Trip Merchant (2024)

20/11/2024

It has been a busy fall with Trip Merchant Journeys group departures with too many highlight photos to share! Here are some photos with a review, for a few destinations (including Morocco, India and Croatia).

If interested in any of these destinations/trips, we have departure dates available at the end of September and in October 2025. For more information, please visit your travel site or contact us at [email protected]!

16/10/2024

Our last days in the Republic of Ireland covered other highlights throughout this incredible tour of the Emerald Isle!

To finish our 14 day program we continued on to Blarney Castle, Cork, the Midleton Whiskey Distillery, the Rock of Cashel, Kilkenny and back to the Dublin area where we stayed in a luxury castle hotel.

It was another amazing Trip Merchant Journeys adventure full of many great experiences, beautiful scenery, friendly people, tasty food and Guinness, and full of lots of fun (or craic as the Irish would say)!

If you are interested in our Ireland & Northern Ireland departure for September/October of 2025, please contact us at [email protected] for further details.

16/10/2024

Exciting news coming out of Egypt! Beginning on December 1st, 2024 Canadian Citizens will no longer need a pre-entry visa to travel to Egypt. Instead, they will once again be able to obtain a visa upon arrival at Egyptian airports, or apply for an e-visa in advance.

In October of last year Egypt implemented a rule requiring Canadian passport holders without Egyptian origins to secure a visa in advance from an Egyptian embassy or overseas consulate.

In Canada’s case, that meant applying in person at the Egyptian Embassy in Ottawa or at the Egyptian consulate in Montreal, or applying by mail. As you can imagine this was very challenging for our guests and for us at Trip Merchant. We are thrilled to hear of this change!

12/10/2024

Our journey continued from Northern Ireland back into the Republic of Ireland!

From Derry we made our way down to Galway, the gateway to the Cliffs of Moher, and we experienced perfect weather. The famous Cliffs are situated on the Atlantic Ocean and bordering the Burren region, the Cliffs of Moher are one of Ireland's most spectacular sights. Standing 230 metres above the ground at their highest point and 8km long, the Cliffs boast one of the most amazing views in Ireland. On a clear day, which we had, Aran Islands are visible in Galway Bay as well as the valleys and hills of Connemara.

On the next day, we enjoyed a day touring the Ring of Kerry before making our way to Cork the following day. The Ring of Kerry (166km) is the most famous panoramic route in Ireland. The astonishing beauty of this large peninsula, Iveragh, comes from the great diversity of its scenery, which offers incessant contrasts.

08/10/2024

Our journey continued into Northern Ireland! We experienced several unique highlights along the way.

Northern Ireland is one of the four constituent countries of the United Kingdom, along with England, Scotland, and Wales. It is located on the island of Ireland and shares a border with the Republic of Ireland to the south and west. It has a population of just under 2 million people.

Northern Ireland has a rich cultural heritage that includes music, literature and sports. One of the main attractions is the Atrim Coast and the Giant’s Causeway, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The history in Northern Ireland is quite powerful and interesting, including “The Troubles.”

Here are photos from Belfast to Derry!

06/10/2024

Welcome to Ireland 🇮🇪! It has been a great start to our Treasures of Ireland and Northern Ireland program. We’ve had lots of fun with many interesting experiences within our itinerary so far.

Ireland welcomes travellers from around the world. It is a country rich in culture, history, and natural beauty, offering visitors a diverse range of experiences including stunning landscape, rich history/heritage, Irish culture and traditions, warm and welcoming people, ancient Celtic mythology and folklore, picturesque towns and villages, buzzing vibrant cities, delicious food and drink, and music.

Dublin, the capital of Ireland, is a fantastic destination for a variety of reasons, with many attractions, interesting history and culture, (just a few) pubs, Irish entertainment and dancing, green spaces and nature, and friendly locals. It is a modern city with a unique charm, and is easy to navigate and explore.

