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 Along the way we'll spoil you with unpublished delights and little extras.
Three handcrafted journeys to explore the best of Ecuador, the Galapagos and Machu Picchu
Amazing Ecuador-April 22-27, 2012, The Galapagos-April 27-May 6, 2012, Machu Picchu-May 5-May 10, 2012
Hosted by: Paul and Christine Niskanen
Insider's Scandinavia, St. Petersburg and the Baltic. Onboard Holland America's Rotterdam
June 15-30, 2012 or June 15-July 6, 2012.
Hosted by Finnish Consul Emeritus Paul Niskanen and Christine Niskanen
Explore the Sunny Adriatic and Aegean Seas - onboard the NEW Seabourn Quest
April 23 - May 4, 2012
Hosted by Paul and Christine Niskanen
Safari! Botswana, Victoria Falls and South Africa
July 23 – August 2, 2012
(Sold out -- Waitlist only) Information regarding our 2013 safaris available soon.
Cruise the Coastline of France, Portugal and Spain
September 15-30, 2012
Hosted by: Paul and Christine Niskanen
Savor the Pleasures of France. Autumn in Provence
October 3-18, 2012
Hosted by: Paul and Christine Niskanen
Explore the Sunny Adriatic and Aegean Seas - onboard the NEW Seabourn Quest
European discovered the joys of travel to Croatia long before we did; that’s not surprising because of their close proximity. Moreover, Croatia’s towns and landscapes are postcard perfect and the travel values are excellent. Finally, as with the rest of the Adriatic, warm sunshine often floods the region when more northerly European countries remain confined by rain and drizzle.
A few years ago, we offered an Adriatic cruise on Seabourn Cruises. Not only did it fill quickly, it received some of the best ratings we’ve seen. We were not surprised. The sights were superb and the warm hospitality was genuine.
In 2012, in late April, before the Europeans begin their summer holidays and descend on Croatia and Slovenia, we’ll embark upon an outstanding 11-day cruise covering some of the best sights in Croatia. We’ll also touch on Slovenia, Italy, Montenegro (!) and three charming hideaways in Greece.
We’ll cruise aboard one of Seabourn’s beautiful all-suite ships, the stunning Seabourn Quest, less than one year old when our cruise begins. Imagine the pleasure of a small (just 450 guests), all-suite vessel, where most beverages and gratuities are included in your fare and the ship’s staff soon remembers your name.
During the course of our journey, we’ll offer two of our Signature Journey excursions (one to Italy’s gastronomic capital, Bologna, and one to Slovenia’s charming capital, Ljubljana. Finally we add a complimentary car and driver while you’re in beautiful Dubrovnik.
Explore the Best of Ecuador
Three handcrafted journeys to explore the best of Ecuador, the Galapagos and Machu Picchu:
Amazing Ecuador April 22-27, 2012, The Galapagos April 27-May 6, 2012, Machu Picchu May 5-May 10, 2012
Stunning sights, warm people and memorable experiences await you in Ecuador, the Galapagos and Machu Picchu. We’ve created three independent programs to explore the highlights of each destination. In Ecuador and Peru English-speaking guides from the noted Abercrombie & Kent organization meet your arrival and unlock the country’s treasure chest of sights, unique experiences, fine dining and excellent accommodations.
For your visit to the Galapagos, we’ve made arrangements for you to sail on the National Geographic Endeavor, an excellent expedition ship operated by National Geographic and Lindblad Expeditions. This uniquely outfitted ship offers the entire family the opportunity to explore the unique flora and fauna of the Galapagos Islands and, as well, provide time for swimming, snorkeling and kayaking. Finally National Geographic trained photographers help you capture the most from your visit.
Insider’s Scandinavia, St. Petersburg and the Baltic, On board Holland America’s Rotterdam
Pre-cruise visit to The Netherland’s famed Floriade exhibition held only once in a decade!
June 15-30, 2012 or June 15-July 6, 2012.
With options to visit Holland’s famed Floriade or extend your cruise with a 7-day sailing to Norway’s Fjords.
Hosted by Finnish Consul Emeritus Paul Niskanen and Christine Niskanen
Reared in a Finnish family and serving as Finland’s honorary consul in Oregon for many years, Paul and his wife, Christine, have visited Finland, her Scandinavian neighbors and St. Petersburg some 15 times or more.
