Explore Worldwide Reveals Trending Destinations for Canadians this Summer
by Bruce Parkinson
Canadians are choosing Europe in all its flavours this summer, says Explore Worldwide.
Small group adventure tour operator Explore Worldwide says recent booking trends reveal that Canadians are craving an experiential style of travel that will feed mind, body and palate this summer. The company is encouraging demand with a new promotion of up to 20% off on select tours.
Explore says travellers are seeking out European adventures through a culinary lens, from cycling the vineyards in France’s Loire Valley and Croatia’s Dalmatian coastline to culinary deep dives in Tuscany and Sicily in Italy, and beyond.
“Canadian travellers have an appetite for immersive experiences that connect them more deeply with the local culture around them, and food is often the gateway,” says Katy Rockett, regional director of North America. “This, with the added air of adventure, gives travellers a taste of the chosen destination and opportunity to experience it in new ways.”
Rockett says bookings for European tours are up 23% year-over-year, with particular demand for cycling adventures and culinary-centred tours.
Explore Worldwide is offering a Great Europe Getaway promotion of up to 20% off per person, land-only, on select small group adventures across Europe, Turkey and Georgia starting this summer for travel through fall. Bookings must be made by April 10 for travel between June 1 through November 30.
A sample of top European escapes this summer include:
The eight-day Taste of Sicily – Palermo to Syracusa leads guests on a gastronomic journey of Sicilian street food in Palermo and a hands-on cooking lesson during an overnight stay in a Masseria, or farmhouse and agricultural estate. Additional tour highlights include chocolate tasting in Modica and overnight on Ortygia Island for a special Syracusa seafood dinner. Rates start from CA $3,060 per person, with departures available from April through October.
The 12-day Walks and Wine Tasting in Spain and Portugal tour starts in Madrid and culminates in Porto. The tour brings travellers through the limestone canyon lands of Duraton River Natural Park and to the heart of Ribera del Duero wine region. A train ride takes guests through Douro Valley followed by a walk in Arribes del Duero Natural Park and a wine tasting in an underground bodega. Rates start from CA $3,290 per person, with departures available May through October.
Known to have some of the best cycling infrastructure in France, the new eight-day Cycling in France – Loire Valley has travellers pedaling 253 km along scenic ‘Voies Vertes’ or dedicated low-traffic routes. Highlights range from stops for wine tasting in Vouvray and Bourgeuil and stops at grand Loire Valley chateaus of Chambord and Cheverny. Rates start from CA $2,540 per person, with departures available from June through September. This trip includes e-bike options.
