Insights into the art of world travel

MANILA, Philippines - Rajah Travel Corporation and Insight Vacations recently launched Manila Insight’s travel itineraries for 2013. For 35 years, Insight Vacations has been designing the world’s finest touring itineraries. Its tours are designed with care and an unwavering commitment to exceed customers’ expectations. They offer exceptional value, too, as all of its featured experiences are included in the price.

In 2013, Insight introduces travelers to 42 countries in Europe, more than any other operator. And it’s not just Europe, but also North America and Asia.

From Iceland to Egypt, from Russia to Portugal, and from India to Nepal, Insight’s got it covered with premium and luxury touring vacations. Whichever place you visit and whatever touring style you choose, you can be assured that Insight will bring you the very best of every destination.

There is no more inspirational way to discover the world than with Insight Vacations. In the Philippines, Rajah Travel Corporation is the exclusive travel agency of Insight Vacations.  

Here are some of Insight’s itineraries for next year:

Amazing Spain & Portugal (9 days)

From the cobbled streets of Toledo to the arabesque Alhambra and Manueline, Lisbon, this well planned itinerary highlights the culture, art and landscapes of these two amazing countries. A popular, well paced tour of Spain and Portugal with two-night stays in the cities of Seville and Lisbon, allowing plenty of time for in-depth sightseeing. Other driving days are comfortable, interspersed with sightseeing en route.

Best of Britain — with London bonus day (9 days)

Bonus day in London has travelers staying at the Thistle Marble Arch Hotel the night before the tour departs where they’ll meet their tour director and be relaxed and ready for departure on day one. Nine fabulous days brimming with sightseeing and interesting places to visit, covering the length and breadth of England, southern Scotland and Wales. The tour pace is brisk, but this also means great value for money.

Best of Ireland & Scotland (14 days)

Despite the incursions of the English, these countries retain their own distinctive character, as well as being blessed with dramatic scenery and warm-hearted people. This well-paced tour has two-night stays in Dublin, Killarney, the Highlands and Edinburgh. The driving days are of a reasonable length with frequent stops for refreshment.

Best of Italy (10 days)

Roman antiquities, pious Assisi, Venetian canals, Renaissance Florence and Capri sunshine are fused with a touch of la dolce vita for the perfect tour of Italy. Witness the treasure-trove of priceless art in the Vatican museums and the painted ceiling in the Sistine Chapel. See the former epicenter of ancient Rome and visit the Colosseum, still echoing with the thronging crowds and ghostly cries of gladiatorial combat. Find out why the Basilica of Francis is considered one of the crowning achievements of medieval Europe. Stand in awe beside Michelangelo’s monumental Statue of David in the Academy Gallery, Florence. Cruise to the famous Isle of Capri and in the style of the jet-set, ride up to town by open top taxi. Walk with a guide through the cobbled streets of ill-fated Pompeii, frozen in time since the 1st century. Choose from a selection of restaurants in Sorrento. Arrivederci Roma! Celebrate at a delicious end-of-tour Roman feast served with abundant local wine, and soloists at your table singing popular Italian folk songs.

Highlights of Europe (14 days)

Varied landscapes, magnificent scenery, history galore, a treasure trove of art and architecture... a glorious reflection of Europe at her best. This lively tour initially comprises of one-night stays, which make for a lively start. However, two nights in Venice, Rome, Lucerne and Paris allow more time for you to relax or indulge in optional excursions.

Easy pace Russia (8 days)

From the grand baroque of St. Petersburg to Moscow’s iconic treasures, Russia is an enigma that just has to be sampled by any serious traveller. This leisurely tour reveals all the main highlights of Russia’s two imperial cities. But being easy pace, also provides plenty of opportunity for you to explore the onion-domed cathedrals, majestic palaces and fantastic museums at your leisure.

Spectacular Scandinavia & its fjords (15 days)

Revel in outstanding Scandinavian scenery as you cruise the glassy fjords and ride the Flam Railway. While in the cities you can soak up all the seafaring history. A relaxing two nights in Copenhagen at the start helps you unwind after your flight. Then the tour sets a moderate pace. There are entire days at leisure. Many travelling days pass through wonderful scenery with frequent stops for refreshments and photo opportunities — made all the more enjoyable by the use of scenic rail and cruises.

