Voyages beyond the ordinary
Luxury cruise travel is among the most enriching ways to explore the world. A celebration of slow travel and multi-destination exploration, cruise holidays are designed for those who want to experience more, with variety and ease, in a more relaxed way to see the world.
With Oroko Travel, Ireland's leading luxury travel specialists, you'll not only enjoy an opulent voyage but also chart your own course with an itinerary tailored entirely to you.
From pre- and post-cruise stays to private excursions and cultural experiences, Oroko Travel's expert team tailors every detail. 'Today's traveller wants to reset and reconnect,' says Brendan Breen, managing director at Oroko Travel. 'It's not about doing more, but doing it the right way, in a sequence that makes sense, with experiences that feel truly personal.' 'Our clients expect the same care and precision at sea that they receive on land,' Breen continues. 'That's why we partner with luxury providers like Silversea, because their on-board experience mirrors our own commitment to bespoke luxury.' In partnership with the world's leading cruise providers, Oroko has curated a selection of tailored voyages, inviting you to discover the world on your doorstep.
Cruise Alaska's icy waterways in Silversea luxury
Witness incredible moments of nature, like a long grizzly standing in the river at sunset, framed by dramatic mountains
Few places on Earth rival Alaska for scale and spectacle. Where thunderous glaciers crash into the sea, whales breach in icy bays, and eagles soar above indigenous forests. In partnership with Silversea, Oroko has tailored a luxury expedition cruise holiday to Alaska where the cinematic drama of the landscape is matched only by the detail of world-class service.
The journey begins in Anchorage, continuing by car or rail along the Turnagain Arm, one of North America's most scenic coastal routes, before boarding the cruise in Seward.
Over the coming days, guests sail southward toward Vancouver, passing mighty fiords and along the face of the Hubbard Glacier. They trace Gold Rush stories in Skagway, kayak past the blue walls of Mendenhall Glacier, and experience the Tlingit culture and totem pole heritage of Ketchikan. The journey ends in Vancouver, a cosmopolitan city that beautifully bridges wilderness and worldliness.
This route is a favourite among Oroko customers for good reason. It delivers grandeur and authenticity in equal measure. Oroko enhance each trip with thoughtful extras, whether that's a guided biking tour in Vancouver, a wildlife excursion in Anchorage or a post-cruise rail journey into the Rockies.
Timeless Mekong: Vietnam and Cambodia by river
For those drawn to culture and colour, a luxury Mekong river cruise holiday offers a spellbinding journey through southeast Asia. Here, life is lived on the water; fishermen cast nets at sunrise, children wave from sampans, monks chant in golden temples.
Partnering with Uniworld, Oroko offers an immersive experience that begins in Ho Chi Minh City and meanders through the storied Mekong Delta, ending with a cultural deep-dive into Angkor Wat and historic Hanoi. Experience boutique luxury on the water, with Uniworld's beautifully appointed ships offering elegant dining, attentive service and indulgent spa treatments.
Stay in luxury suite accommodation on the water, with spacious terraces and elegant interiors
Your travel specialist will personalise your journey with thoughtfully tailored experiences: perhaps a private food tour by Vespa through the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An, a guided sunrise visit to Angkor Wat, or a few days of barefoot luxury on the beaches of Phu Quoc.
Forests, fiords and fairy-tale towns
In Norway, nature is the protagonist. Towering fiords, alpine peaks and storybook towns create a backdrop unlike anywhere else.
In the summer months, there's a particular kind of magic to Norway. 'The light stretches long into the night, the air feels fresh and clean, and when travelling by water, you can see a whole spectrum of landscapes in just a few days,' says Breen.
Experience the cinematic beauty of Norway's landscapes by luxury cruise including Sognefjordan and Bergen, the city of the Seven Mountains
Oroko has partnered with Silversea to offer two tailored Nordic voyages: one beginning in Bergen, the other in Copenhagen. Both journeys celebrate Alpine beauty, Viking heritage and true, Nordic wilderness.
Each holiday can be personalised to reflect the client's interests. 'With no two holidays the same, you get to experience the Norway that's uniquely yours,' says Breen. 'Some clients want back-to-back excursions; others prefer a gentler pace. We account for all of that. It's what makes the experience truly bespoke.'
Egypt: Cruising the treasures of the Nile
From the mighty pyramids to the mummified remains of King Tutankhamun, Egypt holds a spellbinding history
To cruise the river Nile is to journey back in time – to an era of ancient pharaohs, queens and the Great Sphinx. Oroko tailors luxury cruise holidays in Egypt that combine private land touring with an intimate river voyage, guided by expert Egyptologists and hosted aboard elegant, small-capacity ships.
