Sights and Soul Travels, a tour operator specializing in travel programs for women, released its 2013 lineup of tours to 26 destinations, including the Amazon, South Africa (with Zimbabwe/Victoria Falls extension), Egypt (with Jordan/Petra extension), Vietnam (with Cambodia/Angkor Wat extension), Washington, D.C., New York, Portugal, Spain, Greece, France, Croatia, Poland, Prague, Austria, Iceland, Ireland, England, Italy (five separate tours including Venice and the Lakes, Tuscany, Rome, Amalfi Coast, and Sicily), Turkey, Morocco, Argentina and Germany's Christmas Markets. The company's founder, Yolanta Barnes, will join some of the tours.

“Our tours go beyond the usual 'drive-by' visit and offer an in-depth approach to the world's culture and history,” said Barnes. “The tours we create do not feature the typical tourist spots and they allow women to truly immerse themselves in the world's best destinations. Our tours are geared for those women from all walks of life who appreciate history, art, people, adventure and great food.”

Barnes points out that women travel differently than men. Many women wait until they have achieved in their careers, gotten married and had children who are grown before they take the time for themselves. When they do finally travel, they want to do so in a safe, relaxed, and friendly atmosphere.

The Sights and Soul Travels website posts in-depth information about the itinerary and the tour inclusions, as well as lists of recommended reading related to the destinations visited in the tours. Reading recommendations include not only guidebooks, but novels and other books that relate to the tour. On most Sights and Soul Travels tours, participants change hotels only once. While at a boutique city hotel or spa resort, women will have enough time to become familiar with their surroundings and take side trips.

            "When you are on a Sights and Soul Travels tour," said Barnes, "you will have the opportunity to discover your own personal passions whether they be studying Titian artwork or photographing wildflowers. You can choose to wander aimlessly for as long as you want or simply slow down, relax and just be.”

Prices for a Sights and Soul Travels vacation start from $1,395 per person land only for a five-day/four-night Arts and Politics in Washington, D.C. tour during the Cherry Blossom Festival, April 14 to 18, 2013, and from $1,895 for a six-day/five-night Amazon Expedition, Jan. 7 to 12, 2013. The company does not sell airfare. There is currently space available on a number of 2012 tours including those to Prague, Morocco, and Germany's Christmas Markets. The company has been in operation since 2004.