By Chelsea Todaro, Public Relations Specialist with The Travel Corporation

 

At more than nine million square miles, North America is a vast and diverse continent that likely has close to nine million different ways for travelers to explore.  For those thinking of a vacation within the US or Canada, a guided trips through Insight Vacations offers immersive experiences in a variety of destinations, from America’s wondrous National Parks to the rugged coasts of Atlantic Canada. Unique Insight experiences will also connect guests with local characters who really bring the destinations to life.

See the diverse nature and history of the U.S.

Insight’s 15-day America’s Magnificent National Parks trip offers an unforgettable adventure while visiting America’s magnificent National Parks across Arizona, Wyoming, and South Dakota.

Wyoming’s Yellowstone National Park is home to the Upper Geyser Basin which boasts the highest concentration of spouting geysers, hot springs and steaming fumaroles in the world. An authentic dude ranch experience at the Ranch at Ucross provides an opportunity for guests to go horseback riding, taste homemade meals and share stories around a bonfire.

Once in Arizona, the majestic red rock landscapes of Sedona mesmerize, and while there, guests will learn about the Navajo Tribe at Monument Valley where they will also have an exclusive experience riding on an all-terrain vehicle with a Navajo guide.

Travelers will be immersed in the fascinating history of America’s western adventure. In South Dakota, local guides on Kevin Costner’s Original Deadwood Tour bring to life the days of Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane. For a unique Insight Experience, travelers will get to speak to members of the Lakota tribe who will share a live narrative of the Great Sioux Nation.

1Photo Courtesy of Insight Vacations 

Further east lies a different tale of the U.S. along the New England coast. On Insight’s eight-day Boston, Cape Cod, and the Islands trip, travelers will be captivated by New England’s chic waterfronts, history, and summer playgrounds. This trip highlights the area’s history of the Revolutionary War and its well-known, mouth-watering seafood.  A visit in Boston wouldn’t be complete without a guided walk along the red-brick Freedom Trail that brings the story of the American Revolution to life.

In Newport, guests will board the Adirondack II—an 80-foot schooner – for a sailing experience on the waters of Narragansett Bay passing some of the islands, historical homes, and the summer “cottages” of many famous and affluent families. While enjoying a taste of what the America’s Cup race might feel like, there’s also time to learn about the region’s history – such as pirate activity, the trade industry, and the Gilded Age.

2Photo Courtesy of Insight Vacations 

On Martha’s Vineyard travelers can tour the island that has hosted the Clintons, the Obamas and where former U.S. First Lady, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, owned a home. They can also spend time at their leisure at the scenic Oak Bluffs, a famous neighborhood and picturesque community known for its rainbow-colored, gingerbread-like cottages. As a special treat, guests have the exclusive opportunity to spend the night on the island, which many tourists cannot do during the busy summer time.  A celebratory dinner on the last night of the journey features local fresh seafood, set on a glassed-in porch with a peaceful, scenic view of the ocean.

Courtesy of Insight Vacations 

Discover coastal landscapes and fishing heritage of Canada

The colorful harbors and sweeping coastlines of Atlantic Canada provide the backdrop to Insight’s 12-day Landscapes of the Canadian Maritimes.  Travelers will learn about the village traditions and iconic maritime history while enjoying delicious native seafood while visiting Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick.

A popular highlight of the trip is a whale watching cruise in the Bay of Fundy to potentially spot rare species of whales and learn about these majestic sea mammals.  On Prince Edward Island, guests can explore colorful Cavendish, along with a visit to the Green Gables farm house that inspired the beloved children’s classic, ‘Anne of Green Gables’.

3Photo Courtesy of Insight Vacations 

Guests will be immersed into the heritage of the region in Truro, Nova Scotia, while visiting the Millbrook Cultural and Heritage Center to hear about the Mi’kmaq heritage and Glooscap legends.

Once in Shediac Bay, there’s an opportunity to taste the exceptional and authentic food of a former lobster fisherman while cruising along the bay to learn about lobster and the industry, followed by a fresh lobster lunch. In Digby, guests will meet a former scallop fisherman, one of the region’s key delicacies, and end the trip on a tasteful note, with a sea-to-table dinner with freshly-caught scallops.

