Travellers Embark on an Intimate Exploration of Europe in 2015 with Insight Vacations

57 Regional Experiences offer a deep dive into European destinations


TORONTO, Oct. 27, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Insight Vacations (http://www.insightvacations.com), the leader in premium and luxury escorted journeys, has unveiled six new European itineraries in its collection of 57 Regional Experiences which are specifically tailored for travellers who wish to explore one specific country or region. This journey style enables guests to explore a destination more intimately and delve deeper into its culture and traditions.

"At Insight Vacations, our hand-crafted Regional Experiences reflect the depth and breadth of focusing on a specific part of Europe which enables our guests to immerse themselves in the local customs and cultures," said Cris David, president, Insight Vacations Canada. "With this trip style, travellers can stay at the 18th century Chateau de Rochecotte in the Loire Valley, travel on a deluxe small ship cruise through the Dalmatian Islands or enjoy a private guided visit at Mardrid's Prado Museum. "

Israel Experience

Sightseeing in Tel Aviv, boating on the Sea of Galilee and swimming in the buoyant salt waters of the Dead Sea are just some of the Signature Experiences Insight guests will have on the new nine-day Israel Discovery escorted journey. In Jerusalem, a visit to the Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum will reveal the Shrine of the Book. When in Galilee, guests will visit the Mount of Beatitudes where Jesus is said to have preached the Sermon on the Mount. Guests will also explore Golan Heights and learn about the Yom Kippur War on a visit to a Kibbutz. In Caesarea, guests will explore the Roman and Crusader ruins, formerly one of the splendid cities in Palestine.

Grand Tour of Greece & The Balkans

Sixteen days of exploration on Insight's new Grand Tour of Greece & The Balkans regional experience is a sensory overload in both the metropolitan and rural areas of each country. Guests will see the sights in Athens including the Acropolis and majestic Parthenon. In mystical Delphi, they will ascend the Sacred Way to visit the Temple of Apollo. The amazing hanging monasteries - an Insight Signature Experience - incredibly perched on top of natural sandstone rock pillars await guests in Meteora. In Thessaloniki, the second largest city in Greece, travellers will enjoy the vibrant and modern port with all the gastronomic experiences it has to offer. The history is still prominent, however, in the many fine churches and Byzantine monuments around the city. In Bulgaria, guests will travel to Sofia, the capital city, where a local expert will take them to see sights such as St. Sofia Church and St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, built between 1882 and 1912 in memory of the 200,000 Russian soldiers who died fighting for Bulgaria's independence during the Russo-Turkish War.

Israel & Turkey

On this 19-day escorted journey of Israel & Turkey - a new Insight Vacations Regional Experience - walk in the footsteps of Jesus as you follow His journey from birth to the Crucifixion. Explore the highlights of vibrant Tel Aviv and visit the most sacred places among Christians and Jews, from the Church of Annunciation to the magnificent Western Wall. Then in Turkey, visit ancient Ephesus where St. Paul came to preach and marvel at the natural wonders of Goreme before experiencing Turkish hospitality at a local's village house, and admire the white terraces of Pamukkale. In Istanbul, guests will visit the infamous Blue Mosque with its beautiful tiles and the Hippodrome where Roman chariot races were held. Guests will gain an insight into the lives of the Ottoman Sultans on a Signature Experience at the fabulous Topkapi Palace.

Insight passengers can take advantage of the Early Payment Discount of 10 per cent (up to $1,175 per couple*) on a Europe itinerary if booked and paid in full by January 15, 2015.

For more information, please visit http://www.insightvacations.com or contact your local travel agent.

About The TreadRight Foundation

Created as a joint initiative between The Travel Corporation's family of brands, the TreadRight Foundation is a not-for-profit working to ensure the environment and communities we visit remain vibrant for generations to come. To date, TreadRight has donated more than USD 2.5 million to sustainable tourism projects worldwide. The Foundation's guiding principle is to encourage sustainable tourism development through conservation, leadership and support for communities. Foundation priorities are set by the Steering Committee, which includes sustainability leaders like Céline Cousteau and Costas Christ.

TreadRight's past project partners include WWF, Conservation International and The National Trust in the UK. Current initiatives include sponsoring the National Geographic Society's inaugural "World Legacy Awards," WildAid and inspiring wildlife advocates like Terri Irwin.

To learn more about our past and current work at TreadRight, please visit us at treadright.org.  

About Insight Vacations

For more than 35 years, Insight Vacations (www.insightvacations.com) has been designing the world's finest escorted travel itineraries. Insight offers 113 journeys to more countries across Europe than any other operator and provides the same legendary service across North America, India, Bhutan, Nepal, Morocco, Egypt and Israel.

Insight guests enjoy The Art of Touring in Style with business-class legroom aboard customized luxury coaches, intimate groups of just 40 travellers and the services of an experienced Tour Director who acts as 'travelling concierge.' Each expertly planned itinerary includes a range of Signature Events for a unique and authentic look into the history and culture of each destination. Throughout their trip, guests will stay in handpicked hotels that are centrally or scenically located and have the perfect balance of guided and independent exploration.

For more information, visit us at http://www.insightvacations.com, on social media at http://www.facebook.com/InsightVacations, http://twitter.com/InsightVacation, and join the conversation using the hashtag #InsightMoments.

*Terms & Conditions: Applies only to tours featuring the 'Early Payment Discount' in the price panel - see the new 2015 Europe & Britain brochure. Not applicable to departures marked with an asterisk '*' which operate as per Insight's 2014/15 Winter Europe brochure. The $1,175 per couple savings is based on the 10% 'Early Payment Discount'. Savings reflect the 09, 23 & 30, Sep 2015 departure of 19 Day - Israel & Turkey tour. A $200 per person deposit is required within 3 days of booking and final payment is required by January 15, 2015.

Media Contacts:
Michelle Lee Hoy
PR & Digital Media Specialist
The Travel Corporation | 33 Kern Rd., Toronto, ON, M3B 1S9
(416) 322-8468 ext. 7295 | michelle.leehoy@travcorp.ca

Marie Anne MacRae
Global VP, Strategic Partnerships
The Travel Corporation | 33 Kern Rd., Toronto, ON, M3B 1S9
(416) 915-7016 | marieanne.macrae@travcorp.ca

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