Travel

“It’s the possibility of having a dream come true that makes life interesting.”

from The Alchemist

You love to travel.  I love to plan and execute exceptional travel.  As a Virtuoso Luxury Travel Planner with Renshaw Travel in Vancouver, Canada, I work closely with the best of the best in the luxury travel industry.

My clients are world travellers who understand that for the best experience, their personal lifestyles must be incorporated into their travel.  For that reason, before suggesting an itinerary, I will spend some time with you to learn about what is important to you – and similarly what is not.  Through this interview process I will be able to design a travel experience that meets – and hopefully exceeds – your   needs, expectations and dreams.  Most of the references you will find here came from clients for whom I designed private, or F.I.T.  itineraries or who were in my escorted group tours.

Luxury Escorted Tours

Each year for the past five years I have led at least one – sometimes two – small groups on private tours of Turkey.

My long stays – and far-reaching travel – within Turkey mean that I am familiar with the practicalities of travel in that huge country.  I inspect and stay at new properties, at every opportunity, always looking for luxury hotels to include in my itinerary planning.  For this reason, I have found that it is important that group members share at least some common lifestyle values.

On my escorted tours, you will stay in luxury, boutique hotels, visit the must-see historic sites, shop where the locals shop, savour the best of local cuisine and enjoy sharing stories, tea and maybe the occasional glass of raki with a bowl of delicious olives.   Of course, there may be times when you want to take time away from your group.   This is why I always build in some flex-time, in others words:  me-time for shopping, taking a Turkish Bath or exploring the local village.

Now, in addition to Turkey, I am thrilled to be adding Portugal to my specialization.  And I’m just as thrilled that some of my past Turkey clients are now travelling to Portugal!  Having spent 3 weeks driving that country last year and then 3 months this past winter, I am ready to show you the best of Portugal and its sub-tropical island paradise, Madeira.

In 2012, I am planning to lead two small-group luxury tours:

  • A Luxury Tour of Portugal in Spring 2012
  • A Luxury Tour of Turkey in Fall 2012

If you would like to be kept informed regarding these tours, please complete the form here.

The Independent Traveller

DSC_0781If you prefer to travel alone or with a partner, you will know that attention to the detail can make or break a vacation.  But you’re busy and don’t have a lot of time to do the necessary research.  I will ensure that every detail of your trip is taken care of so that all you need to do is relax and enjoy your vacation.

turkey photos 182

Private Shore Excursions

Your Mediterranean cruise will dock in Istanbul or Kusadasi for a few hours or a couple of days.  Your cruise line will offer shore excursions.  However, if you prefer a more personalized experience, I can arrange a private shore excursion that takes you where you want to go, away

from the crowds, to see what you want to see.  And best of all, I will match your Guide to your interests so that if you are a keen photographer, your Guide will be too.  Similarly, if you would like to visit Jewish sites in Istanbul, I will include sites of interest and match you with a Jewish Guide in order to maximize the value of your time in Istanbul.

So, whether you want to shop,visit mosques, synagogues, museums and/or churches, cycle or fly in a hot-air balloon over the lunar landscape of Cappadocia, ride horses in a surreal landscape, sail the Aegean on a floating boutique hotel, celebrate your wedding, anniversary or birthday with dinner- and cake – on top of a mountain, or have your own special dream, I will make it happen!