Your boutique accommodation on the water offers the perfect balance of cultural discoveries and relaxation
The journey begins in Cairo, with visits to the Great Pyramid and the Egyptian Museum, before continuing to Alexandria and then on to the Nile by way of Luxor or Aswan. Over four leisurely nights, travellers explore temples, tombs and sacred riverbanks.
Each element of the journey is finely tuned, says Brendan. 'It's the ideal balance of depth and relaxation,' he says. 'You cover extraordinary ground, but with time to absorb and reflect.' For those seeking a beach element, Oroko can also arrange a stay along the Red Sea, ideal for unwinding at the end of a culture-rich itinerary.
For adventure seekers, Oroko tailor luxury Cruise holidays to destinations like Greenland (above), Antarctica and Alaska
These four journeys offer just a glimpse into Oroko Travel's tailored cruise portfolio. Whether you're dreaming of the Mediterranean, Antarctica, the Indian Ocean or further afield, the expert team can design your ideal luxury cruise holiday, anywhere in the world.
With sailings available globally through 2025, 2026 and beyond, let Oroko tailor your next voyage.
Visit orokotravel.ie, call 01 2600 240 or email info@orokotravel.ie
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Irish Daily Mirror
07-06-2025
- Irish Daily Mirror
We struck Gold on this visit to US state – and you should too
It has been 25 years since I visited the States and the last time I was in America, I was getting a selfie with Minnie Mouse at Disney World in Florida. So what better way to reintroduce America to me as an adult than to head for California's Tuolumne County – the heart of Gold Country where thriving Gold Rush towns put the region on the map. Here, you'll meet real life cowboys and cattle ranchers. Sadly, none I could take home to mum. After 10 hours on an Aer Lingus flight direct from Dublin to San Francisco, we travel around three hours to Sonora, the largest town in Tuolumne County. This quaint town offers a glimpse into the past with their preserved saloons, historic buildings and museums. Our first stop is bedtime. We arrived at The Inn on Knowles Hill, a gorgeous boutique bed and breakfast hotel overlooking the town of Sonora. It's been 14 hours since I last saw Ireland and I was looking forward to my bed. We were immediately greeted by owner Rhonda Buess, who runs this charming hotel with her vintage car obsessed husband couple have been married since 1992 and have spent over $1M renovating The Inn on Knowles Hill - and boy, does it show. The Inn is 12,500 square feet of home away from home. I've never slept in a bed with the softest of pillows and the most comfortable mattress. It was so big, I joked I'd need a ladder to climb in. After a peaceful night's sleep, it was time for breakfast. But this was no grab and go situation – I was in America now. For every guest, Rhona prepares a two-course breakfast that sets you up for the day. For our first course, Rhonda served us organic bosc pear poached in cardamom spice, filled with vanilla bean creme with raspberry coulis and toasted almonds. Our second course arrives – Aebleskivers (Danish pancakes) served traditionally with raspberry jam and Chantilly cream. The dish was accompanied with Knowles Hill eggs florentine, a recipe designed at The Inn and some turkey bacon. The food isn't the only thing that kept us talking on our trip – The Inn is steeped in history. Rhonda tells me: "The house was built in 1927 for a Swedish man called Charles Segerstrom. He had stock in the West in a lumber company. He was president of Royal Bank. He had hotels in San Francisco, but his primary money making was from mining.' Rhonda explains that each of the eight rooms at The Inn are all named after the famous people who have stayed there, including President Herbert Hoover, Supreme Court Justice, Earl Warren, Helen Keller, Ruth Bryan Owen and Melvin Belli. 'We've even had Motley Crew," she boasted. Most people who buy a hotel nowadays want to modernise it – but Rhonda and Fred wanted to restore it back to the roaring 20s. They are the third owners and bought the house in 2005. The previous owners had decorated it hot pink. "We opened in 2012. It took about seven years to get ourselves established.' Guests are not only treated to Rhonda's excellent cooking skills but they will also be accompanied by Fred downtown in one of his vintage cars. He owns several vintage Rolls Royce's which he proudly shows off out the front of this charming must stay hotel. After a peaceful night's sleep, we took a trip to Railtown 1897 State Historic Park where we met train enthusiast Daniel train station welcomed the first steam train back in 1897 to crowds of 5,000 and is a hit with fourth graders on school tours. From April until October, the train station runs excursion train rides as well as The Polar Express, which runs in November and December and "always sells out," said Daniel. The station was also home to some of Hollywood's 200 famous films, including High Noon, Back To The Future III and Petticoat Junction. 