​Dominican Republic, a Caribbean gem brimming with stunning landscapes, pristine beaches, lively cities, and warm hospitality, offers a captivating travel experience where natural beauty, history, and culture come together. Whether you're an adventure seeker, beach lover, or a food enthusiast, the Dominican Republic has something for everyone. So, pack your bags and embark on your dream journey through this Caribbean paradise.
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To explore the diverse wonders of the Dominican Republic, begin in Santo Domingo, the capital, where you can stroll through the historic Zona Colonial, visit the Alcázar de Colón, and immerse yourself in the lively Mercado Modelo. Head to Punta Cana for pristine beaches, water sports, and luxurious all-inclusive resorts. Then, venture inland to the Dominican Alps, with thrilling activities like zip-lining and hiking, and the majestic Pico Duarte. Savor the rich flavors of Dominican cuisine, from mangu to tostones, and discover the secrets of coffee and rum production. Uncover hidden gems in Las Terrenas, Los Haitises National Park, and San Cristóbal. Lastly, embrace sustainable travel, exploring eco-lodges, wildlife encounters, and conservation efforts, while considering opportunities for positive contributions to this Caribbean paradise.

​The Dominican Republic emerged as the no. 1 travel destination of the Caribbean in 2023. The country celebrated the achievement with special events throughout the world, and PTG Canadian Consultant, Usha Paddukotai (pictured left) recently won an all inclusive luxury trip to the country. PTG CEO Thanushka Nanayakkara and Corporate Director, Renata Snidr had the honor of meeting Dominican Republic Tourism Minister David Collado (pictured right), conveying tourism support.  In the first eight months of 2023, the Dominican Republic welcomed seven million tourists, with Canada being a significant contributor as the country's second-largest market. The Dominican Republic experienced a remarkable 31% increase in visitors compared to 2019, 136% more than 2021, and a 25% rise from the previous year. Among visitors, 60% preferred Punta Cana, while Puerto Plata was the second most popular destination. Make it your next vacation spot with one of Prestige Travel Group's Dominican Republic packages.

​Azores Islands is Portugal’s best-kept secret and voted Europe’s leading Adventure Destination for 2 years running. Located just 850 miles off the coast of Portugal, this archipelago can be found in the North Atlantic Ocean. The Azores is filled with breathtaking natural beauty where stunning volcanic landscapes and exotic tropical elements merge beautifully together. Home to a variety of cultures and unique historic sites, travelers who purchase the PTG’s Fall 2022 Independent Azores Package can explore a one-of-a-kind experience that only Azores can offer.

With its growing popularity, airlines are sending out more and more flights to the Azores with cheaper fares to reach this archipelago. Particularly, Azores Airlines offers year-round, nonstop service. If singles, couples, and families are looking for a relaxing wellness stay under sunshine and warmth, late spring to early autumn (June-October) is the perfect time to go. During the low season of October-April, the temperature becomes ideal for adventurous hikes.

Furthermore, you will get the chance to explore more amazing islands such as Pico, Terceira, Flores, and Faial. Carefully selected by experts, our ‘Program Kit’ can be used for easy navigation through the islands so travelers can indulge in the best experience possible. Whale-watching is another amazing activity to do there as many creatures pass by the Azores as well, such as blue whales, sperm whales, common dolphins, and bottlenose dolphins.

With Azores’ stunning sceneries, richness in culture, and amazing sustainability efforts, Azores is a must-visit destination that you cannot pass up. For Fall 2022, PTG is offering affordable Independent Azores Packages with 9-to-14-day guided visits. Starting from $2,950 per person, the packages consist of double occupancy with guaranteed departures and domestic airfare in the Azores. In addition, you will be provided with Hertz car rental services, accommodated in moderate to first-class hotels with premium located rooms, and possess flexible concierge reservations for meals at participating restaurants. If you choose to extend your stay, you may decide to pay a visit to mainland Portugal or book a long-stay option. Insurance can also be purchased along with these Azores Island Travel packages.

Egypt is one of the most mysterious destinations to visit. With its roots dating back to prehistoric times the Egyptian civilization is one of the great civilizations of the ancient world. Therefore, it is no wonder that Egypt is a land bustling with a colorful history, vibrant culture and has to be on everyone’s bucket list for top places to visit.
 
Any Egyptian tour begins in Cairo, the capital of Egypt and largest city in the Arab world. Egypt is a desert so it is important to plan your month of travel in advance. The ideal time to visit is between October and April. However, if you do not mind the heat and intense humidity and are on a budget then you can consider traveling during the summer.

When one imagines of Egypt, the ancient Pyramids of Giza come to mind. Giza served as the burial grounds for the royals. The pyramids are located on the west side of the Nile River because this is the side the sun sets on. Back thousands of years ago, Egyptians believed that the living should be on the east side where the sun rises while the dead should be on the other side.
 