 

Interested to learn more about Insight Vacations? Visit www.insightvacations.com/us

As a global leader in premium escorted travel, Insight Vacations® has been crafting magical journeys for almost 40 years that embody The Art of Traveling in Style™. Through meticulous planning, detailed preparation and boundless passion, Insight’s collection of award-winning itineraries showcases the most outstanding destinations in Europe and North America. Guided by a highly-skilled Travel Director, guests can look forward to traveling in smaller groups, savoring authentic dining and enjoying a range of immersive Insight Experiences. 


 

As the winter melts away and flowers begin to bloom, spring is one of the most colorful times of year to visit new destinations. Cherry blossoms take over Japan’s landscape in March, followed by Holland’s famous tulips bursting out of the ground in April, and London’s RHS Chelsea Flower in May welcomes more than 157,000 visitors. Throughout all the seasons, tour operator members of USTOA offer even more floral attractions, botanical gardens, and celebrations all over the world. Here are a few.

rose-paradePhoto Courtesy of Mayflower Cruises and Tours

Southern California welcomes the New Year with the Tournament of the Roses Parade, showcasing animated floral floats followed by marching bands with high-stepping equestrians. Mayflower Cruises and Tours’ “Tournament of Roses Parade 2019” itinerary is packed with private events surrounding the parade, including a walking tour of Los Angeles and Hollywood, a private New Year’s Eve gala with a live orchestra, and exclusive seats at the parade for a magnificent view of the celebration. Departure is available December 30 starting at $1,699 per person.

PEAK DMC-colombia_cocora-valley_traveller_cloud_forestPhoto Courtesy of Intrepid Travel

Colombia’s flower farms, coffee production, and rich history can be explored with Intrepid Travel’s nine-day “Café Colombia” itinerary. Venture to Santa Elena, located outside of Medellin, where a silletero (chair maker) at a local flower farm will teach travelers how to make the flower displays that compete in the Fiesta de las Flores each year. Free time can be spent in a mud bath in Cartagena or at the Plaza Minorista Market purchasing local fruits. As one of the world’s largest coffee producers, travelers will also learn how beans are grown, harvested, and roasted. Departures are available throughout 2019 starting at $2,350 per person.

Each year in May, the RHS Chelsea Flower Show showcases impressive English garden designs across an 11-acre property in London. Abercrombie and Kent’s “English Gardens & The Chelsea Flower Show” itinerary dedicates a day to exploring the show’s finest English gardening in the world, and guests have access to an exclusive Royal Horticultural Society hospitality area for morning and afternoon tea. The rest of the ten-day trip is spent strolling through the Arts and Crafts-style gardens of Sissinghurst Castle, visiting Blenheim Palace, and more. Departures are available May 14, 2019 starting at $10,495.

Simons photo of double flowered late cherry blossomPhoto Courtesy of APT

APT Botanica World Discoveries offers botanically-themed river and small ship cruises to combine a passion for travel and history with gardening.  The 12-day “Cherry Blossoms, Culture & Sights of Japan” cruise takes place during peak cherry blossom season. Explore the 350-year-old garden, Ritsurin Park, and the famous landscape garden of Okayama, Korakuen Garden, or visit a Samurai’s home, study Japan’s history, and learn about Japanese plants and gardening from a Botanical guide. Departures are available from January to April, 2020, starting at $11,495 per person.

Beautiful Mountain Fuji and sakura cherry blossomPhoto Courtesy of smarTours

SmarTours’ “Discover Japan” trip takes travelers across Tokyo, Takayama, Kanazawa, and Kyoto. The 12-day tour includes a trip to the 1093-foot-tall Tokyo tower for a birds-eye view of the vibrant city, a boat ride on Lake Ashi below Mt. Fuji, and a visit to the rural region of Shirakawago, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Witness miles of cherry blossoms along the way when you travel during the spring season, and view the world’s largest indoor Buddha with a large collection of Japanese-style gardens throughout the year. Departures are available throughout 2019, starting at $4,199 per person.

