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When you book with us, you’re not just getting an advisor who knows how to plan an amazing trip (and trust us, we’re pretty great at that), you’re getting a team that gets out there and travels themselves. Why does this matter to you? Because when you work with us, you’re getting advice backed by personal experience. We hit the road, cruise the rivers, and explore the world ourselves to uncover the details that make your journey truly personal and one-of-a-kind.
This year, our advisors have been busy traveling, and they’ve shared their top five highlights from each adventure. Take a look at where the Willamette team has been exploring—and start dreaming about where we can take you next:
Becki: Sailing the Adriatic with Azamara
Becki just returned from an unforgettable 10-Night Croatia Intensive Voyage with Azamara, a journey that blended luxury with deep cultural immersion. Sailing from Athens to Venice, she explored the stunning Dalmatian Coast, where every stop told its own story. This thoughtfully designed itinerary showcased some of Europe’s most enchanting coastal towns and islands—Kotor in Montenegro with its dramatic fjord-like bay, the medieval charm of Dubrovnik, the cobblestone streets of Korcula, and the historic treasures of Split, Šibenik, Zadar, and Rovinj before ending in the romance of Venice, Italy. Stay tuned for her report in the near future!
Kathryn: From Vancouver to Turkey and Kenya on the Horizon
Kathryn kicked off 2025 with a spring educational trip to Richmond, home to Vancouver International Airport (YVR). The visit was hosted by Air Canada, Tourism Richmond, and the Fairmont Hotel at YVR.
Her mission? To dive into the pre-clearance process for U.S. Customs in Canada. Here’s how it works: For Air Canada (and partner) flights connecting through YVR to a U.S.-bound destination, travelers go through a dedicated U.S. Border Control area right at the airport in Vancouver. Passports are checked by U.S. agents on-site, so you complete immigration before boarding.
The best part? When you land in the U.S., you’re treated as a domestic arrival—no additional immigration checks needed!
By late May, she was off to Turkey hosted by Turkish Airlines, exploring ancient ruins in Ephesus and immersing herself in the country’s rich culture and traditions.
And the adventure isn’t over yet—Kenya is next on her list this September, where she’ll venture on a thrilling safari experience and witness wildlife encounters firsthand.
Top 5 Highlights:
- Exploring the vibrant food scene in Richmond, just outside Vancouver, was an unforgettable experience! The guided tour introduced us to authentic Chinese cuisine, from traditional dishes at Tony Restaurant to bold, modern flavors at The Fish Man. Learning proper dining etiquette and cultural history made this not just a meal, but a true cultural immersion.
- Discovering the Fairmont Vancouver Airport was a game-changer! This full-service hotel inside the airport terminal offers everything—spa, fitness center, lap pool, and even day passes for non-guests. It’s the perfect haven for long layovers or pre-flight relaxation, far beyond what you’d expect from an airport hotel.
- Flying Turkish Airlines from Seattle to Istanbul was nothing short of exceptional. From the warm, attentive service to the world-class Business Class amenities, every moment reflected true luxury. Every detail, down to the smallest touch, was designed for comfort and elegance.
- Attending the exclusive ‘Connect to Türkiye’ gala at the ancient city of Ephesus was nothing short of a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Hosted by Turkish Airlines, the event transformed the iconic ruins into a private wonderland. Guests were treated to inspiring keynote speeches from distinguished figures, including Türkiye’s Minister of Tourism and the President of Turkish Airlines. Imagine strolling through illuminated ruins, savoring exquisite Turkish cuisine, and listening to live music beneath a starlit sky. It was a spectacular celebration of culture and hospitality.
- This trip wasn’t just about stunning sights—it was an education in the rich heritage of Turkiye. From its role in early civilizations to its modern commitment to tourism, every experience reinforced how this country blends ancient history with warm, welcoming culture.
Barb: Icelandic Wonders and Cruising the Seine in Style
Barb’s adventures this year started in Iceland, exploring dramatic landscapes filled with glaciers, waterfalls, and geothermal wonders.
Next, she cruised the Seine River with AmaWaterways, sailing round-trip from Paris to Normandy on a journey rich in history and French charm. Highlights included Les Andelys, home to the stunning ruins of Château Gaillard; Rouen, with its Gothic cathedral and Joan of Arc history; Vernon, gateway to Monet’s iconic gardens in Giverny; and Le Havre, near the historic D-Day beaches. It was the perfect blend of culture, history, and timeless French beauty.
Top 5 Highlights:
- Climbing 400 steps to the top of Skógafoss rewarded us with an unforgettable view, truly one of the most breathtaking spots on the South Island tour.
- Nothing compares to the magic of the Eiffel Tower illuminated at night, a stormy backdrop only made the moment more dramatic and unforgettable.
