24 Oct 2013
Leading premium and luxury escorted journey operator Insight Vacations (www.insightvacations.com) is introducing new destinations – Moldova, San Marino and Andorra - in to its Europe programme for 2014, meaning it has more of Europe covered than any other operator.
The 2014 programme boasts thirteen breathtaking new itineraries, taking guests to more countries than ever before. With the new destinations, Insight Vacations now travels to every country in geographical Europe except Kosovo, confirming it as the Europe experts. The 2014 Europe, Eastern Mediterranean & Morocco programme also features an expansion of the Country Roads style of touring and a plethora of new Signature hotels, dining and experiences.
The new 11-day Ukraine, Moldova and Crimea itinerary takes guests to Moldova, while the 14-day Principalities of Europe introduces San Marino and Andorra to the countries that Insight visits.
Other new itineraries include more independent breaks such as two Greek island hopping holidays and some mini trips, including the 5-day Golden Ring, or the 4-day WW1 Battlefields launching on the eve of the anniversary year of the start of the First World War. The Country Roads programme, which offers guests a more in-depth experience of a country as it travels away from the major cities and off the beaten track, has been expanded to include the Country Roads of Croatia, the Country Roads of Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands, and French Elegance – A Country Roads Itinerary. These new itineraries enhance the existing Insight programme, which includes over 100 unusual gems and best sellers such as Treasures of the Balkans, Northern Spain, Italian Vogue, Natural Wonders of Iceland, Turkish Delights and Russia, Warsaw and the Baltic States to name just a few.
John Boulding, CEO of Insight Vacations said: “Insight Vacations’ geographical coverage is huge. For anyone trying to count, we visit 45 countries so we can say with more certainty than ever before that we’ll take you to where you want to go.”
“In addition, we’ve added a truly amazing array of inspirational and engaging experiences that will add an authentic dimension to all of our itineraries and ensure our guest experience is unparalleled. We know that it’s authentic local experiences that can turn any given day on tour into a highlight. Signature experiences have been designed to capture the imagination of our guests whether they are watching sheepdog training in the Scottish highlands, olive oil tasting in Provence, learning about the workings of an organic farm or visiting glassblowers, artisans, clog makers or stone masons to watch them at work and get an insight into their lives.”
Some example new itineraries include:
The new 16-day Principalities of Europe starts in Barcelona and visits the Principality of Andorra, Montpellier, Aix-en-Provence, the Principality of Monaco, Santa Margherita, Siena, the Republic of San Marino and Rome & the Vatican City, staying in some of the world’s smallest countries. Highlights include a visit to an olive farm in Provence to meet the family and try the high quality olive oil; a French cookery demonstration in Aix-en-Provence; a visit to a perfumery on the Cote d’Azur; the colourful coastal town of Portofino; a small boat cruise to visit two of the villages of Cinque Terre and some beautiful accommodation including the characterful Grand Hotel Primavera in San Marino, stuffed with objets d’art and sumptuous furnishings.
The 16-day Principalities of Europe itinerary starts from £3,575 per person sharing, including return flights, private VIP door-to-door airport transfers, 15 nights B&B premium accommodation with a further eight meals, included sightseeing and the services of a professional Tour Director.
Insight’s new 14-day Country Roads of Croatia highlights the pristine landscapes, idyllic islands, sun-dappled seas and historic towns of Croatia. Starting in Zagreb, it travels to Opatija (with a detour to Slovenia to see the stunning stalagtites and stalagmites in the caves of Postojna), on to the Plitvice Lakes, Split, then island hopping to Brac and Korcula before spending the final three nights in Dubrovnik. Highlights include the blue-green interconnecting lakes, waterfalls, forest and canyon of the Plitvice National Park; the palace of Roman Emperor Diocletian in Split including its underground rooms; a stone-cutting and carving class in Pucisca; a tasting of the celebrated wine in Peljesac; a trip to Montenegro to visit the town of Kotor, situated on the only fjord in the Adriatic and above all of course, the sparkling Dalmatian coastline.
The 14-day Country Roads of Croatia itinerary starts from £2,799 including return flights, private VIP door-to-door airport transfers, 13 nights B&B premium accommodation with a further six meals, included sightseeing and the services of a professional Tour Director.
Taking guests slightly off the beaten track of European travel, Insight’s 11-day Ukraine, Moldova and Crimea itinerary is an exciting new addition to the Europe programme. The journey begins in Ukraine’s Kiev and travels on to Crimea, visiting Simferopol, Alushta, Yalta, Balaklava, Sevastopol, then return to Ukraine’s Kerson and Odessa, before flying into Moldova to explore Chisinau. Highlights include visiting The Patriotic War Museum and Motherland statue in Kiew, the magnificent Livadia Palace in Yalta, the tunnels and canals of Balaklava (a former Soviet submarine base), the Panorama Museum in Sevastopol, a Highlight Dinner at a lively Black Sea restaurant with live music in Crimea and a lively end of tour dinner with fabulous local flavours and wine in Chisinau. Along the way, guests will stay in five star accommodation for a truly luxurious experience.
The 11-day Ukraine, Moldova and Crimea itinerary starts from £3,650 including flights, VIP door-to-door airport transfers, 10 nights B&B premium accommodation with a further six meals, included sightseeing and the services of a professional Tour Director.
Insight Vacations also has a comprehensive premium luxury programme to the USA & Canada, and India & Nepal.
For more information visit www.insightvacations.com. To book, please call 0800 533 5622 or visit your local travel agent.
-ENDS-
About Insight Vacations:
For media information and images:
Caroline Calvert
PR Director, UK
T: 020 7201 3505 / 07715 996278
E: caroline.calvert@travcorpuk.com
Liz McNulty
Senior PR Executive, UK
E: liz.mcnulty@travcorpuk.com
T: 020 7201 3506 / 077 9584 8087
