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Travel News for the Week of November 5

By Blog

Hi Everyone,

I know we addressed this issue several months ago but interest is increasing for family or friends of travelers to be allowed to accompany travelers to their gate or wait for their arriving plane at the gate.  Several airports now allow this practice but people wishing to do this must be approved ahead of time, and go through security just like travelers do.    The airports allowing this practice include Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Orlando, Seattle-Tacoma, Detroit, New Orleans, Orange County,  and Tulsa. Each airport has their own rules so you will want to check the website of the airport you are using.

As Disney continued to grow its cruise line, they also ha a  need for another private island to entertain the growing number of passengers.   They just announced that their new private island will open in summer of 2024 on the island of Eleuthera in the Bahamas.  Disney states that it will be a one of a kind island that will showcase a celebration of Bahamian storytelling, artistry, and culture with plenty of relaxation surrounded by nature.

On a personal note, we are still recovering from computer problems.  We appreciate your patience as we are not yet back to normal.  The best way to contact us in the next few days is at lynn@fullertravelservice.com or by phone. The big problem is with our sbcglobal.net account which we are working on and hope to have resolved shortly.

Also, we realize that we need a bit of balance in our lives.  As we move forward we recognize that we cannot continue to work 14 hour days, 7 days a week.  We are actually going to try to abide by  some office hours.   We will be open 9am-6pm Monday through Saturday.  We will be closed on Sundays.  If you are experiencing difficulties while traveling we will be available to assist you quickly.   We really enjoy travel and the wonderful people we have met.  Hopefully, this arrangement will help us be more effective while eliminating a bit of stress.   Thank you for your understanding.

2024-25 Tours and Cruises

May 3-12, 2024 Milan, Venice and the Jewels of Veneto   Spend 2 nights in the beautiful city of Milan before boarding the ship, the S.S. LaVenezia, in Venice.  While in Milan, you will have an opportunity to take a city tour and also view DaVinci’s ‘Last Supper’.  Once aboard your ship you will enjoy all that Venice has to offer but the ship will also take you to many of the Venetian Islands such as Burano (my favorite),  and Torcello.  you will  discover Chiogga, a charming port loved by fisherman.You will also have a choice of exploring Vincenza or Padua.   Savor the wines and cuisines of the region every step of the way.  A Few rooms remain.    Nice little video:  Uniworld. 

https://youtu.be/fTlHgKQXKJIMay 12-22, 2024. Countryside of the Emerald Isle.  If you have traveled to Ireland and loved it, this is part two.  If you have never been to Ireland, this is an amazing journey that will instill that love for the Emerald Isle.  This is not the same tour that we normally do.  This explorations tour is limited to 24 people going slightly off the beaten path.  We will fly into Dublin and then head south. We will head to the National Stud Farm where you will see amazing thoroughbreds and opulent gardens.  Stand at the rock of Cashel where St. Patrick is said to have preached.  Visit the coastal town of Kinsale to enjoy the shops and galleries before heading to the Old Midletown distillery, home of Jameson Whiskey. Visit the Garnish Islands and move on to Dingle where  you’ll enjoy a drive along the Dingle peninsula.  Take a ferry over to Inishmore, the largest of the Aran islands. where we will spend an amazing night.  See the Cliffs of Moher from a ship before ending our trip in Ennis and flying home from Shannon.  Truly a spectacular trip. Maximum number of passengers is 24.  Collette   https://gateway.gocollette.com/link/1149854

 July 10-20, 2024 Princess Alaska Cruisetour.   This is a magnificent cruise tour. Stay three nights on land to enjoy the beauty of Denali State Park and Denali National Park.  Then take a bubble top train toWhittier to board  the beautiful Sapphire Princess for a seven night cruise.   Cruise Glacier Bay and visit the Alaskan towns of Skagway, Juneau, and Ketchikan.  Princess

August 10-17, 2024 Iceland’s Natural Beauty. Discover Iceland’s majestic shores as you explore this northern isle’s coastal towns. Encounter unparalleled natural beauty and witness cascading waterfalls amid pristine fjord landscapes. Discover Viking heritage as you follow in the footsteps of intrepid explorer Leif Eriksson. Or observe the wealth of wildlife, from puffins to the gentle giants of the sea. Join us for a truly immersive experience that brings you closer to nature and all her splendor.-Viking Ocean

September 10-19,2024 British Landscapes. An adventure fit for a Shakespearean tale takes you from verdant hillsides to bustling British cities rich with culture. Explore The Athens of the North during your stay in Edinburgh. Explore the ruins of a Roman Fort during a visit to Hadrian’s Wall. Enjoy medieval York and its historic Minster. See the picturesque village of Llangolen in Wales. Walk in the footsteps of the Bard, visiting the childhood home of William Shakespeare. Personalize your tour with a choice of included excursions in Edinburgh and Oxford. See the quintessential sights of London with a local guide. Sleepy villages, grassy slopes, mountainside lakes, and cities built upon layers of history – these are the landscapes of Britain. https://gateway.gocollette.com/link/1184777

September 28-October 7, 2024    Best of Greece    Take advantage of group pricing on this amazing cruise.   Visit the ports of Athens, Santorini, Ephesus, Turkey, Mykonos, Volos, Thesaloniki, and Kavala before disembarking in Athens.-Celebrity Infinity.

May 4-12,  2025  Paris and Normandy River Cruise.   This cruise will begin and end in Paris.   Cruise from Paris through Normandy’s countryside, uncovering its many charms: Chateau de La Roche-Guyon, the medieval capital of Rouen, Monet’s beloved home in Giverny and the famed Normandy beaches.  Experience a different side of Northern France’s history with a tour of the majestic palace of Versailles, once home to Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette.   I only have 15 rooms so if you are interested, let me know.

Coming soon- 2025 Autumn Color tour.

Have a great week !

Lynn

 

Travel News for the Week of October 29

By Blog

Hi Everyone,

We have all seen the devastation that occurred on the Island of Maui  this summer.   Western Maui has been closed since the fire.   As of November 1, the Hawaiian Tourist Authority announced that phase two of their reopening will occur on November 1.  this includes the areas of Kaanapali,Napili, and Kapalua  The opening will be phased in so if you are traveling, make sure to contact your resort to insure that they are open.   Lahaina is still closed. It is important if traveling to West Maui to be respectful and realize that there is still a great deal of suffering in that area.

Europe is still struggling to figure out how to manage the increase of visitors while trying to keep from being overwhelmed.  This past summer has been record breaking in terms of the number of visitors, and it doesn’t seem to be slowing down.   Barcelona became the latest city to ban cruise ships from docking in the city.    Cruise lines will need to dock in another town and bus their passengers to Barcelona.  If you are going to Europe, try to avoid the busy summer months.  I was in Italy in January and had a wonderful time as there were no crowds.  We were basically alone in the Sistine Chapel, and at the Academia in Florence where we went to see David.  It was cold but the trade-offs were worth it.

Delta Township is sponsoring a few  passport drives to help you apply or renew your passports:  November 15th, December 14th, January 8th from 5-7 PM at the Township Administration Building.   If interested, call 517-323-8500 for more information.

I apologize if you received a strange email from me last week.  We had some serious computer issues and a strange email was sent.   Thank you to those who alerted me but please never open something that doesn’t look right.   I appreciate those of you who took the time to let me know.

