Anastasia Cate

Johnstown, CO
Luxury Travel and River Cruise Professional

Hi there! I’m Anastasia Cate, founder of VistaVenture Escapes LLC and a travel advisor who believes that every journey should feel both effortless and extraordinary. I specialize in small ship cruises and luxury travel experiences that are deeply ...
Learn more about me.

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 Through these discussions, members begin to feel the layers of the land, understanding the locations, historical references, and cultural nuances that bring the story to life.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 Albums

Ireland October 2024
Cliffs of Moher

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

Wonderful and easy trip with the kids
Anastasia is very responsive, pleasant and helpful. She got every reservation I requested and had helpful tips for us. She was essential to having an organized trip where we were able to enjoy our time and see most of every theme park.
By  Jess  from  Millbury, MA
Traveled to  Florida | USA
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Was this review helpful to you? YES | NO
Wonderful resource for our family trip!
I have lovingly started referring to Anastasia as my "Disney Mom". From Day 1, she was able to give us thorough and detailed information, as well as resources for us to learn more She took care of booking everything we wanted to do (gold star for advanced dining reservations at 4 in the morning!), and also gave us honest feedback on areas to deprioritize in order to make every dollar count. Every question, no matter how big or small, was answered in a timely manner. If she didn't already know the answer (usually the case), she went to her sources and found it for us. By the time our departure dat arrived, we felt confident and prepared to have the best vacation possible, and we did!
By  Meghann  from  Berthoud
Traveled to  Florida | USA
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Was this review helpful to you? YES | NO
Best Surprise Trip with Friends Ever!
Anastasia was a dream to work with. She not only help me plan a group trip seamlessly but went the extra mile by communicating with the other people separately as my husband didn't know our friends were coming. I gave her parameters of what we wanted in an all-inclusive and she found the perfect place for all our needs. She even set up our transfers to and from the airport in Mexico. It was the easiest trip I have ever had. I didn't worry about anything because she was so on top of the details and making sure we had all the info even before I asked. I will definitely use Anastasia again.
By  Catherine  from  Longmont, CO
Traveled to  Cancun | Quintana Roo | Mexico
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Was this review helpful to you? YES | NO
Awesome Anniversary
Anastasia guided every aspect of our vacation, from securing airfare to ground transportation to resort extras like a rollaway bed to excursions to how much to tip. Her expertise saved us money and allowed for a stress free trip.
By  Larissa  from  Erie, CO
Traveled to  Puerto Morelos | Quintana Roo | Mexico
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Was this review helpful to you? YES | NO
Great Experience
Anastasia was wonderful, she answered all my questions. Was great about making suggestions . Took time to listen about what was important for us on our Disney trip! Went out of her way to make sure our experience was great!!
By  Summer  from  Berthoud, CO
Traveled to  Walt Disney World | Florida | USA
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Was this review helpful to you? YES | NO
Go to my main profile

Destination Expert:

  • Ireland
  • Killarney
  • Dublin
  • Waterford

Travel Specialist:

  • Groups
  • Adult Only
  • Family Vacations
  • Celebration Travel

Connect with Me:

Industry Affiliations:

© 2025 Travel Leaders Group