Anastasia Cate

Johnstown, CO
Luxury Travel and River Cruise Professional

Hello, and welcome! I’m delighted to share a bit of my story with you. For nearly five years, I've been crafting unforgettable luxury vacations that transform dreams into lifelong memories.

My journey into the travel industry began with a n...
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A New Way to Experience Ireland

A Jaunty Ride by a Castle
A Jaunty Ride by a Castle

Creating The Book Club by VistaVenture Escapes felt like a natural next step in sharing my love for Ireland’s charm and magic. This isn’t just a book club where we read a novel and move on; it’s a journey that allows readers to dive deeply into a story’s world and then step into that world through travel. Imagine reading a book set against the lush, rolling hills of Ireland, where characters walk the same cobblestone streets you’ll soon wander. It’s a way to make stories tangible, turning pages into pathways.


The adventure begins with a carefully chosen book or series, typically one that captures the essence of Ireland—its landscapes, its folklore, or its vibrant culture. We’ll gather online, in a cozy virtual book club environment, to read and discuss the story together. Each chapter becomes an invitation to learn more about Ireland’s history, its people, and its unique spirit. Through these discussions, members begin to feel the layers of the land, understanding the locations, historical references, and cultural nuances that bring the story to life.


But the experience doesn’t stop at reading. For those who want to take their journey a step further, I’ll lead a curated trip to Ireland, visiting the very places we’ve been imagining through the author’s words. For example, we might travel to Dublin, where characters walk the lively streets and visit landmarks that play key roles in the story. Standing in front of Trinity College or exploring the alleys of Temple Bar, book club members can feel the pulse of the city, just as the characters did.


One of the most magical parts of this adventure is the opportunity to visit lesser-known, hidden spots that only locals would know. Maybe there’s a small, tucked-away pub in Galway that inspired a scene in the book, or a remote stretch of countryside that embodies the landscape described in vivid detail. With each stop, members will see the places that shaped the story, feeling a kinship with the characters as they walk in their footsteps.


In Waterford, we could tour the city, learning about its Viking origins and how this heritage impacts its identity. We’d visit the Waterford Crystal Factory, witnessing the artistry that’s woven into Ireland’s history and culture. For books with mystical or historical themes, we might even visit ancient sites like Newgrange or the Hill of Tara, where history and legend intertwine, much like they often do in Irish literature. These experiences provide layers of meaning to the stories we read, bridging the gap between imagination and reality.


For the adventurous spirit, we could even recreate experiences from the book. Imagine taking a jaunty ride in Killarney as our characters did, or hiking along the Cliffs of Moher, feeling the winds that sweep across the cliffs as waves crash against the rocks below. Crossing the River Shannon on a ferry, much like Ireland’s residents have done for centuries, becomes a way of connecting with both the past and the characters we’ve come to know.


Each trip would be a balance of literary exploration and cultural immersion, with time for members to experience the local culture firsthand. From trying traditional Irish dishes at authentic local spots to sharing a pint at a historic pub, each activity adds to the richness of the journey. Our discussions from the book club would come alive over dinner, sharing perspectives on the book while savoring dishes that the characters themselves might have enjoyed.


To make the experience even more unique, there’s the potential to meet the author of the book we’ve read. This would be a rare and intimate opportunity for members to ask questions, hear firsthand about the inspirations behind the story, and gain insight into the creative process. Meeting the person who crafted the world we’ve immersed ourselves in adds a personal touch, making the story feel even more alive. Imagine the joy of standing with the author at a site described in the book, listening as they share what it felt like to create that scene.


The goal of The Book Club by VistaVenture Escapes isn’t just to visit Ireland; it’s to experience it in a way that feels deeply personal and connected to the stories we love. It’s about creating memories that blend literature with reality, crafting moments that participants will carry with them long after the trip is over. By traveling together, we form bonds over our shared experiences—both on the page and in the world. Each journey becomes a new chapter in our own lives, with Ireland as the binding thread that connects us all.


With each trip, I hope to share Ireland not only as a destination but as a character in its own right, one that lives and breathes in the pages of its literature and in the hearts of those who visit. Through this book club adventure, members don’t just get to read about Ireland—they get to feel it, live it, and leave with stories of their own.

My Travel Stories

Exploring Ireland's Beauty

My journey through Ireland began in Dublin, a city pulsing with energy, history, and a modern edge that somehow manages to blend seamlessly with its old-world charm. Walking along the River Liffey, I felt the city’s heartbeat, alive with buskers on Grafton Street, laughter spilling from pubs, and...Read more.

My Reviews

Babymoon
Overall we had a great experience! Anastasia helped book our honeymoon so it was perfect to have her help with our babymoon. She is always so kind and helpful when you have questions. She emails you back right away. She also had all of our excursions and documents printed and mailed to us prior to our trip, which made me feel really prepared. You can tell she really enjoys what she does and wants you to have a great time. Would recommend her to anyone!
By  Haley S  from  Grand Junction, CO
Traveled to  Cancun ~ Quintana Roo ~ Mexico
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends

Anastasia Cate responded:
Thank you so much for your kind words and for trusting me with not just one, but two special milestones in your life! It was such a joy helping you plan your babymoon, and I’m so glad to hear you felt prepared for your trip. I truly love what I do, and knowing I could contribute to your special memories means the world to me. Thank you for your recommendation—I hope we can plan many more adventures for your growing family in the future!

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Best trip of our lifes, thanks to Anastania
Anastasia is a true professional. All details of our trip were handled and documented completely. This attention to detail made our 40t Anniversary Cruise the best trip we have ever been on. I would recommend Anastasia to all, you will not be disappointed.
By  E & R  from  Berthoud Co
Traveled to  Greece ~ Europe
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends

Anastasia Cate responded:
It was pleasure to work with the two of you to plan your 40th anniversary trip and I am thrilled that it turned into the best trip you have been on so far! Thank you for sharing this.

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Ticket to Ride
Very good.
By  Dave  from  Delmar, NY
Traveled to  Portugal ~ Europe
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends

Anastasia Cate responded:
Thank you!

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Destination Expert:

  • Ireland
  • Killarney
  • Dublin
  • Waterford

Travel Specialist:

  • Groups
  • Adult Only
  • Family Vacations
  • Celebration Travel

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