2024-25 Tours and Cruises

May 3-12, 2024 Milan, Venice and the Jewels of Veneto   Spend 2 nights in the beautiful city of Milan before boarding the ship, the S.S. LaVenezia, in Venice.  While in Milan, you will have an opportunity to take a city tour and also view DaVinci’s ‘Last Supper’.  Once aboard your ship you will enjoy all that Venice has to offer but the ship will also take you to many of the Venetian Islands such as Burano (my favorite),  and Torcello.  you will  discover Chiogga, a charming port loved by fisherman.You will also have a choice of exploring Vincenza or Padua.   Savor the wines and cuisines of the region every step of the way.  A Few rooms remain.    Nice little video:  Uniworld https://youtu.be/fTlHgKQXKJI. 

May 12-22, 2024. Countryside of the Emerald Isle.  If you have traveled to Ireland and loved it, this is part two.  If you have never been to Ireland, this is an amazing journey that will instill that love for the Emerald Isle.  This is not the same tour that we normally do.  This explorations tour is limited to 24 people going slightly off the beaten path.  We will fly into Dublin and then head south. We will head to the National Stud Farm where you will see amazing thoroughbreds and opulent gardens.  Stand at the rock of Cashel where St. Patrick is said to have preached.  Visit the coastal town of Kinsale to enjoy the shops and galleries before heading to the Old Midletown distillery, home of Jameson Whiskey. Visit the Garnish Islands and move on to Dingle where  you’ll enjoy a drive along the Dingle peninsula.  Take a ferry over to Inishmore, the largest of the Aran islands. where we will spend an amazing night.  See the Cliffs of Moher from a ship before ending our trip in Ennis and flying home from Shannon.  Truly a spectacular trip. Maximum number of passengers is 24.  Collette   https://gateway.gocollette.com/link/1149854

 July 10-20, 2024 Princess Alaska Cruisetour.   This is a magnificent cruise tour. Stay three nights on land to enjoy the beauty of Denali State Park and Denali National Park.  Then take a bubble top train toWhittier to board  the beautiful Sapphire Princess for a seven night cruise.   Cruise Glacier Bay and visit the Alaskan towns of Skagway, Juneau, and Ketchikan.  Princess

August 10-17, 2024 Iceland’s Natural Beauty. Discover Iceland’s majestic shores as you explore this northern isle’s coastal towns. Encounter unparalleled natural beauty and witness cascading waterfalls amid pristine fjord landscapes. Discover Viking heritage as you follow in the footsteps of intrepid explorer Leif Eriksson. Or observe the wealth of wildlife, from puffins to the gentle giants of the sea. Join us for a truly immersive experience that brings you closer to nature and all her splendor.-Viking Ocean

September 10-19,2024 British Landscapes. An adventure fit for a Shakespearean tale takes you from verdant hillsides to bustling British cities rich with culture. Explore The Athens of the North during your stay in Edinburgh. Explore the ruins of a Roman Fort during a visit to Hadrian’s Wall. Enjoy medieval York and its historic Minster. See the picturesque village of Llangolen in Wales. Walk in the footsteps of the Bard, visiting the childhood home of William Shakespeare. Personalize your tour with a choice of included excursions in Edinburgh and Oxford. See the quintessential sights of London with a local guide. Sleepy villages, grassy slopes, mountainside lakes, and cities built upon layers of history – these are the landscapes of Britain. https://gateway.gocollette.com/link/1184777

September 28-October 7, 2024    Best of Greece    Take advantage of group pricing on this amazing cruise.   Visit the ports of Athens, Santorini, Ephesus, Turkey, Mykonos, Volos, Thesaloniki, and Kavala before disembarking in Athens.-Celebrity Infinity.

May 4-12,  2025  Paris and Normandy River Cruise.   This cruise will begin and end in Paris.   Cruise from Paris through Normandy’s countryside, uncovering its many charms: Chateau de La Roche-Guyon, the medieval capital of Rouen, Monet’s beloved home in Giverny and the famed Normandy beaches.  Experience a different side of Northern France’s history with a tour of the majestic palace of Versailles, once home to Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette.   I only have 15 rooms so if you are interested, let me know.

Have a great week !

Lynn

 

 

Travel News for the Week of October 22

By Blog

Hi Everyone,

A few weeks ago I mentioned that Europe would require US Citizens to complete a visa waiver form to travel to Europe in 2024.  This ETIAS was scheduled to roll out next year but this week the EU agency  responsible for the digital Entry/Exit system and ETIAS informed ministers that they need more time to implement the changes.  They are now looking at 2025 start to this program.

You may also remember that a few weeks ago Delta made huge changes to their  frequent flyer program.   The backlash from customers was severe and massive.  Delta has now walked back several of the worst changes although there will be some changes coming soon.   You can find more information on Delta.com.  The information is under news in the SkyMiles tab.

Paris is getting ready to host the Olympic Games next summer and hotel prices are averaging more than 300% higher than normal.  The city is expecting more than 11 million visitors for the Games that begin July 26, 2024.  If you are not interested in the Olympic Games, late July and early August of next year may not be the best time to visit Paris.

Our Zoom meeting regarding Italy 2024 is scheduled for October 25 at 4;00pm.  There is no obligation or pressure to sign up for the tour but it will be very informational.   Information is below in the tours and cruises section.

2024-25 Tours and Cruises

May 3-12, 2024 Milan, Venice and the Jewels of Veneto   Spend 2 nights in the beautiful city of Milan before boarding the ship, the S.S. LaVenezia, in Venice.  While in Milan, you will have an opportunity to take a city tour and also view DaVinci’s ‘Last Supper’.  Once aboard your ship you will enjoy all that Venice has to offer but the ship will also take you to many of the Venetian Islands such as Burano (my favorite),  and Torcello.  you will  discover Chiogga, a charming port loved by fisherman.You will also have a choice of exploring Vincenza or Padua.   Savor the wines and cuisines of the region every step of the way.  A Few rooms remain.    Nice little video:  Uniworld https://youtu.be/fTlHgKQXKJI. 

May 12-22, 2024. Countryside of the Emerald Isle.  If you have traveled to Ireland and loved it, this is part two.  If you have never been to Ireland, this is an amazing journey that will instill that love for the Emerald Isle.  This is not the same tour that we normally do.  This explorations tour is limited to 24 people going slightly off the beaten path.  We will fly into Dublin and then head south. We will head to the National Stud Farm where you will see amazing thoroughbreds and opulent gardens.  Stand at the rock of Cashel where St. Patrick is said to have preached.  Visit the coastal town of Kinsale to enjoy the shops and galleries before heading to the Old Midletown distillery, home of Jameson Whiskey. Visit the Garnish Islands and move on to Dingle where  you’ll enjoy a drive along the Dingle peninsula.  Take a ferry over to Inishmore, the largest of the Aran islands. where we will spend an amazing night.  See the Cliffs of Moher from a ship before ending our trip in Ennis and flying home from Shannon.  Truly a spectacular trip. Maximum number of passengers is 24.  Collette   https://gateway.gocollette.com/link/1149854

 July 10-20, 2024 Princess Alaska Cruisetour.   This is a magnificent cruise tour. Stay three nights on land to enjoy the beauty of Denali State Park and Denali National Park.  Then take a bubble top train toWhittier to board  the beautiful Sapphire Princess for a seven night cruise.   Cruise Glacier Bay and visit the Alaskan towns of Skagway, Juneau, and Ketchikan.  Princess

