ABOUT CIRCA TOURS

Circa Tours, a division of Circa Terras, Inc., is a California-based travel planning organization specializing in cultural tours and river and canal cruises in France, Spain and Portugal. It's a small company that believes in the art of traveling well and focuses on the discovery of local culture and heritage. Our tours appeal to those who appreciate personal touch, customized itineraries and our hands-on approach to the travel business.

The company was founded and is operated by Pierre and Carolyn Mainguené, both seasoned world travelers.

Pierre was born, raised and educated in the French province of Brittany. As a native, he loves everything about France, of course: the history, the arts, the lifestyle, the food, the wines and the endless diversity of local cultures. He has traveled to nearly every corner of the country and continues his journey of discovery every year - sometimes twice a year. (If nothing else, he needs to visit his family once in a while.)

Carolyn first went to France on a Rotary fellowship. This generous grant allowed her to spend a full academic year at the Université de Haute-Bretagne in Rennes, the capital of Brittany. She discovered many aspects of France that year, including her husband! Since then, she has gone back many times with Pierre and members of her family to explore new areas of the country.

Pierre and Carolyn also have a very strong affinity for Spain, its culture and its heritage. This may stem from Spanish language and literature classes they took in high school and college. But it most certainly is a result of the many trips they have taken to all regions of this fascinating country over the years.

"We can't get enough of Spain!" they say. So they keep going back every year - and for good reason: How can you beat the world-class El Prado Museum, vibrant Barcelona, mysterious Andalusia and the bountiful vineyards of La Rioja as first-rate tour destinations?

To crystallize his feelings about both countries, Pierre wrote a couple of articles describing his youth in France and his various encounters with Spain. Take a moment to read them. They are uniquely personal. We think you will find them fun and informative.

 

Portugal, of course, is a natural addition offering wonderful cultural sites and spectacular scenery, from the Algarve to the Douro River Valley.

Pierre is a Travel-Institute certified France Specialist and Spain Specialist. Both Pierre and Carolyn are certified Portugal Specialists. They would love to help you plan your next tour or cruise.

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