Shannon Stitt from Collette Vacations
Collette Vacations is a quality tour company we work with that offers some unique trips. For one Collette has an exclusive relationship with the Smithsonian in providing educational trips. We recently talked with Shannon Stitt from Collette Vacations.
FamilyTravelGurus: Collette offers escorted tours all over the World – how does Collette differ from other tour companies?
Collette Differs from other companies in many ways, we are a family owned and operated company that is going on 91 years now. We are also a debt free company. We offer vacations to over 170 different destinations offering 4 star accommodations. Collette Vacations offers centrally located hotels, includes many meals as well as entertainment on all of our vacations.
FamilyTravelGurus: One tour that especially looked attractive to us is your “Spirit of Washington DC” Educational Trip in conjunction with Smithsonian Journeys. Can you tell us more about this tour and Collette’s partnership with the Smithsonian?
Collette’s relationship started after 9/11. The New York Times posted an article about our company and how we were able to refund over 30 million dollars in cash to customers due to our insurance policy. The Smithsonian Institute came to us and asked us to partner up with them and of course we said yes. Today the Smithsonian Journeys Travel Adventures is our fastest growing product lines offering over 17 different destinations all over the world. Washington D.C. is an amazing place to visit and being able to travel with Collette and the Smithsonian makes the trip unforgettable. With extensive tours of the Smithsonian Museum’s as well as lectures about our U.S. history will leave travelers with unforgettable memories.
FamilyTravelGurus: What other types of Smithsonian adventures do you offer?
My favorite Smithsonian trip that we offer is our Splendors of the Nile trip. Not only do we stay in magnificent hotels we have a professional Egyptologist with us the entire time. The food is unbelievable and the natives are so kind and are very welcoming to Americans. This trip by far is one of Collette’s best tours we offer.
FamilyTravelGurus: We understand you have some unique packages with the Oberammergau Passion Play: 2010. What makes the Oberammergau Passion Play a special event? What types of Oberammergau tours are you offering?
The Oberammergau Passion Play is truly once in a lifetime event. The play performance dates back to 1634. During the Thirty year War, the village of Oberammergau was spared the black plaque and for this reason, the villagers vowed that every ten years they would give a play to honor the live of Christ. The Performers are native Oberammergauers. Collette Vacations is now offering 9 different tours that start from $1999. We have a package for everybody out there.
FamilyTravelGurus: As our name implies, we specialize in family travel. Are Collette tours suitable for parents and kids? What tours are especially good for families?
Collette Vacations is a perfect trip for families. We actually have an age limit of 12 years old. But our Explorations product line is perfect for families of all ages. These trips are for small groups only and have a maximum limit of 24 passengers on each trip. A great trip that we have to offer is Italy’s Treasures. This is a wonderful way to see this beautiful country with your whole family.
FamilyTravelGurus: What is your personal favorite Collette tour? What made this trip extra special for you?
My favorite trip that Collette has to offer is Reflections of Italy. I was able to experience this destination first hand and I have memories that I will carry with me for a lifetime. The food in this country is so rich in flavor and has the freshest ingredients. The wine will send your taste buds soaring and asking for more. The history that is still visible is mind-blowing. And the architecture that is there is unbelievable and there is no way to explain its beauty unless you see it with your own eyes.
FamilyTravelGurus: Thanks Shannon. These tours sound amazing!