Bay Travel & Tours Feed

Spotlight on Northern Italy featuring Venice, Verona & the Dolomites

Sat, 23 May 26 04:00:20 +0000

MUST-SEE INCLUSIONS

Get to know the romantic city of Verona.
Cruise the waters around Venice and dive into the island city.
Enjoy an up-close look at the Dolomites, one of the most beautiful mountain chains in the world.

CULINARY INCLUSIONS

Step back in time at a festive farewell dinner in a Venetian villa.
Master a few tips from an Italian nonna (grandmother) and try your hand at making traditional pasta.
Tour a winery in the Prosecco hills and sample this delectable sparkling wine.

CULTURAL EXPERIENCES

Discover the lively center of hilltop Asolo, awarded the title of Italy’s Most Beautiful Village.
Marvel at the skill of the glassblowing artists in Venice, who still work the glass using century-old techniques.
Experience local life in Bassano, the hometown of Italy’s renowned schnapps called grappa.

HOTELS

Hotel Carlton, Treviso

INCLUDED

Stay:

9 Days
8 Nights

Meals:

7 Breakfasts
1 Lunch
3 Dinners

Countryside of the Emerald Isle

Sat, 23 May 26 04:00:20 +0000

MUST-SEE INCLUSIONS

Take in scenic views from Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way.
Cruise beneath the iconic Cliffs of Moher.
Explore Dingle and the spectacular scenery of the Dingle Peninsula.

CULINARY INCLUSIONS

Explore the Old Midleton Distillery, home of Jameson Irish Whiskey.
Enjoy a cheese tasting at an award-winning goat farm.
Savor traditional Irish cuisine at a popular local pub.

CULTURAL EXPERIENCES

Overnight on the enchanting Aran Islands and jump head-first into Irish culture.
See Irish sheepdogs in action as they work on a Dingle farm.
Discover how one man’s love of beer resulted in a successful local brewery.

HOTELS

INCLUDED

Stay:

11 Days
10 Nights

Meals:

9 Breakfasts
1 Lunch
4 Dinners

Old World Sicily & Malta

Sat, 23 May 26 04:00:20 +0000

MUST-SEE INCLUSIONS

Explore Valletta (UNESCO), the capital of the Knights of Malta, a city “built by gentlemen for gentlemen.”
Pass by Baroque architecture and wrought iron balconies on a winding walking tour of Ragusa (UNESCO).
Spend 3 nights in Taormina (UNESCO) and explore its iconic Greek theatre.

CULINARY INCLUSIONS

Pause for a Sicilian cappuccino and pastry breakfast at a local “bar.”
Explore the flavors of Maltese cuisine during a family-style dinner at a local band club.
Visit a family-owned organic herb farm and enjoy a lunch flavored with delicious aromatic plants.

CULTURAL EXPERIENCES

Ascend the sides of Mount Etna (UNESCO) in off-road vehicles.
Soak up the island ambiance of Malta with a 4-night stay in Sliema.
Delve into Maltese culture during a tour of a traditional limestone village.

HOTELS

INCLUDED

Stay:

12 Days
11 Nights

Meals:

10 Breakfasts
2 Lunches
3 Dinners

Best of Italy

Sat, 23 May 26 04:00:20 +0000

MUST-SEE INCLUSIONS

Embark on a walking tour featuring Florence's artistic gems.
Discover the long-lost Etruscan civilization during a visit to hilltop Orvieto.
Discover the heart of Rome as you explore the timeless charm of Trastevere and the historic grandeur of Piazza Navona.

CULINARY INCLUSIONS

Taste traditionally-made Parmigiano cheese and balsamic vinegar in the Food Valley.
Enjoy a food tour in Rome in the liveliest area of the city.
Discover how tagliatelle pasta is made and enjoy a farm-to-table dinner and wine pairing.

CULTURAL EXPERIENCES

Be dazzled by medieval mosaics in Ravenna that gave inspiration to the poetry of Lord Byron and to Cole Porter’s romantic song, Night and Day.
Discover the craftsmanship behind the creation of Venetian gondolas and Murano glass.
Unleash your creativity in a Venetian mask-making workshop, guided by expert artisans in the heart of Venice.