Here are some photos of the sights of the city and the various attractions. It is hard to have a bad time in Ireland. More photos to come soon as we have made our way to Northern Ireland!

03/10/2024

Spectacular Scenic River Cruise Departure - 11 Day Gems of the Danube with Prague for September 2025 - See the flyer for full details/itinerary - All meals, excursions, all alcoholic and non alcoholic beverage at all times and r/t economy air is included.
Economy r/t airfare is included from the following gateways: Halifax; Toronto; Ottawa; Montreal; Regina; Saskatoon; Winnipeg; Edmonton; Calgary; Vancouver and Victoria.

16/09/2024

Collette’s celebrating 107 incredible years of guided travel by offering up to 20%* OFF select European and North American tours!

Whether you’re ready to get out and explore America’s national parks or chase your curiosity through Europe’s historic cities, it’s time to book that trip you’ve been dreaming of. This offer expires September 23rd — don’t miss it!

*Offer valid on new retail bookings only made 09/09/2024 – 09/23/2024 for travel 01/1/2025 – 12/31/2025. Offer applies to land package only and does not apply to any other required supplements or internal air. Offers can expire earlier due to space or inventory availability. Space is on a first come, first served basis. Offer is not valid on group or existing bookings. Offer is combinable with member benefits only. This offer is not combinable with any other offers. Availability varies by destination and month of travel. Other restrictions may apply.

To learn more about various itineraries, please contact us today at [email protected] to help you book your dream destination and trip!

13/09/2024

Trip Merchant recently inspected the Silver Nova cruise ship (with Silversea) while the ship was docked at the Port of Vancouver. Silversea has 12 ships within its fleet. Silversea offers an intimate, ultra-luxury ships sail to immersive journeys to all seven continents, more than any other Cruise Line.

The Silver Nova is an incredible ship built in 2023 with a ship capacity of 728 guests. Silver Nova is far more than their newest ship; she's a new way to explore the beautiful planet at sea. Her innovative, asymmetrical design opens up breathtaking outdoor panoramas and uninterrupted vistas from every venue - creating a deeper sense of connection with your destination and an unprecedented sense of space. She's unlike any other ship you've experienced before, and is our most environmentally friendly, embodying Silversea's pioneering approach to luxurious voyages of discovery.

The Silversea Difference: A truly bespoke experience. From the moment you cross the threshold of any Silversea ship to the final champagne toast goodbye, your journey seamlessly unfolds with quiet perfection that is both unseen and flawless, leaving you free to immerse yourself in the joyful discovery of each moment.

ALL-SUITE ACCOMMODATIONS
Gorgeous and expansive - most with private veranda - their spacious suites are finely appointed with indulgent amenities and all the luxuries of home.

PERSONALISED SERVICE
Butler service for every suite ensures your voyage is sheer perfection - from unpacking luggage and serving breakfast to handling laundry requests and shining shoes before dinner.

DESIGNED FOR DISCOVERY
The small size of their all-suite ships - hosting just 100 to 728 guests - allows them to sall into the heart of regions where larger ships simply cannot go.

INCLUDED SHORE EXCURSIONS
Their Ocean-going voyages offer one excursion per port, per day, along with a rich selection of optional experiences; shore excursions are included on all Expedition cruises.

ITINERARIES TO INSPIRE
Voyages of varying length appeal to all schedules, featuring multiple ovemights, extended stays in port, and optional pre- and post-cruise land adventures.

To learn more about Silversea, their ships and to explore any cruise itineraries, please contact us at [email protected]!

22/08/2024

Last Chance to book on our Spain Long Stay - November 1st to 30th, 2024 - Barcelona, Valencia, Granada and the Costa Del Sol! 30 Days/29 nights for $3999 CAD, plus air. We only have 1 room left to sell. Email [email protected] for the full details. We're releasing any unsold space by Monday, August 26th.

