Passport
What PBS Wisconsin Travelers are Saying
“Our trip was beautifully planned with just the right amount of planned vs. free time and provided meals vs. meals on our own. Our British guide was fabulous and our PBS Wisconsin host was delightful!”
“It’s time—and money—well spent. Holiday Vacations is a quality tour organizer and adding PBS Wisconsin only enhances the experience.”
“The trip was well planned. Everything was taken care of. I especially liked the fact that I did not need to worry about transportation to the airport. All our accommodations were excellent.”
Why Travel with PBS Wisconsin
- Travel with the best. Wisconsin-based Holiday Vacations has built an unparalleled reputation for excellence since 1973.
- See the world with other public television supporters who are eager to learn, grow and revel in history and culture.
- Experience real-life travel links to PBS Wisconsin programming.
- Stay connected to fellow trip participants and PBS Wisconsin’s wider community of travelers with invitations to special PBS Wisconsin events and travel reunions.
Ready to Join Us? Pick Your Trip Below:
Sunny Spain & Portugal
Sept 24-Oct. 4, 2024
Join host Aimee Granger, PBS Wisconsin Managing Director of Legacy Giving
Discover the fascinating history, vibrant cities, and breathtaking beauty of Europe’s Iberian Peninsula, featuring Portugal and Spain’s top highlights with ample time at leisure throughout. Arrive in the charming city of Lisbon for a guided tour, then travel to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of romantic Sintra and visit Pena Palace. Explore the well-preserved city of Evora and admire its medieval wall enclosure prior to crossing the border into Seville, Spain to marvel at the world’s largest Gothic cathedral. Journey into the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains to experience Moorish culture in Granada while viewing spectacular palaces dating back to the ninth century. Immerse yourself in ancient Toledo’s three distinct cultures, medieval Arab, Hebrew, and Christian followed by two evenings in Spain’s vibrant capital city of Madrid. Learn about centuries of Spanish history on a guided tour that includes the Royal Palace of Madrid, the largest palace in Western Europe. Embark on a delightful train ride to cosmopolitan Barcelona and enjoy two full days of soaking up the city’s exceptional attractions before concluding our unforgettable trip with a special Farewell Dinner.
The Culture of Costa Rica & Panama
Feb. 15-24, 2025
Join host Luke Zahm, Chef and Host of Wisconsin Foodie on PBS Wisconsin
Discover the tropical treasures and rich agriculture of two spectacular Central American countries. Be sure to pack your hiking shoes and poles as we begin with a true adventure exploring Costa Rica’s extraordinary jungles, tropical rainforests, and unique wildlife. Embark on an incredible hike through Arenal Volcano National Park, relax on a riverboat ride in Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge, and set your sights upon the lush forests and towering waterfalls in Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve during another enriching hike. Our exhilarating drives through this unspoiled landscape feature rugged, winding roads with breathtaking scenery. We also spend time at the traditional country estate of Casona Rio Fortuna to experience the Costa Rican way of life and make authentic corn tortillas! In Panama, take a scenic boat ride to Embera Quera to learn about their Indigenous culture as our friendly hosts demonstrate their way of life with music, dance, and handmade crafts. Explore vibrant Panama City with a guided tour to discover the historic attractions and fascinating architecture. Enjoy traveling through the famous Panama Canal with a partial transit before driving to the northernmost Agua Clara Locks and viewing the newly constructed Atlantic Bridge. Agricultural highlights include visits to the Doka Coffee Estate, La Finca Luna Farm, and a discussion with a Panama Agricultural Chamber expert.
Italy & Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast
Apr. 24-May 5, 2025
Join host Aimee Granger, PBS Wisconsin Managing Director of Legacy Giving
Experience luxury cruising along the gorgeous coastlines of Italy (including Sicily), Montenegro, and Croatia aboard the world’s largest sailing ship, holding just over 300 guests! Begin discovering Italy’s cultural treasures with two captivating days in Rome, where we explore famous landmarks like the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, and the Colosseum. Then, board Windstar Cruises’ award-winning Wind Surf for an eight-night Mediterranean voyage through the Tyrrhenian, Ionian, and Adriatic Seas. Enjoy several breathtaking ports of call: Sorrento, Giardini Naxos, Kotor, Dubrovnik, Split, and Rovinj. While there are plenty of opportunities to create your own adventures with spectacular optional excursions, we’ve handpicked a variety to include, from walking through ancient Pompeii’s ruins and gazing upon 12th-century Baroque architecture to visiting a historic man-made islet and sampling the region’s best wine. After disembarking, we cruise the canal to Venice for a guided walking tour and quintessential gondola ride before concluding with a Farewell Dinner.
Yosemite & Coastal California
June 6-14, 2025
Join host Natalie Glumm, PBS Wisconsin Managing Director of Corporate Giving
Enjoy a dreamy West Coast vacation with iconic attractions and time at leisure for personal pursuits or relaxation. Begin with a city tour of San Francisco as we ride the famous cable cars, see Golden Gate Park, and spend time at Fisherman’s Wharf. Travel into the heart of Napa Valley, one of the most celebrated wine regions in the world, for an included tasting before continuing on to Sacramento for a farm-to-fork tour of locally sourced, gourmet dishes. Try your luck panning for gold at Kennedy Gold Mine and then view Yosemite National Park’s natural wonders, including the amazing sequoia trees in Mariposa Grove. Discover fascinating marine life during a privately chartered whale-watching cruise in Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and a visit to Monterey Bay Aquarium, then climb aboard a 19th-century train for a wonderful ride through redwoods. Our journey concludes in the San Francisco area with a celebratory Farewell Dinner.
Normandy, London & Paris
Sept. 29-Oct. 9, 2025
Join host Eric Greiling, Friends of PBS Wisconsin Executive Director
Immerse yourself in the rich history, battle sites, culture, and picturesque landscapes found within iconic regions of England and France. Begin by uncovering the secrets of London with a certified Blue Badge Guide and visiting famous attractions like the Tower of London, the Churchill War Rooms, and the royal Windsor Castle. Enjoy quintessential experiences, such as a relaxing on Thames River cruise and sipping an authentic afternoon tea amidst the city’s historical charm. Ferry across the English Channel to Normandy, where we page homage to the heroes of World War II at D-Day sites including Omaha Beach, Utah Beach, Point-du-Hoc Ranger Monument, and Saint-Mere-Eglise. Travel through the gorgeous countryside to Giverny and gaze upon Claude Monet’s lush gardens before settling in for three romantic nights in Paris. Our incredible vacation concludes with an illuminated Seine River cruise, browsing the Musee d’Orsay, and time at leisure to explore all that the City of Light has to offer.
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