There are places I remember was first sung by the Beatles, but it may as well be the traveler's mantra. There are those places we know from experience, those through books and movies and some, while not previously visited, bring forth "memories" buried in some universal unconsciousness.
Some places we long to visit or return to, sometimes once is enough. Whether well known, like Paris' Eiffel Tower and China's Great Wall, or a remote beach or mysterious artistic endeavor— here only for a passing moment, a modern festival or ancient ruin, the world is awash with marvelous places and the people that make them special.
Anything can be a landmark, physical or spiritual, public or private, but what makes them special is the effect they have on our lives and souls.
This month's Hosts help travelers to explore the sights and sounds, tastes and smells of their unique destinations. From ancient islands where cultures came together in peace and harmony, to the remains of warfare and strife. Art and culture, past and present mix to create places we remember, filling the minds of travelers with memories lasting lifetimes.
This month's tour hosts review:
Renvyle House Hotel Pick of the Month
Location: Ireland
Specialty: Country house hotel
Why We Like Them: Spectacularly set on the rugged Connemara coast amid mountains, lakes and the sea, Renvyle House is welcoming and cozy complete with turf fires, afternoon teas and award winning meals. Country house activities include; fishing, golf, shooting as well as walking, riding and cycling throughout an area that hosts a National Park and unspoilt beaches. Dinner is superb, a different delight nightly featuring the finest fare the country has to offer. Since 1883 Renvyle House has played host to many famous people Augustus John, Lady Gregory, Yeats and Churchill among them and is this month's Pick.
Transylvania Live
Location: Romania, Hungary
Specialty: Art, History and culture of Transylvania
Why We Like Them: Explore the castles, monasteries, and other historic sites of Transylvania or share a romantic Romania moment with the one you love. Hike the mountains, meet the locals at age old festivals, explore Dracula's castle by helicopter, all this and more is available from Transylvania Live. Join a group departure or create your own special holiday, limited only by your imagination.
Article: Transylvania's undying legends
Circle Research Tours
Location: England
Specialty:Crop Circles and sacred site tours
Why We Like Them: The definition of special interest— Ron Russell and his crew explore the wonders of the ancient sites of Southwest England; Stonehenge, Avebury as well as other circles, barrows, and henges in this beautiful and ancient corner of the world. Experienced researchers and experts in a variety of paranormal phenomena lead the travelers as they delve deep into the mystery of the annual crop circles season, and explore other sacred energies of this highly charged landscape.
Siesta Tours, Inc.
Location: Mexico
Specialty: Independent tours to Oaxaca, Mexico City, the Yucatan and Mexico's Colonial Cities
Why We Like Them: Led by English speaking local guides, Siesta's tours are designed to introduce the traveler to each locations' unique character. In depth knowledge of the arts, history and local people are central to each trip. Whether your interests are the ancient cultures of the Zapotec and Mixtec city-states of Oaxaca, the medieval charm and baroque architecture of Colonial Mexico's historic cities, or the abundance of forests, rivers, lakes, waterfalls and fertile valleys of the Sierra Madre, Siesta Tours will provide you with an outstanding experience to remember.
HollandTheRideWay
Location: Holland
Specialty: Custom day tours to historic, architectural, cultural and world heritage sites
Why We Like Them: Your host Hans Noltes spent 20+ years as a Geography teacher and his knowledge and interest in all aspects of Dutch history and the country's unique development is apparent in the the wide variety of tour options. From such specialized architectural wonders as Holland's natural defenses, waterworks, and wind energy, to the more familiar; castles, historic towns, museums and of course gardens, Hans is the perfect person to introduce you the varied wonders of this small country.
Article: Holland’s secret weapon
Travel Sicilia
Location: Sicily
Specialty: Custom designed itineraries
Why We Like Them: Sicily natives Glada and Fabrizio custom design private travel for 2 or 30 people. Based on such themes as the Arts, History, Architecture, Landscape and Nature, Food and Wine, Literature, or Folklore, Travel Sicilia can open doors to magnificant villas, historic sites, private homes and introduce you to the natives through they wide network of associates. Enjoy a meal with a local host to learn about the Sicilians first hand. Whatever your desires for exploring this special island, Travel Sicillia will plan the perfect trip.
