Dear Travellers,
Spring brings warmer days, fresh air, and a renewed sense of possibility. It's the perfect backdrop for dreaming, planning, and mapping out the trips you’ll take in the months ahead. Plus, with Easter just around the corner, it’s also a time for new beginnings, small indulgences, and treating yourself to something special.
Does the idea of hunting truffles in Croatia have you dreaming of European adventures? Or maybe panning for gold in Dawson City is what truly sparks your wanderlust. How about cruising down the Rhône with a crisp glass of rosé in hand?
Whatever tickles your travel fancy, we’ve got an itinerary that inspires, including these three gems:
Croatia: Opatija & Split is a journey into history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes. Explore elegant Austro-Hungarian villas in Opatija, go truffle hunting in Istria, and take in Plitvice’s otherworldly turquoise lakes. Join us in Croatia this October!
Canada’s True North offers a chance to see our beautiful country from a whole new perspective. Traverse North America’s last great wilderness, explore stunning lakes and trails, enjoy a can-can show in Dawson City, and immerse yourself in the culture and history of First Nations peoples. Get exploring!
The Rhône River Cruise is a journey along one of Europe’s prettiest waterways. See the south of France from the comfort of the luxurious MS Van Gogh, with stops in Lyon, Avignon, and Arles followed by three unforgettable nights in Paris. All aboard!
Wherever you choose to go next, we’ll make sure it’s effortless, enriching and truly unforgettable.
Happy spring, happy planning, and warm Easter wishes to you and yours.
Danny Shay, President
Senior Discovery Tours
Truffle hunting in Istria
Istria’s oak and hazelnut forests are home to a prized culinary treasure: truffles. For centuries, this rugged peninsula has been a quiet powerhouse of truffle culture, drawing chefs, gourmands, and curious travellers from around the world.
Today, Istria rivals Italy’s Piedmont region, and its truffles are sought after by Michelin-starred chefs worldwide. So a trip to the area definitely isn’t complete without a truffle hunt, accompanied by expert local foragers, of course!
The hunt begins in the rolling hills near Grožnjan, where you’ll meet local truffle hunters and their canine partners. Together, you walk through the forest, with the dogs running ahead, noses low. As soon as one stops to paw at the ground, that’s the cue: they’ve found treasure. The truffle hunter kneels to unearth the truffle, placing it gently into a satchel.
When the thrill of the hunt is over (and it really is a thrill), that’s when you get to the best part: eating the spoils. Enjoy pasta, eggs, cheese, and local olive oil with generous shavings of the freshly unearthed gems.
A feast for the senses
Istrian truffles are celebrated for their depth and complexity: they are earthy, musky, and slightly garlicky. During your tasting experience, you’ll learn how to distinguish white and black truffles.
- White truffles are intensely aromatic, rare, and among the most expensive in the world.
- Black truffles are more subtle, with chocolatey, nutty notes.
Join the adventure
Truffle hunting is just one highlight of our Croatia: Opatija & Split tour. The journey also takes you through elegant seaside towns, ancient Roman sites, shimmering national parks, and Croatia’s sunlit Adriatic coast. Join us October 15–29 for an unforgettable adventure!
Pure Gold: Exploring Dawson City
When prospectors struck gold in 1896, Dawson City exploded into a bustling frontier town. Today, that legacy is preserved in its historic buildings, museums, and fascinating stories.
It’s a place that grabs hold of your imagination and sparks your sense of adventure. Step into a world of stampeders, prospectors, and the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in people, a lively, quirky community with a true Wild West spirit.
September is peak Yukon
There’s no better time to visit. The air is crisp but not cold and the hillsides glow with gold and crimson...a photographer’s dream. The summer crowds have thinned, and longer nights up your chances of seeing the Northern Lights.
A frontier town with flair
Explore shops with work by local artisans. Take in an old-fashioned can-can show that evokes the excitement of Gold Rush days. Learn about the area’s history, and try your hand at panning for the shiny stuff yourself.
Join us this September to get to know Canada's True North, its history, its landscapes, and its enduring spirit. Reserve your spot today.
Cruising Through Provence:
A Day in the Life
Floating down the Rhône on the MS Van Gogh is how the south of France was meant to be experienced. 06:30 – Dawn on the RhôneMorning breaks over the river illuminating limestone cliffs and verdant vineyards, quiet rooftops and Provencal streetscape. The scent of strong coffee and fresh croissants fills the air, inviting you to ease into the day.
08:00 – Breakfast & scenic cruisingBreakfast is relaxed and unhurried. Nibble on a pastry or tuck into a heartier meal as you watch the Rhône Valley’s lovely scenery slide by.
10:00 – Morning excursions Walk scenic trails, explore medieval streets, visit galleries and museums.
12:30 – Lunch on board Enjoy lunch as the MS Van Gogh sets sail again, passing picturesque stone farmhouses, orchards, and quiet villages along the banks.
15:00 – Afternoon adventuresTake a jeep safari through The Camargue, taste sparkling Clairette de Die wine, or visit Les Baux‑de‑Provence, one of France’s most beautiful villages.
18:30 – Dinner As the sun sets, enjoy a meal inspired by that day’s destination with fresh vegetables, Provençal herbs, and plenty of mouthwatering local specialties.
21:00 – Evening on the waterAs night falls, take in some live entertainment, sip a cocktail at the cozy bar, or spend a quiet moment on deck under the stars, getting ready for your next day of adventure. Sound like the perfect day? Join us on the Rhône River Cruise aboard the MS Van Gogh May 30-June 9, 2027 for an unforgettable journey down the Rhone and through the beauty and wonder of the south of France.
Why Travel With Us? Reason #4
Exceptional tour managers: These seasoned travel pros go above and beyond to make sure your trip runs smoothly and your experience is consistently outstanding.
Rosé Tasting in Provence
In Provence, rosé is a way of life. Sun‑drenched vineyards, Mediterranean breezes, and centuries of winemaking tradition all converge into a crisp, elegant, effortlessly refreshing drink that’s synonymous with the South of France. 🍓 Tasting notesProvençal rosés tend to be delicate and dry, ranging from the palest blush to a soft salmon. Expect aromas of:
- Fresh red berries, like strawberry and raspberry
- Citrus, especially grapefruit or blood orange
- White peach and subtle melon
- Herbal notes reminiscent of thyme, rosemary, and wild lavender
On the palate, the wine is typically light‑bodied with bright acidity and a clean, mineral finish. The perfect drink that's tailor‑made for long lunches, seaside afternoons, and warm evenings with friends.
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