MONTREAL — Air Canada Vacations’ 2019 Europe Collection now features Switzerland itineraries in addition to the 153 vacation packages and 500 cruises on offer.

Clients will notice newly added routes to Vienna and Bordeaux, as well as a special focus on packages to Greece, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Ireland, Great Britain, France, Iceland, Croatia, Prague, Budapest and Switzerland.

Plus, Trafalgar Guided Vacations, Contiki Guided Trips, and newly added Insight Guided Vacations are offered in combination with flights to bring clients more guided tour package options throughout Europe.

“With this collection, we partnered with local experts, searched high and low for authentic travel moments and provided numerous inclusions so that we can go beyond packaged vacations to offer effortless travel that lets our customers experience the European way of life,” said Nino Montagnese, Managing Director at Air Canada Vacations.

Montagnese also added that ACV is “thrilled” to partner with Ferreira Group for the first time this year. The group is known for its Montreal-based eateries that specialize in authentic Portuguese flavours. As a result of this exclusive partnership, two food-centric vacations have been created in collaboration with the Ferreira family that are inspired by their food travel web series, ‘Portugal Gourmand’.

“We’re also thrilled to partner with Ferreira Group who will share their delicious Portuguese culinary expertise with our customers, inspiring them to experience what we’re calling a vacation for the taste buds,” said Montagnese.

For agents, ACV is offering 17% commission until Nov. 30 on Trafalgar Guided Vacations in Europe packages booked for travel between March 27 and Dec. 21, 2019. For example, with April 10, 17, 24, 2019 departure dates from Toronto, ‘Best of Britain – Trafaglar Guided Vacation’ is offered at $4,208 plus $661 taxes per person. This represents a commission of $715 per passenger.

Agents are also being reminded that when booking 180 days prior to departure, clients can save up to $1,000 per couple. When they book 120 days prior to departure, clients can save up to $500 per couple, and when booking 90 days prior, clients can save up to $300 per couple. This offer is valid on bookings made between Nov. 5, 2018 and Dec. 31, 2019, for travel from Jan. 1-Dec. 31, 2019.

ACV’s vacations are tailored to meet various travel styles, including ‘Independent Escapes’ for those looking for set itineraries and leisure sightseeing, Europe à la carte for truly tailor-made trips, Guided Tours, Cruises, Island Hopping, and trips designed specifically for family fun.

All packages come with roundtrip flights from 63 Canadian cities aboard Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge.