Dreamscapes Travel & Lifestyle

DREAMSCAPES FALL/ WINTER 2018 36 W hile I'm keen to start a closer investigation into different parts of Europe, my notion of a holiday does not include doing much work myself. That means I'd rather have someone else plan, drive, organize luggage and worry about the details. That's why Trafalgar's "Free to Be" approach to providing effortless and hassle-free travel on 302 handcrafted interna- tional trips is an attractive proposition. According to Wolf Paunic, president of Trafalgar and Costsaver Canada, Trafalgar's guided vacations have been growing among Canadians in the double digits—due largely to the company's efforts to reinvent them by introducing innovations and focusing on uniquely personal, meaningful events. "Travelling with us is a lifestyle choice," he says. "We make the experiences authentic in every way: real connections with locals through our Be My Guest lunches and dinners; Dive Into Culture facilitated by Local Specialists; and Stays With Stories, where accommodation becomes another distinctive occasion." Trafalgar's guided trips also build in free time for exploring, shopping or just relaxing. At some locales, those wanting to fill up that free time can book "optional experiences." In Marrakesh, this could be a horse-and-buggy ride followed by a traditional Moroccan dinner, and in Tuscany, a drive through Chianti wine country with lunch at Machiavelli's villa. Plenty of good excuses to escape from Canada's frosty frontiers. SPAIN, MOROCCO AND PORTUGAL Spain The Spain-based portion of this 16-day Trafalgar journey, framed by historical monu- ments, notable architecture and abundant UNESCO World Heritage Sites, teems with tales of conquerors, romance and intrigue. It also offers glimpses into the country's cultural essence—flamenco dancing, art collections, handicrafts and Mediterranean cuisine. In ancient Toledo, a Local Specialist leads an in-depth exploration of the Iglesia de Santo Tomé, a huge cathedral where the 16 th -century masterpiece, The Burial of the Count of Orgaz, was painted by local Renaissance artist El Greco. In Granada's inspirational Alhambra palace, guests can walk in the footsteps of greats such as George Bernard Shaw, Salman Rushdie and Paulo Coelho. The Madrid city excursion unveils ornate buildings on the Gran Vía with belle-époque ON A ROLL WITH TRAFALGAR COSTA DEL SOL. BARBARY COAST. ISLE OF CAPRI. ROAD-TRIPPING IN LUXURIOUS, AIR-CONDITIONED COACHES AND FERRYING AROUND FRIENDLY SEAS IS MY IDEA OF THE GOOD LIFE. By E. Lisa Moses

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