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by Sara Jane Crane —
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Here at Acendas Travel we work with a number of select travel partners in order to create the perfect experience for our clients. Our Travel Advisors spend a great deal of time getting to know you and your vacation needs and desires. After careful consideration and research, our advisors utilize our partnerships around the world to build complete travel packages including transportation, lodging, unique excursions, VIP experiences and much more.
One of our partners is Insight Vacations. a provider of authentic and unique premium escorted tours and cruises. We asked Insight Vacation’s Kathleen Levy to share her personal top choices for 2018 travel.
Kathleen’s Top 2018 Travel Picks:
Country Roads of Croatia – 15 days, from $3,095 pp
One of the reasons I find Croatia so fascinating is because all those who have tried to conquer it – the Romans, the Venetians, the Ottoman Turks and the Habsburgs – have left their calling-card in the form of architecture, language, art, and food. This trip takes you to the superb walled cities of Dubrovnik, Split and Korcula, where evidence of Croatia’s complex history can be seen around every corner. You’ll also discover primeval national parks like Plitvice Lakes, where striking azure waterways, cascading falls and thick woodland shelters abundant wildlife. And in Hvar you’ll understand why Croatia’s islands are known as the “jewels of the Adriatic” as you enjoy secluded beaches, tiny fish restaurants and lofty peaks with magnificent views of bejeweled seas.
Inspiring Indochina – 19 days, from $9,925 pp
I love this magnificent journey, because it traverses three countries and reveals the highlights of Southeast Asia while also offering an inside look at the centuries-old culture and customs that have enthralled travelers for decades. Along the way guests explore the hauntingly exotic temples of Angkor Wat and Ta Phrom in Cambodia, cruise the mighty Mekong River, and visit the Imperial Citadel of Hué. Local experts take guests behind the scenes at the world-famous Phare Circus, guide them through the fascinating underground tunnels of Saigon, and accompany them on a tasting tour of the vibrant street food markets in Hanoi.
Treasures of the Incas – 12 days, from $4,565 pp
‘Treasures of the Incas’ is a truly a spectacular itinerary that I feel any traveler worth their salt should add to their bucket list. You will discover the magic and mystery of one of the most ancient civilizations on Earth while taking in Peru’s breathtaking landscapes and learning about both the ancient culture of the Incas and the contemporary culture of the native Andean people. The journey to the mist-cloaked citadel of Machu Picchu alone is worth the price of the trip – guests make the ascent via the panoramic Vistadome train. The chance to visit a working tea plantation, learn traditional weaving techniques from a Quechua scholar, and dine at Astrid & Gaston, one of the best restaurants in Lima, are additional reasons I recommend this remarkable journey.
Amazing Spain & Portugal – 10 days, from $1,995 pp
You may think you know Spain and Portugal, but you’ll get to know an entirely different side of these two countries on this incomparable trip. I like the way that the VIP experiences really let you get under the skin of each destination. For example, the historic city of Toledo has produced the legendary Damascene swords for centuries, and on this trip guests get to visit the workshop of a master craftsman and see how they are made. And in Jabugo, guests not only get to taste the famous jamon Iberico (Iberian ham), they also learn about its history and production from a local expert. Other highlights include touring the celebrated Alhambra Palace, tasting authentic Pasteis de Belem in Lisbon, and seeing the ancient Roman arches across the river Tormes in Salamanca.
America’s Magnificent National Parks – 15 days, from $5,325 pp
Since I’m a huge fan of America’s national parks, this trip is one of my absolute favorites. It’s an epic journey through a dozen or so national and state parks, monuments and historical sites in the southwestern and central U.S., with a sprinkling of fun cultural and leisure activities thrown in. It starts at the Grand Canyon and ends in the Black Hills of South Dakota, stopping at Monument Valley, Bryce Canyon, Zion, Grand Teton and Yellowstone along the way. In between park visits you’ll visit the gold rush town of Deadwood, cruise on Lake Powell, go horseback riding on a Wyoming ranch, and play the slots in Las Vegas, baby!
To make one of these adventures part of your life in 2018 or beyond, or learn of Insight Vacations hundreds of other worldwide offerings, contact Acendas Travel to start planning today.
Insight Vacations is proud to provide the most authentic and unique premium escorted tours and cruises to Europe, the Eastern Mediterranean, India, United States and Canada.
Enjoy the “Art of Traveling in Style” with extended business-class legroom on Insight’s luxury coaches and relax and unwind in the finest properties. Insight offers nearly 60 spectacular Signature hotels, including beautiful châteaus and manor houses set in breathtaking locations. Signature experiences vividly capture the imagination of travelers, whether olive oil tasting in Provence or observing sheepdog training in the Scottish highlands. With hundreds of dollars of included meals, sightseeing experiences, and unexpected flourishes, you will be astounded by the value of an Insight Vacation.
With Luxury Gold, you’ll travel as a VIP, enjoy uniquely tailored experiences and explore famous landmarks out of hours when they are closed to the general public. Relax and effortlessly enjoy your vacation, safe in the knowledge that your highly-skilled Travelling Concierge will take care of everything on your behalf.