Darren YeohThere are some universal truths in this world which are difficult to dispute. For example, the winter season is bitterly cold, a banana is a fruit, and the Fast & Furious franchise is quickly descending into an unrecognisable, over the top, Civil War meets Transformers meets Bourne crossover. But most of all, I suspect very few would argue against the fact that being a parent is a notoriously tough job.
And with Mothers’ Day and Fathers’ Day around the corner (that’s May and June, in case you forgot), I think it’s just about the perfect time for children to pamper their parents for a change. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with a good meal and spending quality time with your folks, but if you can afford it, why not go the extra mile and bring them on an unforgettable travel experience?
Here are five possible tours you can send your parents to, on an all-expenses-paid-by-you vacation! Furthermore, these are easy pace tours, which your parents will definitely enjoy.
#1: Eastern Europe (Budapest > Vienna > Prague)
I’ve always highly recommended Eastern Europe as a must visit region of beautiful scenery and deep, cultural roots reflected in the authentic flavours of the local cuisine. This 10-day tour package covers the historical capitals of Hungary, Austria and the Czech Republic.
Image credit: Kamil Porembiński
Apart from staying at some of the top quality hotels, you’ll be able to enjoy some of the most unique experiences in the cities. You’ll be visiting key locations such as the Matthias Church in Budapest, which offers breathtaking views over Europe’s second longest river, the Danube. Be dazzled by the immensely artistic architecture of the Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna and talk a scenic walk through the historically-rich gothic courtyard of Prague Castle, which dates all the way back to the 9th century!
Image Credit: Pedro Szekely
You parents will no doubt enjoy the leisurely pace of the tour which often starts off in the morning. They’ll enjoy soaking in the rich history of Europe’s cultural centres which aren’t as hectic as many other major cities in the world. If anything, they’ll love the delicious local cuisine (my personal favourite is the Austrian Wiener Schnitzel) that they’ll be able to sample throughout the tour.
This package runs throughout the summer season, so it makes for a perfect Mother’s Day/Father’s Day gift! All-in for just an average of USD 2,095! Now, that’s a great deal!
#2: France (Paris > Avignon > Monte Carlo)
Need I say more? Well, actually, yes. You see, most people, when they think of France as a tourist destination, they only think about Paris, the Eiffel Tower, freshly baked baguettes, maybe someone playing a violin in the background and then they stop there. What I like about this 10-day tour package is that it doesn’t just stop in Paris.
Image Credit: Daxis
Of course, no self-respecting tour of France will be complete without a visit to key sites such as the Eiffel Tower, the Lourve and Notre Dame (hunchback not included), so they’ll definitely get to experience these must-see locations. However, this easy pace tour will also spend a quite a number of days in the lesser-known French provincial town of Avignon, which many consider to be the inspirational sanctuary for the famed artist Vincent Van Gogh (Starry Night, anyone?) You’ll also be visiting the roman aqueducts in Pont Du Gard and the Grimaldi Royal Palace in the city state of Monaco.
You’ll be flying back from Nice, which is a very nice city (see what I did there?) located near the border to Italy. But before that, you’ll also be staying a few days in Monte Carlo, which many people often forget about when they’re in France.
Featuring many late morning starts, this summer tour package is a popular choice throughout all generations and its easygoing itinerary is one meant for true relaxation. With an all-in offer of not more than USD 3,025, it is indeed a French-tastic bargain!
#3: Spain (Barcelona > San Sebastian > Madrid)
As someone who has visited Spain in the summer, and for someone who spent years learning the language, I absolutely swear by this tour 10 day itinerary which covers the cities of Barcelona, San Sebastian and Madrid, along with towns such as Zaragoza and the medieval capital of the Spanish empire, Toledo.
I can tell you now that there is nothing quite as relaxing as a leisurely stroll along the colourful streets of Barcelona. The tour includes visits to iconic Barcelona sightseeing locations such as the Sagrada Familia, built by Antonio Gaudi, whose genius can be seen in many of Barcelona’s historical buildings, such as the Casa Batllo (bar-tea-oh) pictured above.
In addition, they’ll be visiting important historical and cultural destinations in Madrid, such as the Plaza de Espana, the Royal Palace, and the Prado Museum (highly recommended). For a good night cap, try heading up a bar along the bustling street of the Gran Via which features a dynamic nightlife scene. P.S, their McDonald’s serves beer in plastic cups.