Another city rich in history which is a must visit is Luxor where you can visit Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple. The Karnak Temple Complex, commonly known as Karnak, comprises a vast mix of ancient temples, chapels, pylons and other buildings. No visit to Egypt is complete without experiencing the Nile Cruise. You will visit Aswan, Kom Ombo, Edfu, Esna and Luxor, and step back through time enjoying the passing riverside scenes of ancient villages, minarets, farmers in galabeyas with donkeys, and traditional feluccas sailing the river. Your incredible cruise includes sailing on the Nile by traditional Felucca, visiting Kitchener's Island, as well as the High Dam.

In November PTG with its partners organized a special tour to commiserate the launch of the Hollywood ensemble movie Death on the Nile. VIP travelers and film fraternity including Madhu Chopra, mother of film actress Priyanka Chopra participated as guests on the tour.

Japan is an island country in East Asia and an amazing destination to visit for its various experiences that you cannot find in any other part of the world. Japanese culture is a blend of Eastern traditions and Western modernity. It is one of the oldest civilizations in the world with its stunning, diverse scenery of mountains and breathtaking views that offer many different experiences that attract tourists from all over.

Even though most people visit Japan during Cherry Blossom season (March-April), Japan is a destination to visit any time of the year. You can climb Mt Fuji in summer, see the changing leaf colors in the fall or ski during winter and view Cherry Blossoms during spring.
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Without a doubt, Japan’s most well-known landmark is Mt Fuji which is the country’s highest mountain peak. Part of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, Mount Fuji is climbed by more than a million people each summer as an act of pilgrimage, which culminates in watching the sunrise from its summit. Himeji Castle is particularly popular during cherry blossom season with the castle considered a national treasure and world heritage site. Minoh Park is one of the places to visit especially during autumn to see the autumn leaves in their natural setting. The park is also home to many monkeys that love stealing food from tourists!

No trip to Japan is complete without visiting historic Kyoto that attracts more than 10 million visitors annually. Most of them explore Kyoto's fine old streets and architecture, much of it unchanged since the Imperial family took up residence here more than 1,000 years ago. You definitely have to visit the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. This beautiful area of tall bamboo is just a few minutes' walk from the town center. When there is a light wind it is particularly attractive as the tall bamboo stalks sway back and forth.
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Recently our company organized an educational tour for Travel Professionals from North America to provide them insight and educate them on selling Japan to their clients. This two-week educational program covered the major highlights of Japan from visiting the Imperial Palace in Tokyo to exploring the pedestrian district of Akhibara, visiting Nagoya Castle for Cherry Blossom Viewing and experiencing the green tea ceremony performed by a Maiko (an apprentice Geisha). Check our photos!

Prague, capital city of the Czech Republic, is known for its unique international dining experiences, rich history, lush parks, Vegas style nightlife, and breathtaking well-preserved medieval architecture. There is something for every traveler when visiting Prague. When it comes to beauty, Prague is the equal of Paris, and there are many landmarks which are considered top destinations to visit in the world.

Prague provides many opportunities for exploration. It's labyrinth of cobbled streets, secret gardens, and colorful Art Nouveau architecture is a paradise for the urban traveler. Take in the extraordinary medieval architecture of the Old Town Square, revel at its many castles in the castle district where you can explore ancient chapels, journey across the historic Charles Bridge, relax in meticulously crafted secret gardens, and choose your pick from a variety of renowned international cafes and restaurants. On a nice day, an expansive park such as Letna Park provides picturesque views over the river, the magnificent Charles Bridge, the old city of Prague and the majestic castle. Along the beaten paths, there are cyclists, and several kiosks offering up some of Prague's famously delicious beer and food, as well as a restaurant in the château.

Don’t forget to taste the large selection of beers Prague has brewing, it’s the best in Europe. One of the notable restaurants for tasting traditional Czech beer is U medvídků. The unique history of the restaurant dates back to 1466. In the past century the original brewery was converted into the first Prague cabaret and also into one of the biggest beer hall’s in Prague.

Prague's enchanting castles are considered some of the most historically rich landmarks of the old city. Vysehrad, a historic fort and public park built in the 10th century, is one of the most reclusive castles with a scenic view of Prague over the Vltava River. In the one of a kind fortress, explore neo-Gothic churches, climb to the highest peak at the ruined Gothic lookout tower known as Libušina lázeň, and relish at the royal palace built by the Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV.

For art history lovers, Prague's art galleries may not have the bedazzle of the Louvre at first glance, however the Bohemian art Prague carries is exceptional in its own right; from the glowing Gothic altarpieces in the Convent of St Agnes, to the luscious Art Nouveau of Alfons Mucha, and the magnificent collection of 20th-century surrealists, cubists and constructionists in the Veletržní Palác.

Among the many unique European landmarks, internationally acclaimed restaurants, and historic architecture, a visit to Prague would be an experience to remember.