August 10-17, 2024 Iceland’s Natural Beauty. Discover Iceland’s majestic shores as you explore this northern isle’s coastal towns. Encounter unparalleled natural beauty and witness cascading waterfalls amid pristine fjord landscapes. Discover Viking heritage as you follow in the footsteps of intrepid explorer Leif Eriksson. Or observe the wealth of wildlife, from puffins to the gentle giants of the sea. Join us for a truly immersive experience that brings you closer to nature and all her splendor.-Viking Ocean

September 10-19,2024 British Landscapes. An adventure fit for a Shakespearean tale takes you from verdant hillsides to bustling British cities rich with culture. Explore The Athens of the North during your stay in Edinburgh. Explore the ruins of a Roman Fort during a visit to Hadrian’s Wall. Enjoy medieval York and its historic Minster. See the picturesque village of Llangolen in Wales. Walk in the footsteps of the Bard, visiting the childhood home of William Shakespeare. Personalize your tour with a choice of included excursions in Edinburgh and Oxford. See the quintessential sights of London with a local guide. Sleepy villages, grassy slopes, mountainside lakes, and cities built upon layers of history – these are the landscapes of Britain. https://gateway.gocollette.com/link/1184777

New Tour! September 21-October 2, 2024 Italian Vistas. Short notice tour.   All reservations for this tour must be made by  mid January.  This is due to availability issues in the month of September.  

We have scheduled an informational Zoom meeting for October25 @4:00pm.  There is no obligation and no pressure but you will learn a lot about this tour and the areas we’ll visit.   My Collette Rep and friend, Ed McKenna, will walk us through this fabulous tour.  You can register for the meeting at     https://collette.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEld–uqzkpGNB6_VJsFpOj0Ugh8ypPFYuR

From the ancient ruins of Pompeii to the charm of the Sorrento Coast embark on a spectacular Italian getaway.  Visit the amazing city of Rome and Vatican City, Pompeii, Sorrento, Florence, Pisa, and Venice, The trip will end in Stresa in the Lakes District.  Collette

https://gateway.gocollette.com/link/1205618

September 28-October 7, 2024    Best of Greece    Take advantage of group pricing on this amazing cruise.   Visit the ports of Athens, Santorini, Ephesus, Turkey, Mykonos, Volos, Thesaloniki, and Kavala before disembarking in Athens.-Celebrity Infinity.

May 4-12,  2025  Paris and Normandy River Cruise.   This cruise will begin and end in Paris.   Cruise from Paris through Normandy’s countryside, uncovering its many charms: Chateau de La Roche-Guyon, the medieval capital of Rouen, Monet’s beloved home in Giverny and the famed Normandy beaches.  Experience a different side of Northern France’s history with a tour of the majestic palace of Versailles, once home to Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette.   I only have 15 rooms so if you are interested, let me know.

Have a great week !

Lynn

 

Travel News for the Week of October 15

By Blog

Hi Everyone,

We just finished our tour of Spain and Portugal.   It was a great trip filled with amazing sights, delicious food, and wonderful people. Last week I told you about our tour up to Seville.  We then moved on to Cordoba where we toured the 8th century mosque that was converted to a cathedral in the 16th century.  We then boarded the high speed train for our trip to Madrid where we enjoyed 2 nights.  We moved on to Toledo before traveling to Portugal.  We spent a night in the small  village of Elvas where we spent a wonderful night in an extraordinary former cloistered convent.  We were then off to Lisbon where we enjoyed the vibrant big city and took an excursion to the Portuguese Riviera.  I have attached a few more pics:

Alcazar in Toledo

 

Monument to the Discoveries, Lisbon.

Monument to the Discoveries

View from our patio in Elvas, Portugal

View from our patio in Elvas, Portugal.

In other news,  the National Parks Service issued a warning about “love locks”.    These popular objects are padlocks that are hung from a metal fence, often bearing a couple’s names or initials and the key is then thrown into the water.  This is a concern at the Grand Canyon  as the critically endangered California condor is attracted to shiny things, and as a result some of the birds have eaten keys and have required surgery to remove them.    These love locks have been a nuisance in other cities.   At Paris’ Pont des Artes, the locks became so heavy they were damaging the structural integrity of the bridge.  When the city of Paris removed the locks in 2016 the weight of 700,000 metal objects was the equivalent of 20 elephants!-CNN Travel

This summer I posted about long wait times for renewing or applying for passports.  The good news is that it appears that the wait time has decreased now that the summer crunch is over.   Passport processing times are now two weeks faster with only 8 to 11 weeks required for routine service, and 5-7 weeks for expedited service according to the Department of State.  I would still caution you to apply early.  You don’t want a bucket list vacation to be ruined because your passport didn’t come in time.

If you are planning to fly over the holidays this year, you may consider getting your air booked sooner rather than later.  Prices for these flights often jump many months before the holiday season.  if you haven’t booked your Thanksgiving flight it is probably too late to get a deal or even a seat.    If you are traveling around Christmas or New Year’s  there is still time but prices are increasing so you may want to take a good look.

2024-25 Tours and Cruises

May 3-12, 2024 Milan, Venice and the Jewels of Veneto   Spend 2 nights in the beautiful city of Milan before boarding the ship, the S.S. LaVenezia, in Venice.  While in Milan, you will have an opportunity to take a city tour and also view DaVinci’s ‘Last Supper’.  Once aboard your ship you will enjoy all that Venice has to offer but the ship will also take you to many of the Venetian Islands such as Burano (my favorite),  and Torcello.  you will  discover Chiogga, a charming port loved by fisherman.You will also have a choice of exploring Vincenza or Padua.   Savor the wines and cuisines of the region every step of the way.  A Few rooms remain.    Nice little video:  Uniworld https://youtu.be/fTlHgKQXKJI. 

May 12-22, 2024. Countryside of the Emerald Isle.  If you have traveled to Ireland and loved it, this is part two.  If you have never been to Ireland, this is an amazing journey that will instill that love for the Emerald Isle.  This is not the same tour that we normally do.  This explorations tour is limited to 24 people going slightly off the beaten path.  We will fly into Dublin and then head south. We will head to the National Stud Farm where you will see amazing thoroughbreds and opulent gardens.  Stand at the rock of Cashel where St. Patrick is said to have preached.  Visit the coastal town of Kinsale to enjoy the shops and galleries before heading to the Old Midletown distillery, home of Jameson Whiskey. Visit the Garnish Islands and move on to Dingle where  you’ll enjoy a drive along the Dingle peninsula.  Take a ferry over to Inishmore, the largest of the Aran islands. where we will spend an amazing night.  See the Cliffs of Moher from a ship before ending our trip in Ennis and flying home from Shannon.  Truly a spectacular trip. Maximum number of passengers is 24.  Collette   https://gateway.gocollette.com/link/1149854

 July 10-20, 2024 Princess Alaska Cruisetour.   This is a magnificent cruise tour. Stay three nights on land to enjoy the beauty of Denali State Park and Denali National Park.  Then take a bubble top train toWhittier to board  the beautiful Sapphire Princess for a seven night cruise.   Cruise Glacier Bay and visit the Alaskan towns of Skagway, Juneau, and Ketchikan.  Princess

August 10-17, 2024 Iceland’s Natural Beauty. Discover Iceland’s majestic shores as you explore this northern isle’s coastal towns. Encounter unparalleled natural beauty and witness cascading waterfalls amid pristine fjord landscapes. Discover Viking heritage as you follow in the footsteps of intrepid explorer Leif Eriksson. Or observe the wealth of wildlife, from puffins to the gentle giants of the sea. Join us for a truly immersive experience that brings you closer to nature and all her splendor.-Viking Ocean

September 10-19,2024 British Landscapes. An adventure fit for a Shakespearean tale takes you from verdant hillsides to bustling British cities rich with culture. Explore The Athens of the North during your stay in Edinburgh. Explore the ruins of a Roman Fort during a visit to Hadrian’s Wall. Enjoy medieval York and its historic Minster. See the picturesque village of Llangolen in Wales. Walk in the footsteps of the Bard, visiting the childhood home of William Shakespeare. Personalize your tour with a choice of included excursions in Edinburgh and Oxford. See the quintessential sights of London with a local guide. Sleepy villages, grassy slopes, mountainside lakes, and cities built upon layers of history – these are the landscapes of Britain. https://gateway.gocollette.com/link/1184777

New Tour! September 21-October 2, 2024 Italian Vistas. Short notice tour.   All reservations for this tour must be made by  mid January.  This is due to availability issues in the month of September.  

