000 years of Irish myths and legends, begin an incredible adventure. Your day ends with dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 3
Dublin
A local expert escorts you through Dublin’s magnificent sights. Exalt in the culture and color of Ireland’s world-famous shopping thoroughfare, Grafton Street. Get lost inside the gardens of St. Stephen’s Green, and marvel at the electric green expanse of the largest enclosed city park in all of Europe, Phoenix Park. The rest of the day is yours to explore Dublin as you choose.
Day 4
Dublin - Irish National Stud - Midleton - Kinsale
Take to Ireland’s country roads. Tour the Irish National Stud, an area of incredible natural beauty that’s home to regal thoroughbreds and opulent gardens. Head south to the Old Midleton Distillery, home of Jameson Irish Whiskey. Give it a go with a tasting of the distillery’s production. Continue on to the quaint coastal village of Kinsale, where you will meet a local expert for a leisurely walking tour. This evening, it’s Diner’s Choice in Ireland’s gourmet capital! Choose the perfect spot from a “menu” of Kinsale’s great restaurants.
Day 5
Kinsale
Today, it’s your choice! Visit the seaside town of Cobh, the last stop of the RMS Titanic; circuit this historic port alongside a local expert - this is the place where 2.5 million Irish people left their native land for new frontiers -OR- spend a leisurely day in Kinsale and enjoy its many galleries, shops and cafes.
Day 6
Kinsale - Garnish Island - Killarney
Embark on the drive of a lifetime on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way. You’ll fall in love with the quaint towns and charming villages that inhabit this iconic coastal route. Board a ferry and sail to a place that must be seen to be believed, Garnish Island. Sheltered in the Glengarrif harbor of Bantry Bay, this hidden island is home to one of Ireland’s most beautiful gardens. Continue over the Cork and Kerry mountains to Killarney via the breathtaking Caha Pass. Tonight, enjoy a five-course Taste of Kerry tasting menu dinner and private shopping experience at a local shop, specializing in artisan crafts.
Day 7
Killarney - Dingle - Killarney
Not far from the spirited pubs of Killarney await the enchanting hills and weather-worn bluffs of Dingle. Travel through a maze of green to Ireland’s most westerly point, Slea Head, where the locals will remind you that, "the next parish over is Boston." Then, it’s your choice! Explore Dingle’s country lanes on foot -OR- enjoy time at leisure in Dingle Town, a place where pubs double as hardware stores and the Guinness is always freshly tapped. Upon your return to Killarney, stop by a tea house for some scrumptious homemade treats at a café that employs individuals with intellectual disabilities.*
Day 8
Killarney - Cliffs of Moher - Aran Islands (Inisheer)
Leave the rugged southern coast behind and embark on an adventure, the likes of which you’ve never seen. Board a ferry bound for Inisheer, the smallest of the three Aran Islands.*** Take in unrivalled views while sailing beneath the iconic Cliffs of Moher. Upon arriving in Inisheer’s ethereal landscape, take a private tour through the labyrinth of stone walls blanketing the island. Learn about the island’s 250 inhabitants, their livelihoods and devotion to traditional culture and customs. As the last ferry leaves for mainland Ireland, settle into your island abode*** amid desolate yet striking beauty for an experience that’s totally unparalleled.
Day 9
Aran Islands (Inisheer) - Ennis
Enjoy a morning to sleep in, or wake early for a sunrise hike**** to O’Brien Castle. Greet the sun as it rises over the Irish mainland and illuminates Inisheer’s picturesque stone walls. Later, dive into local culture during a knitting workshop and learn traditional methods and stitches used to make the famous Aran sweaters. Don’t worry if you’re not a knitter, you’ll be a pro before you know it! Next, experience the traditional craft of making the St. Brigid’s Cross. Throughout Ireland you will see these crosses affixed to homes to ward off evil and danger. This evening, after ferrying back to the mainland, toast the end of an incredible adventure!
Day 10
Ennis - Tour Ends
Your journey comes to a close today, leaving you with the spirit of Ireland in your heart forever.
Day 1Overnight Flight
This is your chance to experience a seldom-explored side of Ireland. From the vaults of Christ Church Cathedral to the rolling hills of Dingle, we’ll bring you back to your Irish roots (even if you don’t have any).
