Chris Robinson Travel Show - Episodes

This week Chris takes you travelling through France, Italy, Switzerland and Austria on a sampler tour of EUROPE: the scenery, history, culture and gastronomy of four countries with close geographical ties. Chris and his guests will give insider tips on the best ways to get to Europe, and the “must sees” when you arrive. This is a special year for Europe, marking the 100th anniversary of World War One.

This week Chris explores Glasgow – host of the Commonwealth Games this summer. Glasgow has been recognized as a must visit destination for 2014 by a plethora of international publications. Anyone who knew Glasgow even 10 years ago would be amazed at the change – Glasgow is one of Europe's most vibrant, dynamic and stylish cities. It’s a transformation that began in the 1990’s and which represents much that is new, merged with a hugely successful reclaiming of the past. The city has a rich heritage of fantastic Victorian architecture – plus it is well known for the Art Nouveau splendour of Charles Rennie Mackintosh, Glasgow born architect, designer and artist. Glasgow offers visitors a rich array of activities and attractions. The city has over 20 museums and galleries, most with free entry, and there are over 1 million objects in the Glasgow Museums' collections! It is also a UNESCO City of Music, further reflecting the strong cultural life of the city.

This week we ride the rails across Canada with VIA Rail. Hear about the iconic journey aboard "The Canadian" from Toronto to Vancouver! VIA say it is “a more human way to travel” - and you will agree if you believe that the journey is just as important as the destination. VIA Rail is environmentally friendly. VIA Rail is sociable. VIA Rail is less stressful. And VIA Rail takes you to some of the most beautiful parts of Canada.

This week on the Travel Show – New Hampshire – you are going to love it here! Live life adventurously as New Hampshire is packed with outdoor activities for Spring and Summer. Go kayaking, canoeing, or whitewater rafting on New Hampshire’s magical lakes and rivers … or surfing along the seacoast! There are thousands of miles of trails for hiking and rock climbing … and, if you prefer a less strenuous route then wander the byways along New Hampshire’s picturesque scenic drives. As you go, you’ll discover spring and summer fairs, festivals, and events throughout the state … plus history, culture and crafts. New Hampshire boutiques, antique stores and outlet centers all offer TAX FREE shopping! And you will encounter fantastic cuisine wherever you venture!

In this frenetic world of ours, we all need a little “me time”, a little pampering and a way to de-stress. So this week Chris explores the world of spas and wellness and guides you through the relaxing but sometimes confusing world of spa vacations and experiences. Hear about Spafinder.ca - dedicated to providing the information, experiences and inspiration to help people find – and share – their path to wellness. Spafinder.ca has 2,000 participating spa and wellness partners in Canada and 20,000 globally - plus a powerful search facility to help you find the right match for you. And there are nearly 500 spa vacations featured on the site. Plus a Spafinder.ca gift card makes a great gift!

This week’s Travel Show takes you to Ireland with Trafalgar. If you are looking for a warm, safe, hospitable country – look no further than Ireland. It is English speaking but with a rich and unique heritage, a fascinating culture and heartbreakingly beautiful scenery. Discover the Wild Atlantic Way – a breathtaking coastal drive that stretches for 2,400 km along Ireland’s western seaboard. Hear about Limerick – Ireland’s first ever City of Culture. With Trafalgar, your vacation will be as unique as it is hassle free with handpicked hotels … “included” sightseeing … exclusive “insider” experiences that take you deeper into every destination … and local knowledge that gives you an authentic appreciation for the people, places and cultures. And hear how you can travel to Ireland with Chris on the October 18, 2014 departure of the Trafalgar “Irish Highlights” tour.