'Locomotive No.3 is by far the most famous here. She's been in more movies and TV shows than in Hollywood. Hollywood loved it. It has a classic style and it's cute. Sonora is also home to Columbia's State Historic Park, which is another hit with kids. But for the adults too, the western themed town features plenty of restaurants and bars to keep cool from the Californian sun. After digging for some gold at Columbia, thirsty travellers can head to Indigeny Reserve to sample some cider from the local sits on a stunning 160-acre preserve and apple orchard and is a hit with locals, especially on Valentine's Day. Our tour guide Cassandra takes us through the fruits of their labour from this family run business, which employs just 12 people, and was started by retired couple Jay and Judy Watson. Cassandra brings us through the process of harvesting the apples from their 30,000 trees. 'When we are harvesting our apples, we are harvesting over 52 varieties. 'Each year is different, depending on the seasons, whether we get a lot of water, whether our blossoms did great that year, we can range about 300,000 pounds of apples to a million pounds of apples. And so when we're harvesting, we harvest everything, even the imperfectly, perfect apples. This whole entire range here we have about 30,000 trees.' As well as feeding the cider thirsty customers, Indigeny feeds a plethora of wildlife from harvested apples that hit the orchard a day of tours, we head downtown – courtesy of Fred in the Rolls Royce – and arrive in style at a local dive bar, where my colleague hustles a few unsuspecting locals in a game of pool. The next day, we leave Sonora and head to Yosemite National Park for two days hiking. Yosemite is well worth a visit for any traveller who loves the outdoors. It's an hour and a half from Sonora and the views are breathtaking along the way. The side of the park we're exploring is the road less travelled. We met our tour guide Gabriel for a two-hour hike to Hetch Hetchy – an hour and a half from the popular Yosemite Valley. Hetch Hetchy, whose reservoir supplies the water for all of San Francisco, is a hidden treasure that lies in the northwest portion of Yosemite National Park. It's a jaw-dropping trail, way less crowded than other areas of the park, and is a perfect weekend backpacking trip for any level of experience. It sees fewer than 100 visitors a day, compared to the 19,000 day tourists to Yosemite Valley. And to rest your tired legs after, there's Rush Creek's Lodge and Spa. The hotel is the newest Yosemite spa resort, featuring incredible indoor and outdoor spa elements inspired by the natural beauty and power of Yosemite. But for those who prefer to sleep under the stars – Evergreen Lodge Yosemite is the perfect spot and just 20 minutes from Hetch Hetchy. Pick from family cabins, glamping tents or couples cabins – but be warned those who glamp need to remember the dress for the elements for bed. It gets very cold at night in Yosemite. Evergreen Lodge also offers all guests complimentary smores for that real American experience as well as heated saltwater pool and hot tub amongst the pines. The next day, we headed for the Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias for a blissful two-hour hike amongst the two dozen mature giant sequoias. This strenuous walk is worthwhile when you come across these giants in the middle of the forest. After our hike, we head for a quick lunch stop at Around The Horn for a tasty American Hot Dog. And to quench your thirst, this bar offers a beer flight so customers can explore all the bar's different craft beers on offer. We head back on the road to shake our tail feathers on the last stop of the trip – The Chicken Ranch Casino. This casino underwent a massive $400 million renovation and caters to all your entertainment needs. It's non-smoking and its general manager Todd DeRemer spent 14 years of his working life managing a casino in Las Vegas, so he decided to bring his 33 years' experience in the gaming industry back to North America. The Chicken Ranch Casino also features a 209 Sports bar with 3D video aspect all around – it is the only one in North America as well as a Wahlburger – the second one in California and sales are eighth in the entire nation. Forget heading to Vegas, this hotel, which opened in July 2024, has 197 eggceptional rooms with 22 suites – including one called The Mother Pucker that features a golden chicken that players rub for good luck before heading downstairs to gamble. 'About 70 percent of people who stay at the hotel are players,' says Todd as he reveals the casino had two massive wins in March. One jackpot was $863,000 and the other for $823,000. The Chicken Ranch Casino also has a stunning Fine Dining restaurant called Perch Rooftop Dining and also has a shallow pool, which will host major parties in the future. For my first time back to America in 25 years, this was the perfect reintroduction as an adult exploring. Yosemite was definitely a highlight of the trip, and I look forward to returning again.
