Insight Vacations, a leader in luxury escorted journeys, is winding down its “Early Payment Discount” program on handcrafted Europe journeys in its 2016-17 Europe & Britain Premium collection. Travellers can save 10 per cent (up to C$2,690 per couple) if they book and pay in full before Jan. 14th, 2016. The sale is available on 100 premium European itineraries, including 13 new escorted journeys.

“Europe has always been the top destination for our guests, and there’s no better time than now for clients to take that once in a lifetime getaway…” said Cris David, president of Insight Vacations Canada.

The new 2016-17 Europe & Britain Premium program features a variety of Signature Experiences such as an exclusive tour of the renowned Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam in the company of a Dutch Art Historian and fast track entry to Trinity College’s Book of Kells. With the introduction of nine new All-Inclusive Premium journeys and four brand new itineraries, coupled with the low Euro, Canadians now have more reasons than ever to escape to Europe.

With more than 100 journeys to choose from, below is a selection of some of the favorite itineraries:

Best of Spain and Portugal

Explore the grand castles, stupendous religious buildings and incredible works of art of the Spanish, Portuguese and Moorish kingdoms in this 16-day itinerary. In Madrid, art lovers will visit one of the greatest art museums in the world, the Museo del Prado, guided by an expert art historian. From Spain to Portugal, guests sail the River Douro to Porto, the celebrated Port wine capital. There, visit the Vila Nova de Gaia wine stores before retreating back to the hotel, the NH Batalha located inside a carefully renovated 18th century palace that was once home to a prominent wine-producing family. In Lisbon, visit Jeronimo's church with its beautiful Manueline architecture, before returning back to Spain. Enjoy a day of leisure on the sun-drenched Costa del Sol, relaxing by blue Mediterranean waters, or explore Malaga, the birth city of Picasso. In cosmopolitan Barcelona, architect aficionados will marvel at the stunning Basílica of Sagrada Família before feasting at an exceptional Catalan Celebration Dinner incorporating classic cooking and fantastic sea views.

Natural Wonders of Iceland

Experience a world of natural phenomena - gushing waterfalls, volcanoes and stunning landscapes at every turn on this 10-day Icelandic adventure. Starting in the capital city of Reykjavík, travellers are taken to Hveragerdi Gardens before heading east to visit the country’s newest geothermal heat and electric power station at Hellisheiðavirkjun. From there, visit the mighty Gullfoss Waterfalls, the Icelandic equivalent of Niagara, that drops a total of 32 metres while spanning the entire width of the Hvítá River. Then it’s on to the icebergs at Höfn and the National Park at Skaftafell, home to the largest glacier in Europe, Vatnajökull. Travellers will also visit the luminous blue icebergs of Lake Jökulsárlón where two James Bond films were filmed. After a day of exploration, relax at The Hotel Höfn, with its glacier and sea views from most rooms. The program also includes a stop at Snæfellsjökull National Park, home to the country's most famous volcano. Enjoy a fascinating exploration of the park's many famous sites, including the magnificent Snæfellsjökull (Snæfell Glacier) and Búðir, a romantic landscape of white sandy hills, black lava fields and a yellow beach.

Highlights of Eastern Europe

On this 15-day journey through Eastern Europe, delve behind the former ‘Iron Curtain' to explore some of the region’s most stunning cities. Starting in Vienna, embark on a private tour of Schönbrunn Palace. Then set off for the grand boulevards of Budapest, and enjoy a stay in the city’s most luxurious hotel, the Sofitel, which is perfectly located near the River Danube. In Poland, embark on a powerful experience at Auschwitz. Guided by a local expert, guests will spend reflective moments amid the remains of the concentration camp and the memorials to those who died. In Warsaw, participate in a dumpling-making class at a local restaurant before enjoying a delicious dinner featuring succulent local dishes. In Prague, the gargoyles of St. Vitus Cathedral and ghosts of Bohemian Kings will bewitch guests as they take a private tour through the atmospheric courtyards of Prague Castle. To cap off the whirlwind journey, visit Ceský Krumlov, through a medieval labyrinth of private chambers, courtyards, kitchens and dungeons.

For more information, visit www.insightvacations.com.

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