Where in the World is Bev? 

October 2021

March 2019

Redefining Immersion – Bringing the Cultural and Spiritual Together Seamlessly on Tour
By Beverly Marshall-Luney of Platinum Tours International and Adam Greis of Central Holidays

Today’s travelers have an insatiable desire to immerse themselves within the places they wish to explore in every way. It’s no secret that the experiences people have are the cornerstone of what makes their travels unforgettable.  In particular, when it comes to Holy Land, it’s life-changing. This trip is about far more than taking pictures in front of monuments – it’s a physical, emotional, personal and spiritual change that happens to travelers on immersion-focused itineraries. 

To enable travelers to live a truly immersive journey, the key is to have them experience the culture and see how that ties into historical and biblical teachings, as well as modern day life. 

Immersive Travel Defined

In a nutshell, immersive travel is about experiencing firsthand cultural interchanges. The cultural immersion part is the priority – from experiencing the Sabbath and personal exchanges with a Jewish family and interactive walking tours in the markets where travelers can sample fresh farm-to-table foods, to visiting a Kibbutz communal living area and wine tasting in Kidron Valley.  It’s these experiences that take travelers deeper into the kaleidoscope of each place visited on their Holy Land trip and helps them to understand how every element relates to the history and religious significance of this sacred land. 

Tying it all together, by taking travelers to places that they have only read about in books or taking them to live the places mentioned in biblical references, is a revelation that refreshes and renews the spirit – such as seeing the spot up close where Moses received the Ten Commandments. 

Knowledge is power

The ideal immersive travel program actually commences long before sojourners even depart their home town. Instead of just reading an itinerary, helping travelers understand the history of each place they will visit beforehand – via DVDs, news, books, and personal stories – offers them an unparalleled perspective that you can see illuminates them as travelers journey along. For example, in teaching travelers about the Old City in Jerusalem, and that each gate has a different meaning, it adds a level of enrichment to understand why people enter via a particular gate. Or upon they visiting Masada, travelers love to know what happened during the time of Herod, and also how and why it is being used today. 

A Model Immersive Holy Land Travel Program

While groups generally fly into Tel Aviv, a popular option is to head directly to Tiberias and start an immersive adventure in the Northernmost Part of the Holy Land. The program ventures down through the Golan Heights, then the Sea of Galilee where Jesus palmed the water and where Peter and the fishermen were. Then travelers visit Capernaum and venture into Jerusalem, before exploring Bethlehem and Nazareth.  It’s a continual walk, the same way Jesus walked through The Holy Land in a progression southward. 

The journey continues on to The Dead Sea for a look at The Dead Sea Scrolls and to enjoy the therapeutic, high saline waters before heading on to Masada, where Herod’s summer palace was located before the Jews took over after the death of Christ. Then travelers set off across the bridge of Jordan into the country to visit the lost city of Petra. On the religious and spiritual side, each step of an immersive Holy Land program should really bring the bible alive. Travelers visit the actual area on the River Jordan where John the Baptist baptized Jesus, and can even have an actual baptism there, bringing  more religious depth into the program. Then the group heads to Jericho where Joshua marched along the walls and the walls fell down. 

From Armageddon, Mount Carmel, the fields where people are still raising their sheep in the way they did thousands of years ago,  Jewish rabbis walking to the Wailing Wall, and young people on cell phones and social media, travelers see the juxtaposition of old and new at every turn.

In essence, immersion-focused Holy Land trips present a whole new dimension and firsthand experience – where culture, history and religion all come together seamlessly – and ultimately participants gain a whole different look and perspective of what the Holy Land is and why it is also the Promised land. 

December 2018

December 2017

December 2016

September 2016

Time flies when you’re having fun exploring and discovering the world. In September, we stopped to catch our breath and celebrate the Anniversary, Company Rebranding & Debut of the 2017 Calendar of Cultural Immersion Destinations of Platinum Tours International. Bev’s mentor and lifelong friend, Larry Pino hosted a reception at his home. More than 100 clients and friends gathered to raise their glasses to mark the special occasion and reminisce about the memorable adventures they experienced with Platinum Tours International. Click here to view the happy occasion.

January 2016

Happy New Year Smart and Savvy World Travel Adventurers!

This is a very special time for Platinum Tours International because this is when we debut our 2016 Calendar of Destinations and the popular Where in the World escorted Educational Cultural Immersion touring program.

We are also thrilled to announce that this year we have the opportunity to work with another talented student from Rollins College, which is consistently ranked as Number 1 among the Best Colleges in the South by the U.S. News and World Report.

