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Darby's Destinations Travel Talks

Every month Darby’s Destinations hosts a virtual presentation on travel destinations around the world.  We hope you can join us.  Please have a view of some of the past presentations we have hosted.
Here are the quick links to past presentations.
Mekong River
Southern Africa
Alaska
Hawaiian Islands
Maltese Islands
Galapagos Islands
Portugal Rivers
African Safari
Portugal
Croatia
Slovenia
Ecuador
Burgundy & Provence
Madeira Island
Canadian Rockies

Australia and Fiji, the Oceania continent

Australia is known for its diverse landscapes, including the iconic Great Barrier Reef, the Outback, and cosmopolitan cities like Sydney and Melbourne. It is also home to a rich cultural heritage, delicious cuisine, and a thriving arts and entertainment scene.

Fiji is famous for its stunning tropical islands, crystal-clear waters, and abundant marine life. It offers opportunities for activities like snorkeling, diving, and relaxing on the beach, as well as cultural experiences such as visiting local villages and trying traditional Fijian cuisine.

Together, Australia and Fiji offer a combination of adventure, relaxation, and cultural discovery, making them great destinations to visit.

A Journey Across New Zealand - Land of the Long White Cloud

The two islands of New Zealand are green and clean, with many great lakes to explore. Discover the natural beauty of Auckland, a water-based city, "the city of sails," to Queenstown, which Lake Wakatipu and the heart of the southern alps surround. Along the way, discover Rotorua and Lake Taupo in the heart of this region, where you can fly fish on the rivers and learn about The Māori culture and the indigenous people of New Zealand, which is an integral part of local life. Once you cross over to the South Island, you can discover Marlborough's beautiful vineyards. 

Vietnam and Cambodia’s Mekong River with AmaWaterways

Experience two incredibly diverse countries on this fabled waterway, known as “Nine Dragons River,” for
the nine tributaries that help produce life-giving rice in villages throughout the Mekong Delta. For
centuries, the sagas of ancient empires, colonial powers, and modern conflicts have unfolded along its
banks. Cruising along the Mekong allows you to fully appreciate the sights and sounds of this fascinating
waterway bordered by flourishing forests, lush green hills, and colorful stilt houses.

A Southern Africa Journey with A&K

The wonders of Southern Africa, from Cape Town to the Zambezi River and the red desert dunes of Namibia, discover the abundance of wildlife that a Southern Africa Safari offers. 
The activities and experiences in this destination will satisfy the novice and the well-traveled traveler. From game drives at sunset to ATV rides over the dunes, canoeing on the Zambezi, and seeing the shipwrecks along the Skeleton Coast in Namibia. 

Alaska Small Ship Cruising – Up close and undiscovered Alaska

​You need to get up close and discover the sea and land on a small yacht cruise to really see Alaska. UnCruise brings you up close to the Alaska wildlife we all dream of. From Humpback whales, Seals, Sea Lions, Sea otters, Eagles, and much more, you can discover all these on an Alaska UnCruise Adventure. 

From the Island of Discovery to the Gathering Place, the Hawaiian islands offer diverse landscapes, a laid-back nature, and welcoming Hawaiians

​All of the Hawaiian Islands offer an amazing vacation destination, but which one will appeal to you. Kauai is natural and laid back. This is the island of discovery. The Napali Coast, on the northwest side of Kauai, has 3000 ft cliffs lining the shoreline, lush valleys, and many waterfalls. The Heart of Hawaii is on Oahu; the Gathering Place is home to Honolulu, where you can find culture, entertainment, and a fantastic food scene. Maui is the Magic Island where you can drive above the clouds on Haleakala Volcano. Then take the Road to Hana with its more than 365 curves. The youngest of the Hawaiian Islands, Hawaii Islands is home to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Maunakea, the world’s tallest mountain (measured from seafloor), and Kilauea Volcano, which is actively erupting, creating approximately 40 new acres of the island every year. Lastly, the two smaller islands of Molokai and Lanai are like going back in time and off the beaten track. 

Exploring the Maltese Islands with Citrus Luxury and Corinthia Palace Hotel Malta

Located in the center of the Mediterranean Sea, The Maltese Islands is a great destination for culture, food, and discovering ancient history. Malta offers a wide selection of activities to fill your days. The historic cities of Valletta and Mdina are perfect for culture enthusiasts, while sandy beaches and crystal clear waters offer expansive snorkeling, diving, and swimming opportunities – and don’t forget the lagoons of Comino island.  

Exploring the Galápagos Islands with Pure! Travel Group

The Galápagos Islands comprises 127 isles and islets, of which only four are inhabited. Santa Cruz, Isabela, and San Cristobal each offer a roster of luxury hotels, guest houses, and eco-lodges. Around 2,000 species of wildlife found in the Galápagos Islands are endemic, which means this is the only place on the planet you can observe them in their natural habitat. Such include the Galápagos fur seal, the Galápagos land iguana, the Galápagos sea lion, the Galápagos land tortoise, and the marine iguana.

Explore Rambling Vineyards and old-world cities in Portugal

The Douro River in Portugal is a great way to experience this beautiful country.  The Douro River Valley features rambling vineyards and charming native farms along the steep slopes of this valley.  This area of Portugal is the world’s oldest wine region and features the city of Salamanca, a UNESCO designated “Golden City.”  Experience the city of Porto that is called the “City of Bridges” for its numerous bridges over the Douro River.  This sailing is a great wine enthusiast river cruise to experience.  

