What makes our Signature Journeys so special?
We're passionate travelers, anxious to share our joy and passion with each of our guests. Each year we personally host 5 or 6 Signature Journeys, we have done so for over 15 years. Over those years we've traveled with our guests to every continent so when we craft a new Signature Journey, we do so based upon first-hand experience.
We want you to experience the richness of a destination, to meet the people (often in their homes) and to enjoy the best that the region offers. We take pride in securing special privileges and private invitations for you that are unavailable to others.
We avoid the trappings of typical group travel: crowded buses, inflexible group dining, large groups (our groups typically number 18 guests or less) and matching flight bags that signal to everyone that you are tourists. Rather, you are our guests and that's the way we like to host your travels.
Before you ever depart, our extensive briefing advises you about clothing, weather, currency, local customs and much more. Along the way we'll spoil you with unpublished delights and little extras.
1 Room Left!
July 3-17, 2013 - 14-days; or July 17-29, 2013 - 12-days; or July 3-29, 2013 - 26-days
Hosted by: Paul and Christine Niskanen
Highlights of Scandinavia & St. Petersburg with London Option
August 9, 2013 Embark in Stockholm. August 19, 2013. Disembark in Dover, England. August 19-22, 2013 Optional London Program
Hosted by: Consul Paul and Christine Niskanen
Exploring the Serengeti in search of Africa's legendary wildlife and the Great Migration
July 22 - August 1, 2014
Hosted by: Paul and Christine Niskanen, with more than 20 years of safari experience
Cruise through the Heart of Europe
October 10-24, 2013 On board the handsome m/s Amadolce
A 2013 Signature Journey hosted by Paul and Christine Niskanen
Grand Family Africa Safari
Safari: July 2-10, 2013
Cape Town Option: June 29-July 2, 2013
Victoria Falls Option: July 10-11, 2013
Hosted by Paul and Christine Niskanen
Most travelers who have experienced an African safari will tell you that it is one of the best experiences of their entire lifetime. This adventure is even better when you share it with your family.
Over dinner in a safari camp several years ago, I spoke with a dentist who was traveling with his wife and three grown children. He explained that one daughter was in college, another had moved to the East Coast and he rarely saw his son due to the nature of his work. The safari was the event that brought the entire family together to share the once-in-a-lifetime magic that occurs on a good safari. The family could not have been happier – they’ll never forget their time with mom and dad. Since that time, we’ve watched many family reunions take place in Africa. Each family tells us that this event was one of their most treasured moments together.
For 2013, we’ve planned a very special Grand Family Reunion safari. We’ve selected two of our favorite game camps (two of the best in South Africa) where we can expect to see the famed Big Five: lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and Cape buffalo. But don’t discount the other sights including thousands of antelope, dozens of species of wildly colorful birds, warthogs, giraffe, jackals, hippos, hyenas, cheetah, zebra .. and the amazing list goes on.
We’ve added two optional opportunities that allow you to experience vibrant Cape Town as well as one of the world’s great wonders, Victoria Falls.
Time has a way of slipping away; make memories with those you love.
Highlights of Scandinavia & St. Petersburg with London Option
August 9, 2013 Embark in Stockholm. August 19, 2013. Disembark in Dover, England. August 19-22, 2013 Optional London Program
Hosted by Consul Paul and Christine Niskanen
10 days from Stockholm to London on board the Crystal Serenity followed by an optional London program.
With deep roots in Finland (and with service as Finland’s consul in Oregon for 30 years), we’ve been traveling to this region since 1961. Based upon our lengthy experience in this region (and with the assistance of our trusted local colleagues), we’ve assembled a number of exceptional experiences that will transform a good cruise into an extraordinary journey. We’ve included our own private Signature Journey excursions in Stockholm and Helsinki and we’ll give you good guidance for the sights in our other ports of call.
We’ll cruise on board one of the world’s top-rated ships, the lovely Crystal Serenity. While a ship this size could easily accommodate 2,000 or more passengers, she typically sails with less than a thousand fortunate guests. The dining is superb – some of the best anywhere at sea – and the service is unsurpassed.
Finally, we’ll conclude our journey in London, where we’ll offer an optional 3-day program including a superb hotel next to Buckingham Palace, musical theater (great seats), a private showing of the Crown Jewels, a visit to a Victorian home and even a classic demonstration of the art of English tea. Don’t miss it.
Cruise through the Heart of Europe
October 10-24, 2013 On board the handsome m/s Amadolce
A 2013 Signature Journey hosted by Paul and Christine Niskanen
Sail with us across the breadth of Europe from picturesque Amsterdam to exotic Budapest on a well-appointed riverboat. During our two week cruise, we’ll visit five countries, 16 different towns and cities, cruise on the beautiful Danube, Main and Rhine Rivers and thanks to 16 locks, sail across Europe’s continental divide at more than 1300 feet above sea level. All this and we’ll only unpack once!
Exploring the Serengeti in search of Africa's legendary wildlife and the Great Migration
July 22 - August 1, 2014
Hosted by Paul and Christine Niskanen
IMAGINE: You’re surrounded by wildebeest and zebra, all making their bizarre honking sounds. Mothers, fathers and babies as far as you can see. The often wacky wildebeest buck and jump, then go running off from some imagined danger. The predators wait nearby, looking for an opportunity to swoop in quickly. This scene has repeated itself each year for centuries; sadly, like so many experiences in Africa, it will not last forever.