HOTELS

INCLUDED

Stay:

12 Days
11 Nights

Meals:

10 Breakfasts
1 Lunch
5 Dinners

Spotlight on the French Riviera

Sat, 23 May 26 04:00:20 +0000

MUST-SEE INCLUSIONS

Tour Nice, the sunny playground of the rich and famous.
Discover the hilltop town of St. Paul de Vence and its beautiful vistas.
Explore Monaco and see its iconic sites.
Travel to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, the "Crown Jewel of the French Riviera."

CULINARY INCLUSIONS

Savor the Riviera’s Mediterranean cuisine during dinner in Vieux Nice.
Discover Nice with a local foodie on an interactive city tour.

CULTURAL EXPERIENCES

Explore Saint-Honorat Island, belonging to the monks of Lérins Abbey.
Learn the secrets of perfume making during a hands-on workshop.

HOTELS

Hotel Radisson Blu, Nice

INCLUDED

Stay:

9 Days
8 Nights

Meals:

7 Breakfasts
1 Lunch
4 Dinners

British Landscapes featuring England, Scotland and Wales

Sat, 23 May 26 04:00:20 +0000

MUST-SEE INCLUSIONS

See the quintessential sights of London with a local guide.
Explore the wonderous York Minster.
Discover Edinburgh’s fascinating history with a local guide and visit Edinburgh Castle.

CULINARY INCLUSIONS

Experience a traditional afternoon tea in Stratford-upon-Avon.
Enjoy London’s culinary renaissance at a dinner highlighting contemporary British cuisine.
Taste the best of modern Scottish fare in a traditional local restaurant.

CULTURAL EXPERIENCES

Travel like a local on a high-speed commuter train from Edinburgh to York.
Connect with the literature and birthplace of Shakespeare in Stratford-upon-Avon.

HOTELS

INCLUDED

Stay:

10 Days
9 Nights

Meals:

8 Breakfasts
1 Lunch
3 Dinners

Southern Italy & Sicily featuring Taormina, Matera and the Amalfi Coast

Fri, 22 May 26 04:00:19 +0000

MUST-SEE INCLUSIONS

Behold the glittering mosaics of Monreale Cathedral.
Journey to the Sassi di Matera, known for its cave dwellings.
Experience the excavated ruins of Pompeii at the foothills of Mount Vesuvius.

CULINARY INCLUSIONS

Indulge in a regional dinner at a winery's agriturismo restaurant.
Tour a vineyard and wine cellar located in the badlands of Matera's Basilicata region.
Savor freshly made mozzarella cheese during a visit to a buffalo dairy farm.

CULTURAL EXPERIENCES

Experience true Sicilian hospitality during a farmhouse lunch.
Journey to Positano village, the pearl of the Amalfi Coast.
Stand in awe before the ancient Greek theatre in Taormina.

HOTELS

NH Palermo, Palermo
Baia di Ulisse, Agrigento
Una Hotel Naxos Beach Sicilia, Giardini Naxos
UNAHOTELS MH Matera Hotel, Matera
Hotel Michelangelo, Sorrento
Massimo D'Azeglio Hotel, Rome

INCLUDED

Stay:

14 Days
13 Nights

Meals:

12 Breakfasts
2 Lunches
6 Dinners

Treasures of Europe from Rome to London

Fri, 22 May 26 04:00:19 +0000

MUST-SEE INCLUSIONS

Tour Rome’s awe-inspiring Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel.
Cross from Italy into the majestic Swiss Alps.
Stroll through “The Floating City” of Venice.

CULINARY INCLUSIONS

Sample delectable wines and traditional cuisine at a vineyard in the Chianti region.
Enjoy a relaxing cruise along the Seine River and drift past famous landmarks as you dine on French cuisine.