Irish Examiner
30-05-2025
- Irish Examiner
Voyages beyond the ordinary
Luxury cruise travel is among the most enriching ways to explore the world. A celebration of slow travel and multi-destination exploration, cruise holidays are designed for those who want to experience more, with variety and ease, in a more relaxed way to see the world. With Oroko Travel, Ireland's leading luxury travel specialists, you'll not only enjoy an opulent voyage but also chart your own course with an itinerary tailored entirely to you. From pre- and post-cruise stays to private excursions and cultural experiences, Oroko Travel's expert team tailors every detail. 'Today's traveller wants to reset and reconnect,' says Brendan Breen, managing director at Oroko Travel. 'It's not about doing more, but doing it the right way, in a sequence that makes sense, with experiences that feel truly personal.' 'Our clients expect the same care and precision at sea that they receive on land,' Breen continues. 'That's why we partner with luxury providers like Silversea, because their on-board experience mirrors our own commitment to bespoke luxury.' In partnership with the world's leading cruise providers, Oroko has curated a selection of tailored voyages, inviting you to discover the world on your doorstep. Cruise Alaska's icy waterways in Silversea luxury Witness incredible moments of nature, like a long grizzly standing in the river at sunset, framed by dramatic mountains Few places on Earth rival Alaska for scale and spectacle. Where thunderous glaciers crash into the sea, whales breach in icy bays, and eagles soar above indigenous forests. In partnership with Silversea, Oroko has tailored a luxury expedition cruise holiday to Alaska where the cinematic drama of the landscape is matched only by the detail of world-class service. The journey begins in Anchorage, continuing by car or rail along the Turnagain Arm, one of North America's most scenic coastal routes, before boarding the cruise in Seward. Over the coming days, guests sail southward toward Vancouver, passing mighty fiords and along the face of the Hubbard Glacier. They trace Gold Rush stories in Skagway, kayak past the blue walls of Mendenhall Glacier, and experience the Tlingit culture and totem pole heritage of Ketchikan. The journey ends in Vancouver, a cosmopolitan city that beautifully bridges wilderness and worldliness. This route is a favourite among Oroko customers for good reason. It delivers grandeur and authenticity in equal measure. Oroko enhance each trip with thoughtful extras, whether that's a guided biking tour in Vancouver, a wildlife excursion in Anchorage or a post-cruise rail journey into the Rockies. Timeless Mekong: Vietnam and Cambodia by river For those drawn to culture and colour, a luxury Mekong river cruise holiday offers a spellbinding journey through southeast Asia. Here, life is lived on the water; fishermen cast nets at sunrise, children wave from sampans, monks chant in golden temples. Partnering with Uniworld, Oroko offers an immersive experience that begins in Ho Chi Minh City and meanders through the storied Mekong Delta, ending with a cultural deep-dive into Angkor Wat and historic Hanoi. Experience boutique luxury on the water, with Uniworld's beautifully appointed ships offering elegant dining, attentive service and indulgent spa treatments. Stay in luxury suite accommodation on the water, with spacious terraces and elegant interiors Your travel specialist will personalise your journey with thoughtfully tailored experiences: perhaps a private food tour by Vespa through the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An, a guided sunrise visit to Angkor Wat, or a few days of barefoot luxury on the beaches of Phu Quoc. Forests, fiords and fairy-tale towns In Norway, nature is the protagonist. Towering fiords, alpine peaks and storybook towns create a backdrop unlike anywhere else. In the summer months, there's a particular kind of magic to Norway. 'The light stretches long into the night, the air feels fresh and clean, and when travelling by water, you can see a whole spectrum of landscapes in just a few days,' says Breen. Experience the cinematic beauty of Norway's landscapes by luxury cruise including Sognefjordan and Bergen, the city of the Seven Mountains Oroko has partnered with Silversea to offer two tailored Nordic voyages: one beginning in Bergen, the other in Copenhagen. Both journeys celebrate Alpine beauty, Viking heritage and true, Nordic wilderness. Each holiday can be personalised to reflect the client's interests. 'With no two holidays the same, you get to experience the Norway that's uniquely yours,' says Breen. 'Some clients want back-to-back excursions; others prefer a gentler pace. We account for all of that. It's what makes the experience truly bespoke.' Egypt: Cruising the treasures of the Nile From the mighty pyramids to the mummified remains of King Tutankhamun, Egypt holds a spellbinding history To cruise the river Nile is to journey back in time – to an era of ancient pharaohs, queens and the Great Sphinx. Oroko tailors luxury cruise holidays in Egypt that combine private land touring with an intimate river voyage, guided by expert Egyptologists and hosted aboard elegant, small-capacity ships. Your boutique accommodation on the water offers the perfect balance of cultural discoveries and relaxation The journey begins in Cairo, with visits to the Great Pyramid and the Egyptian Museum, before continuing to Alexandria and then on to the Nile by way of Luxor or Aswan. Over four leisurely nights, travellers explore temples, tombs and sacred riverbanks. Each element of the journey is finely tuned, says Brendan. 