CCKeukenhofGardensRedTulipsPhoto Courtesy of Viking River Cruises

Admire the Dutch countryside and visit a tulip farm with Viking River Cruises’Tulips & Windmills” tour. Tulips have always been important to local communities in Holland, and you can visit the village of Slootdorp, which produces 25 million tulips every year on its own. A lesson on the evolution of windmills and a sampling of Belgian beers and chocolates will be provided, and guests will lay eyes on the world’s largest floral park, the Keukenhof Gardens, and explore Amsterdam’s Rijksmuseum. Departures are available March through May every year, starting at $3,399 per person.

Adventures by Disney Seine River CruisesPhoto Courtesy of Adventures by Disney

Adventures by Disney’s “Seine River Cruise” includes trips to French gardens and the beaches of Normandy. First, stop at Monet’s Gardens, where the famous impressionist Claude Monet found inspiration for renowned works such as Water Lilies and Wheatstacks. Afterwards, tour the Château de Bizy castle with its vast gardens, fountains, and English vegetable garden. The trip includes gourmet food tastings, a tour of the Eiffel Tower, and a hands-on painting workshop. Departures are available throughout 2019 starting at $4,669 per person.

PR_Images_For_USTOA_GardenTours_Brazil_RioBotanicalGardensPhoto Courtesy of Avanti Destinations

Go to the Rio de Janeiro Botanical Gardens and the Tijuca Forest by jeep with Avanti Destinations. Created in 1817, Rio’s Botanical Gardens showcases native and exotic plants from around the world across a 346-acre property located at the foot of Corcovado Mountain. The property contains 6,000 species of plants and 900 varieties of pam trees, a cactus garden, and the Fountain of the Muses. The excursion is available to book daily while traveling on any Avanti Destinations tour, starting at $99 per person. Contact your travel advisor for more information, or find a USTOA-certified travel advisor by visiting https://ustoa.com/travel-advisor-directory.

 

Click here to find the perfect itinerary for you.

 


 

Are you a “leaf peeper?” Who isn’t when faced with the vibrant shades of autumn. And, while New England is first to come to mind for the vivid colors of native maple, oak, dogwood and other trees, USTOA members offer travelers a chance to “branch” out to new leaf peeping locations around the world. From Japan to the Canadian Maritimes, below are just a few itineraries to help you celebrate the changing of the seasons.

Japan

The wonders of Japan are set against the colorful backdrop of fall during Ritz Tours’ “Jewels of Japan” itinerary. The eight-night journey includes trips to the Imperial Palace, Mt. Fuji, the Todadaji Temple and much more. Guests also will wet their appetites with a visit to the Kuromon Ichiba Market, a Kaseiki dinner, as well as a Kobe beef dinner. The bullet train ride to Kyoto also provides travelers with the ultimate leaf peeping experience as they pass through Japan’s red, orange, and yellow countryside. Available on select dates in October and November 2018 from $2,900 per person land only. www.ritztours.com

shutterstock_418674916

Credit: Ritz Tours

Japan’s cities, mountains, and gardens are in full fall splendor during Alexander+Roberts’ “From Japan’s Inland Seas to Alps” itinerary. The 11-day trip takes an intimate group on a journey to see what the Japanese call “Momiji” or autumn foliage throughout the country. Travelers also will meet locals anxious to share their lives and traditions. Available for departures on October 4 and 28, 2018 from $7,399 per person, double occupancy. Guests can save $300 when paying in-full at time of booking. www.alexanderroberts.com

Canada

EF Go Ahead Tours’ “Fall Foliage Tour: The Canadian Maritimes” trip visits Canada’s eastern provinces’ rural scenery and rugged coastal landscapes with visits to Nova Scotia’s Cape Breton Highlands National Park and the Cabot Trail, New Brunswick’s the Bay of Fundy, Prince Edward Island’s Anne of Green Gables Museum and more. Maritime leaf peepers also will learn how maple sugar is processed during a visit to a local sugar shack. Available in October 2018, and September through October 2019 from $2,399 per person. www.goaheadtours.com

Glide through the waters of Canada and New England for a spectacular views of autumn leaves on Holland America Line’s “Colors of Canada and New England” itinerary. During the 10-day trip guests can relax and sip a kir royale on their suite’s private verandah, watch for whales from the deck, hike among 200-year-old stands of jewel-hued birches and maples, and more. Available on September 23, 2018 from $1,629 per person not including port fees and taxes. www.hollandamerica.com

Europe

Durnstein---Wachau-Valley

Credit: AmaWaterways

Wine and autumn leaves mix for an unforgettable river cruise experience during AmaWaterways’ wine cruises in Europe. With multiple departure dates in November 2018, guests can save $750 per person on a number of itineraries on the Danube and Rhine rivers. Travelers will enjoy the fruits of vintners’ labor from renowned wine regions like Austria’s Wachau Valley and France’s celebrated Bordeaux region. Call 1-800-626-0126 or visit www.amawaterways.com for more information on applicable departures.