CULTURAL EXPERIENCES

Travel across 3 countries on high-speed trains, experiencing this common European means of transportation.
From Parisian café culture to the ancient ruins of Rome, immerse yourself in a world of diversity and charm.
Enjoy free time in London to explore the vibrant local culture of a city where history, modernity, and tradition come alive at every corner.

HOTELS

UNAhotels Deco Roma, Rome
FH55 Hotels Mediterraneo Grand Hotel, Florence
Hotel Abbazia, Venice
Radisson Blu Hotel, Andermatt
Hyatt Regency Paris Etoile, Paris
Clayton Hotel City of London, London

INCLUDED

Stay:

14 Days
13 Nights

Meals:

12 Breakfasts
1 Lunch
4 Dinners

Spotlight on Paris

Fri, 22 May 26 04:00:19 +0000

MUST-SEE INCLUSIONS

Feel like a royal when you tour the Palace of Versailles and its gardens with a local insider.
Take a walk down to the Île de la Cité to take in the sight of the awe-inspiring Notre Dame.
Explore the treasures of the Louvre Museum with a museum expert.

CULINARY INCLUSIONS

Admire the city skyline as you float down the Seine on a relaxing dinner cruise.
Enjoy an exclusive dinner at the Eiffel Tower with unparalleled views of the “City of Light.”

CULTURAL EXPERIENCES

Navigate Paris like a local by riding Le Métro.
Feel like a true Parisian when you discover the beloved neighborhood of Montmartre.

HOTELS

Le Meridien Paris Arc De Triomphe, Paris

INCLUDED

Stay:

7 Days
6 Nights

Meals:

5 Breakfasts
Lunches
3 Dinners

Greece: In the Footsteps of Paul the Apostle featuring a 3-night Greek Islands & Turkiye cruise

Thu, 21 May 26 04:00:17 +0000

MUST-SEE INCLUSIONS

Explore ancient Corinth on a guided tour featuring the Agora.
Journey to Kavala, where Paul first set foot on European soil.
Admire the view from the Acropolis, home to the legendary Parthenon.

CULTURAL EXPERIENCES

Feast on local Greek cuisine and fine wine in a traditional taverna.
Visit two breathtaking monasteries in Meteora and learn about the resident monks.
Take in views of Santorini’s volcanic caldera and towering cliffs from your cruise ship.

HOTELS

INCLUDED

Stay:

11 Days
10 Nights

Meals:

9 Breakfasts
3 Lunches
7 Dinners

Shrines of Italy

Thu, 21 May 26 04:00:17 +0000

MUST-SEE INCLUSIONS

Follow in the footsteps of St. Francis and join a local expert for a fascinating walking tour of Assisi.
Venture underground to the Catacombs of Rome, where early Christians hid and buried their dead.
Discover the Holy House of Nazareth and the revered Madonna of Loreto.

CULTURAL EXPERIENCES

Attend the weekly Papal audience in the Vatican City.
Tour a family-owned winery and learn about local life in the countryside of Assisi.
Visit the Holy Stairs, believed to be the steps that Christ climbed when he appeared before Pontius Pilate.

HOTELS

INCLUDED

Stay:

11 Days
10 Nights

Meals:

9 Breakfasts
1 Lunch
4 Dinners

Venice and Croatian Islands Cruise

Wed, 20 May 26 04:00:16 +0000

MUST-SEE INCLUSIONS

Discover Croatia’s captivating islands along the northern Adriatic, explore the Istrian peninsula, and visit magical Venice.
Commune with sound and light at Nikola Bašic’s popular Sea Organ and Greeting to the Sun art installations.
Sail around scenic Kornati National Park, Croatia’s “nautical paradise.”
Walk across bridges and along canals during a walking tour of Venice.

CULINARY INCLUSIONS

Taste some sweet and delectable Rab cake with a gin and tonic on Rab Island.
Enjoy Dalmatian delicacies prepared according to traditional recipes.
Taste Italian wine in Collio, Italy’s prime white wine producing region.

