11 May 2018
Mothers can be challenging to shop for. Insight Vacations, the award-winning global leader in premium escorted journeys, has the perfect gift idea: an unforgettable guided vacation with stops in parts of Europe she has seen in the movies and been dreaming of visiting for years.
Most moms have a lexicon of favorite films that they view time and time again, and the very best ones are usually set in picturesque locales. Insight Vacations' 'European Flair,' 'Treasures of Greece & the Islands' and 'French Heritage' journeys stop in a few famous cities that will be instantly recognizable to any mom who loves classic films set in European destinations.
“Mother's Day is the perfect chance to show your mom how much you appreciate her, and what better way than with a relaxing and stylish journey through Europe?” says Jon Grutzner, president of Insight Vacations. “For decades, movies have made Europe seem like a fantasy world, and now with Insight Vacations guests can indulge their moms with the trip of their dreams.”
This 13-day European Discoveries-style trip starts in London with an afternoon of free time, the perfect opportunity to wander around in search of the infamous blue door from "Notting Hill." From there, it's on to Amsterdam for a day spent cruising along quaint, tree-lined canals, exploring the heart of the Old City, and retracing the steps of mom's guilty pleasure, "The Fault in Our Stars." Next, after a day spent unlocking the secrets of Rhineland's modern kings and queens in Germany, mom will journey to Prague and join a Local Expert for a guided tour of one of the most beautiful and intact historical centers in Europe. She won't admit it, but mom has always wanted to see Prague ever since finding out it's where "Yentl" was filmed. One of the most heartwarming parts of this journey takes place in Salzburg, where a Local Expert shows off the formal gardens of Mirabell Palace, which includes the fountains and statues where the "Do-Re-Mi" scene from "The Sound of Music" was filmed. The trip culminates in Rome, where mom can take in the art, piazzas and pizzas before being taken by a Local Expert to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel. She can wander the stylish streets and enjoy a handmade gelato before posing on the Spanish Steps like her heroine Audrey Hepburn in "Roman Holiday."
Treasures of Greece & the Islands
This 15-day trip to Greece will remind mom of her absolute favorite musical, "Mamma Mia!" which incorporates music from her youth as sung by her soul-sister, Meryl Streep. From the sun-drenched temples to the endless beaches, this trip is sure to wash away any lingering stress that comes from life as a mom. Though this journey does not visit the specific islands where "Mamma Mia!" was filmed, the white-washed Cycladic homes overlooking the ocean, quaint cobblestone roads and delectable dishes are indistinguishable from those in the film. The trip begins in Athens, where a Local Expert guides her through the Parthenon before visiting the UNESCO World Heritage site of Meteora, a spot that somehow manages to seem old-world and futuristic all at once. From there, it's on to the elegant town of Nafplio, known for its architecture, shops and cafes. Dinners of hearty, authentic Greek cuisine are frequent throughout the trip, as is camaraderie of locals who might just (if you ask nicely) oblige with an ABBA sing-a-long. Mom will also spend two sun-kissed days in Santorini, one of the most gorgeous islands on earth, dining in clifftop cafes and relaxing on the stunning beaches.
The be-all and end-all of vacations in France, this spectacular 23-day journey is everything mom could possibly ask for. This trip starts and finishes in Paris, the beloved, fashionable capital where a multitude of movies have been filmed, including "Gigi," "Moulin Rouge!," "Before Sunset" and the whimsical "Amélie." After Paris mom will spend a few days of journeying through the countryside of France, the Champagne region, the mountainous vistas of Chambry, and the scenic French Riviera before heading back to the City of Light. From Notre-Dame and the Champs-Élysées to the cobblestone roads and romantic cafes that sit along the streets, mom will feel transported into the cinematic world of films like Audrey Hepburn's "Funny Face." With a local foodie, she will explore Paris's favorite local pâtisseries, boulangeries, fromageries and chocolatiers, all tiny but wondrous and a treat to the senses. For an extra dose of excitement and glamour, mom can take in a world-famous cabaret show and end her vacation on a fabulous high note.
For reservations, contact your favorite travel agent, call Insight Vacations at 1-888-680-1241, or visit insightvacations.com