Your folks will no doubt enjoy the wonderful sabores (that’s Spanish for flavours) of authentic Spanish tapas and sinfully delicious churros dipped in melted chocolate. This tour package of Spain will set you back a maximum of USD 2,400+, inclusive of accommodation and transport.
#4: Italy (Rome > Florence > Venice)
Pizzas, pastas and fine wine…are not the only things to love about Italy. This tour package covers the cities of Roma, Firenze and Venezia (Rome, Florence, and Venice).
Image credit: Dennis Jarvis
You’ll arrive in Rome and spend a few days there where you will be visiting the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City, which is just a few train stops away from Rome. Of course, you’ll also have the chance to tour the iconic Colosseum and visit the frozen city of Pompeii. You’ll find plenty of talented spray paint artists and while you might not wish to buy one of their works, watching their artistry is a free and oddly satisfying experience.
Image credit: Pedro Szekely
In Florence, you will obviously visit the leaning tower of Pisa and marvel at some of Michaelangelo’s work at the Accademia Museum. But perhaps your parents will enjoy Venice the most, with its relaxing pace of life and its romantic gondola-filled canals. Here’s an idea, why not bring your parents on for a musical gondola ride through Venice’s maze-like city? I’ll bet they’ll never forget that amazing experience! Treat them to some delightful cicchetti afterwards as well, they are absolutely delish.
Of course, while Italy’s best known food items are pizza and pasta, I do urge you to give other Italian classics a try, such as their assortment of yummy cheeses and delicious smoked meat products! But yes, have wine if you’re allowed to. Definitely drink wine. This 10-day tour package starts from USD 2,650 and believe me, it’s a really good price for a 10-day visit including accommodation and airfare.
#5: Russia (St. Petersburg > Moscow)
I solemnly swear to not use phrases such as ‘Mother Russia’ and ‘comrade’ in this section. I think for some people, Russia seems like a pretty weird place, especially with all the memes going around the Internet. But of course, Russia’s actually a rather great country to travel to! And no, it’s not constantly negative 25 degrees in Russia, and no, they don’t keep bears as pets and grow potatoes in vodka.
Image Credit: ninara
Insight Vacations’ 8-day tour of Russia will surely dispel some of these funny, but ultimately inaccurate stereotypes of the former Soviet Union state. You will be visiting two of the major cities in Russia: Moscow, and St. Petersburg.
In St. Petersburg, you’ll be able to visit important historical sites such as St. Isaac’s Cathedral and the Summer Palace of Peter the Great. Art lovers will be chuffed to bits to know that the tour includes a visit to the Hermitage Museum, which is basically the equivalent of the world bank of European artworks! While in Moscow, you will be given a guided tour of the Kremlin (fun fact: the original tetris game was set across the backdrop of the Kremlin) and explore many medieval churches and cathedrals along the way.
Image Credit: Andrey
The slow starts in the morning are accompanied by buffet breakfasts but be sure to treat your parents to some of the finest Russian delicacies such as stroganoff (sautéed meat with sour cream) knish, which is basically a potato dumpling which has been baked or fried. And yes, have some vodka with your folks if you can drink. Because nothing beats quality time and booze. Just be careful not to spill inappropriate secrets because in Mother Russia, parents spy on…ah damn it!
But yes, the tour package is available for just less than USD 2,200! And no, it won’t be in the dead of winter. The package, much like all the others before it, is set in summer, so don’t worry about bringing oversized parkas!
And there you have it! Five affordable tour packages that are perfect as gifts for your parents this coming Parents Day season. Because nothing beats quality time spent together as a family, even more so when it’s time spent on a holiday! So hurry and book your tours now! It’s high time we, as children, give our parents a well-deserved vacation to show our gratitude.
 Winner of the TripZilla Excellence Awards – Best for Luxury Tours, Insight Vacations offers premium escorted journeys that are unique and designed with immense care, based on over 35 years’ of experience. True to their motto, “Magic isn’t imaginary, it’s just very well-planned”, they ensure that every element has been taken care of, providing the very best vacation experience from start to finish.
There’s no reason to wait any longer, pamper your parents with an Easy Pace Insight Vacations Tour this Mother’s Day and Father’s Day! |
