River Cruising in Portugal

Not at all what I expected after doing other River Cruises in Europe. We went in October 2024. This was a good introduction to Portugal’s history as a world leader in maritime exploration, a country of culture and education, and the famous Port wine producing Douro River Valley with steep, terraced vineyards planted and cultivated for more than 2,000 years. We learned fascinating details about the history of Port wine. The Douro River itself took me by surprise – it was stunning, far more beautiful than depicted in photos, with deep pools, amazing rock formations, and lush vegetation at every turn – the views from the ship were amazing. The captain, crew and our daily guide (born and raised on the Douro) were like a warm, relaxed family. There is a lot of traveling by coach on this cruise, including getting from Lisbon to Porto and for the daily excursions. This works well for some people, others will prefer more opportunities for exercise. The food was excellent.

Last Minute Emergency Planning

I feel so fortunate to have worked with Pat Aitken. She is a fabulous travel advisor! Pat helped me with some rather complicated travel arrangements that I could not have made without her. She gave me a lot of great advice and helped me through every step of my trip. Pat is extremely experienced, knowledgable, is a great communicator and so very kind and patient. Any questions I had (and there were many) she answered immediately and in my best interest. I would highly recommend Pat Aitken for any and all of your travel needs. Thank you Pat, you’re THE BEST!

Hot Air Balloons and Pyramids!

Some definite fun! But scary and quite rough at the same time. I skipped this one (pyramid not shown) - did the early am balloon ride instead and too tired. About 30 of us opted (paid extra) for balloon and didn't bother with this temple - seen too many for too long already? Have video from balloon ride. Also paid for excursion to Abu Simbel. What a trip! Petra, Jordan was probably a top star on the trip. Early morning lift off to view Egypt & Pyramids Susan in Egypt 2022 with Viking Cruises

Caribbean and West Indies

We have done all our international travel arrangements through our long time Travel Advisor, Pat Aitken. When COVID hit we had to cancel 3 trips scheduled for Europe river cruises (2020). We got all our money back either as cash or vouchers and Pat made it happen. She has been working with Viking Cruises for 10 years, previously with AAA for almost 7 years until Covid, and other contractors as well for many years. She is very educated and well traveled--particularly in Europe; as well as the Caribbean, making our Viking cruise to West Indies most enjoyable with her suggestions as she has been to many places on that route as well. When you are on your trip she checks in to make sure the reservations worked. If you have plane schedule delays and problems just text her and she will make necessary changes. For an older guy who sort of understands computers this is very comforting. We are pleased Pat is available to make our travel reservations. Russ & Nancy

An African Safari

Made it to Joberg, so on my way home. Safari was spectacular! Saw all of the big five and so much more - even the tracker and guides were impressed with what they/we saw. Some great videos. See you soon - weather permitting. - Susan Micato Safari Nov-Dec 2022

Rome, Viking, Mediterranean and Beyond!

Pat has been our travel advisor for years and we count ourselves very fortunate. Our last adventure was a 3-week trip to Europe, starting with 4 days in Rome (our first time) and a 15-day Viking cruise of the Mediterranean. Pat booked the Viking cruise and, rather than signing up for a packaged tour, we asked Pat to draw upon her many trips to Rome to create a special experience for us. We absolutely loved every minute - transfers from the airport, the perfect hotel, pre-paid vouchers for all the attractions we wanted to visit - no stress...absolutely seamless trip. And - IF we had encountered any problems, we know Pat would have ironed them out immediately. Each trip Pat has planned for us has been great - but this one was the best. - Ben & Sue in Nov 2022

West Indies with Viking Ocean

We had an amazing 10 day cruise on Viking in December, and cannot recommend Pat Aiken enough! She found us great deals, kept us up-to-date on the flights and sent us some helpful tips to plan our packing and excursions. I usually plan all of our travel without any problems, but Pat made it all so easy. I don't ever want to book a cruise on my own after receiving Pat's stellar service! - Claire & Andrew December 2022

Jamaica Bound! My SOLO trip by Kathy

Hi Pat! I've had a wonderful time in Jamaica at Secrets Wild Orchids in Montego Bay. I'm due to leave tomorrow, 2/3 but looks like flight cancellations are going to happen because of the winter storm. Do you have a moment to discuss options? Yes, (weather) mostly very good. We had rain Sunday though part of the day Monday but it wasn't bad. It's beautiful here. I've decided I must do this again. Hopefully next year. (later next day) Home! I will definitely do a trip like this again!!!! Thank you! (after a long winter weather and air cancellations from Jamaica) Kathy - Jamaica January 2022 (NOTE: This is Jamaica not England but no Destination area for Caribbean, sorry)

An Adventure by Disney with AMA in Basel

Made it to Basel Switzerland without a hitch. Sightseeing in Basel. Great Weather! Start our Disney Adventure (on AMA Waterways) tomorrow. Thanks for everything. Regards , Peter (Medford, OR) June 2019 Peter and family party of 9

Viking and Oberammergau by Kathy D 2021

I bought refrigerator magnets as souvenirs at almost every stop and already have them up on the frig!! Bratislava. My favorite guide was here. She told her story of living under communism and when it fell in 1989. Krems Abby Wine tasting was my favorite! So much fun. The owner supplies 250,000 bottles of Austrian wine to Viking. Vienna. Way too much to see here. We want to go back and stay for a week. If you're asked by other clients about the river cruises, I can tell you we were thrilled. The service was so good. Food was incredible. We met really great people on the boat and learned about all their travels. I met a lady who had done a 4 month world cruise! Viking met us at the airport when we arrived and escorted us to the airport check-in when we left. We never had to worry about where we'd be or whether we'd get lost or left behind.