CULTURAL EXPERIENCES

Sail the islands of northern Croatia aboard a small ship.
Explore Šibenik and its stunning cathedral during a city tour.
Discover the craftsmanship behind the art of Murano glass-making.

HOTELS

MS San Spirito, Sibenik
LifeClass Hotel Riviera, Portoroz
Hotel Avani Rio Novo, Venice

INCLUDED

Stay:

13 Days
12 Nights

Meals:

11 Breakfasts
8 Lunches
5 Dinners

The Balkans From Coastal Croatia to Legendary Greece

Wed, 20 May 26 04:00:16 +0000

MUST-SEE INCLUSIONS

Take a private boat to explore Our Lady of the Rocks Island and breathtaking Boka Bay.
Explore the historic and architectural evolution of Tirana.
Come to know Metéora and visit one of its Byzantine monasteries, built over 600 years ago.

CULINARY INCLUSIONS

Enjoy traditional Albanian food and folk entertainment in the capital city, Tirana.
Sit down for a farm-to-table lunch in the village of Fishtë and learn about traditional Albanian agriculture.
Experience Bosnian hospitality and regional dishes, joining a local family for a meal in a Sarajevo home.

CULTURAL EXPERIENCES

Impact Moment: Uncover Sarajevo’s wartime history with a siege survivor.
Discover Gjirokastra’s Old Town, bazaar and castle.
Visit a traditional icon-painting workshop in Kalambaka.

HOTELS

Le Premier Boutique Hotel, Zagreb
The Lyra Hotel Plitvice, Licko Petrovo Selo, Plitvice Lakes
Hotel Colors Inn, Sarajevo
Hotel Adriatik, Dubrovnik
Hotel Cattaro, Kotor
Hotel Rogner, Tirana
Divani Meteora Hotel, Kalambaka
NYX Esperia Palace Hotel, Athens

INCLUDED

Stay:

16 Days
15 Nights

Meals:

14 Breakfasts
2 Lunches
7 Dinners

Up to 40% off with Oceania Cruises

Tue, 19 May 26 16:38:45 +0000

Enjoy savings of up to 40% off select sailings as you explore the world with ease. From Europe and Alaska to the Caribbean and Asia, you’re invited to follow your curiosity, discovering at your own pace and creating meaningful connections – both on board and ashore.

Contact us today to learn more.

3 Destinations To Explore As A Family On Carnival

Tue, 19 May 26 16:32:42 +0000

There’s something special about discovering new places together. The kind of moments where laughter comes easy, every view feels unforgettable, and even the smallest experiences turn into stories you’ll talk about long after the trip ends.

On a Carnival cruise, every destination becomes part of the adventure. Giving your family new ways to explore, play, and connect along the way.

Here are three unforgettable destinations your family won’t want to miss.

DISCOVER PARADISE IN THE CARIBBEAN AND BAHAMAS

Some trips just feel like pure joy from the moment you arrive and that’s exactly what you’ll find across Carnival’s Paradise Collection, a family of exclusive cruise destinations.

At Celebration Key™, Carnivals new exclusive destination in Grand Bahama families can spend the day splashing through the Caribbean’s largest freshwater lagoons, stretching out along soft white-sand beaches, and jumping into live entertainment, games, and activities designed for all ages. Every corner invites you to relax, play, or dive into something new together across five unique portals.

Located in the Bahamas, RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay™, the pace slows down in the best possible way. Think calm turquoise waters, powder-soft sand beneath your feet, and peaceful moments that make it easy to truly unwind. Whether you’re swimming, trying horseback riding along the shore, or just soaking up the view.

At Isla Tropicale, formerly Mahogany Bay and located in Honduras, lush tropical beauty and adventure takes center stage. You can soar above the island on a scenic chairlift, snorkel colorful reefs, or explore everything this lush destination has to offer. Relax and unwind at the new pool, complete with cabanas, loungers, and a swim-up bar, or venture along a scenic nature trail that showcases the island’s natural beauty. Each experience adding a new memory to your family’s story while exploring the natural beauty of Roatán.