Fall-Vineyard_ChateauPape-de-Neuf

Credit: AmaWaterways

Midwest

The Great Lakes also get all dressed up for fall during Premier World Discovery’s “Fall Colors & Lighthouses of the Great Lakes” itinerary. The nine-day mid-west tour features a Wisconsin Dells Boat Cruise to see the leaves from the water, and a trip to Door County on the western side of Lake Michigan with more than 250 miles of painted shoreline. Guests also will get to tour Chicago, the Old Mackinac Lighthouse, Lambeau Field, and more. Available departures include September 20 and 27, 2018 from $2,295 per person based on double occupancy. www.premierworlddiscovery.com

bigstock-Mackinac-Island-6821911

Credit: Premier World Discovery

New England

 

Globus’ nine-day, “Classic Fall Foliage” itinerary takes leaf peepers on a tour of New England with stops like the top of Cadillac Mountain in Bar Harbor, ME, Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, MA, and a sightseeing tour of Boston, MA with a local tour guide. Guests also will visit Maine’s Acadia National Park, one of America’s most-visited national parks, for a carriage ride through the foliage before enjoying a local treat at the historic Jordan Pond Restaurant located inside the park. Available in September and October 2018 from $2,529 (includes a special promo of $300 off per couple). www.globusjourneys.com

NO-CREDIT-NEEDED-USTOA_Autumn-Leaves1[2]

Credit: YMT Vacations

From the battlefields of Gettysburg to a sightseeing cruise through the Franconia Notch State Park, YMT Vacations’ “Autumn Leaves Tour” itinerary takes travelers on a journey to discover America’s history. A drive through Adirondack Park in the White and the Green Mountains, and stops at Lake Placid and the magnificent Flume Gorge in New Hampshire round out this 14-day trip. Available departures throughout September 2018 from $1,499 after a $250 instant rebate per person. www.ymtvacations.com

Intrepid-Travel-Leaf-Peeping-2

Credit: Intrepid Travel

Intrepid Travel’s “Fall Colors of New England USA” is specially designed to showcase the famous leaves with an active immersive trip through the region’s mountains and forests. Travelers’ shoes will walk through the ‘Green Mountain State’ of Vermont, New Hampshire’s White Mountain National Forest and Boston’s historic Freedom Trail. Available departure dates include September 10 and 24, 2018, and October 8, 2018 from $3,095 per person. www.intrepidtravel.com

insight-foliage-2 Credit: Insight Vacations

Insight Vacations’ “New England’s Fall Foliage” tour takes guests through a four-state leaf-peeping adventure. During the seven-night itinerary, see brilliant colors at North Conway, NH, Quechee Gorge, VT, and more. Guests also will visit the iconic Maine shoreline, and walk to red-brick Freedom Trail in Boston. Available from $2, 795 per person double occupancy with an early payment discount from 5-10% on departures from September 14 to October 16, 2018. www.insightvacations.com

The Northeast’s colors are on full display during Collette’s eight-day “Colors of New England Tour.” With more than 30 available for departures throughout fall 2018, foliage-focused travelers can watch apples being transformed to cider, tour a farm and see how maple sugaring works, cruise Lake Winnipesaukee, and more set against a gorgeous autumn backdrop. This trip through New England is available from $2,699 per person. www.gocollette.com

Discover some of the country’s best foliage on foot during Country Walkers’ six-day “Vermont Fall Foliage” itinerary. This new guided walking tour is an ideal way for leaf peepers to experience New England towns like Norwich, Woodstock, and Stowe set against some of the world’s best foliage. Guests also will visit the Quechee Gorge, a stretch of the Long Trail, and Mount Mansfield, Vermont’s highest peak, to see an amazing view encompassing three states and Canada. Available for departures on September 23, September 30, October 7, and October 14 from $3,048 per person, double occupancy (tour only). www.countrywalkers.com

