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Grand Rapids, Michigan     December 4, 2023

IMAGE TOURS TRANSITIONING TO NEW LEADERSHIP

Over the next two years, Patrick and Beth McIntyre are acquiring Image Tours from Monique and Mike Kasmauskis. The purchase was initiated on December 1, 2023.

Founded in the Netherlands in 1939, Grand Rapids, MI based Image Tours offers escorted European tours with a dedication to providing Superior Value with a Personal Touch. “This has been a family company since its founding, and while we are not part of the founding family, we are excited to continue running Image Tours as a family owned and operated business”, said Patrick McIntyre who is transitioning into the President and General Manager roles for the company.

Monique Kasmauskis wishes to convey, “Mike and I feel confident passing the torch onto Patrick and Beth McIntyre to provide leadership and strategic implementations which will preserve the quality and authenticity of the product while also making improvements throughout the operation.”

Monique and Mike will remain involved in the operations of the business as the sale process will be completed in November of 2025 ensuring a smooth and effective transition to the McIntyres. Beth’s career focus has been in advertising and marketing at an advertising agency in Chicago and as owner of a retail business in Traverse City. Patrick has an extensive background in the travel industry as he grew up in the family that founded, owned, and operated Passageways Travel in Traverse City, MI, and then worked at the travel agency from 2005 through April of 2012 in a variety of leadership roles. Since 2012 Patrick has owned and operated Management Reporting Services, a consulting and data management company that operates in the travel industry.

“Beth and I are committed to living up to the standards set by Monique, Mike, and everyone that’s part of the Image Tours team both now and into the future”, stated Patrick McIntyre. The business plans to continue operations in its current location with the same team of staff as it enters this next phase of leadership.

 

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IMAGE TOURS will be CLOSED Thursday November 23 for the holiday. FRIDAY NOVEMBER 24 we will be OPEN from 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM (EST) HAVE A HAPPY THANKSGIVING, EVERYONE!

Book your Europe tour by 11/15/23 and save $400 per couple ($200 per person). Applies to any of our 2024 tours: 11-day Christmas Markets of Austria & Germany 14-day Paris, Tuscany & Rome 15-day Germany, Austria, Switzerland 15-day Treasures of Italy 15-day Spain & Portugal 15-day HEART OF EUROPE® Circle 16-day Heart of the British Isles 16-day World War II Memorial 16-day Capitals of Central Europe 17-day Scandinavia & Baltic Highlights 22-day HEART OF EUROPE® Grand

We will open again at 8:45 AM EST on Tuesday the 5th. Have a wonderful holiday!

We will be open again on Wednesday at 9:00 AM EST.   Enjoy your Independence Day!

Book your 2023 or 2024 tour by 7/12/23 and save before prices go up! 

11-day    Christmas Markets of Austria & Germany
14-day    Paris, Tuscany & Rome
15-day    Germany, Austria, Switzerland
15-day    Treasures of Italy
15-day    Spain & Portugal
15-day    HEART OF EUROPE® Circle 
16-day    Heart of the British Isles
16-day    World War II Memorial
16-day    Capitals of Central Europe 
17-day    Scandinavia & Baltic Highlights
22-day    HEART OF EUROPE® Grand  

 

Have a safe holiday everyone!

OUR EUROPE TOURS FOR 2023                                                                                                 

11-day    Christmas Markets of Austria & Germany
14-day    Paris, Tuscany & Rome
15-day    Germany, Austria, Switzerland
15-day    Treasures of Italy
15-day    Spain & Portugal
15-day    HEART OF EUROPE® Circle 
16-day    Heart of the British Isles
16-day    World War II Memorial
16-day    Capitals of Central Europe 
17-day    Scandinavia & Baltic Highlights
22-day    HEART OF EUROPE® Grand

Summer and Fall departures still available (dates vary with tour)

Have you ever wished to travel to Europe, but with a specific purpose in mind? If you’re inspired by history, particularly that of World War II, Image Tours' World War II Memorial Tour may just be your golden ticket.

In 16 days, you will cover a total of six countries. You will be fully immersed in the poignant history of the Second World War. This is your chance to discover some of the most essential aspects of the war while still taking time to marvel at the surrounding landscapes and enjoy the culinary delights of Europe.  Let’s zoom in on some of the historical and cultural highlights of the tour:

SEE WHERE IT ALL BEGAN ... AND WHERE IT ENDED

Your tour begins with an impactful visit of Nuremberg, the ideological capital of the Nazi Party. This prominent German city is famously known as the site of the Nuremberg Rallies. You will have the chance to explore the Rally Grounds, the Congress Hall and finally, the Palace of Justice where Nazi Party members were put on trial for their heinous war crimes.

But it’s not enough to merely concentrate on the culmination and destruction of the Nazi Party, which is why a visit to Dachau Concentration Camp is included in your tour. This was the very first concentration camp erected by Nazi Germany. Liberated by U.S. forces in April of 1945, the camp was then used to detain SS soldiers awaiting trial. These visits to Nuremberg and Dachau pack an emotional punch. You can be certain to add them to your list of unforgettable travel experiences.

A SUBTERRANEAN EXPERIENCE AT FORT HACKENBERG

Later on in the tour, you will discover the subterranean side of World War II at Fort Hackenberg. Located in France’s Lorraine region near the border of Germany, Fort Hackenberg — the largest of the Maginot Line fortifications—is an immense underground fort constructed by the French after WWI to defend future German invasion. Its subterranean galleries span over 10 kilometers and are accessible by mini rail. A guided tour provides visual insight into the history and structure of the fort, including a one-mile train ride to the operational Gun Turret at Block 9. At Block 8, you will hear an explanation of how the fort came under German occupancy and the Americans, led by Patton, regained control in November 1944.

THE SHORES OF NORMANDY: MORE THAN JUST A TRIP TO THE BEACH

Another highlight of your tour involves a trip to the Normandy Landing Beaches. Site of the largest seaborne invasion in history, D-Day marked a major turning point in the war and set the stage for Allied victory. A vast, open expanse of gray-blue coastline, the Omaha and Utah Beaches and the Arromanches will take you back in time to the events that left permanent footprints in the sand.

RELAXING BOAT CRUISES ON EUROPE'S WATERWAYS

What is a European trip without time for relaxation and contemplation? During your tour, you will get to enjoy boat cruises along the Rhine River as well as Amsterdam’s famous canals. These scenic cruises will allow you to soak in some of the most enchanting landscapes, riverside town waterfronts, and architecture in all of Europe.

As you enjoy the passing scenery, you may find yourself daydreaming about all of your experiences so far, and imagining what the next few days will have in store…

“PARIS IS ALWAYS A GOOD IDEA”  -Audrey Hepburn

What better way to wind down your tour than in the ville de l’amour? Create lasting memories on the streets of Montmartre, where you will spend one of the final nights of your tour. The winding, cobbled streets of the 18th arrondissement will tease your artistic senses. Climb to the summit and explore the Sacré Cœur Basilica and take in the view from above. Then make the descent into the heart of this Bohemian paradise, where the likes of Van Gogh, Monet and Jean Cocteau once resided. You may wish to get your portrait drawn by a local caricature artist. At the end of the day, indulge in classic French cuisine at an outdoor bistrot. And don’t forget to sip on a wine from Clos de Montmartre, Montmartre’s very own vineyard!

Check out the tour itinerary and more at https://www.imagetours.com/tour/world_war_ii_memorial

THANK YOU TO OUR VETERANS!

Please find our latest information on Vaccination and other Travel Requirements under the FAQ section Travel Requirements & Prep.