And beyond these slices of paradise, the Caribbean and Bahamas offer even more to explore. From the vibrant energy of Nassau to the laid-back charm of Grand Turk. Each stop brings its own rhythm, its own flavor, and a new way for your family to experience island life together.

EXPLORE MEXICO’S COASTAL ADVENTURES

Few places bring together adventure, culture, and relaxation quite like a Carnival cruise to Mexico – and every port tells a different story your family gets to experience together.

One visit might mean snorkeling vibrant reefs or relaxing on sun-soaked beaches. The next, you’re exploring ancient ruins, tasting local flavors, or wandering colorful streets filled with music and energy.

From the crystal-clear waters of Cozumel to the rich history of Costa Maya and the welcoming coastal charm of Progreso, every stop invites you to discover something new side by side.

On the Pacific coast, the experiences keep unfolding. From the dramatic scenery of Cabo San Lucas to the culture and coastline of Mazatlán and Puerto Vallarta, each destination offering its own mix of adventure and unforgettable views. In Ensenada, families can take in sweeping ocean scenery, explore local markets, enjoy fresh coastal cuisine, or venture out to nearby natural wonders and vineyards. Adding a relaxed, scenic chapter to your journey.

Whether your family is chasing excitement, relaxation, or a little bit of both, Mexico delivers moments that feel vibrant, meaningful, and made to share.

EXPERIENCE ALASKA’S NATURAL WONDERS

If your family loves breathtaking scenery and once-in-a-lifetime experiences, Carnival cruises to Alaska offers a completely different kind of adventure. One that feels bigger, wilder, and truly unforgettable.

In Juneau, the journey begins with dramatic scenery at every turn. Surrounded by towering mountains and icy landscapes, where you might spot whales, stand before the massive Mendenhall Glacier, or take in sweeping views that stretch as far as the eye can see. It’s a capital city, but it feels like a gateway into pure wilderness.

In Skagway, history comes to life. Walking along wooden boardwalks or riding the scenic White Pass Railway feels like stepping into another era. One filled with stories, adventure, and incredible alpine views that feel straight out of a storybook.

In Ketchikan, culture and color take center stage, with vibrant waterfronts, totem parks, and a spirit that’s as rich as the scenery around you. It’s a place where families can explore totem parks, stroll historic Creek Street, and watch seaplanes land and take off against a backdrop of forested mountains and misty skies.

And in places like Sitka and Icy Strait Point, nature becomes the highlight. From wildlife sightings to peaceful coastal trails where every turn reveals something new to discover together. And if you’re lucky bald eagles and sea otters are often part of the scenery.

No matter the itinerary, Alaska has a way of turning every day into a shared sense of wonder. Where the landscapes are unforgettable, and the moments feel even bigger. Turning every stop into a highlight and every day into a new family adventure.

The best vacations aren’t just about where you go, they’re about the moments you create along the way. The laughter, the discoveries, and the memories your family will carry with them long after the journey ends.

Ready to discover unforgettable destinations, exciting adventures, and experiences for every generation? Contact your travel advisor to book your next family adventure on a Carnival cruise.

Early Saver + Reduced Deposits + OBC

Tue, 19 May 26 16:21:09 +0000

If your ideal getaway includes iconic fun zones and bold designs, then Carnival is Calling! Book your next Carnival cruise by May 31st and take advantage of 40%* off cruise rates, 50%* reduced deposits, and up to $25* to spend onboard the spa, drinks, dining and more on sailing through April 2028.

Contact us today to learn more.

Portugal's Old-World Charms featuring Douro Valley, Alentejo & Lisbon

Tue, 19 May 26 04:00:14 +0000

MUST-SEE INCLUSIONS

Discover the picturesque, lively neighborhood of Alfama in Lisbon.
Embark on a Douro River cruise through the breathtaking terraced landscape (UNESCO).
Enjoy a tour of the walled city of Evora (UNESCO).

CULINARY INCLUSIONS

Taste the wines of the Alentejo region during a locally sourced farm-to-table dinner at a winery.
Savor the cuisine of Portugal during a home-hosted dinner full of local flavors.