- The AmaWaterways river cruise was wonderfully low-key with excellent service, delicious meals, and a welcoming atmosphere, the perfect for a stress-free journey through France.
- The cruise’s Normandy focus was deeply inspiring, especially the World War II sites that brought history to life in a meaningful way.
- Exploring Monet’s iconic gardens in Giverny and visiting Château Malmaison, once home to Napoleon and Josephine Bonaparte, added incredible art and history to the experience.
Nancy: Iconic Europe with Viking River Cruises
Nancy began the year aboard Viking’s Iconic Western Mediterranean itinerary, sailing from Barcelona to Rome. This slow-season journey was a celebration of Mediterranean charm, with stops in sun-drenched ports (yes, even in January!) and rich cultural experiences. We’ll get her report on it to you sometime here soon!
Top 5 Highlights:
- Discover the quirks of local taxi culture! In Barcelona, most taxis are cashless and accept cards, while in Rome, cash is king so always check before hopping in. Plus, a helpful tip: in Rome, the meter starts running when you call for a taxi, not when you enter, so hailing on the street can save you a few euros.
- One of the trip’s standout experiences was visiting Galimard, one of France’s oldest perfume houses (founded in 1747). From learning how petals are still picked by hand to discovering that a Master Perfumer can recognize 2,000 scents, this deep dive into the art of fragrance was absolutely fascinating and worth every penny!
- Traveling with someone? Consider splitting up for excursions to follow individual passions—then reconnect for great conversation. Independent exploring sharpens resourcefulness and creates a more personal connection with the city. Bonus: my partner now wishes he had joined me at Galimard!
- Before you go, think about your mobility, flexibility, and stamina. Can you move easily, adjust when needed, and keep going without tiring? Being prepared helps you fully enjoy cobblestone streets, motorcoach steps, and all the adventure ahead.
- The Viking app requires ship Wi-Fi to activate, so expect a learning curve. Luckily, the printed daily schedule in your cabin keeps you on track—perfect for those who prefer something tangible.
Frey: Sunshine and History from Mexico to Georgia
Frey started the year basking in the sunshine of Puerto Vallarta, eating as many tacos as humanly possible and enjoying the beautiful beaches of Mexico’s Pacific coast in the midst of our Oregon winter. Check out this blog post she posted highlighting her favorite restaurants and bars : A Foodie’s Guide to Puerto Vallarta: Best Tacos, Bars, and Cocktails. In April, the journey continued to Georgia (the country, not the state), where ancient monasteries, delicious cuisine and renowned wine regions made for an extraordinary experience. Read all about it in our last blog post: Georgia: Uncharted Wonders in the Caucasus Mountains.
Top 5 Highlights:
- Puerto Vallarta is famed for its legendary al pastor tacos. Spots like Pancho’s Takos, Tacos Sonorita, Don Chava, and Los Molcajetes offer mouth-watering flavor, great vibes, and reasonable prices, and all served by warm, lively staff.
- From private window seats and Lanvin amenity kits to full-flat beds and gourmet meals prepared by an onboard chef, Turkish Airlines business class is a game-changer. The service was exceptional, the entertainment system impressive, and the experience so comfortable that 7.5 hours of solid sleep mid-flight was possible!
- From the cliffside Jvari Monastery overlooking two rivers to the legendary Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, Georgia’s spiritual heritage is awe-inspiring. The ultimate highlight? Gergeti Trinity Church, perched dramatically at over 7,000 feet under Mount Kazbek with 360° Caucasus Mountain views.
- Every meal was a feast: cheesy khachapuri, savory ajapsandali, and hearty spreads paired with homemade juices or wine. Wine tastings introduced us to Georgia’s ancient Qvevri winemaking tradition (a UNESCO-recognized method dating back 8,000 years), making every sip feel like history in a glass.
- Old Tbilisi delivered in every way; wine tastings in a 17th-century cellar, bustling bazaars, folk dancing, and vibrant nightlife. Add in encounters with local artisans, secret speakeasies, and even a 197-foot-deep metro ride, and you have a city that’s equal parts historic and electric.
Jenna: Discovering Alaska’s Wild Beauty
Jenna is currently exploring the wild beauty of Alaska and British Columbia on an HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions) voyage aboard the MS Roald Amundsen. Her journey traces Canada’s breathtaking Inside Passage, cruising from vibrant Vancouver, B.C., to the charming town of Sitka, Alaska. While she’s sailing just a portion of the itinerary, her mission is clear: to experience life on board an HX expedition ship and get an authentic taste of what true expedition travel feels like. Stay tuned for her upcoming report!
Ready to start planning your next adventure? Contact our excellent travel experts at 503-224-0180 or email inquiry@wittravel.com.
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