I am proud to introduce the newest addition to the Platinum Tours International team, Jared Weiner, a senior honor student and varsity athlete majoring in International Communication. The priority of this Internship is to enhance our Social Media and Communications program.  

Jared will be reaching out to you to gain insights into your travel Bucket List, share information on emerging exotic locations as well as current trends in international travel and tourism. Please respond to him when he reaches out you for your input and participation. His work will help us know what you are thinking and help us serve you better.

Thank you again for your continued support.  

March 2016

You asked, we listened …then we sought after and found the best Tour Supplier in the Travel Business to create an incredible experience in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).  With great pride, Platinum Tours International announced an exciting partnership with Asian Vistas, The Isram World Portfolio of Brands. 

Discover one of the world’s most exhilarating destinations — where tradition meets ambition and creativity, Dubai & Abu Dhabi.   The UAE is renowned for its futuristic architecture yet these visionary cities proudly display their rich heritage, traditions & customs, captivating culture, astounding wealth & lifestyles, and generously share their centuries-old Bedouin hospitality. 

The tour included 10 days & 9 nights in deluxe accommodations.  Guests  had the option of choosing a Land-Only or Land & Air package courtesy of Emirates Airlines, the official airline of the UAE. This innovative, creative cultural immersion itinerary was personally customized for Platinum Tours International, LLC for the smart & savvy adventurers. 

July 2015

Yes, We Were There!!! at the US Interest Sections for a briefing when President Obama made the Rose Garden announcement of the re-opening of the US and Cuban Embassies.

This session took place almost simultaneously as the Ambassador Jeffrey DeLaurentis delivered the letter to Raul Castro at the Cuban Foreign Ministry, indicating converting missions known as interest sections in the countries' respective capitals into full embassies as the first step toward normalization of relations between the US and Cuba.

After the Chief of Mission, Ambassador DeLaurentis delivered the formal US documents, he joined our briefing to share his enthusiasm for this long-awaited initial step toward renewed diplomatic relations after more than 50 years.

We are convinced that it was a true blessing from God that Platinum Tours International's People-to-People, Educational, Cultural Immersion tour was scheduled for this exact day and time!

Special thanks to my friend and fellow traveler, Harriet Elam-Thomas, retired US Ambassador & Director of Diplomacy Program, UCF,  for scheduling this historic event.

March 2015

Platinum Tours International & TRIPWING partner to give clients access to building their ultimate vacation

Beverly Marshall-Luney and Jean Clarkson Butler are proud to announce that Platinum Tours International, LLC has been chosen to partner with Tripwing.com to offer our clients a varied assortment of travel opportunities.  “Working with the US Tour Operators Association (USTOA) and the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA), we have built out a database of thousands of tours from dozens of the best operators in the world”,  Eric Tanner, Founder and CEO, TRIPWING.
This extraordinary collaboration enables us to help turn your bucket list travel dreams into lifelong memories.   Now you are able to view amazing locations around the globe to create your ultimate personalized vacation adventure.  Click here to get started planning your own adventure. 
Another amazing feature offered to our smart and savvy adventurers!!

September 2014

Bev & Jean thanked their clients for their support since their launch six months ago (click here to view letter), and debuted their Calendar of Destination Offers for 2015. Go to the Destinations tab for a complete list of their favorite places for next year!!

August 2014

"Where in the World are Bev & Jean?" these adventurers explored Portugal's beautiful countryside and learned about the Iberian Influences and history of Lisbon, Cascais, Sintra, Coimbra and Porto before cruising around the Atlantic Ocean to Cadiz/Seville, North Africa's Casablanca, through the Strait of Gibraltar, to Spain's Malaga, Cartagena, Ibiza, Valencia & Barcelona. Click here to view their slide show.

July 2014

Beverly Marshall-Luney was named to the Board of Directors of United Arts of Central Florida. Click here for more information.

June 2014

Just returning from Platinum's Inaugural Tour, Bev took more than 1,000 pictures during the journey. Partnering with her good friend and premiere lifestyle photographer Karen Smutz, they were able to capture the highlights of this exciting tour/voyage. Click here to view the slide show of the June 2014 Tour.

March/April 2014

Beverly Marshall-Luney was featured in March/April issue of Orange Appeal. The article showcases five women "with remarkable stories who share thoughts on transformation, motivation and inspiration to achieve their dream life."

March 1, 2014

Platinum Tours International officially debuts company and launches comprehensive web site. Click here to view the photo slideshow of the launch reception and festivities.