CULTURAL EXPERIENCES

Explore an old oil press in Marvão and learn about traditional olive oil production.
Venture to Alter do Chão, a small village with ties to the Lusitano horse breed.
Experience a night of fado and learn about this traditional art form.

HOTELS

INCLUDED

Stay:

11 Days
10 Nights

Meals:

9 Breakfasts
2 Lunches
5 Dinners

Scotland: Land of Lore & Legend

Tue, 19 May 26 04:00:14 +0000

MUST-SEE INCLUSIONS

Discover Cawdor Castle, a medieval fortress linked to Macbeth and Highland history.
Explore the culturally rich city of Glasgow.
Ferry to the Isle of Iona and visit Iona Abbey.

CULINARY INCLUSIONS

Enjoy Scottish treats on a Highland farm overlooking Loch Lomond.
Toast with the famous "water of life" during a whisky-inspired dinner in Edinburgh.

CULTURAL EXPERIENCES

See border collies in action during a traditional sheepdog demonstration at a family-run farm.
Walk the trails of Glencoe, where dramatic peaks and valleys echo clan legends.
Immerse yourself in the history of tartan as told by Highland women.

HOTELS

Hilton Glasgow, Glasgow
Loch Melfort Hotel, Arduaine, Oban
Grant Arms Hotel, Grantown-on-Spey
Edinburgh Marriott Hotel Holyrood, Edinburgh

INCLUDED

Stay:

11 Days
10 Nights

Meals:

9 Breakfasts
Lunches
5 Dinners

Majestic Cities of Central & Eastern Europe featuring Berlin, Prague, Vienna, Budapest & Krakow

Tue, 19 May 26 04:00:14 +0000

MUST-SEE INCLUSIONS

Visit Panonhalma Archabbey (UNESCO), the Monastery of the Benedictine Order.
Come to know the lively nature of Krakow’s well-preserved Old Town.
Explore the best of Berlin on a walking tour tracing the city’s history and iconic landmarks.

CULINARY INCLUSIONS

Experience Viennese coffee house culture during an Impact Moment.
Learn the secrets of Viennese confectionery during a candy-making demonstration.

CULTURAL EXPERIENCES

Hear from a Berliner about their experiences living in East Germany prior the fall of the Berlin Wall.
Be whisked by train from Prague to “The City of Music” – Vienna, Austria.
Take a poignant journey through history at the camps of Auschwitz.
Discover the 2 sides of Hungary’s capital, Buda and Pest, alongside a local expert.

HOTELS

Radisson Red Hotel, Berlin
Majestic Plaza Hotel, Prague
Imperial Riding School Hotel, Vienna
Up Hotel, Budapest
Mercure Krakow Old Town, Krakow

INCLUDED

Stay:

14 Days
13 Nights

Meals:

12 Breakfasts
1 Lunch
6 Dinners

Exploring Scotland & Ireland

Tue, 19 May 26 04:00:14 +0000

MUST-SEE INCLUSIONS

Explore historic Inverness Castle, situated on a cliff overlooking the city.
Tour the "Fair City" of Dublin with a local guide.
Set out on a walking tour of Derry featuring its medieval city walls.
Join a local on a walk to uncover the history of Inverness as the gateway to the Highlands.

CULINARY INCLUSIONS

Take a tour (and have a tasting!) at one of Scotland’s oldest whisky distilleries.
Taste fresh apple cider at a family-run farm.

CULTURAL EXPERIENCES

Discover how Derry has become a cultural city with a vibrant and growing scene.
Connect to Scottish culture at a local ceilidh, a traditional gathering that includes music and dance.
Meet working sheepdogs and see them in action on a local farm.

