Europe Travel Blogs

Travel

Medieval Relics and Friendly Beer-ophiles

16 Nov 2012 / Europe Desitnation Expert

I’ve visited Ireland a few times before but this time I had a more precise and spirited approach to my journey. I endeavored to dig deeper and unearth the charming disposition of the people, history and landscape that had formerly entranced me. By the end of my journey, I realized that it is the iconic Irish friendliness that left the biggest impression. I rediscovered a country overflowing with the warm hospitality of the most amiable people I’ve ever met during my travels.
Read More »
Travel

Neuschwanstein Castle: A Fairytale Come To life

23 Oct 2012 / Europe Desitnation Expert

If you remember watching a story of a beautiful princess, the enchantment of sleep and a magical kiss from a handsome prince - then you’ve probably seen Neuschwanstein Castle. The picturesque German building was the inspiration behind Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle and has become a staple of Germany tours for years. The Romanesque style castle was built throughout the 1870s and was originally commissioned by the famously-reclusive King Ludwig II as a summer retreat.
Read More »
Travel

Il de Re: Where Parisians Go To Get Away

30 Aug 2012 / Europe Desitnation Expert

So you’re on a tour of France and in need of a way to get off the radar. Why not head to a tiny inlet where locals spend their holidays soaking up the sun and throwing just about all of their cares away? Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008, Il de Re is the type of place where the residents are encouraged to keep the villages as traditional as possible. At only 18 miles long and a bridge crossing away just outside the city of La Rochelle, it's the perfect escape.
Read More »
Tailor-made Private Tours

I'm heading to northern Wales. What should I go and see while I'm there?

25 Jun 2012 / Compass Editor

Our UK specialist, Lynne Pettit, provides her destination expertise on Karan Smith's travel question of the week in The Globe and Mail. Using her specialized knowledge on the region, Lynne suggests a private-guided a Wales tour, starting and ending in Cardiff. This creatively crafted and unique tour showcases the remarkable landscape, enthralling history and dynamic culture of a rising destination.
Read More »
Travel

Being Driven Around The French Riviera For A Day Is Pretty Awesome

15 Jun 2012 / Compass Editor

Miss Expatria, Christine Cantera, is not a fan of tours - big or small. She set aside her reservations for a day and took a private-guided tour of the French Riviera with Kensington Tours. The verdict? "An absolutely fantastic day. We learned a lot, we covered a lot of ground, and we never once felt rushed or wrangled or herded in any way.
Read More »
Travel

How To Prepare Before Visiting The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul

05 Jun 2012 / Compass Editor

You have most likely visited some type of bazaar in your life. But if you're on a Turkey tour, you will find Istanbul's Grand Bazaar in a class of its own . Don't miss out on one of the largest landmarks in Istanbul - 500 years in the making. Encompassing more than 1,200 shops, the giant marketplace welcomes upwards of 400,000 visitors per day. From jewelry to pottery, the ornateness of Turkish designs can be found in many products here.
Read More »
Travel

Mark Terry, Explorer-in-Residence, Goes Behind The Former Iron Curtain

10 May 2012 / Compass Editor

What’s behind the (former) Iron Curtain? A lot of sights you won’t find anywhere else! I was fortunate enough to have the Canadian government sponsor me on a speaking tour of Russia recently. I arrived at what seemed to be a very modest Moscow Domodedovo Airport. The Arrivals gates suggest you may have landed in Siberia, but as you walk into the main terminal, it blossoms into an enormous and spectacular international airport.
Read More »
Family Fun, Family, African Safari, Ocean Cruises

10 Kidtastic Family Adventures For Summer 2012

16 Apr 2012 / Compass Editor

Share in the Wonders of China’s Iconic Great Wall, Kenya’s Awe-Inspiring Game Reserves and the Galapagos’ Volcanic Rocks Teaming with Wildlife. With summer break approaching, Kensington Tours is offering parents relief from the stresses of vacation planning with their collection of thrilling, educational and inspiring ‘Kidtastic’ Family Adventures.
Read More »
Travel

Explorer in Residence: Mark Terry Gets Bitten In Transylvania

13 Apr 2012 / Compass Editor

Have you been bitten by the travel bug? If your destination of choice is Transylvania, you may want to check to see what really bit you! While not your typical vacation spot, this untouched region of Romania is a paradise for those looking for trips off the beaten path. I arranged this trip when I was married for my wife who had a penchant for the traditional Dracula. We began our Romania tour with an overnight stay in the capital, Bucharest.
Read More »
Travel

Reasons not to miss Topkapi Palace in Instanbul, Turkey

29 Mar 2012 / Compass Editor

Istanbul is the most famous city to visit on Turkey tours. While the city is home to a plethora of cultural, artistic and historic sights, those who overlook a chance to see Topkapi Palace will be kicking themselves once they leave. Intriguing Palace History: Topkapi's history has expertly been preserved by making much of the palace into a museum. The castle, in addition to being a large visual point for the city, was also the setting for many of Istanbul's most intriguing historic events.
Read More »