I didn't really fully understand the significance of this cruise until we got to the embarkation port and saw the fanfare and felt the excitement as our cruise was THE FIRST CRUISE TO SAIL SINCE 2019 - PRE-COVID. WOW-let that sink in! A Greek TV station even interviewed us because it was a national event there. The crew and staff were smiling ear to ear and so grateful to be back to work. Every island we visited, they greeted us [...]
Ashford Castle Another Wow,Wow,Wow!!! We coined a phrase while on our trip in Ireland "Castle hopping" as that is exactly what we did. We were continually wowed on this experience starting with the beautiful Merrion Hotel in Dublin, (not a castle but a wow in town) then traveling to Dromoland Castle in County Clare and on to Ashford Castle in Cong County Mayo for 2 nights. We were treated like Royalty and got to experience the best that's on [...]
(photos and info courtesy of Belmond) HAVE YOU HEARD OF THE " BELMOND ROYAL SCOTSMAN"? All aboard a living legend. Sit back, relax, and uncover the wonders of Scotland in peerless style From the moment you step onto Royal Scotsman, you are swept up in a world of myth, legend and timeless luxury. Delve into a land of soaring peaks and deep valleys, mirror lochs and looming castles. Enjoy a tasting in a world-famous distillery, then enter the forest for [...]
Do crowds of people appeal to you ?? Some of the top tourist destinations have become so crowded and busy especially during the high season, that it's not an enjoyable relaxing experience and people are looking for more off the beaten track destinations to travel to and want to enjoy the "essence" of a country. I don't know about you, but if someone says "it's a secret" I want to know more. Isn't there something really appealing about having "insider" info ?? [...]
Jaap Buitendijk/Courtesy Focus Features So the buzz on the street is the newish Downton Abbey movie !! Are you a fan ?? I'm definitely a fan. I really miss the TV series and I'm sure I know lots of people who feel the same. There's something wonderful about going back in time to those days of Royalty and pomp & ceremony. Even back in those days, you can see the feisty women characters like Lady Mary and of [...]
(Photo cred Travel Weekly, TCC Corp & Insight Vacations) What are your thoughts about guided vacations ?? In the history of travel, and before I got into the travel business, personally, I associated guided vacations with busloads of older tourists at top attractions with cameras & plaid pants.(I'm talking Ireland in the 80's :)) No more - these days, guided vacations are immersive, exciting, challenging, incorporating local hosts, cooking experiences and lots more. Today's [...]
St .Patrick’s day is known all over the world and celebrated on March 17th in observance of the death of St. Patrick who brought Christianity to Ireland and died in the Fifth Century. What began as a religious feast day in the 17th century has evolved into a variety of festivals across the globe celebrating Irish culture with parades, special foods, music, dancing, and a whole lot of green. Here's some expressions in Gaelic St. Patrick’s Day: La Fheile Padraig / law [...]
Uncover the extraordinary hidden treasures of Venice and Northern Italy. Encounter unforgettable sights on this odyssey through Northern Italy that begins in Milan, home to Da Vinci’s The Last Supper, and ends in legendary Venice, the “Queen of the Adriatic.” These two iconic cities bookend an exploration of Northern Italy that rewards the curious traveler with amazing experiences in Verona, Padua, Bologna, and Ferrara. Travel from dynamic Milan to romantic Venice. Soak up the enchantment of “The City of Water” [...]
During the holidays is a great time to start thinking about where you want to travel to next year. Usually families get together and it's easier to solidify plans when everyone's there. Every year, the top travel publications come up with the hottest and upcoming trends for the following year. We've picked just a few of the top European destinations as well as some of the top cities for you, including Scotland, Romania, Italy and France ..... Matera - [...]
The memory lives on!! 6th June 2019 marks the start of the 75th anniversary of the D-Day Landings and the Battle of Normandy and with it, a momentous occasion to celebrate peace, liberty and reconciliation. During the whole of summer 2019, Normandy will celebrate the 75th anniversary of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy with due splendor and emotion. A rich and unprecedented program of events will be put together to bring the memory of this tragic [...]