HOTELS

Radisson Blu, Edinburgh
Best Western Inverness Palace Hotel, Inverness
Hilton, Glasgow
Maldron Hotel, Belfast
City Hotel, Derry
Herbert Park Hotel, Dublin

INCLUDED

Stay:

13 Days
12 Nights

Meals:

11 Breakfasts
1 Lunch
7 Dinners

Italy: Amalfi Coast to Puglia

Tue, 19 May 26 04:00:14 +0000

MUST-SEE INCLUSIONS

Make the most of a free afternoon in the popular resort town of Positano.
Explore a sfusato lemon grove and hike the Amalfi Coast's ancient Path of Lemons.
Venture through Naples' historic city center, overflowing with local life and eccentric monuments.

CULINARY INCLUSIONS

Visit a pasta factory and taste an iconic Italian dish.
Sample the traditional robust wines and food of Puglia.
Discover the secrets of making limoncello in the place where the liqueur originated.

CULTURAL EXPERIENCES

Impact Moment: Discover traditional Neapolitan songs during a private performance at a local social enterprise.
Experience the Italian landscape like never before and spend 2 nights in a unique cave-dwelling accommodation.
In Lecce, feel the rhythm of the south during a private folk music and dance performance.

HOTELS

Royal Continental Hotel, Naples
Hotel Villa Romana, Minori, Amalfi Coast
Locanda di San Martino Hotel, Matera
Santa Chiara Suite Hotel, Lecce, Puglia
Trulli Holiday Albergo Diffuso, Alberobello, Puglia

INCLUDED

Stay:

14 Days
13 Nights

Meals:

12 Breakfasts
3 Lunches
3 Dinners

Shades of Ireland featuring Northern Ireland

Tue, 19 May 26 04:00:14 +0000

MUST-SEE INCLUSIONS

Stand in awe of the stunning 700-foot-high Cliffs of Moher.
See Northern Ireland's famous phenomenon - the spectacular Giant's Causeway.
Kiss the famed Blarney Stone at Blarney Castle.

CULINARY INCLUSIONS

Savor a hearty dinner and night of traditional Irish entertainment.
Enjoy dinner in a country inn.
Choose from a "menu" of Derry’s best restaurants.

CULTURAL EXPERIENCES

Meet the Cope family as you tour their stately home.
Explore the walled city of Derry with a local guide.
Experience the daily life of an Irish family during a visit to a local farm.

HOTELS

INCLUDED

Stay:

13 Days
12 Nights

Meals:

11 Breakfasts
Lunches
7 Dinners

Highlights of Norway

Tue, 19 May 26 04:00:14 +0000

MUST-SEE INCLUSIONS

Ride one of the steepest cable cars in the world for unrivaled fjord views.
Explore Bergen on a locally guided walking tour.
Witness scenic wilderness along the Flåm Railway.
Immerse yourself in Oslo's rich history on a city tour.

CULINARY INCLUSIONS

Dine in Bergen’s historic Bryggen neighborhood.
Enjoy traditional Norwegian fare in one of Oslo’s oldest buildings.

CULTURAL EXPERIENCES

Visit the intricately designed Borgund Stave Church, erected in 1180.
Gain insight into the region’s history at the open-air Nordfjord Folk Museum.
Embark on an exhilarating Geirangerfjord cruise.

HOTELS

INCLUDED

Stay:

9 Days
8 Nights

Meals:

7 Breakfasts
Lunches
5 Dinners

Colors of Morocco

Tue, 19 May 26 04:00:14 +0000

MUST-SEE INCLUSIONS

Pause for a view of the Atlas Mountains, with its extraordinary scenery and Berber villages.
Explore Fes, one of the holiest Muslim cities in the world.
Visit the Kasbah des Oudaias, with its narrow and colorful alleyways.

CULINARY INCLUSIONS

Indulge in a tour and paired lunch at a winery estate.
Select your own ingredients for a culinary workshop at a local women’s cooperative.
Experience a dish prepared by the women of the ksar following traditional recipes.

CULTURAL EXPERIENCES

Stroll through the cobblestone alleyways of ancient markets and medinas.
Walk through an oasis date farm and discover the ancient irrigation systems that have sustained these fields of generations.
Experience the desert by 4x4 and during your 2-night camp stay.

