My first trip of 2022 as your UC tour guide leaves April 20: Netherlands, Belgium and France, featuring the Keukenhof Tulip Festival and Floriade Expo 2022 (the Expo is a once in a decade opportunity). We have so many sign-ups, Collette Travel has given us the whole bus. We have only a few seats left, please join us! All UC retirees, family and friends are welcome. 

For complete info visit this link: gateway.gocollette.com/link/1052319

Here are some highlights of the itinerary:

Narrow canals, stone bridges, and bike-brimmed lanes – this is Amsterdam, the lively starting point of your journey. Three days in fabulous Amsterdam. See the city the way it’s truly meant to be seen – by canal. On your private boat, cruise under sloping bridges and pass by quintessential Dutch houses. Then, explore the world-famous Keukenhof Gardens, featuring acres of tranquil ponds, shaded paths, and more than 7 million tulips and other flowers on exhibit. Visit the Floriade Expo 2022, a once-in-a-decade international garden festival and horticultural exhibition.  Later this afternoon come together for an Impact Moment at a local brewery.Cross the Dutch Cheese Valley for a visit to a nearby dairy farm in Gouda, famous for its namesake cheese. Get a taste of this celebrated product while learning about the aging process from a local expert. Head through the countryside to Kinderdijk.

Now we get familiar with Bruges during an orientation walk. Then, enjoy the rest of the morning and afternoon at leisure to continue exploring. Perhaps you’ll embark on an optional tour of Bruges, where you’ll cruise through fairytale canals before connecting with local traditions – tasting Belgian chocolate and learning about the intricate craft of lace making. This evening, embark on a tasting tour of Bruges. Notice the 19th-century facades and medieval towers as you get a local’s perspective on the city. After some free time to explore, trade your waffles for wine as you enter Reims, set in the heart of France’s illustrious Champagne region.

Discover Reims, uncovering the city’s Celtic roots and Gothic architecture. Peer at the sprawling mansions on the Avenue de Champagne en route to Épernay, where you’ll have free time to explore followed by a tour and tasting at a nearby maison du champagne. It's hello to  Paris, a hub of innovative cuisine and artistic culture. Experience the Montmartre neighborhood, and the basilicas. Make the most of your free time before settling into your one-of-a-kind abode in the 2nd arrondissement. Explore your new neighborhood until the sun fades peering up at the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe. Today’s your day to experience Paris however you please. Hop on Le Métro like a local, perhaps you’ll spend your morning at the legendary Louvre. Or consider spending your evening with an optional dinner at the dynamic Paradis Latin* cabaret show, featuring champagne, can-can dancers, and endless excitement.

We wake up to our final day in Paris. Experience Monet in the city at the Musee D’Orsay, a former railway station that now houses the world’s best impressionist art End the day with a hands-on cooking class, mastering Parisian classics before dining on your creations at a farewell dinner. Next day it's au revoir to Europe as you depart for home.

One of our UC Retiree travelers sent a long, chatty email about the Canadian Rockies by Train adventure. There's another trip scheduled for September 2022, visit this link: gateway.gocollette.com/link/1046225

In the meantime, here's what one 2021 traveler had to say:

The trip was fabulous! Our tour guide, Maryse Blouin was superbly organized, informative, helpful and compassionate; our coach driver Ed entertained us with witty remarks and astonished us with his expertise in maneuvering the coach safely and in some tight corners. The Rocky Mountaineer train spoiled us with food, food, food, and because the train car was just half full, we had the luxury to change seats from time to time. Because we did not sleep on that train, we had lots of time for food (and drink) and viewing the landscape.

The city tour of Vancouver was interesting, but my favorite place is Capilano Suspension Bridge park. Glorious to be high above the river and then in beautiful forest. Lake Louise was such a treat; in the morning, my roommate and I had time for a short two-mile hike in the forest to an overlook of the lake. It was awesome.

Lodgings were excellent on balance. I especially liked the Rimrock Resort where we stayed in Banff - two angled windows with views in each room of trees and mountains.

The walk on Athabaska glacier was a highlight. Poor thing is really shrinking, according to personal accounts and older photos.

My roommate and I were both really happy and thankful that this tour was offered.  The lodgings and amenities and food provided were well worth the expense. In fact, I think that as an individual I would have spent much more. We had an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experience, thanks to Collette!!

I think it's time to think about a fantasy trip. I have had many inquiries about a once in a lifetime journey and this is one that has been talked about: Spectacular South Africa, February 2-15, 2023. 

For complete details, visit this link: gateway.gocollette.com/link/1076610