Based upon our experience and our trusted local colleagues, we’ve assembled a number of excursions that will transform a good cruise into a memorable journey. In Finland, for example, we’ll see the traditional sights and then venture into the pristine countryside to probe deeper into the unique nature of the Finns. In St. Petersburg, our influential colleagues will arrange VIP admissions to the most important places.
Come early to visit Holland’s famed Floriade, their massive floral and horticultural exhibition held just once every decade. Or stay onboard our ship to visit Norway’s pristine fjords and its most beautiful city, Bergen.
Safari! Botswana, Victoria Falls and South Africa
July 23 – August 2, 2012, (Sold out -- Waitlist only) Information regarding our 2013 safaris available soon.
Nearly everyone dreams to see the magnificent wildlife of Africa, up close, as they pursue their lives. Each year we create one or two safaris designed to provide our guests with outstanding wildlife viewing, Africa’s top-quality guides and trackers and excellent accommodations. Typically our safari occupies our superb camps on an exclusive basis.
For 2012 we’ll return to Botswana’s magnificent Okavango Delta for pristine game viewing undisturbed by crowds of vehicles. After a visit to Victoria Falls, we’ll continue our safari in South Africa’s superb Sabie Sands, one of Africa’s best regions for leopards, rhino and other Big Five wildlife.
Beware! Safaris are addictive. Many of our guests have returned several times for more!
Waitlist only! Though this Signature Journey is full, we can plan a safari just for you. You’ll be met and looked after every step of the way. Call us to begin your experience of a lifetime.
Cruise the Coastlines of France, Portugal and Spain
14 days on board Regent Cruises’ all-suite, all-inclusive Seven Seas Voyager, September 15-30, 2012.
Pre-cruise option for London and Theater. Hosted by Paul and Christine Niskanen
Regent Cruises and the Signature Travel Network have asked us to host this outstanding 14-day voyage that takes us from London along the coastline of France to Spain and Portugal. Along the way we’ll call on wonderful ports including Mt. St. Michel, Bordeaux, Biarritz, Oporto, Lisbon, Cadiz (Seville), Malaga and many more. A stunning cruise at the ideal time of year.
We enjoy cruising with Regent. First of all, every accommodation is a spacious suite with a private balcony. Next, just about every expense is included: airfare, pre-cruise hotel, complimentary shore excursions and beverages and most gratuities. Finally, you’ll find the cuisine on board served from four restaurants will spoil you (along with the ship’s fine service standards). We invite you to join us on this magnificent cruise.
Savor the Pleasures of France, Autumn in Provence
Bask in the French way of life from our private villa and river cruise. October 3-18, 2012
Life can be very good in France: magnificent landscapes, charming villages, legendary dining, superb wines and an enviable way of life. During our two weeks in the heart of France, we’ll experience the best of each of these ingredients.
We begin our journey in Provence, the sun-kissed south of France near the Mediterranean. We’ll stay in a luxurious villa surrounded by forests and fields of lavender. Each day we’ll venture out to explore the best of Provence visiting local markets, historic cities, quaint villages, chateaus and vineyards. Expect great dining and special insider experiences not available to others.
The following week we’ll board the best riverboat in the country to cruise up the Rhone River from the Mediterranean into the heart of France. This is great travel without tedious bus rides, without packing and unpacking our belongings each day and without worries. Local guides meet us each morning for great excursions and the ship’s chefs look after wonderful dining complimented by regional wines. Great on-board entertainment too.
New York City and the Panama Canal
2 days: Pre cruise: New York City and Theater, October 29-30, 2012
8 days: Cruise aboard the Crystal Symphony from New York to Los Angeles. October 31-November 18, 2012.
Hosted by Paul and Christine Niskanen
It’s a pleasure to embark upon such a great journey without a long overseas flight! In New York City we’ll board one of our favorite ships, the beautiful Crystal Symphony, to begin our journey that takes us to wonderful ports including colonial Charleston, Key West, Grand Cayman, Cartagena and through the Panama Canal into the Pacific Ocean. From that point we sail north to conclude our journey in convenient Los Angeles.
This voyage is all-inclusive: airfare, gratuities, transfers, all beverages and more. You’ll be spoiled on board with stimulating enrichment lecturers, some of the best entertainment on any ship and multiple award-winning restaurants.
We’re planning two unique Signature Journey excursions on this cruise; one in Charleston, South Carolina and the other in historic Cartagena, Columbia. Finally, come early to enjoy a pre-cruise visit to exciting New York City.