Article: Segesta, Sicily’s landmark
Location: Europe, Peru and India
Specialty: Sacred and Wellness journeys
Why We Like Them: Creating tours that nourish your mind and soul, Body Mind Spirit Journeys, explore sacred sites and introduce the traveler to the ancient mysteries and secrets of the destinations visited. Their Sacred Journeys are pilgrimages for spiritual transformation and personal growth. Their Wellness tours and retreats focus on calming and comforting the entire being and combine general travel experiences with hot springs, meditation and massage. Special woman only trips and Vacations with a Reward journeys that include volunteer work with SOFTLY International round out the offerings. A great way to experience, from within and without, the spiritual connection through travel and giving back to the community.
Article: Journey to Machu Picchu
Cultural Travel & Tours
Location: Romania
Specialty: Academic and cultural heritage tours
Why We Like Them: Specializing in heritage tourism for academic groups, Cultural Travel & Tours provides customized theme tours as well as single and multi-day programs to suit every travelers need. Explore such places as the Painted Monasteries Of Bukovina, the Wooden Churches in Maramures, the Black Church in Brasov, largest Gothic Church in South-Eastern Europe and the Orthodox Monasteries in Muntenia and Oltenia. Their themed tours offer a selection of ideas such as mediaeval architecture or civilizations of Antiquity. All in all, a great way to explore the multiple faces of Romania and its traditions, history and culture.
Article: Hidden Romania: The Flavour of Old Europe
Circle Research Tours
Location: England
Specialty: Crop circles and ancient sites
Why We Like Them: Researched focused, sensitively guided tours with scientific and spiritual experts. Tours are designed to offer first-hand experience of the magical energy in special sacred places and are a wonderful way to explore the sacred heart of pre-historic England. Visit the crop circles, cathedrals, chambered barrows and holy wells as well as other places of power and discover the old clues that relate to our current existence. Tour costs, construed as a charitable contribution for educational purpose, maybe be tax deductible.
Article: Crop Circles & Sacred Places in Britain
Reformation Tours
Location: Europe
Specialty: Christian Travel
Why We Like Them: Focusing on the sites and figures related to the Protestant Reformation, the company brings this period to life with Church history-inspired themes. Each year the choice of tours change, and the website has a great selection of sample and past itineraries as well as current tours. Enjoy holiday shopping tours, visits with local pastors and experience fellowship with believers in other lands. These trips provide inspiring travel opportunities and a chance to experience the Reformation in the places where it took root. Custom tours can be created for your church or group and such organized trips are often open to additional travelers.
Article: Spiritual Quest
Spirit Travel
Location: India, Tibet, Nepal and Bhutan
Specialty: Spiritual Pilgrimages
Why We Like Them: Combining both manmade spiritual sites such as ashrams, monasteries and temples with the sacred spaces of nature, these explorations allow the traveler to experience the sacred in a personal unhurried way. Education on the ancient teaching and wisdom of the region are provided by notable scholars. Travelers explore such various fields such as Ayurvedic medicine, Buddhism, Vipassana meditation, Gandhian philosophy and Yoga. Group size is typically limited to 5-10 travelers and guests learn how to show respect for local cultures, manners and traditions, thus ensuring the continued welcome for Spirit Travel's guests and provides a deeper understanding of the local cultures for the lucky traveler..
American Jewish Congress
Location: Worldwide
Specialty: Jewish tours
Why We Like Them: With over 45 years as a leader providing great travel to Israel and dedicated to strengthening Jewish culture and connections worldwide, American Jewish Congress offers a wide variety of tours to varied locations. Providing such diverse offerings as safaris in Africa, Peru's highlands or the mysteries of Indochina, as well as singles oriented tours, the AJC combines general interest sites with those of specific importance to the Jewish faith. Led by knowledgeable guides, the Company focuses on meeting with Jewish organizations and sites of special interest to Jewish travelers.
Aristo Tours
Location: Turkey
Specialty: Biblical Turkey
Why We Like Them: Taylor-made tours custom designed for groups or individuals are this company's hallmark. Personal care and the view that clients are "guests" promises that you'll have a friend rather than a corporate connection in your journey through Turkey. Full and half day tours in Istanbul and Ankara, Blue Cruises, as well as biblical and Jewish history tours and a website chocked full of great information insure that planning you trip with Aristo Tours is a breeze.
Earth Mysteries & Sacred Site Tours
Location: United Kingdom and France
Specialty: Ancient and sacred sites
Why We Like Them: Experience the power and energy of the world's most mysterious and sacred sites. A strong focus of these tours are Celtic and pre-Christian history and the discovery of far older and more advanced civilizations. With expert guidance and time to experience each place, these trips are geared to travelers who have a curiosity about mythology, sacred sites, earth mysteries and the sacredness of life. Each group is kept small and private trips can also be arranged.
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