02/08/2024

Do you want to travel to the Emerald Isle this year? We still have room on our "Treasures of Ireland and Northern Ireland" tour that is from October 3rd to 16th, 2024 - Limited to 24 Guests - $6299 CAD pp based on double occupancy: Includes 4 Star Accommodation, all transportation, all tipping for drivers/guides, all taxes and arrival and departure transfers.

3 Nights Dublin | 2 Nights: Belfast | 1 Night: Derry/Londonderry |
1 Night: Galway | 2 Nights: Tralee/Killarney | 1 Night: Cork | 2 Nights Kilkenny | and final night back in Dublin.
To Inquire: Email us at [email protected]

31/07/2024

Trip Merchant Journeys has released our 10 Night Small group adventure to Patagonia that is departing on February 8th, 2026! You will find it on your Trip Merchant Travel site by searching for "Wonders of Patagonia". Highlights Include: Buenos Aires, Argentine Interactive Dining Experience, El Calafate, Perito Moreno Excursion, Torres De Paine National Park full day excursion, Argentinean and Chilean Lake Crossing, San Carlos de Bariloche.
Contact Trip Merchant for Further Details: 1-800-481-9739 Ext 506 or by email at [email protected]

02/07/2024

Explora Journeys is a new supplier partner of ours to offer. Recently, we had the opportunity to inspect the EXPLORA I ship while docked in Vancouver, and it was beyond impressive!

Experience vibrant cosmopolitan life aboard, with European luxury, 5-star dining, ocean wellness experiences, and tech-savvy comforts in sophisticated suites, all while enjoying beautiful sea views. EXPLORA I represents a new era of luxury ocean travel. Exquisitely designed with a promise of elegance, joy, exploration and discovery.

Expect extraordinary architecture blended with environmental technologies. The ship has 461 Ocean-front suites; 9 culinary experiences; 3 outdoor pools, 1 indoor.

EXPLORA I’s Suites start at 35 sqm (377 sq ft) which makes them among the most spacious for the luxury cruise category - ‘Home at Sea’.

On All Explora Journeys the following is included: In-suite welcome bottle of champagne and sweet treats; Bottle of wine and spirit of the guests’ choice upon arrival; Unlimited fine beverages*; 8 Culinary Experiences; In-Suite Dining; Thermal Spa Access; Wellbeing and fitness programmes; All on-board gratuities; Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi; Shuttle services from port to city centre**; Authentic, cultured, intuitive service.

Destinations Include: Mediterranean & Western Europe, Caribbean & Central America, and more! Explora Journeys offers a 5% savings by booking early and paying in full.

Any questions on Explora Journeys and what they offer, please contact us at [email protected] today!

26/06/2024

Attn: 1 Cabin has opened up on our "Cultural Treasures of Cambodia and Vietnam" January 26th to February 13th, 2025 departure. Saigon Suite Available: $8899 CAD - 17 nights and 43 Meals - 3 Nights Siem Reap | 7 Night Mekong River Cruise from Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh on the luxurious 14 Cabin "Mekong Princess" | 3 Nights Ho Chi Minh City | Halong Bay Overnight Cruise | 3 Nights Hanoi - Call or email for details at 1-800-481-9739 Ext 506 or by email at [email protected] - Hurry as this is first come, first served.

06/06/2024

Thank you to all those brave troops who stormed the beaches of Normandy 80 years ago today. We salute you and thank you and shall never forget you!

17/05/2024

The past 7 days have been busy travelling off the beaten track to many locations within the countries of Montenegro and Albania!

Both are incredible destinations (like Croatia), with close proximity to Croatia, and each did not disappoint. To start, both are extremely safe and are dependent on tourism! These destinations are on the rise, especially Albania considering it is still on their local currency (Albania Lek) making it very affordable, and travellers are slowly getting wind that it is a diverse, beautiful and historical country to travel to.

