2025 Group Tours Update And Exciting Travel Trends

As we embark on another exciting year of travel, we’re thrilled by the incredible response to our 2025 group tours! Most of our curated experiences have already sold out at a record pace, with only a few spots remaining for Sicily & Puglia. If you’ve been considering joining one of these unforgettable journeys, now is the time to reserve your place!

New Itinerary in the Works: Veneto, Emilia & Alto Adige (2026)

We’re currently testing a brand-new itinerary that will debut in 2026, featuring the stunning regions of Veneto, Emilia-Romagna, and Alto Adige:

  • Veneto – Home to Venice’s romantic canals, Verona’s Shakespearean charm, and the Prosecco wine region.

  • Emilia-Romagna – A food lover’s paradise, birthplace of Parmigiano Reggiano, balsamic vinegar, and traditional handmade pasta.

  • Alto Adige – A breathtaking alpine escape with a fusion of Italian and Austrian cultures, offering striking mountain scenery and world-class wines.

Stay tuned for more details on this incredible addition to our tour offerings!

Veneto- region of Verona, Lake Garda and Venice

New Itinerary in the Works: Veneto, Emilia & Alto Adige (2026)

If you're planning your next getaway, here are some of the most sought-after destinations:

  • Italy: Tuscany, Veneto, Sicily, Puglia, and a renewed interest in Sardinia

  • France: Paris, Loire Valley, and the Côte d’Azur

  • UK & European Capitals: London, Prague, Vienna, and Budapest

  • Portugal & Spain: Classic favorites with incredible culture and cuisine

  • Ireland: The Emerald Isle remains a top choice for its scenic beauty and rich history

  • African Safaris: Botswana, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe continue to be in high demand

Rome & the Jubilee Year: Book Early!

Rome will be particularly busy this year due to the Jubilee Year. Expect increased crowds and a shortage of taxis, making early bookings for car services absolutely essential. If you’re planning a visit, be sure to arrange your transportation in advance!

New Entry Requirements for US Travelers

  • United Kingdom: As of January 8, 2025, travelers need to apply for a UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) via uketa.com or UK ETA App (download it from your App Store) cost is UKP10.00 and lasts for two years or until your passport expires whichever is sooner. There is no limit on the number of visits during the validity of ETA.

  • Europe (Schengen Zone): The ETIAS travel authorization was initially set to launch in early 2025 but has been postponed. For updates, visit travel-europe.europa.eu.

Plan Ahead: A Growing Trend in Travel

One notable shift we’re seeing this year is the increased interest in early bookings. Travelers are securing their reservations well in advance to ensure availability in top destinations. If you have a dream trip in mind, we encourage you to plan ahead and reserve early!

Reserve Your Place Today

Are you ready to embark on an unforgettable journey? Whether you choose to join one of our exclusive small group tours or craft your very own tailor-made itinerary, we’re here to bring your travel dreams to life.Contact us today to secure your spot and start planning your next adventure!

Sincerely, 

Erica Plotegher of ECA Travel Consulting

2024: Premier Travel Destinations Unveiled

As we reflect upon the popular destinations of 2023, where ECA Travelers navigated Switzerland's captivating landscapes, explored the ancient wonders of Athens, and discovered the enchanting Greek islands of Paros, Santorini, and Crete, the dawn of 2024 brings forth even more anticipation.

This year, timeless destinations continue to hold their appeal, with the Amalfi Coast, Sicily, and Puglia in Italy continuing to increase in popularity. While established favorites such as Rome, Cinque Terre, Tuscany, Florence, the Lake Region, and Piedmont remain steadfast in their allure, as well.

In addition to the perennial favorites, there is a growing buzz surrounding destinations including Portugal's Azores Islands and Madeira, Northeastern Italy: home of the Dolomites, and the culturally rich Friuli Venezia Giulia. 

For winter getaways think outside the box: Lanzarote - Canary Islands, Budapest a gem of Art Nouveau and Thermal Baths and of course skiing the Italian Alps.

Trentino - Dolomites: breathtaking blue water and snow covered peaks.

A Few Suggestions for your Travels in 2024

  • Switzerland Scenic Trains Adventure

    • Immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes of Switzerland, traversing its iconic scenic trains.

  • Enchanting Italy Exploration

    • Embark on a journey through the classic and timeless allure of Italy's cultural and architectural gems.

