Your Journey. Our Expertise.™
Go beyond the typical tourist paths and fleeting snapshots. Experience cultural immersion and hand-picked adventures with small groups and unforgettable stories.
Travel with purpose, depth, and heart.
At Emerald Travel Group, we specialize in creating meaningful, culturally rich journeys for families, small groups, and curious travelers who want more than just a vacation. Led by seasoned guide Katja Silverå, each trip is designed with care, connection, and over 30 years of global experience.
Not your usual ride. Not your usual trip. With Emerald Travel Group, even a sleigh run becomes a journey.
Watch full video:
Courtesy: Katja Silverå
Working with us is an easy 3-step process:
Step 1. Let’s Talk Travel
Complete the 'Adventure Questionnaire' and book your complimentary consultation. Let’s bring your travel dreams to life — whether it's a relaxing retreat, an adventurous escape, or a cultural immersion.
Step 2: We Get to Work
We craft a custom itinerary based on your goals, values, and travel style. You review and refine it with us (if needed) until every element aligns perfectly with your desires. A deposit is required at this stage to secure our time and expertise in tailoring your trip.
3. The Green Light & The Happy Dance
Once you approve your itinerary, you get to sit back, relax, and start counting down the days (perhaps even get a head start on your packing—here is a link [coming soon] to some of our favorite travel gear) to your journey.
Meanwhile, we handle all logistics — from accommodations to transportation, special experiences, and beyond — your trip will be stress-free, intentional, and filled with heart.
Your Journey. Our Expertise.™
--
Once you've filled out the Adventure Questionnaire, proceed in booking your complimentary 30-minute consultation. We look forward to chatting about your next adventure!
Hello and Aloha! I’m Katja Silverå, the founder of Emerald Travel Group, where we specialize in creating personalized, authentic travel experiences that go beyond sightseeing. My heart is rooted in the sun, smiles, and kindness of the islands, and I’m excited to share my love for meaningful travel with you.
For as long as I can remember, I’ve been fascinated by the world—its people, stories, and endless opportunities for connection. Growing up in a bilingual Finnish-Swedish home in Sweden, I’ve always been drawn to diverse cultures and their unique narratives. From the islands of Cyprus, Greece, and the Canary Islands to beautiful Michigan, and the beaches of Hawai’i, I’ve spent my life immersing myself in cultures, learning from their people, and absorbing their stories.
My journey in travel began over three decades ago as a multilingual tour guide in Fuerteventura, Spain. Over the years, I’ve gained invaluable experience in customer service, sales, crisis communication, and cultural exchange programs, which have all shaped my understanding of what makes travel truly impactful. I’ve also built a strong network of trusted global partners, ensuring every experience with Emerald Travel Group is carefully crafted and deeply personal.
My mission is simple: to help you experience travel that is immersive, respectful, inspiring, and fun. It’s about more than just visiting new places—it’s about creating meaningful connections with the people, cultures, and landscapes you encounter. Every trip should not only enrich your life but also benefit the communities you visit. That’s why I prioritize sustainable tourism practices and cultural sensitivity in every journey we craft.
Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of learning from diverse cultures, deepening my understanding of the world, and refining how travel can connect us to the heart of a destination. Fluent in several languages and always eager to learn more, I ensure every journey resonates personally, helping you connect deeply with the destinations you visit. My background in marketing, communication, and tourism enables me to collaborate with specialists to create the most authentic, meaningful adventures possible.
At Emerald Travel Group, every trip is more than just an itinerary—it’s a collection of enriching moments that stay with you long after you return home. Whether planning a family vacation, intimate getaway, or small-group adventure, my goal is to help you explore the world in a way that leaves a positive impact and creates lasting memories.
Let’s make your next adventure extraordinary—together.
Courtesy: Sean Thomas
Having lived across Europe and beyond, I’ve learned that travel is about more than checking off the highlights. It’s about noticing the rhythms of daily life, the subtle cultural cues, and even the small details — like how public transport really works or the unspoken rules of sharing space.
As a multilingual guide, cultural connector, and travel advisor, I design journeys that skip the tourist traps and instead offer experiences that feel authentic, respectful, and enriching.
Every trip I plan is crafted with the same care and attention I’d give to a close friend — because travel should feel personal, seamless, and meaningful.
Courtesy: Katja Silverå / Group: EuroUSA-Olympia Cruise from Finland on `Oahu, Hawai`i, 2013
Experience the vibrant rhythms and traditions that bring each destination to life.
Watch local dancers in Cuzco, Peru, celebrating centuries-old cultural heritage—just one example of the deep, authentic moments you’ll encounter on an Emerald Travel Group journey.
Courtesy: Katja Silverå
With Emerald Travel Group, experience Japan like never before — a land where centuries-old traditions meet the pulse of innovation.