We have scheduled an informational Zoom meeting for October25 @4:00pm.  There is no obligation and no pressure but you will learn a lot about this tour and the areas we’ll visit.   My Collette Rep and friend, Ed McKenna, will walk us through this fabulous tour.  You can register for the meeting at     https://collette.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEld–uqzkpGNB6_VJsFpOj0Ugh8ypPFYuR

From the ancient ruins of Pompeii to the charm of the Sorrento Coast embark on a spectacular Italian getaway.  Visit the amazing city of Rome and Vatican City, Pompeii, Sorrento, Florence, Pisa, and Venice, The trip will end in Stresa in the Lakes District.  Collette

https://gateway.gocollette.com/link/1205618

September 28-October 7, 2024    Best of Greece    Take advantage of group pricing on this amazing cruise.   Visit the ports of Athens, Santorini, Ephesus, Turkey, Mykonos, Volos, Thesaloniki, and Kavala before disembarking in Athens.-Celebrity Infinity.

May 4-12,  2025  Paris and Normandy River Cruise.   This cruise will begin and end in Paris.   Cruise from Paris through Normandy’s countryside, uncovering its many charms: Cha?teau de La Roche-Guyon, the medieval capital of Rouen, Monet’s beloved home in Giverny and the famed Normandy beaches.  Experience a different side of Northern France’s history with a tour of the majestic palace of Versailles, once home to Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette.   I only have 15 rooms so if you are interested, let me know.

Have a great week !

Lynn

 

 

 

Travel News for the Week of October 8

By Blog

Hi Everyone,

We are in the middle of a wonderful tour Called, Spain’s Classics and Portugal.   We have already visited the Barcelona, Valencia, Granada, and Seville. We’ll soon visit Cordoba and Madrid before ending our tour in Portugal.  Great tour, great people traveling with us.   The weather has been sunny, but hot.  It was 102  degrees yesterday. (but it’s a dry heat).

A few pics:

A beach town on the Mediterranean

Building in the Arts and Science Complex of Valencia.

The performing arts building in the Arts and Sciences Park

Plaza de España, Seville

In other news,

A record number of cruise ships have been sent to graveyards in the past few years. Thirty-eight vessels have been sold to ship breaking yards since th pandemic began.   That has left a cruise fleet that is newer, larger, and more efficient.-Travel Weekly

Starting November 14, guests planning a trip to Disney World can purchase a package that includes half-price park tickets and half-price dining plans for children, ages 3 to 9.  The savings are applicable to non-discounted, four night, four day packages from Walt Disney Travel Co. that include a Disney resort stay.  The promo is applicable for stays most nights from March 3- June 20.

2024

May 3-12, 2024 Milan, Venice and the Jewels of Veneto   Spend 2 nights in the beautiful city of Milan before boarding the ship, the S.S. LaVenezia, in Venice.  While in Milan, you will have an opportunity to take a city tour and also view DaVinci’s ‘Last Supper’.  Once aboard your ship you will enjoy all that Venice has to offer but the ship will also take you to many of the Venetian Islands such as Burano (my favorite),  and Torcello.  you will  discover Chiogga, a charming port loved by fisherman.You will also have a choice of exploring Vincenza or Padua.   Savor the wines and cuisines of the region every step of the way.  A Few rooms remain.    Nice little video:  Uniworld https://youtu.be/fTlHgKQXKJI. 

May 12-22, 2024. Countryside of the Emerald Isle.  If you have traveled to Ireland and loved it, this is part two.  If you have never been to Ireland, this is an amazing journey that will instill that love for the Emerald Isle.  This is not the same tour that we normally do.  This explorations tour is limited to 24 people going slightly off the beaten path.  We will fly into Dublin and then head south. We will head to the National Stud Farm where you will see amazing thoroughbreds and opulent gardens.  Stand at the rock of Cashel where St. Patrick is said to have preached.  Visit the coastal town of Kinsale to enjoy the shops and galleries before heading to the Old Midletown distillery, home of Jameson Whiskey. Visit the Garnish Islands and move on to Dingle where  you’ll enjoy a drive along the Dingle peninsula.  Take a ferry over to Inishmore, the largest of the Aran islands. where we will spend an amazing night.  See the Cliffs of Moher from a ship before ending our trip in Ennis and flying home from Shannon.  Truly a spectacular trip. Maximum number of passengers is 24.  Collette   https://gateway.gocollette.com/link/1149854

 July 10-20, 2024 Princess Alaska Cruisetour.   This is a magnificent cruise tour. Stay three nights on land to enjoy the beauty of Denali State Park and Denali National Park.  Then take a bubble top train toWhittier to board  the beautiful Sapphire Princess for a seven night cruise.   Cruise Glacier Bay and visit the Alaskan towns of Skagway, Juneau, and Ketchikan.  Princess

August 10-17, 2024 Iceland’s Natural Beauty. Discover Iceland’s majestic shores as you explore this northern isle’s coastal towns. Encounter unparalleled natural beauty and witness cascading waterfalls amid pristine fjord landscapes. Discover Viking heritage as you follow in the footsteps of intrepid explorer Leif Eriksson. Or observe the wealth of wildlife, from puffins to the gentle giants of the sea. Join us for a truly immersive experience that brings you closer to nature and all her splendor.-Viking Ocean

September 10-19,2024 British Landscapes. An adventure fit for a Shakespearean tale takes you from verdant hillsides to bustling British cities rich with culture. Explore The Athens of the North during your stay in Edinburgh. Explore the ruins of a Roman Fort during a visit to Hadrian’s Wall. Enjoy medieval York and its historic Minster. See the picturesque village of Llangolen in Wales. Walk in the footsteps of the Bard, visiting the childhood home of William Shakespeare. Personalize your tour with a choice of included excursions in Edinburgh and Oxford. See the quintessential sights of London with a local guide. Sleepy villages, grassy slopes, mountainside lakes, and cities built upon layers of history – these are the landscapes of Britain. https://gateway.gocollette.com/link/1184777

New Tour! September 21-October 2, 2024 Italian Vistas. Short notice tour.   All reservations for this tour must be made by  mid January.  This is due to availability issues in the month of September.  

