Trafalgar’s 2014 Europe & Britain program goes beyond the expected

MANILA, Philippines - For Trafalgar, traveling to Europe is all about the immersive experiences — and as the Insider of guided vacations, it means seeing the continent from the inside, taking guests deep in the heart of each destination by interacting with the culture and its people.

With launch of the company’s 2014 Europe & Britain program, Trafalgar invites Filipino travelers, through local partner Pan Pacific Travel Corp., to discover these 44 diverse regions through 104 enhanced itineraries that enable them to explore the most iconic sites as well as less traveled places.

For 2014, Trafalgar introduces two new itineraries that reflect its enhanced Insider moments, uncovering hidden treasures and its passion for traveling differently with its knowledgeable travel directors.

From the stunning natural beauty of Plitvice National Park to the ornate Byzantine architecture of Venice, the 13-day The Balkans & Venice guided vacation feeds the growing demand for travel to the Balkan region.

Largely an exploration of the diverse regions of Croatia, the trip also offers authentic insight into the region through interaction with the locals. The Muhoberac family shares their musical talents and beautiful rural household in the enchanting village of Osojnik, and hosts in Dubrovnik offer a “Be My Guest” dining experience at a local oil mill where they will create a traditional meal with fresh Mediterranean herbs and homemade drinks.

Meanwhile, an immersive experience also awaits travelers who take on the Northern Spain guided vacation. A new destination for Trafalgar, this 11-day journey explores both the modern landscapes and mountainous terrains of northern Spain.

Travelers will discover the iconic coastal towns of San Sebastian and Bilbao, as well as the religious pilgrim city of Santiago de Compostela; and in Argomanniz, they get to stay in one of the company’s authentic accommodations, The Parador Hotel — a Renaissance palace that boasts Napoleon as one of its guests.

Outside of Oviedo, guests meet up with the Castanon family at their cider mill and sample local specialties before sitting down to an Espicha dinner of Spanish omelet and spicy chorizos cooked in cider.

Throughout the trip, their travel director also introduces them to the renowned Basque cuisine, including the local Pinchos — tasty dishes that are similar to, but more finger-food style than the traditional tapas found in other parts of Spain.

To kick off the launch of the new brochure, Trafalgar is offering savings of 10 percent off the 2014 Summer Europe & Britain guided vacations (save up to $1,700 per couple).

With unbeatable “Be My Guest” dining experiences, unique insights that are not found in guidebooks, local experts who can provide further insights about their hometowns, and stays at charming authentic accommodations, Trafalgar’s excusive Insider European experiences truly take travelers beyond the expected.