Special Interest Tours
CWT Travel Source has been organizing special interest groups to Europe for more than a decade. In the past, we have continually worked with orchestras, bands, choirs, student groups, battlefield enthusiasts, garden groups, wine enthusiasts, music enthusiasts, pilgrimage tours, family groups and groups of friends.
CWT Travel Source group services include:
- Groups from 10 to 400+
- Audio / visual presentations to discuss your group's destination choices and accommodation options.
- Custom designed itineraries specific to your group requests and requirements.
- Negotiations and arrangements of all accommodations and on site social requirements.
- Negotiations and arrangements of all accommodations and on site special requirements.
- Confirmation and issuance of all airline tickets.
- All ground transportation services including airport / hotel transfers, day and evening excursions and VIP meet and greet services.
- Negotiated rates for vehicles ranging from 7 passenger Mercedes Vitos to 64 seat double deckers and luxury coaches with removable seats and retractable tables for dining and entertainment options.
- CWT Travel Source's full assistance in the marketing of your group by means of audio and visual presentations and promotional material.
- Professional, experienced, and knowledgeable tour managers.
- Organization of lectures and workshops by local specialists.
- Pre-arrangement of your performing group's concert venues.
- Exclusive tours and entertainment events at museums and galleries.
- Special event and sport tickets
- Many special interest groups require a specialized service to achieve all they want to see and experience. Therefore, with our knowledge and expertise we can customize the following programmes as well as provide your group with an exceptional and authentic European experience.
Opera & Classical Music
The Connection Tours team has 15 years experience arranging performance tickets at world class opera houses and concert halls, as well as unique and intimate concert venues throughout Europe. We can also provide your group with private "behind the scenes" tours and fascinating lectures on the life and times of some of Europe's most brilliant and scandalous composers. Our tour managers are knowledgeable, multilingual as well as courteous and professional, and your accommodations, cultural excursions and preferred performance seating can be tailor made to meet your group's budget and expectations.
Wine & Gastronomy
For lovers of fine wine and delectable cuisine, Connection Tours would like to introduce you to some of the foremost wine regions and culinary locations across Europe. We work with cooking schools in regions famous for its vineyards and delicacies such as Bordeaux, Tuscany and Rioja, to name just a few. We also customize programmes for private groups seeking to enjoy and celebrate life, and to enhance that experience by staying in beautiful chateaux, villas or converted monasteries in the region of their choice.
European Gardens
Connection Tours has hosted numerous specialized Garden and Horticultural groups to numerous countries in Europe. The Chelsea Flower Show and Harrogate in the UK, EuroFlora Italy and Floriade Holland are some of the world renowned shows our groups have attended. Whether your group would like to receive personal guidance through private gardens offering a "hands on approach", or simply to gather new ideas and receive expert advice, Connection Tours will provide your group with an exceptional European garden and cultural experience.
Orchestras, Bands, Choirs, Choral Groups & Dance Troupes
In a world that demands an understanding of numerous cultures and customs, we believe it is imperative that we equip our youth with the ability to meet the challenges of a demanding global society. International travel for students is one of the most effective ways of introducing our future generations to the foundations required to succeed in our ever changing society.
Whether you choose the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Austria or further afield, Connection Tours will work with you in finding the perfect combination for your ensemble.