'It's the ideal balance of depth and relaxation,' he says. 'You cover extraordinary ground, but with time to absorb and reflect.' For those seeking a beach element, Oroko can also arrange a stay along the Red Sea, ideal for unwinding at the end of a culture-rich itinerary. For adventure seekers, Oroko tailor luxury Cruise holidays to destinations like Greenland (above), Antarctica and Alaska These four journeys offer just a glimpse into Oroko Travel's tailored cruise portfolio. Whether you're dreaming of the Mediterranean, Antarctica, the Indian Ocean or further afield, the expert team can design your ideal luxury cruise holiday, anywhere in the world. With sailings available globally through 2025, 2026 and beyond, let Oroko tailor your next voyage. Visit call 01 2600 240 or email info@
Irish Examiner
02-05-2025
- Irish Examiner
A journey through colour and contrast
India. For every word that tries to define it — bold, vibrant, chaotic — there are others that offer quiet contrast: spiritual, peaceful, grounding. One moment, you're weaving through rickshaws in the pulse of the city; the next, drifting across a mirror-still lake in perfect silence. It's this tension, this beautiful duality, that makes India so captivating. But to truly experience its depth, you need a thoughtful, considered approach. That's where Oroko Travel comes in. Ireland's leading luxury travel specialists, Oroko craft bespoke journeys that reveal the soul of a destination, with insider access, seamless logistics, and an eye for extraordinary moments. A gentle introduction to the south For first-time visitors, Kerala offers the gentlest welcome. Nicknamed God's Own Country, it's an India that moves to a slower rhythm, one of drifting houseboats, palm-fringed canals, and calm, sun-drenched days. 'You come expecting sensory overload,' says Oroko Travel designer Aisling O'Carroll, 'but what greets you is calm. Kerala is a soft introduction to India.' Mornings begin with masala chai and the sight of fishermen casting nets from long wooden boats. Children splash and swim to escape the heat. With Oroko, time is designed to move at your pace, from Ayurvedic massages to sunset yoga sessions, this is where wellness and warmth meet. 'For anyone nervous about India's intensity, it's the perfect place to start,' Aisling adds. It's also a haven for food lovers. 'Fresh fruit, home-made yoghurt, Keralan pancakes, it's a breakfast of champions,' says Oroko managing director, Brendan Breen. 'Our children still talk about visiting the spice farm, picking vanilla pods, then seeing those ingredients transformed in a cooking demo that evening. It was unforgettable.' Discover India's cities through local eyes Embrace the incredible smells, colours and the wonderful people of India's cities. As you venture north, India turns up the volume. The colours, the sounds, the sheer energy. It's exhilarating. 'There's definitely more culture shock up north,' Aisling says, 'but it's also where you find some of the most rewarding moments.' With Oroko, you don't just see the cities, you're immersed in them. Local guides open doors to moments tourists rarely encounter: wandering quiet laneways, tasting street food where locals gather, exploring flower markets bursting with colour and scent. One unforgettable highlight for Aisling was watching the sun rise over the Taj Mahal. 'Photos can't prepare you. That morning light hitting the marble, the quiet, and our guide's stories, it all came together. You realise how powerful that place really is.' In Udaipur, she was welcomed into a miniature artist's home for a private lesson. 'He didn't speak English, and I couldn't speak Hindi, but we sat in companionable silence, painting with brushes made from squirrel hairs. It was magic. I'll treasure that little painting forever.' Crafted for connection Oroko tailor experiences that offer an authentic glimpse into India's rich culture. How you experience a place matters as much as what you see. Oroko journeys are shaped by local knowledge, expert guides and drivers who know the stories behind every stone and street. Partnering with India's most exceptional hotels, Oroko ensures each stay is as enriching as the destination itself. 'India provides hospitality like nowhere else,' says Brendan. 'The moment you arrive, you're welcomed like family. These hotels are havens of calm within the joyful chaos of the cities.' Your journey, your way No two Oroko holidays are the same. Whether you dream of tracking tigers in Ranthambore, meditating in Varanasi, or escaping to the Himalayan foothills, every itinerary is tailored entirely to you. So lean in. Let go. And trust that the unexpected will lead to something extraordinary. When you're ready to explore India in all its richness, call Oroko on 01 2600 240 or email info@ For more inspiration, visit