Spend nine days immersed in brilliant colors during Gate 1’s “Classic New England Fall Foliage” itinerary. Travelers will spend time in Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine exploring historical and nature sites. Tour guests get the chance to see a working cranberry farm, see Vermont’s deepest gorge for breathtaking fall views, and more. Available for departures from September through October 2018 from $1,749 per person. www.gate1travel.com

courtesy-of-Tauck-Woodstock-VT-bridge

Credit: Tauck

Join Tauck’s “Grand New England” itinerary to enjoy the Berkshires of western Massachusetts, the Green Mountains of Vermont, the White Mountains of New Hampshire and the rocky coast of Maine all dressed in fall splendor. Travelers also will get the chance to join a hands-on lobstering experience in Maine, enjoy a private lunch at Edith Wharton’s Berkshire Mountains home, The Mount and take a private schooner cruise in Bar Harbor, Maine among other stops. This 12-day tour is available for select departures throughout the fall from $5,290 per person double occupancy, plus airfare. www.tauck.com

Mayflower Cruises & Tours’ “Autumn in New England and Cape Cod” takes travelers on an eight-day trip through some of the most scenic call locals in the Northeast. During the trip, guests will enjoy a traditional lobster bake in Cape Cod, visit Quechee Gorge State Park, Vermont’s “Little Grand Canyon,” enjoy a guided tour of the seaport town of Newport, Rhode Island, and more. Available on select departure dates in September and October 2018 from $2,799 per person with $249 round trip airfare from anywhere in the contiguous U.S. www.mayflowercruisesandtours.com

A city tour of Boston, scenic drive along the Mohawk Trail, a stop at Acadia National Park and more await guests on Trafalgar’s “Autumn Colors” itinerary. Travelers will enjoy the picture-perfect maple and cedar forests of New England, the rocky Atlantic headlands of Maine, and the streets of Boston lined with fall foliage. Available from September 20 to October 20, 2018 from $2,550 per person. www.trafalgar.com 

 

Editor’s Note: Information was correct at time of writing. All tours/packages subject to availability. Prices may vary from time of writing, based on currency fluctuations.

 


by Kelley Ferro

I consider myself an “active” person so when I joined up with VBT Bicycling and Walking Vacations “active” bike tour in the Croatia’s Dalmatian Islands, I thought it’d be no sweat. But to my surprise, there was a bit of sweat…in the best way possible. We grinded our gears up steady inclines and we flew down cliffs, but all the while, we were gliding by lavender scented hills and the glittering Adriatic. Uphill or downhill, what remained constant was the feeling of being so alive and present each moment in this country.

The View from the top of the hill in Brac!

The View from the top of the hill in Brac!

I have to admit, when I travel, it’s usually go-go-go the entire time. I don’t have a lot of time to actually breathe in and be completely present in the moment as I always have to think about the next stop, shoot, line etc. However, on this particular trip, I traded a car for a bike, and my mind was forced to focus only on the immediate. Pushing those pedals and cresting that hill (or if you are like me, trying to take a photo and bike at the same time) took up pretty much all of my brainpower and in doing so, allowed me to immerse in Croatia in a new day.

The rolling, drop-dead gorgeous rolling hills of Istria provided the perfect terrain for a warm-up ride.  Our energetic guide Marco, led us on natural mountain trails, with a backdrop so stunning, we all had to make frequent stops for photo opportunities. The Istrian topography was ideally suited for the pace of bike travel: gently sloping green hills with bike paths between villages evenly spaced so you can have breakfast in one and lunch in the other. And believe me, you will want to too, as these Istrian villages off world-class food– fragrant truffles, wild meats, the sweetest honeys, rich olive oil and local Istrian wines.

Pre- Truffle Hunting Breakfast at Karlic Truffle

Pre- Truffle Hunting Breakfast at Karlic Truffle

But this sweet first day of biking and eating in Istria, was just the introduction of active adventure. Before we knew it we were onto the next stop and we had touched down in Split: Croatia’s vivacious and historic portside town. From a bustling waterside promenade and well preserved castle, to twisting streets full of busy cafes, restaurants & shops, Split had energy and a dose of sophistication bursting from its historic buildings.