Day 2
- Dinner
- Hampton Hotel
Dublin, Ireland - Tour Begins
Fáilte and welcome to Dublin, Ireland’s cosmopolitan capital. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for a private tour in the crypt of Christ Church Cathedral.* Within the medieval walls of the city’s oldest structure, surrounded by nearly 1,000 years of Irish myths and legends, begin an incredible adventure. Your day ends with dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 3
- Breakfast
- Hampton Hotel
Dublin
A local expert escorts you through Dublin’s magnificent sights. Exalt in the culture and color of Ireland’s world-famous shopping thoroughfare, Grafton Street. Get lost inside the gardens of St. Stephen’s Green, and marvel at the electric green expanse of the largest enclosed city park in all of Europe, Phoenix Park. The rest of the day is yours to explore Dublin as you choose.
Day 4
- Breakfast & Dinner
- Actons Hotel
Dublin - Irish National Stud - Midleton - Kinsale
Take to Ireland’s country roads. Tour the Irish National Stud, an area of incredible natural beauty that’s home to regal thoroughbreds and opulent gardens. Head south to the Old Midleton Distillery, home of Jameson Irish Whiskey. Give it a go with a tasting of the distillery’s production. Continue on to the quaint coastal village of Kinsale, where you will meet a local expert for a leisurely walking tour. This evening, it’s Diner’s Choice in Ireland’s gourmet capital! Choose the perfect spot from a “menu” of Kinsale’s great restaurants.
Day 5
- Breakfast
- Actons Hotel
Kinsale
Today, it’s your choice! Visit the seaside town of Cobh, the last stop of the RMS Titanic; circuit this historic port alongside a local expert - this is the place where 2.5 million Irish people left their native land for new frontiers -OR- spend a leisurely day in Kinsale and enjoy its many galleries, shops and cafes.
Day 6
- Breakfast & Dinner
- The Europe Hotel & Resort
Kinsale - Garnish Island - Killarney
Embark on the drive of a lifetime on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way. You’ll fall in love with the quaint towns and charming villages that inhabit this iconic coastal route. Board a ferry and sail to a place that must be seen to be believed, Garnish Island. Sheltered in the Glengarrif harbor of Bantry Bay, this hidden island is home to one of Ireland’s most beautiful gardens. Continue over the Cork and Kerry mountains to Killarney via the breathtaking Caha Pass. Tonight, enjoy a five-course Taste of Kerry tasting menu dinner and private shopping experience at a local shop, specializing in artisan crafts.
Day 7
- Breakfast
- The Europe Hotel & Resort
Killarney - Dingle - Killarney
Not far from the spirited pubs of Killarney await the enchanting hills and weather-worn bluffs of Dingle. Travel through a maze of green to Ireland’s most westerly point, Slea Head, where the locals will remind you that, "the next parish over is Boston." Then, it’s your choice! Explore Dingle’s country lanes on foot -OR- enjoy time at leisure in Dingle Town, a place where pubs double as hardware stores and the Guinness is always freshly tapped. Upon your return to Killarney, stop by a tea house for some scrumptious homemade treats at a café that employs individuals with intellectual disabilities.*
Day 8
- Breakfast & Dinner
- Tigh Ruair
Killarney - Cliffs of Moher - Aran Islands (Inisheer)
Leave the rugged southern coast behind and embark on an adventure, the likes of which you’ve never seen. Board a ferry bound for Inisheer, the smallest of the three Aran Islands.*** Take in unrivalled views while sailing beneath the iconic Cliffs of Moher. Upon arriving in Inisheer’s ethereal landscape, take a private tour through the labyrinth of stone walls blanketing the island. Learn about the island’s 250 inhabitants, their livelihoods and devotion to traditional culture and customs. As the last ferry leaves for mainland Ireland, settle into your island abode*** amid desolate yet striking beauty for an experience that’s totally unparalleled.
Day 9
- Breakfast & Dinner
- Old Ground Hotel
Aran Islands (Inisheer) - Ennis
Enjoy a morning to sleep in, or wake early for a sunrise hike**** to O’Brien Castle. Greet the sun as it rises over the Irish mainland and illuminates Inisheer’s picturesque stone walls. Later, dive into local culture during a knitting workshop and learn traditional methods and stitches used to make the famous Aran sweaters. Don’t worry if you’re not a knitter, you’ll be a pro before you know it! Next, experience the traditional craft of making the St. Brigid’s Cross. Throughout Ireland you will see these crosses affixed to homes to ward off evil and danger. This evening, after ferrying back to the mainland, toast the end of an incredible adventure!
Day 10
- Breakfast
Ennis - Tour Ends
Your journey comes to a close today, leaving you with the spirit of Ireland in your heart forever.