INSIGHT Vacations has unveiled a range of new itineraries for 2014 focused on in-depth experiences to give travellers the opportunity to understand a different side of Western European destinations.
Sheryl Lim, regional director, Asia, Insight Vacations, said: “In 2014, we will take vacationers to more new countries than any operator. These include Andorra, San Marino and Moldova, making it a total of 45 out of 46 countries in geographical Europe.
“Our survey found that many want to explore European destinations more widely and deeply. We have added unique experiences into our Country Roads itineraries that take vacationers off the beaten track where they rarely visit.”
The 19-day French Elegance tour eschews shopping capital Paris to take travellers through locales such as Normandy, to learn about D-Day; the fortified abbey of Mont St Michel; Vichy, renowned for its spa waters; and Champagne country, famous for grand cru and culinary delights.
Spanning 11 days, the Country Roads of Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands tour includes a walk through the recently reopened Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, a visit to a working windmill, watching shoemakers carve traditional Dutch clogs and learning about Edam cheese-making, among others.
Meanwhile, the 16-day Principalities of Europe tour will take travellers to the smallest independent countries in Europe, such as San Marino. Travellers can expect an educational visit and tasting opportunities at a family-run olive mill in Provence, a French cooking demonstration class in Aix-en-Provence, and VIP entry to the Vatican Museum, including the Bramante Staircase, which is closed to the general public.
Travellers who book selected European summer 2014 itineraries and pay in full before February 12, 2014 will receive a discount of up to 10 per cent.
