This small 47-country continent, the expanded westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, has formed the basis of Western culture, especially in the New World, and has also influenced the growth of every continent through extensive colonization.  It is homeland to many of the subcultures of the ‘New World’ and draws its descendants back to their roots and awakening distant relations.  Each country boasts special assets for historical education, art appreciation, understanding unique cultures as well as culinary and wine excellence in addition to fashion.  Scandinavia and other more mountainous areas encourage winter sports, trekking and cycling while challenging golf courses dot several countries.

Featured Intineraries: Europe

EXPERIENCE IRELAND'S HISTORY ON AN IRISH FILM TRAIL ODYSSEY

On this unique journey you will have not only the opportunity to visit places you have seen in some of those famous, award-winning films shot in Ireland, but you will be able to immerse yourself in them;  and in the culture, history, language and legends of this remarkably breathtaking land.  You will witness Ireland’s majestic and stunning scenery as you travel to these picturesque locations.  At your Farewell Dinner on the last night, you will have a private screening of a future top secret blockbuster, highlighting your own Irish adventures throughout this very unique tour.  This gift will be your lasting memory of an amazing trip to hauntingly beautiful Ireland!

This 6-night trip will include the accommodations based on double occupancy, 6 full Irish breakfasts, 2 special dinners, private small coach and a driver/guide as specified in itinerary, movies available in your hotel room each night to preview for the next day’s location visit, an edited copy of the guest’s own movie of the tour and more.

Price for this trip will be approximately $3,000 per person based on double occupancy and on a minimum number of 8 guests.  Departures for this trip are at the discretion of the group but are subject to the availability of the accommodations.   Airfare is NOT included in the price.

Please CONTACT US or call 1-800-773-7930 for further information on traveling to this destination.

LIVE PASSION PLAY - OBERAMMERGAU, GERMANY - ONLY ONCE EVERY 10 YEARS  SINCE 1634

The highlight of this vacation is a two night stay in the quaint village of Oberammergau, world famous for its spectacular Passion Play.  This original Passion Play is performed by the locals just once a decade.  In addition to this unforgettable spectacle, this tour will include visits to King Ludwig's famous castle, Neuschwanstein, several baroque churches in Germany and Switzerland, famous cathedrals in Trier, Aachen and Cologne and a scenic Rhine cruise.

This itinerary would include 9 days/8 nights for the land portion only.  Prices start from approximately $3,000 based on double occupancy, single supplement applies.  Air is not automatically included in price.  However, there are air-inclusive prices based on departure from New York.  Prices for departures from other cities will vary.  Departures for 2010 begin in the middle of May and go through the end of September 2010.

Please contact us or call 1-800-773-7930 for further information on traveling to this destination.

TOUR FAVORITE LITERARY PLACES OF INTEREST IN SOUTHERN ENGLAND

"Literary pilgrimages are among the most ancient forms of tribute which readers pay to the authors who touch their hearts and minds."  Can you imagine a more wonderful way to see the beautiful landscapes that inspired great authors and poets than joining a literature tour?  A 10-day tour visits most of the favorite literary locations of interest in the southern half of England.  There is a special emphasis on Jane Austen, Thomas Hardy and William Shakespeare but many other writers are touched upon also.
Price quotes will be based on double occupancy accommodations with a private bath in 3-star hotels, flights, transportation, tour guides and more, unless otherwise instructed.  There are no set departure dates; it is to be determined by the group of travelers with a minimum number of 10 in your party.

Please contact us or call 1-800-773-7930 for further information on traveling to this destination.

FOLLOW IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF THE APOSTLE PAUL THROUGH TURKEY & GREECE

Treat yourself to this unique vacation, the trip of a lifetime.  As you are journeying along the ancient routes of the Apostle Paul, you will visit Thessalonica (to whom he wrote two epistles to the Thessalonians), Philippi (to whom he wrote the epistle to the Philippians) and Meteora, where the 14th-century monasteries situated atop vast rocks compose one of the most breathtaking sites in the world.  A highlight of this trip is the 3-night Greece and Turkey cruise.  You will have a chance to visit the islands of Mykonos, Patmos, Crete and Santorini as well as enjoy a stop in the Turkish port of Kusadasi with an included excursion to the ruins of Ephesus.

This itinerary would include 10 days from Athens to Athens for the land portion only.  Prices start from approximately $1,950 to $2,250 depending on departure date and availability and based on double occupancy.  Air is not automatically included in price.  However, there are air-inclusive prices if that is something you are interested in.  Departures for 2010 begin in late March and go through the end of October.  Several 2011 departures are also offered between late March and the end of April.

Please contact us or call 1-800-773-7930 for further information on traveling to this destination.

13- Day River Cruise

Your 12-night river cruise on the various imperial waterways will include accommodations onboard your luxury river cruise ship; 12 breakfasts, 11 lunches and 12 dinners; 10 fully hosted shore excursions, local entertainment, signature lecture, Russian ballet, and welcome and farewell dinners.

Your visit to the Kremlin culminating with your visit to the incredible Hermitage in St. Petersburg will leave you with an enriched understanding of the country and its people.

Air not included but can be secured with the lowest, most direct flights.  Price $3750.  Proposed date is June 13, 2011.  For complete detailed itinerary contact Design Travel.

Please contact us or call 1-800-773-7930 for further information on traveling to this destination.