In the past, we have arranged venues such as Coventry Cathedral, St. Peter's Basilica, Edinburgh Castle, EuroDisney and Schrunbrunn Castle, just to name a few. Connection Tours can also custom design your journey to many annual global festivals and events, such as:
- London Heritage Music Festival - London, UK - April
- Annual International Choral Festival - London, UK - April
- D-Day Anniversaries - Normandy, France - June
- Grahamstown Arts Festival - Grahamstown, South Africa - June
- Passion for Music Oberammergau - Bavaria, Germany - June
- International Youth & Music Festival - Shrewsbury, UK - July
- Montreux Jazz Festival - Montreux, Switzerland - July
- Edinburgh Festival - Edinburgh, UK - August
- Cowal Highland Gathering - Dunoon, UK - August
- Harrogate International Youth Music Festival - Harrogate, UK - April
Performance Group Services
- From budget / student hostels and university accommodations to first class hotels
- Performance venues and publicity
- Airline contract negotiations and issuance of all airline tickets
- Airline freight and special handling services for instrument equipment if required
- Custom requirements and bonding for instruments
- Sound equipment and instrument hire
- Coaches, trailers and equipment trucks
- on site performance insurance if it's required
- Rehearsal venues
- Assisted site inspections prior to departure
European Battlefield Tours
"March to the battlefield, the foe is now before us; each heart is freedoms shield, and heaven is shining o'er us" - Lucius Annaeus Seneca
"In May of 1995, just after the 50th Anniversary of Holland, we concluded a tour with Veterans and their families and wondered if it would be the last tour of its kind we would have the honour of leading. In the years leading up to the anniversary, our coaches were filled with the men and women who fought for our freedom and the freedom of our children. For some, it was the first time in decades to set foot on the battlefields of Europe since the end of the Second World War. For most, it was a final farewell to their comrades who were laid to rest thousands of miles from their homelands, and for all a reminder of the loss and sacrifices they endured.
We were fortunately wrong to think that visitors to the battlefields of Europe would dwindle after memories of the 50th Anniversary celebrations had faded. It's been over a decade later and Connection Tours are still operating numerous battlefield tours to Europe every year. The tours are being experienced by participants of all ages from all walks of life. All with one thing in common - the desire to understand and pay tribute to the men and women who fought and paid the final sacrifice.
Our expertise has developed from the First and Second World Wars in Europe to the Crimean, Napoleonic and Boer War in South Africa. Connection Tours have hosted Veterans returns to D-Day and Liberation of Holland as well as many school study groups and Regiments. Connection Tours "Tour Managers" are extremely knowledgeable in their fields of expertise and we consider ourselves very fortunate to have them onboard.
Family Groups and Groups of Friends
Our Clientele in this category enjoy the benefits that come with travelling with a group of people, however they prefer it to be with a group of people they know and love, or are at least compatible with!
In the past several years we have seen a dramatic increase in the number of families and groups of friends that are travelling together. Whether it's a reunion, milestone birthday or anniversary, friends and family are choosing to celebrate or experience it together.
While we receive requests from groups that take us to the Greek Islands to the pubs of Ireland, we are often asked to offer suggestions and reccommendations that have a broad appeal. Here are a few of our favourites!
- The Algarve, Portugal-Warm sunshine, fantastic seafood, culture, charming villages and great shopping. Plus it's very easy on the pocketbook.
- Cruising the Greek Islands on your 10 to 20 Cabin private yacht, equipped with captain and crew. (mid-range to high-end options available)
- EuroDisney, Paris and the Normandy Region - staying in exceptional hotels and chateaux properties
- Discovering your "Old Country" roots on a luxury coach that has retractable tables allowing space for eating and entertaining, DVD library, washroom, tea / coffee making facilities, refrigerator and P.A. System.
- Mediterranean Cruise - We will pre arrange your group's shore excursions in your private AC coach at each port of call, offering culture, sightseeing, group lunches and shopping excursions.
- Magnificent Villas built for large families or groups in the heart of Tuscany or the serenity of the Amalfi Coast, Italy.
- Your private Hacienda in Andalusia or Costa Blanca, or island retreat in Mallorca, Spain.
Student Groups
Experience travel - these are as education in themselves
For all educational and field tours, we customize your programme to suit your budget, with all ground handling arrangements, as well as taking advantage of our excellent net group air fares. Our student accommodations range from approved hostel and universities to first class hotels at preferred rates. We also arrange social student events such as the World Youth Rally and sports events.