Reasons to travel to each country:
*Montenegro (meaning Black Mountain), is a breathtakingly mountainous country, especially given its small size; it boasts stunning coastal scenery (almost 300 km of coastline to explore along the Adriatic). Highlights include: Perast is a well-preserved UNESCO protected town with Venetian Gothic waterfront buildings; the Bay of Kotor, which is the southernmost fjord in the world; Tara Canyon is the deepest canyon in Europe; Ostrog Monastery is one of the largest Orthodox shrines in the world.

*Albania has a lot packed into it! It has been off the travel radar for many but it is now on the map as a must see destination in Europe. Like most of the Balkans, it does have stunning mountain scenery, including the Albanian Alps. Albania has endless hilltop castles with many interesting stories behind each to learn about. The history will astound you as it dates back to Illyrian times and has Roman ruins to Ottoman-influenced cities. Along the Albanian Riviera (and the Ionian Sea) it boasts an incredible mountainous coastline drive filled with ancient ruins, beaches, and small villages/towns. Highlights include: The bustling city of Tirana; the Albanian Riviera; charming medieval villages like Kruja; diverse cuisine and local dishes; the Adriatic and the Ionian Sea; mosque and minarets; many UNESCO world heritage sites including, Burint National Park, Gjirokaster, Berat (amongst others).

Travel here before the crowds from around the world start coming…

There is a lot more to share, and some brief highlights will be shared on each destination following the in depth Croatia presentation at the end of the month (focused on our Croatia, Slovenia and Cruising the Adriatic Coast program)!

09/05/2024

The Dalmatian coast and its islands...Croatia by water offers an entirely different perspective, and it’s incredible! And better yet, cruising the Adriatic on a maximum 36 passenger yacht is something else…The islands, the mountains, the historical towns, the blue Adriatic Sea (some areas the water is as clear as the Caribbean) – they are all beautiful. The Dalmatian cuisine is very tasty, with lots of variety. The people are friendly and enjoy a relaxed island lifestyle.

The typical schedule while on this specific cruise, which is in the Deluxe Superior category, is perfect! You sail in the morning towards your next island, with a swim stop before and/or after lunch. You then dock in the town for the night with a guided tour of the city in the afternoon with a local guide, with time to explore at your own leisure. Breakfast and lunch are provided onboard, and in the evening, while docked in town, you can join the locals or tourists alike and dine at the many restaurants available. Staying overnight is a unique way to really experience the towns and to take in the island life, while appreciating the amazing architecture. Each island, each town, are unique in their own way with different ‘vibe’ from the next. April/May and September/October are ideal times to travel to Croatia!

We concluded our time in Croatia in the breathtaking city of Dubrovnik! The Old Town is the main draw as you walk within the old city walls.. one of the world’s finest and most perfectly preserved medieval cities in the world. Although the Old Town is the highlight, there are other attractions within the who area of Dubrovnik.

We have two Trip Merchant Journeys group departures with only 2 rooms left on each date; one is in October 2024 (land based program), and the other is April/May 2025 (land and cruise based program). If you are interested, please email us at [email protected] and we will send you more details!

Here you can enjoy some highlight photos over the last several days. There will be a lot more to share on our upcoming presentation at the end of the month. For the next week, since in this part of the world, Trip Merchant will also be exploring more Balkan countries, by visiting Montenegro and Albania. Stay tuned for further updates!

06/05/2024

Croatia continues to be an unspoiled hidden gem in Europe! It is a destination full of many historic cities, medieval fortresses, picturesque hilltop towns, impressive islands, spectacular coastal scenery, stunning national parks, delicious cuisine and wine, beautiful beaches, friendly people, and more! You will love this country…

To start, here are some highlight photos of various key locations to visit while in Croatia
- from Zagreb to the Instrian Peninsula, Opatija to Zadar, Trogir and then to Split. In the coming days, photos will be posted of the yacht cruising along the Adriatic and the Croatian islands, as well as Dubrovnik; the Pearl of the Adriatic.

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