Riva: Split’s bustling waterfront promenade

Riva: Split’s bustling waterfront promenade

Naturally, we were on the search for the best ways to film the city so up we went. Marjan Hill is a park popular for running, concerts, weddings and of course, sweeping views of Split, where the mountains meet the sea. The steps up continued and I found myself wishing I were on a bike to get up to the top faster. But on we charged and we were rewarded with hitting the peak at magic hour, when Split was bathed in rosy, dewy light of the setting sun.

Sunset in Split

Sunset in Split

But there were more mountains to climb, and the island of Brač beckoned. We met our fellow bikers, the rest of the intrepid crew that signed up for our VBT Bicycling and Walking Vacations tour, and we set sail via ferry for the first island.

This vividly green island seemed to be built for biking–wide shoulders hugging mountain roads, idyllic small towns and roadside beaches so beautiful I frequently had to screech to a halt. With the charming seaside town of Postira as our biking off point, we crisscrossed Brač, taking in mountain top vistas, and cobbled town streets and just the raw, glorious countryside.

Pučišća from the top

Pučišća from the top

Biking everywhere was exactly what made this trip so special. Each experience was that much more enhanced because our blood was pumping and we were physically working to get ourselves there. It’s true that the harder the climb, the sweeter the view.

For me, no moment epitomized that feeling more than my bike ride up to Škrip, a small, mountain top town on Brač.

Stunning Pučišća

Stunning Pučišća

Škrip was the bonus part of the first day’s ride. We biked a steep but jaw-droppingly picturesque route to and from the charming seaside town of Pučišća. The best part was getting to see Pučišća from above as you rode in — it is stunning from all vantage points. Upon our return, after a wholesome lunch and a very interesting tour of a marble carving school, we had the choice to bike an extra leg, the most challenging part we’d ever encounter on the trip.  The leaders of our group were fit and experienced, and they told us in no uncertain terms that this was going to be tough, but it was completely optional. I chose to bike it.

Lunch & Marble Carving School Tour in Pučišća

Lunch & Marble Carving School Tour in Pučišća

Lunch & Marble Carving School Tour in Pučišća

Something about the fresh air, the Mediterranean sun and the free feeling of focusing solely on pedaling, inspired me to tackle that last leg. It was hot, the air was dry but I was loving the burn as I pushed the road bike up the hill to Škrip. Though I did wonder if this hill would ever end; the farms, the waving locals and the views of distant islands gave me all the energy I needed to continue up. I saw the roadside sign for Škrip and the road magically leveled out. I had made it! With a euphoric feeling of victory, I sped along the ‘piece of cake’ road through a town of no more than three small buildings, ending in a church square with dappled with trees. I parked my bike, knowing the rest of the group would be there shortly and began to explore around as I regained my breath.

Luta waiting for us in Škrip

Luta waiting for us in Škrip

A little, elderly lady jumped up and hobbled towards me. She and I had a few moments of hand-motions and a muddled mix of Croatia, English words, we finally settled on basic Italian were able to communicate. Her name was Luta, and she was waiting here to show the VBT group the homemade wine and olive oil that she produces at her home. I translated her story to the group–she & generations before her have been making wine and olive oil in Škrip for the past 100 years. She nodded, pushing small plastic cups of wine and olive oil into our hands to taste. She made it all by hand with little frills or help, and her face lit up as we told her how delicious they were.

Selfie with Luta

Selfie with Luta

The handful of our group that had decided to push on and crest the hill to Škrip got the chance to meet the wonderful Luta and spend time in her home. Not only was this the best surprise at the end of a hill, but knowing that we had gone the extra mile on bike made this experience even more blissful. Being completely present made me love those few uphill rides the most because nothing beats the feeling of reaching the top.

Kelley Ferro is a travel expert & video journalist living in NYC. She films her show, Get Lost, around the world–hopping on a plane at least twice a month She is also the executive producer for Tripfilms.com. For more on her travels, follow Kelley’s Facebook page.