Here, the sacred and the modern live side by side: serene temples tucked between soaring glass towers, ancient rituals unfolding in cities powered by technology, and landscapes that shift with the seasons yet remain timeless in beauty.
Japan is more than a destination — it’s a journey into contrasts. Step into the past, embrace the future, and discover how seamlessly the two are woven together.
Emerald Travel Group brings you immersive journeys with trusted partners, handcrafted so every step of your adventure is seamless, meaningful, and unforgettable.
Your Journey. Our Expertise.™
Handpicked trips from trusted partners make it easy to step into new experiences and create memories that last.
Essential
Small-Group | Twin-Share | Starting $4,200
Explore Tokyo’s vibrant streets, Hakone’s hot springs, Kyoto’s serene temples, Hiroshima’s Peace Park, Osaka’s food culture, and Takayama’s traditional minshuku.
Travel efficiently via bullet train, enjoy authentic experiences, and uncover both iconic landmarks and hidden gems.
Thoughtful
Self-Guided | Twin-Share | Starting $5,400
Immerse in Japan’s timeless philosophies on this 14-day journey from Tokyo to Kyoto, the Izu Peninsula, and the Japanese Alps. Engage in kintsugi pottery, forest bathing, hot springs, and hands-on artisan workshops.
Trip Highlights:
Family-run farmhouse and traditional ryokans
Kintsugi gold repair & forest bathing
Nakasendo trail and local culinary experiences
Exclusive
Exclusive Private Journey | Luxury | Price on Request
Discover the best of Kyoto in 4 nights—immersing yourself in city traditions and serene countryside. Explore gardens, kimono textiles, and lacquerware, enjoy a private audience with a geisha, and dine at top restaurants.
Venture to the rural villages of Ohara and Miyama, meet skilled artisans, and stay in a luxury hotel and a traditional ryokan inn where Japanese hospitality (omotenashi) shines.
Trip Highlights:
City culture & countryside exploration
Private geisha audience & artisan visits
Luxury hotel + traditional ryokan stay
With Emerald Travel Group, every journey in Japan is handcrafted to your interests, from immersive festivals to private culinary adventures and artisan workshops.
Japan is a land of contrasts, where centuries-old traditions meet modern innovation. Every corner offers an opportunity for discovery — witness cherry blossoms in full bloom, attend private Maiko or Geisha performances, explore historic festivals, or learn from master artisans. These experiences go beyond sightseeing, creating journeys as unique as you are.
Experience Highlights
Private Performances & Cultural Immersions
Maiko or Geisha performances tailored to the season, festival participation, and hands-on workshops.
Master Crafts & Artisan Visits
Pottery, textiles, lacquerware, and Ainu crafts — connect with skilled artisans and experience centuries of tradition.
Culinary & Wellness Journeys
Sushi-making classes, private tastings, tea ceremonies, forest bathing, temple retreats, and onsen/spa experiences.
Seasonal Adventures & Nature Treks
Cherry blossom season, fall foliage, or tranquil countryside escapes — each journey reflects Japan’s natural beauty and cultural rhythm.
Together, we can design a journey uniquely yours.
Living Heritage
Connect with Ainu communities and learn about their traditions, culture, and crafts.
Experience authentic storytelling, hands-on activities, and ceremonies that reflect a living heritage unlike anywhere else in Japan.
Master Crafts
Meet master artisans and explore centuries-old techniques — from pottery and lacquerware to textiles and woodworking.
Participate in workshops and tours tailored to each craft, and witness traditions preserved through generations.
Culinary Journey
From street food to Michelin-starred dining, enjoy tastings, private lessons, and seasonal culinary experiences.
Seasonal Highlights
Experience Japan at its most beautiful. In spring, stroll beneath drifting cherry blossoms and enjoy optional Geisha / Maiko performances in Kyoto.
In autumn, wander maple forests and temple gardens ablaze with color, and combine with tea ceremonies or rural escapes.
Beyond the Arena
Observe thrilling matches and experience morning training rituals behind the scenes.
Cultural Celebration
Witness iconic floats, lanterns, and pageantry. Optional artisan workshops and festival participation let you dive deeper into the experience.
---
Have a unique idea in mind? Tell us what excites you, and we’ll plan a personalized adventure just for you.
While Japan remains our specialty, we also craft immersive journeys across the globe — from river and small-ship cruises to multi-country adventures and tropical escapes, including Hawai`i, our home base.
Each experience is thoughtfully curated to bring the same attention to detail, authenticity, and inspiration you expect from our Japan journeys.
Relax, recharge, and explore paradise, including Hawai`i — our home base — and other sun-soaked destinations.
Seamless, multi-destination journeys crafted for curious travelers.
Explore Europe, Asia, and beyond aboard intimate ships with immersive itineraries.
Reconnect with nature, wellness retreats, and explore the great outdoors.