We have scheduled an informational Zoom meeting for October25 @4:00pm.  There is no obligation and no pressure but you will learn a lot about this tour and the areas we’ll visit.   My Collette Rep and friend, Ed McKenna, will walk us through this fabulous tour.  You can register for the meeting at     https://collette.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEld–uqzkpGNB6_VJsFpOj0Ugh8ypPFYuR

From the ancient ruins of Pompeii to the charm of the Sorrento Coast embark on a spectacular Italian getaway.  Visit the amazing city of Rome and Vatican City, Pompeii, Sorrento, Florence, Pisa, and Venice, The trip will end in Stresa in the Lakes District.  Collette

https://gateway.gocollette.com/link/1205618

September 28-October 7, 2024    Best of Greece    Take advantage of group pricing on this amazing cruise.   Visit the ports of Athens, Santorini, Ephesus, Turkey, Mykonos, Volos, Thesaloniki, and Kavala before disembarking in Athens.-Celebrity Infinity.

Spring 2025  Paris and Normandy River Cruise.  Dates will be announced soon.

 

 

Travel News for the Week of October 1

By Blog

Hi Everyone,

Last week I mentioned that Delta had made major changes to their Sky Miles program.   Many of the changes negatively impacted Sky Miles participants.  The reaction by participants was loud and sustained.   Yesterday, Delta’s CEO admitted that they probably went overboard and they would be making some alterations.  Stay tuned.

The Bahamas has experienced a banner year.  They are on track to welcome 8 million visitors this year.  The Bahamas are close, and fairly easy to get to so that accounts for some of that.  You definitely won’t be alone if you travel to the Bahamas,

I am sorry this post is so short this week.  I am out on tour and will post much more next week.

2024

May 3-12, 2024 Milan, Venice and the Jewels of Veneto   Spend 2 nights in the beautiful city of Milan before boarding the ship, the S.S. LaVenezia, in Venice.  While in Milan, you will have an opportunity to take a city tour and also view DaVinci’s ‘Last Supper’.  Once aboard your ship you will enjoy all that Venice has to offer but the ship will also take you to many of the Venetian Islands such as Burano (my favorite),  and Torcello.  you will  discover Chiogga, a charming port loved by fisherman.You will also have a choice of exploring Vincenza or Padua.   Savor the wines and cuisines of the region every step of the way.  A Few rooms remain.    Nice little video:  Uniworld https://youtu.be/fTlHgKQXKJI. 

May 12-22, 2024. Countryside of the Emerald Isle.  If you have traveled to Ireland and loved it, this is part two.  If you have never been to Ireland, this is an amazing journey that will instill that love for the Emerald Isle.  This is not the same tour that we normally do.  This explorations tour is limited to 24 people going slightly off the beaten path.  We will fly into Dublin and then head south. We will head to the National Stud Farm where you will see amazing thoroughbreds and opulent gardens.  Stand at the rock of Cashel where St. Patrick is said to have preached.  Visit the coastal town of Kinsale to enjoy the shops and galleries before heading to the Old Midletown distillery, home of Jameson Whiskey. Visit the Garnish Islands and move on to Dingle where  you’ll enjoy a drive along the Dingle peninsula.  Take a ferry over to Inishmore, the largest of the Aran islands. where we will spend an amazing night.  See the Cliffs of Moher from a ship before ending our trip in Ennis and flying home from Shannon.  Truly a spectacular trip. Maximum number of passengers is 24.  Collette   https://gateway.gocollette.com/link/1149854

 July 10-20, 2024 Princess Alaska Cruisetour.   This is a magnificent cruise tour. Stay three nights on land to enjoy the beauty of Denali State Park and Denali National Park.  Then take a bubble top train toWhittier to board  the beautiful Sapphire Princess for a seven night cruise.   Cruise Glacier Bay and visit the Alaskan towns of Skagway, Juneau, and Ketchikan.  Princess

August 10-17, 2024 Iceland’s Natural Beauty. Discover Iceland’s majestic shores as you explore this northern isle’s coastal towns. Encounter unparalleled natural beauty and witness cascading waterfalls amid pristine fjord landscapes. Discover Viking heritage as you follow in the footsteps of intrepid explorer Leif Eriksson. Or observe the wealth of wildlife, from puffins to the gentle giants of the sea. Join us for a truly immersive experience that brings you closer to nature and all her splendor.-Viking Ocean

September 10-19,2024 British Landscapes. An adventure fit for a Shakespearean tale takes you from verdant hillsides to bustling British cities rich with culture. Explore The Athens of the North during your stay in Edinburgh. Explore the ruins of a Roman Fort during a visit to Hadrian’s Wall. Enjoy medieval York and its historic Minster. See the picturesque village of Llangolen in Wales. Walk in the footsteps of the Bard, visiting the childhood home of William Shakespeare. Personalize your tour with a choice of included excursions in Edinburgh and Oxford. See the quintessential sights of London with a local guide. Sleepy villages, grassy slopes, mountainside lakes, and cities built upon layers of history – these are the landscapes of Britain. https://gateway.gocollette.com/link/1184777

New Tour! September 21-October 2, 2024 Italian Vistas. Short notice tour.   All reservations for this tour must be made by  mid January.  This is due to availability issues in the month of September.  

We have scheduled an informational Zoom meeting for October25 @4:00pm.  There is no obligation and no pressure but you will learn a lot about this tour and the areas we’ll visit.   My Collette Rep and friend, Ed McKenna, will walk us through this fabulous tour.  You can register for the meeting at     https://collette.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEld–uqzkpGNB6_VJsFpOj0Ugh8ypPFYuR

From the ancient ruins of Pompeii to the charm of the Sorrento Coast embark on a spectacular Italian getaway.  Visit the amazing city of Rome and Vatican City, Pompeii, Sorrento, Florence, Pisa, and Venice, The trip will end in Stresa in the Lakes District.  Collette

https://gateway.gocollette.com/link/1205618

September 28-October 7, 2024    Best of Greece    Take advantage of group pricing on this amazing cruise.   Visit the ports of Athens, Santorini, Ephesus, Turkey, Mykonos, Volos, Thesaloniki, and Kavala before disembarking in Athens.-Celebrity Infinity.

Spring 2025  Paris and Normandy River Cruise.  Dates will be announced soon.

 

 

Travel News for the Week of September 17

By Blog

Hi everyone,
The big news this week is that Delta is changing how to earn status with them and how you can access the Delta Sky Clubs. If you have a Sky Club membership you may have already been contact by Delta.  If not, here is a bit of information about the changes:

Your status will be based on how may MQDs (sum total of the SkyMiles Member’s spend on Delta-marketed flights in Main Cabin or above ) You will also earn on purchases of car rentals and hotels booked on Delta.com.  If you have a premium card like the Delta Sky Miles Reserve American Express you will earn 1 MQD for each $10 spent.  Status  boost and MQD Waiver will end on December 31.   The news doesn’t get much better as far as entrance into the Delta Sky Clubs.  Starting February, 2025 Sky Club Access will be limited to 10 visits per 12 month period unless you spend $75000 on your card during the previous year.
To earn  Silver Medallion status in you will need to earn 6000 MQDs in 2024,   Gold Medallion status will require $12000 MQDs. Platinum Medallion status will  require $18000 MQDs.  Diamond Medallion will require 35,000 MQDs.

Last week I mentioned that I was doing a tour called Painted Canyons.   We are at the end of our tour now and it has been an amazing week.  We began our journey in Denver and drove across Colorado to experience the Colorado Monument on our way to Utah.  We enjoyed a fabulous dinner at a winery in Colorado and learned how to always choose the best wine. In Utah we stayed a two nights at a place called Red Cliffe Lodge near Moab, Utah.  We watched the Colorado river flow by our cabins I was greeted by a huge buck when I opened my curtain in the morning. We visited Arches National Park, Canyonlands, Dead Horse Point, Capital Reef National Park, Bryce and Zion National parks before ending our trip in Las Vegas.   I’ve tried to include a few pictures but it’s difficult to put into words how beautiful this part of the country is.  I heartily recommend this tour.

