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My fellow copywriters and I got to invade Collette’s Tour Manager Training in Barcelona earlier this month. We had a great time connecting with the amazing people that bring our tours to life for our travellers, and we also got to dive into Barcelona and explore this bucket list city that none of us had ever visited.
As soon as I dropped my bag off at the hotel, I was ready to dive in: I desperately wanted to see La Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, and La Rambla. Because it was my first time here, and these were the things I HAD to experience, right? Answer: Yes. They were all amazing.
That being said, they weren’t my favourite moments on the road. Gaudi’s work is timeless, inspiring, and witnessing it in person was an incredible experience, but the unexpected things, the surprises along the way are what made the trip. And it gave me the biggest “aha moment” — This is why our travellers seek out the unknown when they’re booking their own tours.
Catching a street performer playing my favourite ABBA song on a pan flute. Clinking flutes of cava, the delicious local sparkling wine, with my coworkers at a small bar we found whilst wandering around one night. Stopping to take photos of the amazing street art hidden around every corner. Beyond connecting with the fabulous Tour Managers we met, the things beyond my to-do list are the things that made my heart sing most.
Honestly, I’m inspired. I think my next journey will be a little more focused on hidden wonders than my last. So I dug into some of those items that aren’t in the first few pages of the guidebook. Now that my bucket list European adventure is wrapped, what are some tours that may scratch that newly found hidden gem itch I’ve developed?
Here are some tours with some cities and cultural items that may not be on your bucket list, but are certainly worth your consideration:
Edgy Port City
Once the black sheep of the Provencal coast, avant-garde travellers are flocking to Marseille, which has quickly become a beacon of culture and style. Explore the walkable city on your own, plus choose to dive deep into it with a cave or museum trip.
Featured on: Mediterranean Coastal Journey
Istrian Foodie Culture
The Istrian Peninsula is arguably Europe’s best, and still largely undiscovered, foodie destination. Overnight at a winery hotel, overlooking stunning vineyards. Sip on award winning wines. Join a 3rd generation truffle hunt family on their private grounds and watch their dogs in action. There’s much to do (and taste).
Featured on: A Taste of the Balkans
Irish Tradition
Donegal is tucked away in the northwest corner of Ireland. It’s home to some of the country’s most unspoiled and breathtaking scenery. Over one-third of this proudly independent county speak Irish as their first language, and have a strong commitment to traditional music, dance, and likely the most famous of Irish arts — storytelling.
Featured on: The Best of Ireland
I hope you’re as ready for adventure as I am. Maybe I’ll see you on a small group tour to Europe soon.