An African Safari Experience

An African Safari can be a life-changing experience for the traveler and the safari destination you visit. From Zimbabwe, where you can experience the mightiness of Victoria Falls and see the buffalo swimming in the Zambezi River. In Botswana where the elephants roam the Chobe River Front. This area is renowned for its abundance of wildlife viewing, including large populations of hippos, elephants, buffalo, and lions. Then there is South Africa, where you can embark on a classic game drive to discover the Big 5. Finally, in Cape Town, you can explore the cobblestone streets of Cape Town’s traditional Bo Kaap neighborhood with a view of Table Mountain.​
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Portugal, a destination to experience the culture, history, and idyllic scenery

The country of Portugal offers many travelers history, architecture, medieval castles, and some tasty pastries.  If you love the cities of Europe, Lisbon is overflowing with historic architecture, colorful neighborhoods, and many excellent restaurants that specialize in farm-to-table and some of the freshest seafood you can taste.  If you want a quieter city, Porto is the place to explore.  Portugal can be a relaxing beach destination or an active city trip.  This Portugal presentation will explore all of this and more. 
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Croatia, the Land of a Thousand Islands, Click here to view the presentation.

Sharing borders with Italy, Slovenia, Bosnia, Serbia, Montenegro and Hungary, Croatia is the perfect extension to your vacation in any of these European destinations.

​Your perfect Croatia itinerary will include a blend of cities, islands, and nature. From the capital of Zagreb, where you can discover the many cathedrals, galleries, and cafes of Upper Town.  To Dubrovnik, where you can get lost in the walls of Old Town, then ride the cable car to the summit of Mount Srđ for sweeping views.  Then head to Brac, an off the radar island with pristine beaches, including Zlatni Rat. Or the Golden Horn.  
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Slovenia, the land of turquoise waters and snow-capped peaks, Click here to view the presentation.

Slovenia is a small country in the heart of Europe and is located at the crossroads of four geographical regions, the Alps, the Mediterranean, the Pannonian Plain, and the Karst.  The capital city of Ljubliana is a blend of central European character and a Mediterranean atmosphere.  
You can ski in the alps in the morning and then be at the Adriatic Sea in the afternoon.  Slovenia is one of the greenest countries in the world, and where two-thirds of the country is covered by forest.  It offers many active holidays for all types of travelers.  There are many historic towns, ancient castles, and cultural experiences to explore in Slovenia. 
Did you know the oldest grapevine in the world has been growing in the city of Maribor for nearly 500 years?
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Ecuador, where four magical worlds combine in one Country!  Click Here to view the presentation. 

Ecuador is a biodiverse country in South American that has four different worlds in one magical Country: the Amazon Rainforest, the Andes Mountains, the Pacific Coast, and the Galapagos Islands.  On this evening, we will be focusing on the Quito region of Ecuador and its surrounding areas and the Amazon Rainforest.  Ecuador is very rich in culture, with eighteen indigenous groups inhabiting the Country, amazing natural scenery, and wildlife galore.  ​
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Provence and Burgundy with Ama Waterways - Capturing the Essence of Provence along the Rhone River

The flavors of this region of France can be found in the food and the wine, highlighting this wonderful itinerary.  You can visit a Romanesque abbey and its historic apothecary shop, and many French chateaux in the countryside on this journey. After your full day of touring, experience aperitif, a most fantastic French ritual that gathers friends and family together before dinner while enjoying cocktails or other light snacks and recounting your day with friends. 
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Madeira "The Island of Eternal Spring" and Belmond Reid's Palace

Madeira is part of a group of Portuguese islands located in the Atlantic, approximately 90 minutes by plane away from Lisbon. The island is known for its sub-tropical climate, culture, and breathtaking landscapes.  
Madeira is magnificent views, dense and green forests, volcanic mountains, gardens with exuberant flowers, passion fruit flavor, and dives into the blue Atlantic Ocean. It is the perfect destination for those who seek a bluer sky and a brighter sun. It’s caring smiles, outstanding hospitality that inspires calm and safety.

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Explore the Canadian Rockies by Rail with Rocky Mountaineer

All Aboard Amazing Starts Here.  Carve your way through Western Canada and the Canadian Rockies onboard the world-renowned Rocky Mountaineer train. Sky-high peaks, fine dining, roaming wildlife, impeccable service—a journey through the Canadian Rocky Mountains by rail is quite simply, unforgettable.
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Photo: Rocky Mountaineer
​Darby’s Destinations LLC, an independent Affiliate of Departure Lounge LLC, a Virtuoso® Member, located at PO Box #26545, Austin, Texas 78755.  While our clients have had great experiences with the travel suppliers featured on this website, Darby’s Destinations is not an employee, agent, or representative of these suppliers and, therefore, cannot make any promises regarding the service clients will receive with a particular supplier.  Before booking a trip, clients are responsible for reviewing the services offered by the supplier, along with any terms, conditions, and exclusions​.
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  • Home
  • About Darby
    • Testimonials
    • Travel Gallery
  • Work with Darby
  • Extraordinary Trips
    • Authentic Italy
    • Europe
    • Hawaiian Islands
    • River Cruises >
      • AMA Waterways River Cruises
  • Travel Planning
    • Darby's Destinations Travel Talks
    • The World's Top Wine Destinations
  • Contact Us
    • International Destinations Open to Travelers from the United States
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms and Conditions
  • Blog