Red Cliffe Lodge, Moab

Red Cliffe Lodge, Moab

Arches National Park
Bryce Canyon
 Bryce Canyon

Bryce Canyon Nat'l Park

Bryce Canyon

Zion

Zion outside our hotel

2024

May 3-12, 2024 Milan, Venice and the Jewels of Veneto   Spend 2 nights in the beautiful city of Milan before boarding the ship, the S.S. LaVenezia, in Venice.  While in Milan, you will have an opportunity to take a city tour and also view DaVinci’s ‘Last Supper’.  Once aboard your ship you will enjoy all that Venice has to offer but the ship will also take you to many of the Venetian Islands such as Burano (my favorite),  and Torcello.  you will  discover Chiogga, a charming port loved by fisherman.You will also have a choice of exploring Vincenza or Padua.   Savor the wines and cuisines of the region every step of the way.    Nice little video:  Uniworld https://youtu.be/fTlHgKQXKJI

May 12-22, 2024. Countryside of the Emerald Isle.  If you have traveled to Ireland and loved it, this is part two.  If you have never been to Ireland, this is an amazing journey that will instill that love for the Emerald Isle.  This is not the same tour that we normally do.  This explorations tour is limited to 24 people going slightly off the beaten path.  We will fly into Dublin and then head south. We will head to the National Stud Farm where you will see amazing thoroughbreds and opulent gardens.  Stand at the rock of Cashel where St. Patrick is said to have preached.  Visit the coastal town of Kinsale to enjoy the shops and galleries before heading to the Old Midletown distillery, home of Jameson Whiskey. Visit the Garnish Islands and move on to Dingle where  you’ll enjoy a drive along the Dingle peninsula.  Take a ferry over to Inishmore, the largest of the Aran islands. where we will spend an amazing night.  See the Cliffs of Moher from a ship before ending our trip in Ennis and flying home from Shannon.  Truly a spectacular trip. Maximum number of passengers is 24.  Collette   https://gateway.gocollette.com/link/1149854

 July 10-20, 2024 Princess Alaska Cruisetour.   This is a magnificent cruise tour. Stay three nights on land to enjoy the beauty of Denali State Park and Denali National Park.  Then take a bubble top train toWhittier to board  the beautiful Sapphire Princess for a seven night cruise.   Cruise Glacier Bay and visit the Alaskan towns of Skagway, Juneau, and Ketchikan.  Princess

August 10-17, 2024 Iceland’s Natural Beauty. Discover Iceland’s majestic shores as you explore this northern isle’s coastal towns. Encounter unparalleled natural beauty and witness cascading waterfalls amid pristine fjord landscapes. Discover Viking heritage as you follow in the footsteps of intrepid explorer Leif Eriksson. Or observe the wealth of wildlife, from puffins to the gentle giants of the sea. Join us for a truly immersive experience that brings you closer to nature and all her splendor.-Viking Ocean

September 10-19,2024 British Landscapes. An adventure fit for a Shakespearean tale takes you from verdant hillsides to bustling British cities rich with culture. Explore The Athens of the North during your stay in Edinburgh. Explore the ruins of a Roman Fort during a visit to Hadrian’s Wall. Enjoy medieval York and its historic Minster. See the picturesque village of Llangolen in Wales. Walk in the footsteps of the Bard, visiting the childhood home of William Shakespeare. Personalize your tour with a choice of included excursions in Edinburgh and Oxford. See the quintessential sights of London with a local guide. Sleepy villages, grassy slopes, mountainside lakes, and cities built upon layers of history – these are the landscapes of Britain. https://gateway.gocollette.com/link/1184777

New Tour! September 21-October 2, 2024 Italian Vistas. Short notice tour.   All reservations for this tour must be made by  mid January.  This is due to availability issues in the month of September.  

We have scheduled an informational Zoom meeting for October25 @4:00pm.  There is no obligation and no pressure but you will learn a lot about this tour and the areas we’ll visit.   My Collette Rep and friend, Ed McKenna, will walk us through this fabulous tour.  You can register for the meeting at     https://collette.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEld–uqzkpGNB6_VJsFpOj0Ugh8ypPFYuR

From the ancient ruins of Pompeii to the charm of the Sorrento Coast embark on a spectacular Italian getaway.  Visit the amazing city of Rome and Vatican City, Pompeii, Sorrento, Florence, Pisa, and Venice, The trip will end in Stresa in the Lakes District.  Collette

https://gateway.gocollette.com/link/1205618

September 28-October 7, 2024    Best of Greece    Take advantage of group pricing on this amazing cruise.   Visit the ports of Athens, Santorini, Ephesus, Turkey, Mykonos, Volos, Thesaloniki, and Kavala before disembarking in Athens.-Celebrity Infinity.

Spring 2025  Paris and Normandy River Cruise.  Dates will be announced soon.

 

 

Fuller Travel Week of Sept 3

By Blog

Hi Everyone,

If a trip to Jamaica is in your future, you will need to complete a mandatory entry form online.  the link to this form is www.enterjamaica.com.      It looks like this is effective immediately.

Traditionally, Alaska cruises have been 7 days in length-either a round trip inside passage sailing from Seattle or Vancouver, or a one way voyage from Vancouver, Seward, or Whittier.   Lately, though, Alaskan cruises have been getting longer. Many of the mainstream cruises will start sailing as far as the Alaskan Arctic for the first time.  For example, Princess Cruises offered a 22 day Ultimate Alaska Solstice with Glacier Bay National Park sailing from San Francisco.   A 17 day Ultimate Alaska with Glacier Bay  National Park cruise departed from Seattle this year.   It is an interesting development and opens new ports of call.  Other cruise lines such as Holland America and Norwegian are also offering longer Alaska cruises.Travel Pulse

If you are a person that enjoys visiting the Delta Sky Clubs, you know that they have been overcrowded with lines to get in at many airports.   Delta has tried a variety of things to try to reduce the overcrowding.   There is now talk that people who are eligible to get into the lounges based on the credit cards they hold may have limits placed on the number of lounge visits they can make in a year.  For instance, someone holding an American Express Reserve card  or the American Express Platinum card could be limited to 10 lounge visits a year.  this has not been decided yet but  there is speculation that could happen. – The Points Guy

Have a wonderful holiday.

