Photo credit: Personalized travel MIR
Inside MIR's Travel Planning
How We Craft Itineraries to Suit Your Wanderlust
At MIR, every journey begins long before your bags are packed. With nearly 40 years of experience, our travel planners delve deep into our destinations, using firsthand knowledge to craft unforgettable, personalized travel experiences. For us, it’s not just about itineraries, it’s about understanding the personality of the place and creating journeys that resonate with curious, sophisticated travelers. From the cultural crossroads of the Caucasus to the deserts of the Middle East and the backstreets and bazaars of Central Asia, every trip inspires us to refine our offerings for you and our approach to travel planning.
Ready to be inspired? Explore MIR’s tours and let us help plan your next great adventure.
Albania, Ancient Roots and a Bright Future
Albania may fly under the radar, but for those ready to venture off the beaten path, it’s full of surprises. Our small group journey takes you across Albania, beyond the guidebook, from top to bottom. It leads you through a landscape as varied as its inhabitants to discover Albania’s rich history. It offers a unique blend of Mediterranean and Balkan influences and countless cultural remnants of Greek, Roman, and Ottoman settlement. From the UNESCO-listed town of Gjirokastër, to the remote alpine valleys of Valbone Valley National Park, Albania still feels a bit like stepping back in time while offering a fresh, forward-thinking energy.
“What a fantastic tour! We signed up for this not knowing what to expect. We wanted to visit a destination that was interesting but not overrun by other American and European tourists. Well, we hit the jackpot. For us it provided a perfect adventure… interesting, authentic and unspoiled; yet comfortable and safe.” – B.L. from Scottsdale, AZ
Saudi Arabia: Things Are Changing
The diversity and breadth of what the kingdom has to offer visitors is astounding. That’s what MIR’s executives Annie and Doug discovered when first exploring its stunning prehistoric petroglyphs, monumental ancient tombs, outstanding cuisine, medieval oasis villages, and futuristic skyscrapers a few years ago. Our travelers have discovered the same again and again since then. Our small group tour, Saudi Arabia: Trade Routes, Tradition & Transformation, showcases breathtaking natural landscapes, a diverse mix of desert, coast, rock art, modern cityscapes, and the renowned Saudi hospitality. Learn more about their original exploratory journey in the blog post “Saudi Arabia: An American Perspective on Travel to the Kingdom.”
“Guides were terrific, always organized, clear, complete with information and plans for each day but most importantly kind and thoughtful. Both tour staff were exceptionally interested and knowledgeable and kept us prepared for each day. The range of landscapes, places visited and accommodations were fascinating. Each day was busy but not overloaded. Two long days of driving were kept interesting with topics and discussions. The seven local guides each contributed professionally and in useful detail to our outings.” – T.A. from Oak Bluff, MA
Georgia: Legendary Hospitality
Georgia is a country close to our hearts and one we know deeply. Here, food and wine go beyond sustenance – they shape daily life and its traditions. Drawing on our team’s expertise, we’ve crafted an itinerary highlighting the country’s renowned wine regions and timeless culinary heritage. Meet natural winemakers reviving ancient techniques, and join chefs in their kitchens in preparing beloved dishes like khinkali (dumplings) and fresh-baked bread, before indulging in a traditional supra feast.
Award-winning food, wine, and travel writer Carla Capalbo explores Georgia’s rich winemaking traditions and diverse cuisine in her book Tasting Georgia: A Food and Wine Journey in the Caucasus. After years of gathering stories and recipes, she beautifully captures its culinary heritage. With MIR’s reimagined journey, A Taste of Georgia, food lovers can now experience a true taste of Georgia.
South Korea: A Journey Through Time
When MIR Travel Planner Greg Mazzola visited South Korea, he discovered a country where ancient traditions harmoniously coexist with cutting-edge modernity. MIR’s newest small group journey, South Korea: A Journey Through Time, invites you to explore Seoul’s dynamic energy, the tranquil charm of Jeonju’s Hanok Village, and one of the world’s most important coastal wetlands. Along the way, learn about traditional Korean culture through tea ceremonies, rice wine brewing, and cooking traditional dishes.
The Five ‘Stans: Caravan of Cultures
We have a deep and longstanding bond with the amazing countries of Central Asia. We’ve spent nearly four decades traveling here. Central Asia’s “Five ’Stans” – Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan – are intertwined with the ancient Silk Road, where goods, art, architecture, and ideas once flowed. Over the many years we’ve been traveling here, we’ve forged extensive connections. With the help of our Uzbekistan-based team, we’ve fine-tuned this journey into an unforgettable experience. On our Journey Through Central Asia: the Five ‘Stans you can explore domed mosques, mudbrick minarets, and vibrant bazaars overflowing with handloomed carpets and pomegranates. Along the way, you’ll meet the warm, welcoming people who call this region home.
“The trip was rewarding and educational. MIR’s advance guidance was spot-on and their observations and directives were very helpful and accurate. The hotels, buses, planes, and trains were top notch… The Savitskiy Museum was a highlight for me. Turkmenistan certainly left powerful mental images.” – D.O. from Falls Church, VA