This week’s destination is close to home – our own Nation’s Capital – Ottawa. After the tough winter that we have all endured, our thoughts are finally turning to Spring and the promise of warmer weather to come. Spring is marked in Ottawa by the Canadian Tulip Festival – the city comes alive with colour as over 1 million tulip bulbs grace the parks and public spaces. We are staying out of doors to take you on some C’est Bon gourmet walking tours of Ottawa – including the delicious and surprising “Chocolate Lover’s Tour”. We’ll also catch up on all the great exhibitions, festivals and events in Ottawa over the Spring and early Summer. There is no better place than Ottawa for a getaway, a weekend fling, a treat… or a much needed break. Hear about great value packages from Ottawa Tourism that make it very affordable to visit.

This week Chris explores Hotels.com – one of the leading online booking websites, offering you the choice of over 260,000 properties worldwide: from international hotel chains and all-inclusive resorts to bed and breakfasts. Plus get the scoop from Hotels.com on the most popular destinations in Canada and around the world … and where your dollar goes the furthest! All based on information gathered in the Hotels.com "Hotel Price Index" report.

Come with Chris to Ireland on this episode of the Travel Show. There are so many reasons to jump into Ireland this year. Launching in April, the Wild Atlantic Way is a wild and rugged step off the traditional tourist trail. It’s the longest defined coastal touring route in the world at 2,500 kilometres! Northern Ireland’s Causeway Coastal Route is also one of the world’s great road journeys. The location for Game of Thrones, Northern Ireland and its abundance of castles catapults tourists into the heart of the mythical land. And 2014 is a special year for Limerick. The ancient city by the Shannon is Ireland’s very first City of Culture with a thriving “street art” scene. And the party is in full swing! And when you are ready - go to Ireland with Royal Irish Tours - Canada’s leading specialist tour operator to Ireland. Royal Irish offers a wide choice of exciting tours - from driving holidays to rail tours and castle adventures; even chauffeur-driven vacations.

This week the Travel Show goes on an escorted journey around Europe with the Globus Family of Brands. “Every journey tells a story” Chris is joined by experts who will share their stories, knowledge and insider tips.The Globus family of Brands comprises a number of companies: Globus offers escorted tours, Avalon offers river cruises and Monograms offers unparalleled freedom plus helpful assistance to personalize your trip. If you have ever wondered about European River Cruising – listen to this show as Chris takes you gliding gently along the Rhine and the Danube to the great cities of Europe.

This Travel Show comes to you on location from Wales. Dylan Thomas - poet, writer and broadcaster - left an indelible mark on Welsh culture. Travel with Chris as he walks in Dylan Thomas’s footsteps. Wales is celebrating Thomas’ life and works with a yearlong countrywide cultural festival … but all the sites that Chris visits are part of the Welsh landscape and heritage and you can visit any time.Chris starts his journey in Swansea - the birthplace of Dylan Thomas. Here you will find the Dylan Thomas Centre devoted to the life of the poet. And the house where Dylan Thomas was born is preserved as it was in 1914. You can rent the whole house and stay there! Dylan Thomas lived at the Boathouse in Laugharne for the last four years of his life. Chris checks out this remarkable place with views of the Taf estuary and the Gower, he walks the Dylan Thomas Birthday Walk, and rubs shoulders with locals in the writer’s favourite pub. Just two hours by train from London, England, and you’re in Cardiff – in a whole new

Come to Texas with the Travel Show as we explore this diverse State. There is so much to discover there! The state of course is huge: twice as big as the entire country of Italy for instance. From the mountains and rugged landscapes of Big Bend National Park in the West to the pristine Gulf Coast in the South. From outdoor adventure at over 100 working dude ranches to wine tasting at a choice of some 180 wineries. So for this show we focus two popular Gulf Coast destinations in particular - hip and trendy Houston and Galveson, the “Belle” of the Texas Gulf Coast.

This week Chris talks about Mexico. Transat Holidays and Nolitours have the widest choice of Mexican vacations with frequent flights and an extensive choice of resorts. We explore the better known resorts of Cancun, Cozumel and the Riviera Maya on the Caribbean side. Plus the Pacific Coast destinations of Manzanillo, Huatulco, Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit also await you. And now Transat Holidays fly direct to Los Cabos from Toronto. Discover a land of adventure, delicious cuisine, fascinating culture, indigenous peoples and dramatic landscapes.

Chris explores Cuba in a unique way – with Cuba Cruise. A Cuba Cruise allows you to explore Cuba and experience the diversity of its riches like no other traveler before you. Cuba Cruise offers an opportunity to taste the country’s history, landscapes, and culture in a comfortable and seamless travel environment. The ports of call are so much a part of the cruise - each day the ship arrives somewhere new and you can venture off the ship to experience the wealth of the region. From the impeccable service and delicious meals served onboard, to exceptional daily shore excursions using the best local guides and operators - this is a chance to experience a Cuba rarely seen. Each night you get to enjoy the incredible food, entertainment and comfort of your world-class ship. There is a Casino aboard and Cuban entertainers will come aboard to entertain you.

This week Chris explores the Southern Caribbean island of Grenada. Known as the “Spice Island” because of its nutmeg and other spices, Grenada is lush and fertile. Its capital, St George’s, is one of the prettiest towns in the Caribbean with a laid back and tranquil ambiance. Grenada has pristine white sand beaches, tropical rainforests and spectacular waterfalls. Its crystal blue waters have some of the best diving in the Caribbean, with dozens of spectacular sites – including an underwater sculpture park. And Grenada is renowned for excellent fishing and sailing. Get there with Transat Holidays who offer weekly flights from Toronto and a choice of resorts and excursions in this quiet gem of a tropical paradise.

This week Chris explores Sirenis Hotels and Resorts with Transat Holidays and Nolitours. These family oriented resorts have many of the little touches that make a difference. The Grand Sirenis Mayan Beach, Le Mirage in Riviera Maya, Mexico has its own lazy river. With the Sirenis Tropical Suites Casino and Aquagames Le Mirage (and the name says it all) – the hotel has its own Water Park. Water babies of all ages are going to love these resorts! The wide choice of restaurants and dining styles, the Kids Clubs with fun activities and the rooms that can accommodate a family of five are among the many features that make these resorts the perfect choice for a successful family vacation.

This week Chris is on the high seas as we sail into the worlds of Norwegian Cruise Line and Oceana Tours. Stand by the gangplank and find out how accessible cruise vacations are for Canadians! With Freestyle Cruising from Norwegian you are free to play and dine without the restrictions of regular cruising. It's a great option for families! Ask your Travel Agent about Oceana Tours packages from Montreal that include your Norwegian cruise plus transport to the port from which your ship departs.

This week Chris finds out about Tauck and their range of tours spanning the globe. Plus he is joined by a Tauck River Cruise Director. Tauck is unique because many of the experiences are unique and special. Only with Tauck do you get to enjoy included experiences such as an after hours guided visit to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel without crowds. Plus EVERYTHING is included. Like cocktail hour on a river cruise, gratuities for the guides, luggage handling and all entrance fees and costs – even going to the bathroom!

This week the Travel Show features Barceló Hotels and Resorts – particularly known for the spectacular beach front locations of their resorts and the excellent cuisine.Chris is joined from Mexico on the broadcast by the Resort Mangers from the new Barceló Grand Faro Los Cabos Resort and from the newly renovated Barceló Maya Beach - which is part of a complex of five luxurious all inclusive Barceló Resorts in the Riviera Maya. Giving you the best of both worlds, as individual resorts share facilities like restaurants and spas.

Ottawa is celebrating Winter in February with the Winterlude Festival (which runs Jan 31 – Feb 17, 2014). Find out the inside track about skating on the Rideau Canal Skateway and more. We are also going to warm up inside and hear about Ottawa’s arts, culture and history - plus shop, dine and unwind. We’ll hear from the National Gallery and Chris’ favourite Ottawa museum, the Museum of Nature about all the exciting activities and exhibitions going on around Winterlude.