Lynn

2024

May 3-12, 2024 Milan, Venice and the Jewels of Veneto   Spend 2 nights in the beautiful city of Milan before boarding the ship, the S.S. LaVenezia, in Venice.  While in Milan, you will have an opportunity to take a city tour and also view DaVinci’s ‘Last Supper’.  Once aboard your ship you will enjoy all that Venice has to offer but the ship will also take you to many of the Venetian Islands such as Burano (my favorite),  and Torcello.  you will  discover Chiogga, a charming port loved by fisherman.You will also have a choice of exploring Vincenza or Padua.   Savor the wines and cuisines of the region every step of the way.    Nice little video:  Uniworld https://youtu.be/fTlHgKQXKJI

May 12-22, 2024. Countryside of the Emerald Isle.  If you have traveled to Ireland and loved it, this is part two.  If you have never been to Ireland, this is an amazing journey that will instill that love for the Emerald Isle.  This is not the same tour that we normally do.  This explorations tour is limited to 24 people going slightly off the beaten path.  We will fly into Dublin and then head south. We will head to the National Stud Farm where you will see amazing thoroughbreds and opulent gardens.  Stand at the rock of Cashel where St. Patrick is said to have preached.  Visit the coastal town of Kinsale to enjoy the shops and galleries before heading to the Old Midletown distillery, home of Jameson Whiskey. Visit the Garnish Islands and move on to Dingle where  you’ll enjoy a drive along the Dingle peninsula.  Take a ferry over to Inishmore, the largest of the Aran islands. where we will spend an amazing night.  See the Cliffs of Moher from a ship before ending our trip in Ennis and flying home from Shannon.  Truly a spectacular trip. Maximum number of passengers is 24.  Collette   https://gateway.gocollette.com/link/1149854

 July 10-20, 2024 Princess Alaska Cruisetour.   This is a magnificent cruise tour. Stay three nights on land to enjoy the beauty of Denali State Park and Denali National Park.  Then take a bubble top train toWhittier to board  the beautiful Sapphire Princess for a seven night cruise.   Cruise Glacier Bay and visit the Alaskan towns of Skagway, Juneau, and Ketchikan.  Princess

August 10-17, 2024 Iceland’s Natural Beauty. Discover Iceland’s majestic shores as you explore this northern isle’s coastal towns. Encounter unparalleled natural beauty and witness cascading waterfalls amid pristine fjord landscapes. Discover Viking heritage as you follow in the footsteps of intrepid explorer Leif Eriksson. Or observe the wealth of wildlife, from puffins to the gentle giants of the sea. Join us for a truly immersive experience that brings you closer to nature and all her splendor.-Viking Ocean

September 10-19,2024 British Landscapes. An adventure fit for a Shakespearean tale takes you from verdant hillsides to bustling British cities rich with culture. Explore The Athens of the North during your stay in Edinburgh. Explore the ruins of a Roman Fort during a visit to Hadrian’s Wall. Enjoy medieval York and its historic Minster. See the picturesque village of Llangolen in Wales. Walk in the footsteps of the Bard, visiting the childhood home of William Shakespeare. Personalize your tour with a choice of included excursions in Edinburgh and Oxford. See the quintessential sights of London with a local guide. Sleepy villages, grassy slopes, mountainside lakes, and cities built upon layers of history – these are the landscapes of Britain. https://gateway.gocollette.com/link/1184777

New Tour! September 21-October 2, 2024 Italian Vistas. Short notice tour.   All reservations for this tour must be made by  mid January.  This is due to availability issues in the month of September.  

We have scheduled an informational Zoom meeting for October25 @4:00pm.  There is no obligation and no pressure but you will learn a lot about this tour and the areas we’ll visit.   My Collette Rep and friend, Ed McKenna, will walk us through this fabulous tour.  You can register for the meeting at     https://collette.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEld–uqzkpGNB6_VJsFpOj0Ugh8ypPFYuR

From the ancient ruins of Pompeii to the charm of the Sorrento Coast embark on a spectacular Italian getaway.  Visit the amazing city of Rome and Vatican City, Pompeii, Sorrento, Florence, Pisa, and Venice, The trip will end in Stresa in the Lakes District.  Collette

https://gateway.gocollette.com/link/1205618

September 28-October 7, 2024    Best of Greece    Take advantage of group pricing on this amazing cruise.   Visit the ports of Athens, Santorini, Ephesus, Turkey, Mykonos, Volos, Thesaloniki, and Kavala before disembarking in Athens.-Celebrity Infinity.

Spring 2025  Paris and Normandy River Cruise.  Dates will be announced soon.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Travel News for the Week of August 27

By Blog

Hi Everyone,

If you want to enroll in TSA PreCheck, you now have more options to enroll or renew.  The Department of Homeland Security which manages the program, has announced a partnership with Telos, a security firm, to make applying easier. There will be more enrollment centers so completing the in-person requirements will be more available.   TSA PreCheck allows travelers to go through screening without taking off their shoes, belts, or light jackets.  Members also do not have to remove laptops or approved liquids from carry-on luggage.

Southwest Airlines has made changes to its pre-flight boarding policies by limiting the options for passengers to purchase a better spot in line for an extra fee.  The carrier’s Early Bird option will now be limited on certain flights, routes, or days.

This week, the topic of Skiplagging was all over the news.   Skiplagging is also known as hidden city ticketing and is a strategy some travelers use to save money.  Skiplagging involves booking a flight with a layover in your intended destination and then not taking the second leg.  It may indeed save you money but could have you permanently banned from the airline, your insurance may no longer be valid, and it is a breach of the airline’s contract.   It is definitely not worth it, no matter how tempting it may be to try and save a little money. –adapted from Huffington Post

2023

Please note:  We have a great group going to Spain and Portugal and have had a late cancellation.  We have two seats available.  Please call asap if you are interested.   Dates for the tour are September 30-October 14.

2024

May 3-12, 2024 Milan, Venice and the Jewels of Veneto   Spend 2 nights in the beautiful city of Milan before boarding the ship, the S.S. LaVenezia, in Venice.  While in Milan, you will have an opportunity to take a city tour and also view DaVinci’s ‘Last Supper’.  Once aboard your ship you will enjoy all that Venice has to offer but the ship will also take you to many of the Venetian Islands such as Burano (my favorite),  and Torcello.  you will  discover Chiogga, a charming port loved by fisherman.You will also have a choice of exploring Vincenza or Padua.   Savor the wines and cuisines of the region every step of the way.    Nice little video:  Uniworld https://youtu.be/fTlHgKQXKJI

May 12-22, 2024. Countryside of the Emerald Isle.  If you have traveled to Ireland and loved it, this is part two.  If you have never been to Ireland, this is an amazing journey that will instill that love for the Emerald Isle.  This is not the same tour that we normally do.  This explorations tour is limited to 24 people going slightly off the beaten path.  We will fly into Dublin and then head south. We will head to the National Stud Farm where you will see amazing thoroughbreds and opulent gardens.  Stand at the rock of Cashel where St. Patrick is said to have preached.  Visit the coastal town of Kinsale to enjoy the shops and galleries before heading to the Old Midletown distillery, home of Jameson Whiskey. Visit the Garnish Islands and move on to Dingle where  you’ll enjoy a drive along the Dingle peninsula.  Take a ferry over to Inishmore, the largest of the Aran islands. where we will spend an amazing night.  See the Cliffs of Moher from a ship before ending our trip in Ennis and flying home from Shannon.  Truly a spectacular trip. Maximum number of passengers is 24.  Collette   https://gateway.gocollette.com/link/1149854

 July 10-20, 2024 Princess Alaska Cruisetour.   This is a magnificent cruise tour. Stay three nights on land to enjoy the beauty of Denali State Park and Denali National Park.  Then take a bubble top train toWhittier to board  the beautiful Sapphire Princess for a seven night cruise.   Cruise Glacier Bay and visit the Alaskan towns of Skagway, Juneau, and Ketchikan.  Princess

August 10-17, 2024 Iceland’s Natural Beauty. Discover Iceland’s majestic shores as you explore this northern isle’s coastal towns. Encounter unparalleled natural beauty and witness cascading waterfalls amid pristine fjord landscapes. Discover Viking heritage as you follow in the footsteps of intrepid explorer Leif Eriksson. Or observe the wealth of wildlife, from puffins to the gentle giants of the sea. Join us for a truly immersive experience that brings you closer to nature and all her splendor.-Viking Ocean

September 10-19,2024 British Landscapes. An adventure fit for a Shakespearean tale takes you from verdant hillsides to bustling British cities rich with culture. Explore The Athens of the North during your stay in Edinburgh. Explore the ruins of a Roman Fort during a visit to Hadrian’s Wall. Enjoy medieval York and its historic Minster. See the picturesque village of Llangolen in Wales. Walk in the footsteps of the Bard, visiting the childhood home of William Shakespeare. Personalize your tour with a choice of included excursions in Edinburgh and Oxford. See the quintessential sights of London with a local guide. Sleepy villages, grassy slopes, mountainside lakes, and cities built upon layers of history – these are the landscapes of Britain. https://gateway.gocollette.com/link/1184777

New Tour! September 21-October 2, 2024 Italian Vistas. Short notice tour.   All reservations for this tour must be made by  mid January.  This is due to availability issues in the month of September.  

