Cultural classics

Exploring the many travel options that Costco Travel provides

For every type of vacation, there are great “traditional” destination choices, those popular go-to spots that are a bit more mainstream. But there are also many destinations—a little off the beaten path—that offer all the same great amenities of those popular traditional choices, and more.

These “different path” destinations may not have come to mind because they offer a level of luxury and pampering in such exotic settings that simply felt out of reach. With Costco Travel, however, that’s no longer the case. Whatever level of travel you are seeking, the possibilities are endless and the value is very real.

Beginning with the September Connection and continuing into the December issue, we’ve divided vacations into three broad categories—beaches/tropical, culture and cruises—and found examples that might be considered traditional and others that could represent a slightly different path.

When you are ready, Costco Travel is there to guide you on whichever path you choose.

Culture

Traditional: Italy
The Best of Italy: Your Way Rome, Florence and Venice

The centre of the Roman Empire that ruled the European continent for several centuries, Rome is known for its stunning architecture—including the Colosseum, Pantheon and Trevi Fountain—and the smallest country in the world: Vatican City, home to the Pieta and the Sistine Chapel.

Considered by many to be the birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence is filled with masterpieces of Renaissance art and architecture, including the artwork of Raphael, Leonardo da Vinci, Botticelli, Michelangelo’s David and Brunelleschi’s Duomo.

Built on more than 100 small islands in a lagoon in the Adriatic Sea, Venice has streets but no vehicles, relying on canals lined with Renaissance and Gothic palaces. The central square, Piazza San Marco, contains St. Mark’s Basilica, which is tiled with Byzantine mosaics, and St. Mark’s Campanile (bell tower), which offers views of the city’s red roofs.

“I love Italy,” says Leslie Hmila, Costco Travel buyer for this region. “It is a place where traditions you’ve only read about come alive.”

A different path: Greece
Athens, Santorini and Mykonos: Your Way

Athens, the capital of Greece, was at the heart of ancient Greek civilization and the Greek empire. The city is dominated by landmarks built in the fifth century B.C., including the Acropolis, a hilltop citadel topped with buildings, such as the Parthenon temple.

Santorini, one of the Cyclades islands in the Aegean Sea, has stunning black and red sand beaches, and the archaeological ruins of three empires.

Mykonos is known for its traditional whitewashed houses and blue-domed churches, the beautiful windmills overlooking Little Venice, popular water sports such as windsurfing, and its cosmopolitan atmosphere and vivid nightlife.

“The Athens, Santorini and Mykonos: Your Way package is one of our most popular packages,” says Hmila. “You can adjust your package to decide how many nights you want in each destination and find time to visit the areas that interest you most.”

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Traditional: Paris, France
Paris: Your Way

A global centre for art, fashion, gastronomy and culture, Paris’ 19th-century cityscape is criss-crossed by wide boulevards and the Seine River. Paris is known for its café culture and boutiques along the rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré. “Strolling the avenues, sitting in a café or just watching the Seine flow by—it can be absolutely magical,” says Hmila.

“Costco Travel’s Paris: Your Way package includes four nights at a choice of four-star hotels,” she adds, “including Castille Paris, located in central Paris; Hotel Molitor, restored to preserve the original 1929 art deco ambience; the centrally located Westin Paris –Vendôme; and many others.”

A different path: Scottish countryside
Rolling Hills and Mountain Peaks

No trip to Scotland would be complete without experiencing the countryside. It has so much to offer, with distilleries, historic castles, scenic lakes (lochs) and breathtaking scenery with a multitude of walking paths that help connect you to nature. Sights not to miss include Loch Ness; Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park; the Isle of Skye; and Stirling Castle.

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