Past Trips
Canadian Rockies and Glacier National Park
This Canadian Rockies and Glacier National Park trip was simply spectacular!!! We went on an adventure that brought together the beautiful expanse of the prairies, the soaring majesty of the Canadian Rockies, and the brilliance of Montana’s Glacier National Park. Highlights included Calgary, Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, Waterton Lakes National Park, Glacier National Park, Going-to-the-Sun Road, Banff. Athabasca Glacier, Lake Louise, Emerald Lake, Moraine Lake, Gondola rides – 7 days and 10 included meals.
The Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, A UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the world’s oldest, best-preserved buffalo jumps so was interesting. Our Blackfoot guide brought to life the culture of the Plains people, the Buffalo Hunt, and the many secrets uncovered in archaeological digs. The glaciers and the beautiful lakes were again, simply spectacular. Check out all the pictures on my Facebook page.
Reflections of Italy
On our Reflections of Italy trip, we went on a captivating journey that took us from the piazzas of Rome to the canals of Venice. Highlights included, Rome, Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica, Assisi, Perugia, Cortona, Florence, Michelangelo’s David, Chianti Winery & Cooking Class, Venice, Murano Island, and Lake Como.
We even saw George Clooney’s home on Lake Como.Our boat ride to Murano Island for a glass-blowing demonstration was spectacular. We explored Cortona, the postcard-worthy village that serves as the setting for Under the Tuscan Sun. You ought to see that movie. And of course, we had plenty of time when we stepped to the front of the line to see Michelangelo’s famous statue of David.
Collette makes all of our trips turn-key and exciting.
Alaska
We found majestic views and rich culture in every corner. Snowcapped mountains majestic views, massive beautiful glaciers and a bounty of wildlife, whale watching, dog sledding with a terrific musher.
We visited Juneau, Skagway, Sitka, Victoria, BC and enjoyed off the path excursions and came home with so many fabulous pictures and memories.
Scotland
What a trip to Scotland!!!! Featuring stunning landscapes, lively cities and stirring history including Bagpipe Lesson, Whisky Distillery, Isle of Skye, Armadale Castle, Loch Ness, Orkney Islands, Dunrobin Castle, Sheepdog Demonstration, Edinburgh Castle, Scottish Cooking Experience, Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, Glascow.
Since 1950 the epochal Edinburgh Military Tattoo has dazzled millions of spectators with performances from musicians, pipers, drummers, singers and dancers. This epic show, unique every year, took place at the Edinburgh Castle, hauntingly illuminated under the open sky culminating with a spectacular fireworks display, and set the stage for an amazing evening.
Hawaii
We spent several days exploring the rich heritage of the Pacific Islands and enjoyed the adventure of traditional hands-on activities. Horseback riding on the highest location on the island with a breathtaking view was amazing, saw where Gilligans Island was filmed, helicoptered over famous homes and enjoyed the Pineapple Plantation from the air, climbed Diamond Head (whew!), snorkeled with the turtles in Turtle Canyon,dined like royalty at an authentic Polynesian lūʻau and topped it off with the most spectacular evening show on the islands including a war dance and fire dance.
Of course, the beaches of Waikiki were a hit, Paradise Cove was also a big hit. We found a family name on the wall at the Pearl Harbor USS Arizona Memorial and toured the Battleship Missouri. It will be hard to top this trip.
Greece
n Greece, we discover a place where age-old legends and monuments intertwine with warm sunshine and island-style living. The Athens tour with a local guide helped us to explore the Acropolis, home to the famous Parthenon and the city’s best lookout. Three days at leisure on the island of Mykonos, an Aegean paradise of sandy beaches and bustling energy was simply spectacular. As we uncovered the past at the excavation site of Akrotiri, we realized how old Greece is. On our free days we made the most of the picture-perfect island of Santorini, from to the ruins of Athens to the bright rooftops of Mykonos and Santorini. Climbing a volcano and overlooking the islands was simply amazing. I’d like to go back again. Want to go with me?
Ireland
We set out on an amazing Irish adventure that told the complete story of the Emerald Isle. We saw vibrant shades as we traveled from the lively city of Dublin, kissing the Blarney stone at Blarney Castle, saw Killarney National Park on a boat ride, Ring of Kerry, and marveled at the stunning 700-foot Cliffs of Moher. Tea and scones on a traditional family farm made us feel at home.
We toured the walled city of Derry and stood on the awe-inspiring Giant’s Causeway. For me one of the highlights was going to a pub in Annascaul in County Kerry that was owned and run by the Antartic explorer, Tom Cream (1877-1938) who was a member of expeditions – one adventure to the South Pole on the Endurance with Shackleton. There is so much more to tell about this trip -what a special one.