Whitewashed Spanish hill towns are light, they are bright, they are historic, they are the world-famous hill towns of the Andalusía Region of southern Spain. With their gleaming white-washed homes and businesses, noteworthy churches, ruins, and narrow streets leading to delightful shops, restaurants, and museums, they make a day trip by car a highlight for […]
Tag Archives | Europe
7 Things We Learned on our Recent Trip to Europe
Rushing around in Victoria BC Rushing here to see that . . . snapping a quick pic for FB . . . then off to the next place . . . all the while trying to ignore the jet lag . . . These are just a few of the 7 things we learned on […]
Touring the Hill Towns of Southern Spain
White-washed hill towns . . . elegant palms and stately cypress . . . regional tapas and wines . . . exuberant flamenco dancers . . . and enormous cathedrals . . . flowery outdoor shopping districts. Those few words describe the southern coast of Spain.
How to Plan a Trip to London, England
Ah, let’s plan a trip to London! One of the most beautiful and iconic cities in the world! And, when traveling overseas, it’s one of the easiest places to get around. This city with its notably modern and historical skyline has so much to offer. But what if you would like to go there, but […]
Hiking in Cinque Terre on a Boomer Travel Adventure
On a recent trip to one of the top travel destinations in the world, Italy, Ron and I finally realized one of my dreams, hiking in Cinque Terre. We spent three days on Italy’s Ligurian coastline in Cinque Terre National Park. I share our adventure in the following article as a guest writer for one of our […]
Florence – the City of the Italian Renaissance
What is it about Florence (or Firenze) and the Italian Renaissance that keeps calling us back? Even when our travel agenda is not targeted on Italy, we still make it back to that country because we look forward to going to Florence. Getting off the train at the Santa Maria Novella train station, we felt […]
Our Trip to Italy’s Cinque Terre
Italy’s Cinque Terre on it’s Ligurian coast has been on our travel radar for several years. Touted as having spectacular beaches and challenging hiking trails, we decided we really should see it for ourselves. This spring when we were in Turin (an overlooked but phenomenal city at the base of the Italian Alps), we hopped a […]
From Disneyland to Champagne Country – Exploring the French Countryside
The word “Disneyland” conjures up images of crowds of tourists, many with mouse-eared caps and fairy wands, scurrying about to get to the next amusement ride. However, it can be a great staging site for exploring the French countryside. This picturesque region of France is also a tranquil setting of swans and lily pads, […]
Italy: Learning to Cook Slowly in Umbria
Several years ago, Shelli and I became acquainted with Walks of Italy, one of the premier tour companies available today. We have toured with them many times throughout Europe, and have always found them to be professional, knowledgeable, and fun. Last year, Loredana from Walks introduced us to the Pineli family, and Fontanaro Organic Farms, in […]
Amsterdam – Venice to the North
The fresh, cool sea breezes on our faces . . . the tinkling bell sounds warning pedestrians of oncoming bicycles . . . the buttery smell of waffles baking in the open-air markets. Welcome to Amsterdam – Venice to the North, one of the most diverse cities in the world. Amsterdam was our final destination […]
The Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore
What do drinking games, dancing young people, and Pope Francis have in common? The Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, Italy. When we visit Rome our go to hotel is the Mecenata Palace Hotel which is located atop Esquiline Hill. The hotel is directly across the street from the Basilica, and our requested room […]
The Jungfrau Region and Hotel Edelweiss, a Swiss Adventure
Arresting mountains, an abundance of activities, and a wide range of hotel offerings make the Jungfrau Region of the Swiss Alps a must do for the world traveler. Here one can capture the vision of soaring Swiss Alps, the smell of fresh air and the enchanting sounds of cowbells and alphorns. Hotel Edelweiss is located in […]
The Highlight of Venice – Our Tour of St. Mark’s Basilica
Venice is one unique city. Busy canals filled with gondolas and water taxis. The Byzantine design adds mystique to this affluent and prestigious community. St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice is, by far, one of the most revered buildings in the city. This elegant structure symbolizes Venetian wealth, prestige, and power, and continues to be a […]
Cruising Historic Castles – Middle Rhine River
Cruising historic castles, vibrant scenery, comfortable lodging and mind-blowing excursions, all included as you float the Middle Rhine River through Germany. For the novice and seasoned traveler, we recommend the Historic Castles of the Middle Rhine River. A holiday you will remember. The video highlighted here, was captured on the Rhine Getaway which voyages between […]
9 Beautiful Bridges of the World
Throughout the ages man has run into barriers and overcome them. Whether we walk, ride a bike, drive a car, bus, or motorcycle, water is a barrier that impedes our progress. Jesus may have walked on it, and Moses spread it, but most of us need a way to cross over it. I can’t tell […]
Hire a Vatican Tour Guide – Totally Worth It
The Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel are some of the most beautiful places to visit in Italy. However, if you want to do more than just scratch the surface, take a few thousand pictures, and be completely overwhelmed at the sight of so many famous masterpieces, consider scheduling a guided Vatican Tour. WHY HIRE […]
Climbing the Dome in Florence Italy!
Ever since I watched one of Rick Steve’s programs on Italy and he talked about climbing the dome in Florence, Italy, I decided it was something that I wanted to do. Before his program, I didn’t even know that it was something that people could do. While in Florence, I got the chance. Florence has the […]
If You’re Going to France, Learn the Language!
If you’re visiting France this summer, or have decided to take up residence in that country, here are five little details you might want to consider. They will simplify your life and make the adjustment to living overseas easier. If you are employed by a company doing business in France, they are just as important […]
The Rhine River Cruise: Take It, You’ll Love It!
We’re aboard one of the state-of-the-art Viking River Ships – complete with big-ship amenities – that will be our home for the next eight days. As we board the ship in one of the most beautiful places in the world, Basel, Switzerland, we are welcomed by professional and awaiting crew members who offer assistance and […]