On the prairies harvest is in full swing, the fall colors are emerging, and mornings are crisp. As we know fall is right around the corner, which means winter is definitely in the mail. There’s no better time than now to start planning your escape from its icy clutches.
McPhail Travel has a unique collection of group tours which have been designed to take you deeper into the cultures and habitats of the places we explore. They offer more inclusions, greater hands-on exploration, interactions with local experts, and the freedom to roam, all within the structure and security of travelling in a small group (avg 14ppl).
All of our tours are rich in content and value. We like to slow down the pace and often spend 2 or 3 nights in each area. Don’t like early morning starts? We never start our day before 9:00 am unless it is necessary. It’s your vacation!
See below for a summary of what’s planned for the upcoming year.
European Christmas Markets, Avalon Waterways River Cruise - (Unescorted - LAST CALL)
November 28th to December 5th, 2024
Make your holiday wishes come true with a special departure for the festive season to experience Europe’s most beautiful Christmas markets and festivities. Enjoy stunning winter views on the Danube with the warm glow of Christmas markets, beautifully adorned with ageless traditions.
Begin your cruise in Budapest with guided sightseeing and free time to explore Christmas markets and buy one-of-a-kind gifts. Next, you’ll sail to the centuries-old Slovakian city of Bratislava with guided sightseeing and time to browse the beautiful Christmas markets. Take a guided tour of its cobblestone streets and Gothic St. Martin’s Cathedral. Next, cruise to wonderful Melk for guided sightseeing in Austria’s Wachau Valley, including the magnificent Benedictine Abbey perched above the Danube. Continue your festive Danube River cruise to Vienna—the “City of Music.” Enjoy guided sightseeing and the glow of sparkling Christmas markets while exploring the Imperial Palace, Vienna Opera House, and stunning St. Stephen’s Cathedral.
Nicaragua A Jewel Revealed
January 24th to February 7th, 2025
Once a war-torn country, Nicaragua has recovered from this period and is now a diamond in the rough offering nature reserves rich in flora and fauna, an interesting history of both ancient and the more recent revolution period of the Sandinista, Spanish colonial cities and warm, friendly people. It has been compared to what Costa Rica was like 30 years ago when that country was beginning its quest to increase tourism.
Nicaragua is known as the “land of lakes and volcanoes”. Fresh and welcoming, we’ve developed a tour like no other that keeps with our tried-and-true concept of learning about the country and its people at a leisurely pace, always balancing history, nature and culture.
Costa Rica in Depth
February 2nd to 15th, 2025
This tour not only explores rain forests, volcanoes, jungles, and the flora and fauna that flourish in Costa Rica – but also puts you in touch with ordinary people during visits to a farm, a primary school, and a research station. Thermal baths, hanging bridges, and everything you would expect to experience during a visit to this amazing country are included!
South Africa Encompassed
February 22nd to March 11th, 2025
Embark on an exhilarating journey filled with breathtaking game drives, stunning landscapes, and rich cultural experiences. Experience the thrill of open-air safari rides in Kruger National Park and Hluhluwe Park, where you'll encounter magnificent wildlife, from cheetahs to lions. Enjoy a scenic cruise on Lake Jozini, keeping an eye out for hippos and elephants along the shore. Immerse yourself in local culture with a Zulu village walk, artisan interactions, and scenic strolls through the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve. Drive along the breathtaking Winelands and Panorama Route, marveling at nature’s wonders.
Finally, be captivated by an optional extension to the majestic roar of Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.
Azores & Lisbon, Best of Portugal – Escorted by Kim Miller
April 4th to 15th, 2025
Embark on a 13-day journey that blends cultural experiences in Lisbon with stunning landscapes in the Azores for an unforgettable adventure. Begin on São Miguel Island, where you can trek to dazzling crater lakes, relax on volcanic beaches, indulge in thermal pools, and participate in various cultural expeditions and whale-watching tours. Extend the excitement in Lisbon, Portugal's lively capital, where you can savor local cuisine with an expert, discover trendy districts, and embark on a day trip through the scenic Alentejo region.
Inca Explorer – Escorted by Kim Miller
October 14th to 26, 2025
From its amazing archaeological treasures to its gastronomic delights and from its rich history to its melting pot of cultures, Peru offers visitors a wide array of attractions—and on this tour; you’ll experience its highlights. Discover Lima’s colonial heritage steeped in history with pre-Columbian ruins and Spanish colonial buildings. Encounter the vibrant local culture of Lake Titicaca, walk the halls of a historical convent in colonial Arequipa, and delight in views of the Sacred Valley from the comfort of the train to Machu Picchu. Marvel at the strange, mysterious beauty of the Nazca Lines, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Whether watching for wildlife or exploring Incan culture, strike travel gold in this incredible country.
Information regarding the tours can be found at www.thediscoverytours.ca along with further details on our website www.mcphailtravel.net. You can also reach out to me or the McPhail Travel team for more details.