Canada's National History Society has recognised that special interest tourism is one of the most rapidly growing segments of the travel industry and Deborah Morrison describes on their website, how the society is now offering unique historical travel tours to satisfy their members' desire for trips with a history, or culture related activity.
Launched with the name, Beaver Travel Tours, the brand will offer tours having a strong historical focus and special guest appearances by experts. Participants will also receive a tour package that includes carefully selected reading materials from the society's archives pertinent to the tour. Initial tours will explore destinations in northern Ontario and Manitoba, in partnership with travel operators Heartland Travel International and Rail Travel Tours.
The European Travel Commission was created in 1948 to promote Europe as a destination to tourists from outside Europe. However, their website Visit Europe is also a great resource for European citizens.
The site is currently highlighting various cultural routes, developed by the European Institute of Cultural Routes. The routes link time and place across several different European countries, providing an appreciation of the interconnectivity of what may seem at first sight, to be separate cultural histories. Additionally, they offer wonderful vacation themes, covering subjects as diverse as architecture, music, cheese, wine, gardens and religion.
Today's end of week video has been especially chosen for all you rail and steam enthusiasts. It is a rail journey on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, posted by David and it even features a cameo appearance by Thomas the Tank Engine. The North Yorkshire Moors Heritage Railway runs through the heart of England's North Yorkshire Moors National Park, between Pickering, a busy market town and Grosmont, a genuine 1950s railway junction where you can take a break in the station cafe, visit the engine sheds and view steam locomotives under restoration. On route, trains call at Goathland village, which is the setting for the television series, Heartbeat and Levisham, which is known for a beautiful forest drive and walking trails.
Different timetables operate throughout the year but on many days it is possible to get a connection to the historic port of Whitby. there is a full autumn program in place and they are already taking bookings for 'Santa Specials'. Enthusiast may be interested to know that the North Yorkshire Moors Railway Heritage Society also run various 'Footplate Courses'.
This video runs for nearly eight minutes, so on a slow connection you may need to click play and then leave it to download for ten minutes before clicking replay, in order to obtain uninterrupted viewing.
A replica Viking ship has begun an epic trip across the North Sea to Dublin, Ireland, from the Danish port of Roskilde. The seven week voyage aims to recreate journeys made by the Vikings 1,000 years ago.
The ship, called the Sea Stallion, is only powered by sail, and 65 volunteer crew members who will be rowing and braving the elements on the open deck throughout the trip.
There are some interesting History Holidays in our listings, though most are thought to be less demanding than two months role play as a Viking sailor!