Dive into performing arts, crafts, and heritage that inspire.
Taste the world, from local specialties to world-class dining experiences.
Beyond hand-picked Japan partner trips, and our global adventures, the Signature Journeys by Emerald Travel Group are experiences I lead personally—small, immersive adventures for curious travelers.
I invite you to join me on intimate small-group Signature Journeys, designed for travelers who care about connection, culture, and doing travel differently.
These aren’t big-bus tours or one-size-fits-all itineraries. They are deep dives into culture, community, and nature. I lead each journey personally, alongside trusted local guides who know the land, history, and traditions inside and out. Whether it's a place I’ve lived, explored deeply, or thoughtfully planned through local partnerships, every trip is crafted with warmth, cultural integrity, and intention.
With a deep focus on sustainability, local connection, and responsible travel, these journeys are designed to be transformative—not just a vacation. You’ll explore each destination intimately and return with memories that stay with you for life.
Group sizes are small—typically 10 to 14 travelers—to create space for meaningful connections, cultural immersion, and shared experiences with like-minded people. You can join solo, with a friend, or bring your own group.
If you’re looking for soulful travel that’s guided with care and grounded in real expertise, you’re in the right place.
Emerald Travel Group
Your Journey. Our Expertise.™
Courtesy: Katja Silverå
Reserva de Tortugas El Chato
Galapagos
Handpicked 2026 Signature Journeys, limited availability, and expert guidance throughout your adventure.
Finland/Sweden
Where Arctic stories, snow-dusted traditions, and stillness come alive beneath the Northern Lights.
Step into the serene beauty of a Nordic winter, where snow-dusted forests shimmer, Sámi traditions come alive, and the Northern Lights dance across the sky.
This thoughtfully crafted journey invites a small group of travelers to experience the far north as welcomed guests, guided by story, craft, and the timeless rhythm of the Arctic.
--
12 Days | February 1–12, 2026
Limited to 10–14 travelers
Contact us for pricing and availability
Highlights:
Explore Stockholm’s historic streets before venturing north into Arctic landscapes.
Experience Sámi culture at the Jokkmokk Winter Market and local farms.
Glide through snowy forests on reindeer or husky sleds.
Relax in traditional Finnish saunas and watch the Northern Lights.
Discover Helsinki’s modern design and cultural heritage.
Experiences are thoughtfully planned; final itinerary and activities are subject to confirmation.
Courtesy: Katja Silverå
Mongolia
Celebrate tradition, color, and the spirit of the Mongolian steppe.
Step into the vibrant world of Mongolia’s Nadaam Festival, where horse racing, wrestling, and archery bring centuries-old traditions to life.
This small-group journey invites curious travelers to experience the culture, music, and local life of the Mongolian steppe, guided by local experts who bring the stories of this vast land to life.
--
10 Days | July 10–19, 2026
Limited to 12–16 travelers
Contact us for pricing and availability
Highlights:
Witness the thrilling competitions of the Nadaam Festival, a living celebration of Mongolian culture.
Meet nomadic families and explore traditional gers on the open steppe.
Enjoy local music, cuisine, and storytelling under endless skies.
Learn traditional crafts and skills from Mongolian artisans.
Experiences are thoughtfully planned; final itinerary and activities are subject to confirmation.
Courtesy: Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Dana Edmunds
Jordan
Golden sands, timeless traditions, and the quiet of Wadi Rum.
Discover the magic of Wadi Rum, Jordan’s legendary desert, where vast dunes, dramatic sandstone mountains, and starlit skies create an unforgettable adventure.
This small-group expedition offers an intimate experience of Bedouin life, guided by local experts who share the rhythms, stories, and traditions of this timeless landscape.
--
8 Days | October 5–12, 2026
Limited to 10–14 travelers
Contact us for pricing and availability
Highlights:
Explore Wadi Rum's dramatic desert landscapes with camel treks and 4x4 adventures.
Experience authentic Bedouin hospitality and storytelling under the stars.
Visit historic sites and ancient oases tucked between the dunes.
Learn about desert survival, traditions, and sustainable living.
Experiences are thoughtfully planned; final itinerary and activities are subject to confirmation.
--
Courtesy:
This isn’t just a job. It’s my calling.
With over 30 years of experience as a multilingual guide, travel planner, and cultural connector, I’ve lived, worked, and adventured across the Nordics, Spain, Greece, Hawai'i, Japan, Micronesia and beyond. I know what it means to feel a destination deeply—to understand its culture from the inside.
When I plan your journey, I bring that depth, care, and insight into every detail. This is soulful, responsible travel—designed with heart and grounded in real-world expertise.
At Emerald Travel Group, the Nomadic Spirit is more than just our guiding philosophy—it embodies our passion for curiosity, movement, and exploration, and our commitment to forging meaningful connections with people, cultures, and landscapes.
