Editor’s Pick: Extraordinary Adventures

EXTRAORDINARY ADVENTURES

by Marlon Moreno

Travel today isn’t about just checking off a destination and moving on to the next one. It’s about the experience and returning from each journey feeling transformed as a person. And yet, these unprecedented times have changed the way we travel. To better navigate this new world, we asked a few of our trusted partners to suggest itineraries that will help us reconnect with everything from familiar getaways that have found a new groove to far-flung corners that are finally within reach.

Arles, France

Tour through France’s culinary capitals, including Lyon, Arles, the French Riviera, Paris and more. In Arles, travellers walk in the footsteps of Vincent Van Gogh with a local specialist to uncover the history of this city renowned for inspiring many of his paintings. Located along the Rhône River, Arles was also once a Roman capital, and is still home to many ancient ruins. Poppy Salinger, the widow of Kennedy-era journalist and politician Pierre Salinger, hosts travellers at her converted historic mill on the banks of the Sorgue for a Provençal feast of red snapper, mignon of pork, souffle and a glass of Coteaux d’Aix red or rosé wine. Guests can also explore the home’s artwork, artefacts and family photographs.

Trafalgar’s Wonderful France; 9-days from $3,450 CDN per person. trafalgar.com www.trafalgar.com

Ireland

How does travelling around the Emerald Island with a private chauffeur and expert guidance at your fingertips sound? Add in an itinerary that’s fully customizable, hand-crafted and offers fine accommodations along the way. Nature experiences such as hiking the stunning Cliffs of Moher, driving along the rugged landscapes and sea views along the Ring of Kerry, stepping into daily Irish life as you stroll through charming towns and villages or stepping foot on film and TV show locations like Winterfell from Game of Thrones, are on the menu, while foodies will enjoy Dublin’s gastronomy scene on a city culinary tour. Rest your head in the magnificent 800-year-old five-star Ashford Castle Hotel, part of the award-winning Red Carnation Hotel Collection, and the former home of the Guinness family. Brendan Vacations’ Irish Cities, Landscapes & Castles, 7-days from $6,546 CDN per person. brendanVacations.com

Nile River, Egypt

Cruising the Nile. The ancient and mysterious waterway that allows one to journey back in time to the world of Queens and Pharaohs: Temple of Karnak, the world’s largest ancient religious complex; explore the temples dedicated to Hathor, Horus and other mythological figures; pay homage to the country’s first female ruler at the Temple of Hatshepsut; step inside the famous Egyptian Museum to view ancient artefacts, including treasures recovered from the tomb of King Tutankhamun; and much more.

Uniworld’s Splendors of Egypt & The Nile aboard the company’s newest Super Ship, the S.S. Sphinx, 12-days from $9,799 CDN per person. uniworld.com

Seville, Spain

UNESCO recently recognized Flamenco as part of the World’s Intangible Cultural Heritage. Discover the soul of this passionate dance in Seville with the Cristina Heeren Foundation, which promotes the teaching and conservation of this art form for generations to come. The Foundation is a beneficiary of several TreadRight scholarships awarded to deserving guitar, singing and dance students at the school. The special experience begins with a flamenco dance class before guests take front row seats for a performance.

Insight Vacations’ Best of Spain & Portugal, 8-days from $4,150 CDN per person. insightvacations.com

Alnwick Castle, Britain

The castle has been home to the Percy family for the past 700 years and remains a family home today. Featured in the Harry Potter films as the magical Hogwarts and as the magnificent Brancaster Castle in Downton Abbey’s Christmas specials, the 11th century Alnwick is renowned as one of Britain’s most iconic castles. Take a private tour of the exquisite, lovingly restored 18th century gardens, labyrinth and ornate fountains with the head gardener and meet the Duchess of Northumberland while she regales with her engaging stories. Then sit down to a seasonal lunch before joining a local expert for an in-depth exploration of the castle grounds.

Luxury Gold’s British Royale, a Chairman’s Collection Experience, 10-days from $7,675 CDN per person. luxurygold.com

THE BOLD LIST

Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Kenya

Adventure and wildlife seekers can discover a closer, more intimate experience while supporting wildlife conservation, rehabilitation and protection of rhino, elephant and big cat populations in Africa. Stay at the Sweetwaters Serena Camp surrounded by stunning views of Mount Kenya and relax in Morani luxury tents, each with its own private veranda overlooking the waterhole. The camp is located within the private Ol Pejeta Conservancy, one of Kenya’s most notable conservancies and home to the spectacular ‘Big Five’ wildlife (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo). The conservancy is also home to the last two remaining northern white rhinos on the planet. Guests will also have the option to visit the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Elephant Orphanage in Nairobi.

Lion World Travel’s Luxury Kenya safari, 9-nights from $3,999 USD per person. lionworldtravel.com