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testimonials
Miguel & Amber’s Costa Rica Adventure
WHAT THE CLIENT ASKED FOR:
Amber and Miguel were looking for a unique Costa Rica experience. One that would allow them to independently explore as much of the country as they could, without being overwhelmed by navigating a part of the world they had never been to before. Their wishes were to stay in small, local accommodations where they could integrate with the residence of the area, as well as be fully submersed within the wildlife and natural habitat of the country. They were a young couple, so they also desired an active vacation, tasking me with locating the best excursions and activities that they could take part in that would suit their personalities. Amber and Miguel love active and adventurous style travel, so a self-guided trip through Costa Rica organized through myself was exactly what they were looking for!
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WHAT WE BOOKED FOR THEM:
After going over Amber and Miguel’s desires for their trip, we booked them a 10-night trip to Costa Rica. The adventure began with flying into San Jose, with a quick overnight in the city before starting on their journey the next morning. Their first day was relaxing, as they were met by the shuttle that I booked them, which would whisk them away for a few nights in the heart of the rainforest. Two nights were spent at a secluded nature lodge in a private tree house style bungalow, where they could sit on their balcony and watch the monkeys frolicking within the nearby trees. Next they traveled a short distance up the road closer to the well-known town of La Fortuna where they could explore the quaint community and enjoy some local attractions, such as Arenal Volcano, hidden hot springs, and many beautiful waterfalls that could be reached via short hikes within the lush rainforest. Moving on to the coast, they enjoyed a scenic drive in their jeep rental over to the Pacific coastal area of Costa Rica. They spent several days in Samara at a small lodge where they enjoyed time by the on-site pool, as well as lazy days at the beach where they could enjoy snorkeling, shopping, and touring the small surrounding towns. They ended their trek in Playas Del Coco where they spent their last night enjoying more beach time before the short drive to Liberia the next morning to fly home.
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THEIR TESTIMONIAL:
Kendra was super helpful in planning our vacation and we could not be more happy with how it turned out. Kendra was amazing and planned exactly the vacation we were looking for, as well as provided great referrals for eating and activities.
​★★★★★
Danube Escorted River Cruise Group
WHAT THE CLIENT ASKED FOR:
On Myrna’s bucket list was a trip to Prague and a Danube River Cruise. She has been a long-time client and has traveled on many group tours with Kaleidoscope Travel & Cruise. She asked her son Chris to join her on this escorted river cruise.
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WHAT WE BOOKED FOR THEM:
They took part in a Danube River Cruise I was escorting, along with 28 other clients. We spent 2 days in Prague touring the capital of the Czech Republic with visits to the Old Town Square, the heart of its historic core, with colorful baroque buildings, Gothic churches and the medieval Astronomical Clock, prior to traveling to Nuremberg to board the ship. The river cruise stopped at cities in Germany, Austria and Hungry. Regensburg is known for its well-preserved medieval core and 12th-century Stone Bridge. Passau is referred to as the Three Rivers City and the old town is full for baroque architecture, including St. Stephen's Cathedral, featuring distinctive onion-domed towers and an organ with 17,974 pipes. Krems, this historic city has a rich history of wine production and boasts great charm and character with beautiful architecture. Vienna’s artistic and intellectual legacy was shaped by residents including Mozart, Beethoven and Sigmund Freud.
and lastly, we stopped in Budapest with its 19th-century Chain Bridge connecting the hilly Buda district with flat Pest area. Trinity Square is home to 13th-century Matthias Church and the turrets of the Fishermen’s Bastion. During our escorted tours we organize all aspects of the tour, flights, transfers, hotel, cruise, excursions, etc. and we are there to assist with any issues that may arise.
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THEIR TESTIMONIAL:
I wanted to send you a note to thank you for everything you have done for my mother and I. As you know, the taking of this trip was personally important for my Mum. (And I must say, I think she did rather well - I’m pretty proud of her). At every stage of the way someone from Kaleidoscope was there, professionally providing information, support, and advice. You have a great team.
Particular mention must be afforded to you, however, as the trip unfolded. You seemed to be in the right place at the right time to offer just the right amount of support and encouragement individually or on behalf of the group as a whole. You make it look so easy, but clearly it is not - your experience, professionalism, and friendly style makes it so. Kudos.
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​★★★★★
Angie and Ryan’s Destination Wedding
WHAT THE CLIENT ASKED FOR:
Angie and Ryan were referred to us and were a dream to work with. They knew they wanted to get married in Cuba with their family and friends in a gazebo that offered shade for everyone during the service. They were looking for a nice resort within their budget, nothing overly fancy but still have everything you expect in an all-inclusive destination wedding.
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WHAT WE BOOKED FOR THEM:
We discussed what they were envisioning for their special day and got to work going over pricing option for the resort options and wedding package. The Blau Marina Varadero resort with 13 miles of white sand on Varadero beach with the all-inclusive service, spa & wellness center, sea view rooms, water sports checked all the boxes for them. The wedding packages were very reasonable including photos and a private reception.
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THEIR TESTIMONIAL:
We can't begin to say thank you enough for all that you have done for us. You made our special day everything we hoped for without the stress. Thank you again for your knowledge and expertise during such a whirlwind. Our trip won't have been the same without you. When you can't trust reviews, the forecast or the menu it is nice to know that somebody knows what she is doing and is ready to give great advice and organize things.
​★★★★★
Kay and Don’s 50th Anniversary Alaska Cruise
WHAT THE CLIENT ASKED FOR:
Kay reached out to me to planning their 50th anniversary family cruise. They wanted to take their 3 sons and families on an Alaska cruise. Don and Kay loved cruising and thought this was the perfect way to celebrate their anniversary.
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WHAT WE BOOKED FOR THEM:
After discussing what they were looking for in their cruise vacation. We planned a 7-day roundtrip Alaska cruise from Seattle, stopping in Skagway, where we booked the Whitepass and Yukon route railroad for them, the narrow-gauge railroad journey that is a must do in Skagway. Juneau is the capital of Alaska, and is home to 280 species of birds, brown and black bears, five species of salmon, and whales (primarily humpback and orca). Tracy Arm Fjord, a classic fjord, has it all- tidewater and elevated glaciers, breathtaking mountains and sheer rock walls that reach up over a mile high with waterfalls that tumble down to the emerald green water, and Alaska’s largest icebergs. The last stop was Victoria, the capital of British Columbia, The city's British colonial past shows in its Victorian architecture. Butchart Gardens is a sightseeing must, with 55 acres of vivid floral displays, plus statuary, water features and a carousel. They had a late flight home, so we arranged a ½ day city tour of Seattle with port pick-up and airport drop.
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THEIR TESTIMONIAL:
Anita had us excited about the cruise months ahead. She helped us plan a family cruise for 19 people to Alaska in celebration of our 50th wedding anniversary. She was so helpful and thought of things we wouldn't have thought of booking it on our own. One person was diabetic and celiac and that was addressed before arrival on ship. Side tours were recommended and shuttle to ship from airport. A day tour was arranged in Seattle the day after leaving the ship and before flying home. We feel she got us the best rates and appreciated the gifts delivered to our rooms on arrival. A great time was had by all!