The Bohemian (9 days)

Walk in the footsteps of Prague’s Bohemian Kings and fall under the spell of Cesky Krumlov. Testify to the legacy of the Habsburgs in Vienna, Budapest and Bratislava. This tour has been expertly planned to run at a comfortable pace, with two-night stays in Vienna and Budapest and Prague. There are no long travelling days on this compact tour, a perfect introduction to Central and Eastern Europe.

Cities of the East Coast (8 days)

Capture the spirit of America on this enlightening tour of the nation’s major founding cities so pivotal to its past and present history. For connoisseurs of the Art Deco period, there is no more thrilling destination than The Waldorf Astoria. Enjoy a fascinating guided tour of the hotel, focusing on the Waldorf’s unique historic and architectural heritage. Enjoy sweeping skyline views, including some of the city’s most prominent landmarks from the Top of the Rock Observation Deck at New York’s Rockefeller Center. The Breakers, the most grandiose of Newport’s mansions, is an Italian Renaissance palace that is nothing short of sumptuous. View the priceless tapestries, fine mosaic work, irreplaceable paintings, and ornate furniture that testify to the wealth of one of America’s most affluent families. Follow part of Boston’s red-brick Freedom Trail, which brings to life the story of the American Revolution. View Independence Hall in Philadelphia and the giant cracked Liberty Bell in its own glass pavilion. Cross the Potomac River to Arlington National Cemetery, a memorial to America’s war heroes and final resting place of US Presidents and other famous Americans.

Best of eastern Canada and the US (16 days)

Cosmopolitan cities embodying the North American East and highlighting their cultural differences blend perfectly with natural wonders and fun activities. Until recently, Toronto’s CN Tower was the tallest free standing structure on earth — the views are to die for. Greet the howling spray, wind and thunder at the base of Niagara Falls aboard your Maid of the Mist cruise. Experience the natural beauty of Acadia National Park. Follow part of Boston’s red-brick Freedom Trail, which brings to life the story of the American Revolution. Expand your awareness and understanding of the US Constitution at Philly’s National Constitution Center. A guided tour of Washington, DC includes the dignified Arlington National Cemetery. View Manhattan’s skyscrapers, Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty from your New York harbour cruise. Enjoy sweeping skyline views from the Top of the Rock Observation Deck at New York’s Rockefeller Center. Amid the Gallic atmosphere of Quebec Old Town enjoy a highlight Quebecois dinner with wine, of course.

Best of California (9 days)

The lively and glamorous cities of San Francisco and Los Angeles contrast with the rugged beauty of the California coast and grandeur of Yosemite National Park. More than just a train ride, enjoy a culinary journey through the beautiful wine country of Napa Valley aboard meticulously restored vintage rail cars. Visit a Sonoma winery for a tour and wine tasting. Ascend the Enchanted Hill for a guided tour of Hearst Castle, one of America’s grandest private estates. Visit Mission Santa Barbara, a historic Spanish mission founded by the Franciscan order in 1786 and the J. Paul Getty Museum, and a private tour of the Kodak Theater. Enjoy a walking tour through San Francisco’s famous Chinatown, followed by an authentic Chinese banquet. Enjoy spectacular views of the bay as you enjoy a private dinner and an insight into the amazing marine life at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Dinner with wine is available from a selection of Santa Barbara restaurants on your dine-around evening.

Classical India with Nepal(13 day tour)

A journey into the mysterious and enigmatic, full of strange fascination — from the erotic temples of Khajuraho and the splendid Taj Mahal, to the spiritual presence of Hindu holy men. Besides the odd early start to catch a train or a flight, this tour is moderately paced, a perfect blend of sightseeing and free time.

Imperial treasures of India (9 days)

Experience the style, elegance and luxury, reminiscent of a glorious bygone age. Enjoy the finest traditions of Rajput hospitality and retire to magnificent royal palaces that echo with history.

Splendors of the Taj  (9 days)

Beyond a potpourri of palaces and far pavilions, pink cities and painted elephants, lies the Jungle Book realm of the Bengal Tiger. After an exciting day’s shooting with the camera, the comfort of your luxury hotel is a welcome retreat. After your introduction to New Delhi there is plenty of free time in the other centers to relax and recharge, or take advantage of your hotels’ world-class facilities.

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For inquiries on Insight tours, call Rajah Travel Corporation at 894-0886.