  • Azores Islands and Madeira Discovery

    • Encounter unspoiled beauty and vibrant cultures as you explore the Azores Islands and Madeira.  

  • African Safari and Victoria Falls Expedition

    • Embark on a journey to the heart of Africa, unveiling the wonders of Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and the majestic Victoria Falls.

  • Icelandic Northern Lights Adventure

    • Embark on a journey to the mystical landscapes of Iceland, a land of fire and ice, where the natural wonders stretch beyond your imagination. This expedition offers you a unique opportunity to witness the intense Northern Lights activity, forecasted to be at its peak up until 2025. The best times to catch this celestial dance are from now until the end of March and then from September to the end of October, when the skies become a canvas for the Aurora Borealis.

Or join one of our curated small group tours, but hurry up, tours are filling up quickly!

  • A Taste of Piedmont, Cinque Terre & Tuscany: September 4 - 14, 2024

    • Indulge your senses in the culinary and scenic wonders of Piedmont, Cinque Terre, and Tuscany. 

  • Knitting Retreat in Italy: September 16 - 21, 2024 

    • Unwind and get creative at our exclusive Knitting Retreat set against the picturesque rolling hills of Tuscany.

  • A Taste of Puglia & Sicily: September 22 - October 3, 2024

    • Delight in the flavors of Puglia and Sicily as you traverse the culinary treasures of these southern Italian regions.

A small group tour taking in the views of beautiful Matera.

It's worth mentioning the noticeable uptick in early bookings, showing a trend where travelers are keen on snagging their reservations well in advance. This marks a distinct shift from previous years, highlighting a growing enthusiasm for planning ahead.

Reserve Your Place Today:

Passionate about exploration? We extend a warm invitation for you to be part of these thoughtfully crafted journeys. Don't miss out on the chance to secure your spot on one of our exceptional tours or tailor a personalized itinerary to suit your unique tastes. As we step into the expansive realm of travel in 2024, immerse yourself in a journey brimming with lasting memories. Your adventure awaits.

Sincerely,

Erica Plotegher of ECA Travel Consulting

Travel Trends in 2022 + Expectations for 2023

As 2022 is wrapping up and the hustle and bustle of the world continues, we are reflecting on the travel trends of 2022 and taking inspiration for next year’s dreamy destinations. 

Beltzer Family - Piedmont Celebration

Travel was in full swing this past year as covid restrictions lessened and stir-crazy quarantine-ers rebooked trips affected in 2020/21. Major cities all over Italy were popular travel spots, including the classics destinations like Rome, Venice, Florence & the Amalfi Coast, but interest and travel increased among the southern regions of Italy like Sicily & Puglia and the very north Trentino & the Dolomites, Lake Como and Milan also gaining interest. We will see continued interest in these destinations in 2023. 

While travel was at the top of many people’s list this year, travels were seen to be much more intentional, personable, and custom. Private group tours soared in popularity in 2022, likely because of people's desires to embrace time with their friends and loved ones as covid reminded us to savor those moments. 

Through it all, ECA has remained true to our mission to create authentic traveling experiences for everyone. No matter where individuals chose to travel, they experience authentic cultures through food & wine, arts & crafts, and local guides. 

Knitting in Tuscany 2022

In 2022, we expanded our offerings to offer a Knitting Retreat in Tuscany, a fantastic week filled with fun activities including: wine & cheese tastings, alpaca and cashmere goat farm tours, a fragrant lavender farm visit, local guided tours to nearby attractions and of course, knitting in the luscious landscape of Tuscany. After knitting in the tuscan hills by the garden during the day, finish your evenings relaxing  by the fireplace with a nice glass of local wine. This has become a popular retreat for travelers in 2023 as well. 

For 2023, the trend of custom itineraries and private family tours continue. Destinations of interest span all over the globe. Portugal remains popular among travelers and the Northern Lights in Iceland continue to be a favorite destination to many. Greece and the Greek Isles are increasingly popular among tourists as well. No matter where, exploring authentic cultures through food, arts, and community, provides travelers with a better understanding of the culture and themselves, plus the opportunity to enjoy unforgettable experiences. 

After a few years with limited travel, individuals are using the seasons to their advantage and exploring destinations relevant to the seasons/ time of year. If 2022 has taught us anything, it’s to take advantage of every minute of travel (not that we didn’t before)! In 2023, we will continue to share our passion for travel and hope you decide to join us! 

Romantic Germany

Email or call us to inquire about availability and more information about our 2023 programs.