HOTELS

INCLUDED

Stay:

15 Days
14 Nights

Meals:

13 Breakfasts
6 Lunches
8 Dinners

Why Travelers are Following the Trail of South Africa’s Oldest Vineyards

Mon, 18 May 26 16:00:54 +0000

For wine travelers, South Africa’s Old Vine Project has transformed a tasting trip through the Cape winelands into a journey through living wine history.

Across the Western Cape, the tell-tale shapes of gnarled old bush vines — some planted decades ago — are now among the country’s most compelling travel experiences. Visitors in the know increasingly come not just to taste wine, but to stand among vineyards that survived turbulent decades of drought, shifting wine fashions, and the global race toward high-yield commercial wine production.

The Champion of South Africa’s Old Vines

At the center of this movement is Rosa Kruger, the South African viticulturist widely credited with helping save the country’s heritage vineyards.

I had the privilege of meeting Rosa at an event hosted by the Wines of South Africa, where she recounted her quest to rediscover, document, and preserve the country’s oldest vines. A tasting confirmed they were worth the effort – and visiting those wineries nurturing and making wine from these small and precious vineyards should be on every oenophile’s list of travel goals.

In the early 2000s, Kruger began traveling through the Cape searching for forgotten old vineyards. At the time, many were at risk of being uprooted because older vines naturally produce lower yields and were often seen as economically inefficient. Kruger believed exactly the opposite: that these mature vineyards represented some of South Africa’s greatest wine treasures.

The Old Vine Project

Her work eventually led to the formal launch of the Old Vine Project (OVP) in 2016. The project’s mission is to identify, preserve, and promote vineyards older than 35 years while creating financial incentives for growers to keep them alive rather than replacing them with younger, higher-yielding vines better suited to mass, commercial wine production.

The result has been transformative — not only for South African wine, but for wine travel.

South Africa did not invent the idea of old vines. European wine regions have revered ancient vineyards for centuries, and wineries in France, Spain, Portugal, and Italy long marketed “old vine” wines. Spain and Portugal, in particular, still have vineyards significantly older than many in South Africa.

What South Africa has done — arguably more influentially — has been to turn old vines from romantic wine marketing into a globally respected preservation movement.

Groundbreaking Initiative Preserving Ancient Vineyards

South Africa debuted the first nationally organized certification and preservation movement dedicated specifically to identifying, registering, protecting and commercially promoting old vineyards across an entire wine-producing country.

Before the South African model, “old vine” was often vague marketing language with no formal definition. One producer’s old vines might be 20 years old; another’s 80. The Old Vine Project introduced traceable vineyard records and a formal “Certified Heritage Vineyards” seal for vineyards older than 35 years, helping establish credibility and authenticity.

Global Impact

The idea resonated far beyond the Cape winelands.

For decades, many growers saw old vines as liabilities because they yield fewer grapes. The Old Vine Project helped flip that thinking. Lower yields could mean greater concentration, texture, and personality — wines distinctive enough to command premium prices and inspire wine lovers to travel halfway around the world to taste them.

Its impact can now be seen in the Old World and the New World, where wineries are embracing, codifying, and preserving their own oldest vines.

Kruger herself has become one of the most respected figures in global wine. In 2022, she became the first South African inducted into Decanter’s Hall of Fame.

Redefining Regional Wines and Wine Travel

The movement reshaped South Africa’s wine identity. For years, the country was associated with inexpensive bulk wine. The rediscovery of old Chenin Blanc, Cinsault, Semillon, Palomino, and Grenache vineyards helped fuel a premium wine renaissance centered on authenticity, terroir, and heritage.

In the glass, old vines often deliver wines with extraordinary texture, concentration, and sense of place.

For visitors planning a Cape winelands itinerary, the Old Vine Project has created a heritage wine route through some of South Africa’s most compelling vineyard landscapes: a quest that is part wine tasting, part road trip, part treasure hunt.

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Story and event images: Lynn Elmhirst, travel journalist and expert

Top image: Getty