Virtuoso’s luxe report for 2017 continues to deliver wonderful inspiration for my weekly newsletter. This week, we’ll look at http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/2017-virtuoso-luxe-report-shows-travelers-seeking-exotic-adventures-in-fast-changing-destinations-300365414.html to consider the top global destinations.
The top 5 global destinations for 2017 are:
1 Italy
2. South Africa
3. France
4. Iceland
5. Australia
I’ll be profiling some trips below to these top 5 destinations. Please let me know if you’d like to check out any of these top 5 global destinations in 2017! Where would you like to go?
I’ve just been confirmed on a trip to Australia with Southern World, one of my VAST partners, in March. I’ll be visiting the Great Barrier Reef, and Lizard Island. I cannot wait. Perhaps that kind of trip might appeal to you?
Or maybe Iceland? Such a hot destination these days. France and Italy are always favourites. There are so many ways to see those countries. Remember, for river cruising, you can join me tomorrow (Monday, Jan.30th) for a show with Viking River Cruises at Shepherd’s Fashions (see details here ).
And South Africa is on many clients bucketlists – in fact, my friend and colleague, Ashish Sanghrajka, President of Big Five Tours, is coming to Ottawa on May 2nd to share his knowledge and passion about Africa. Save the date!
Of course, I love the partners and trips I’m profiling below, but that doesn’t mean they are necessarily the right fit for you. Give me a call, let’s go over your needs and interests, and how you like to travel, and we’ll work together on a plan to find the perfect trip for you.
Remember, there is a role for a travel advisor in the digital age. Give a listen to my interview with Carol Anne Meehan of 1310 radio in Ottawa from last month. http://www.1310news.com/2016/11/29/carol-anne-meehan-show-november-29-200-300/
And catch me on Rogers TV tomorrow at 1 pm – I’ll be interviewed there too about the role of the travel advisor!
===
Walking the Prosecco Hills
8 days walking tour
Just an hour’s drive north of Venice, in the foothills of the Dolomites, is one of the world’s best yet largely undiscovered wine regions. 
Here ancient terraced vineyards clinging to the sides of every possible slope are dedicated exclusively to grapes for Italy’s most prized sparkling wine: Prosecco. Based in an elegant converted villa, located in the heart of the so called ‘Prosecco Road’ – Italy’s oldest wine route – we spend a week walking through picturesque rolling hills and sampling the area’s delicious cuisine and authentic bubbles. We also visit charming mediaeval villages such as Cison, Follina, Asolo as well as the beautiful capital province of Treviso.
Priced from $1,515/p cdn (based double, excluding air).
===
Walking in Iceland
5 day walking tour
Iceland’s distinctive volcanic landscape offers the perfect backdrop for day walks in the company of an expert guide. 
The extensive lava fields, huge moss-filled volcanic craters, serene fjords and trails that lead into the heart of the renowned Skaftafell National Park are part of this carefully devised itinerary. Each day will reveal new scenery and activities will include a glacier walk, visits to historical sights and even an opportunity to bathe in steaming hot springs. The series of day walks are fully supported ensuring rewarding days on the trail, while our nights are spent in a comfortable hotel in easy reach of southern Iceland’s most inspiring locations.
Priced from $3,659 cdn/p (based dbl, excluding air).
===
Cycle Provence
8 days cycling tour
Wend your way past neat rows of vineyards, beneath towering aqueducts and through forests on this active cycling adventure through Provence. 
This journey through Southern France is an idyllic blend of scenic trail riding, historical sights and wine tasting. Visit the serene gardens of St Remy to see where Vincent van Gogh created his famous works. Savour regional red wines at a vineyard outside Avignon. Walk the cobbled streets of Les Baux and marvel at the stunning views from atop its limestone cliffs.
From $2,290/p cdn (based dbl, excluding air)
===
1. Lindblad Expeditions – Iceland – Circumnavigation
2. Big Five – Southern Africa: Teeth of the Crocodile
3. Tauck River Cruises – Cruising the Seine, Plus Versailles, Paris, & London
4. Tauck Tours – Sicily, The Amalfi Coast, & Rome
5. Swain Destinations – WOW – Wildlife, Outback, Wine of South Australia
===
Best regards,
Sheila
613-837-0699