TORONTO, June 9, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Insight Vacations (www.insightvacations.com), the leader of premium and luxury escorted journeys is celebrating paternal figures across Canada with its 2015 European Signature Year by offering exclusive Signature Events to suit every type of traveller. Canadians can treat their special gentlemen in their lives with the unforgettable gift of travel while spending quality time with them. A recent study led by Purdue University* concluded that family vacations contribute positively to family bonding, and promote what is called the "crescive bond" or shared experience by fostering growing and enduring connections.
"Insight Vacations' expertly handcrafted itineraries are designed to create lifelong experiences for all of our guests whether you are travelling as a duo with your father or as a multigenerational family, our escorted journeys are the perfect reminder of your love," said Cris David, president, Insight Vacations Canada. "Our 7 trip styles to 43 European countries are tailored for fathers to enjoy these truly authentic excursions and personal touches."
The "Foodie": Irish Elegance (www.insightvacations.com/ca/irish-elegance-a-country-roads-itinerary-2015)
For those that prefer artisan sourdough and are drawn to "rustic" foods, Insight Vacations' Irish Elegance Country Roads experience will appeal to the foodie and gourmand. While Ireland may be a small island, the Emerald Isle has big culinary ambitions when it comes to food. This nine-day escorted journey showcases the very best sights and scenery of Ireland, while allowing foodies to indulge at the distinguished and luxurious Ashford Castle. Guests will visit The Rock of Cashel, the former seat of Irish kings and the site where Saint Patrick is believed to have baptized Aengus. In Blarney, travellers will have a Signature Experience by dangling from the ramparts to kiss the Stone of Eloquence - also known as "The Blarney Stone" - where according to legend, the goddess Clíodhna grants anyone who kisses it the gift of the gab. Guests are then treated to a night's stay at the historic and opulent Ashford Castle. Founded in 1228 by the Anglo-Norman de Burgo family, the five-star Signature Hotel is a gourmet's delight. Featuring four main dining rooms led by award-winning Chef Philippe Farineau (picked as Ireland's "Top 10 Hottest Chefs" by Food & Wine magazine), Ashford Castle boasts creative Irish cuisine, inspired from the finest seasonal ingredients from the West of Ireland, and an extensive wine cellar that contains an impressive list of over 600 wines curated by Chief Sommelier, Robert Bowe. Chef Farineau gives expression to all of his dishes, whether it's fine dining in the grandeur of the George V Dining Room - built in 1906 by the Guinness family in honour of King George V's visit where Slow Roasted Rib of Beef with a homemade béarnaise sauce is served in a graceful setting rich with panelled walls and twinkling Waterford Crystal chandeliers - or a delightful Afternoon Tea in the elegant Connaught Room where Head Pastry Chef, Paula Stakelum, delights guests daily with cupcakes decorated with hand-picked wild flowers from the garden and other tempting treats.
The "Scotophile": Country Roads of Scotland (www.insightvacations.com/ca/country-roads-of-scotland-2015)
Designed specifically for those who have an affinity for everything to do with the land of the Loch, Insight Vacations' Country Roads of Scotland journey will make even the most bashful of travellers dance the Highland Fling. From the great capital of Edinburgh to the Orkney Islands and Skye, guests will travel through 8,000 years of Scottish Gaelic history and rich cultural heritage. The 10-day itinerary traverses this great land, showcasing Scotland's natural features. Guests arrive in Edinburgh, home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, where they will walk with a local expert within the walls of the majestic castle perched on its rock to view the Scottish Crown Jewels, Stone of Destiny and Mons Meg. Guests travelling in August will have an opportunity to attend the internationally loved "Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo" held annually in August on the esplanade of Edinburgh Castle - an Insight Signature Experience. Televised in more than 40 countries, with an audience of more than 100 million viewers, the event brings together British Armed Forces, Commonwealth and international military bands and display teams performing to a sold out crowd. In Wick, once known as the herring capital of Europe, whisky lovers will have the opportunity to treat their palates with a visit to The Old Pulteney Distillery. Founded in 1826, the Pulteney Distillery is one of the most northerly Scotch whisky distilleries on the British mainland. The distillery produces whisky with a distinctive flavour, bursting with the power and subtlety of the sea. Guests share a wee dram with a master distiller who imparts the age-old techniques of whisky production. Travellers then head to the historic Scottish Highlands, where Game of Thrones fans will drive through "Stark" territory and regale tales of House Stark. Amidst the stunning scenery of a real working Highland farm, guests will watch as the sheepdogs of Neil Ross are put through their paces.
"The Creative" Father: Highlights of Spain (www.insightvacations.com/ca/highlights-of-spain-end-barcelona-2015)
For the fathers who have a fine eye for art and appreciation for culture, Insight Vacations' 10-day Highlights of Spain escorted journey will speak their language. Guests will forever be inspired by the delicious food, amazing art and architecture, and unequalled appetite for life. Starting in Barcelona, a city founded by Romans during the first century, architect aficionados will marvel at the stunning Basílica of Sagrada Família - a landmark that has the distinction of having taken longer to build than the Great Pyramids of Egypt and is still not complete! The unfinished church was started by Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí in 1882, who constructed parabolic and catenary arches and experimented with a reverse model of strings and bags for the church at Colonia Güell to calculate and construct inclined columns. Guests then move on to Córdoba where they will be inspired by the Mezquita de Córdoba, a cathedral that was once a mosque in the eighth century under Moorish rule. The building is most notable for its arcaded hypostyle hall, with 856 columns of jasper, onyx, marble, and granite - bearing witness to the Moors' artistic genius. Art lovers will rejoice over their visit to one the greatest museums of art in the world, the Museo del Prado. Founded as a museum of paintings and sculpture in 1819, the museum features one of the world's finest collections of European art, dating from the 12th century to the early 19th century, based on the former Spanish Royal Collection. In Seville, guests will be treated to a Signature Evening over an intimate dinner set to the sights and sounds of fiery flamenco.
Canadians are encouraged to book in order to take advantage of several limited time deals, including saving up to 7.5 per cent if they pay in full before August 31, 2015 for the Highlights of Spain itinerary found in the "2015/16 Autumn, Winter & Spring" collection for Europe, and saving $251 per person/$502 per couple for the Irish Elegance itinerary (September 26th departure only; offer expires June 30, 2015).
To book these escorted journeys or for more information, please visit www.insightvacations.com, contact Insight's Sale Centre at 1-800-387-8490 or speak with your local travel agent.
About TreadRight
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 supported more than 35 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," 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, 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.
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