Travel isn’t just about where you go; it’s about how you engage with the world. It’s about embracing change, discovering new perspectives, and connecting with people from all walks of life.
This philosophy is the compass that guides our journeys, turning every experience into an opportunity to learn, grow, and connect.
Discover the heart of how we travel—explore the Wanderer’s Code [coming soon].
---
Courtesy: Katja Silverå
The Traveler (2024)
Photograph of Kim Simonsson's Moss Giants, taken at Lasipalatsikortteli Square and the Bio Rex terrace in Helsinki. Inspired by Finnish nature and mythology, the Moss People represent small beings living in harmony with the environment. The Traveler symbolizes the one who scouts the journey ahead. Explore more on Simonsson’s site.
True Travel is about Connection—immersing yourself in the essence of a destination, engaging with the people who call it home, and embracing the experience fully, not just through a lens. It’s about creating memories that go beyond the surface—and leaving a positive impact along the way.
At Emerald Travel Group, we believe the most enriching journeys are those that foster deeper understanding, personal growth, and an authentic appreciation for the world’s diverse cultures. Whether you're fulfilling a lifelong dream or discovering an undiscovered treasure, every trip we craft is grounded in authenticity, sustainability, and meaningful engagement.
Whether you’re traveling with family across generations, with a group of curious explorers, or want to join in on one of our upcoming adventures, our itineraries are designed to awaken your senses, nurture genuine exchange, and inspire joy and connection.
Our small-group and multi-generational adventures seamlessly blend iconic destinations with immersive, often unexpected cultural encounters.
From witnessing sacred traditions firsthand to supporting local artisans, every Emerald journey is crafted with care—to ensure you don’t just see a destination, but feel its rhythm, understand its stories, and carry its spirit home with you.
Courtesy: Rie Takamasu
Travel isn’t just about where you go—it’s about the lasting impact you leave behind. When we all focus on working together toward the greater good, everyone benefits.
As a Hawai‘i-based business, we are deeply committed to preserving cultural heritage and fostering responsible tourism—not just here, but everywhere we take you. By partnering with local guides, artisans, and cultural practitioners, we aim to strengthen their efforts while providing opportunities for you to make a meaningful contribution. Whether through learning about sacred sites, supporting cultural practitioners, or engaging in sustainable travel, your journey can help preserve traditions and uplift the communities you visit.
For example:
• In Hawai‘i, your visit helps protect sacred sites and supports cultural practitioners dedicated to preserving native traditions.
• In Ecuador, your engagement with local artists and artisans contributes to the continuation of their crafts for generations to come.
• In the Nordics, your eco-conscious travel choices help protect fragile Arctic ecosystems and promote sustainable travel practices for the future.
When you travel with us, you become an important part of that collective effort.
Courtesy: Katja Silverå
When you book a consultation with me, you’re not just reserving a trip—you’re starting a conversation about what matters to you. I listen to what matters to you and bring it to life through meaningful, hands-on travel planning.
My concierge-style planning includes everything from thoughtful cultural immersion to stress-free logistics, and I bring decades of hands-on travel experience to every journey I create.
I’m here to be your trusted partner, guide, and sounding board—so your trip is truly yours.
Courtesy: Katja Silverå
✔ Cultural & Historical Exploration – Journey through iconic cities, UNESCO heritage sites, and centuries-old traditions.
✔ Authentic & Responsible Travel – Support local communities, conservation efforts, and cultural preservation with every step.
✔ Seamless & Stress-Free – We take care of the details—so you can focus on enjoying Your Journey.
✔ Comfort & Quality – Handpicked stays, outstanding food, and immersive experiences.
✔ Meaningful Connections – Meet the people who bring a destination to life—the artists, storytellers, and guardians of tradition.
✔ Give Back – A portion of your journey supports sustainable initiatives, local development, and conservation projects.
✔ Indigenous & Nature-Centric Immersion – Celebrate sacred landscapes and Indigenous cultures with care and respect. (Coming soon.)
✔ Iconic Destinations with Depth – Visit the places you've dreamed of, but go far beyond the postcard.
--
Courtesy: Katja Silverå — Indigenous guide from Huasquila Ecuador Amazon Lodge painting a child’s face during a jungle walk, 2023.
With 30+ years of travel planning, guiding, and cultural exchange, Emerald Travel Group offers insider knowledge, genuine care, and multilingual expertise. Whether you join a signature tour or design a custom adventure, we’re here to make your journey unforgettable.
As you explore your destination, rest assured that every moment has been thoughtfully crafted for you. You’ll also contribute to sustainable travel practices, supporting the local communities you visit, ensuring your trip leaves a positive impact on the world. Your journey isn’t just a vacation—it’s an experience that nourishes your spirit.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve you and your family.