We have scheduled an informational Zoom meeting for October25 @4:00pm.  There is no obligation and no pressure but you will learn a lot about this tour and the areas we’ll visit.   My Collette Rep and friend, Ed McKenna, will walk us through this fabulous tour.  You can register for the meeting at     https://collette.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEld–uqzkpGNB6_VJsFpOj0Ugh8ypPFYuR

From the ancient ruins of Pompeii to the charm of the Sorrento Coast embark on a spectacular Italian getaway.  Visit the amazing city of Rome and Vatican City, Pompeii, Sorrento, Florence, Pisa, and Venice, The trip will end in Stresa in the Lakes District.  Collette

https://gateway.gocollette.com/link/1205618

 

September 28-October 7, 2024    Best of Greece    Take advantage of group pricing on this amazing cruise.   Visit the ports of Athens, Santorini, Ephesus, Turkey, Mykonos, Volos, Thesaloniki, and Kavala before disembarking in Athens.-Celebrity Infinity.

NewDecember 1-9, 2024   Budapest to Passau Christmas Markets River Cruise!  Join us as we embark our ship in Budapest, where  Christmas  has been celebrated for a 1000 years. Wander through the market on  Vorosmarty Square, admiring the porcelain, and the pastries  baked over an open fire.   In Bratislava, stalls abound with traditional Slovakian Christmas items such as spiced ginger cookies  and figurines made from corn husks.  We will enjoy a special “Taste of Christmas” in Vienna. Glorious baroque architecture, delightful concerts, and amazing scenery will make the Christmas season unforgettable.   I only have 10 rooms on a “soft” hold which means if the cruise line needs the rooms, they will take them back so if you are interested please let me know asap.-Uniworld

Spring 2025  Paris and Normandy River Cruise.  Dates will be announced soon.

Have a great week!

 

Travel News for the Week of August 20

By Blog

Hi Everyone,

If you are planning a trip to Yellowstone you may not want to go in the summer.  Yellowstone National Park hosted almost 1 million people in  July.  969,692 visited Yellowstone last month.   Spring and Fall are wonderful times to visit this beautiful park with far fewer visitors.

A cloud of volcanic ash spewing from Europe’s most active volcano has closed one of Sicily’s largest airports, leading to delayed, cancelled, and diverted flights.   This is very reminiscent of my time in Italy several years ago when a volcano in Iceland  disrupted air travel for several days and caused our group to remain in Rome for 5 extra days.  You can’t fight Mother Nature.

If you are traveling to Italy and want want to see the Leaning Tower of Pisa you will be pleasantly surprised to learn that after 8 years of an international effort to stabilize the structure, that effort has resulted in the structure being declared stable.   It is celebrating its 850th birthday.-CNN

The summer travel season is drawing to a close. Labor Day travel will be very busy as travelers try to extend the summer a little.  The busiest days to travel around Labor Day are Friday, Sept. 1 and Monday, Sept. 4. –Chase Travel.

The holiday weekend, which traditionally marks the end of the summer travel season, will see travelers explore popular travel hotspots both in the United States and around the world. Friday, Sept. 1 and Monday, Sept. 4 will be the busiest days for airport traffic as flyers jet to and from their destinations around the world, according to new data from Chase Travel

2023

Please note:  We have a great group going to Spain and Portugal and have had a late cancellation.  We have two seats available.  Please call asap if you are interested.   Dates for the tour are September 30-October 14.

2024

May 3-12, 2024 Milan, Venice and the Jewels of Veneto   Spend 2 nights in the beautiful city of Milan before boarding the ship, the S.S. LaVenezia, in Venice.  While in Milan, you will have an opportunity to take a city tour and also view DaVinci’s ‘Last Supper’.  Once aboard your ship you will enjoy all that Venice has to offer but the ship will also take you to many of the Venetian Islands such as Burano (my favorite),  and Torcello.  you will  discover Chiogga, a charming port loved by fisherman.You will also have a choice of exploring Vincenza or Padua.   Savor the wines and cuisines of the region every step of the way.    Nice little video:  Uniworld https://youtu.be/fTlHgKQXKJI

May 12-22, 2024. Countryside of the Emerald Isle.  If you have traveled to Ireland and loved it, this is part two.  If you have never been to Ireland, this is an amazing journey that will instill that love for the Emerald Isle.  This is not the same tour that we normally do.  This explorations tour is limited to 24 people going slightly off the beaten path.  We will fly into Dublin and then head south. We will head to the National Stud Farm where you will see amazing thoroughbreds and opulent gardens.  Stand at the rock of Cashel where St. Patrick is said to have preached.  Visit the coastal town of Kinsale to enjoy the shops and galleries before heading to the Old Midletown distillery, home of Jameson Whiskey. Visit the Garnish Islands and move on to Dingle where  you’ll enjoy a drive along the Dingle peninsula.  Take a ferry over to Inishmore, the largest of the Aran islands. where we will spend an amazing night.  See the Cliffs of Moher from a ship before ending our trip in Ennis and flying home from Shannon.  Truly a spectacular trip. Maximum number of passengers is 24.  Collette   https://gateway.gocollette.com/link/1149854

 July 10-20, 2024 Princess Alaska Cruisetour.   This is a magnificent cruise tour. Stay three nights on land to enjoy the beauty of Denali State Park and Denali National Park.  Then take a bubble top train toWhittier to board  the beautiful Sapphire Princess for a seven night cruise.   Cruise Glacier Bay and visit the Alaskan towns of Skagway, Juneau, and Ketchikan.  Princess

August 10-17, 2024 Iceland’s Natural Beauty. Discover Iceland’s majestic shores as you explore this northern isle’s coastal towns. Encounter unparalleled natural beauty and witness cascading waterfalls amid pristine fjord landscapes. Discover Viking heritage as you follow in the footsteps of intrepid explorer Leif Eriksson. Or observe the wealth of wildlife, from puffins to the gentle giants of the sea. Join us for a truly immersive experience that brings you closer to nature and all her splendor.-Viking Ocean

September 10-19,2024 British Landscapes. An adventure fit for a Shakespearean tale takes you from verdant hillsides to bustling British cities rich with culture. Explore The Athens of the North during your stay in Edinburgh. Explore the ruins of a Roman Fort during a visit to Hadrian’s Wall. Enjoy medieval York and its historic Minster. See the picturesque village of Llangolen in Wales. Walk in the footsteps of the Bard, visiting the childhood home of William Shakespeare. Personalize your tour with a choice of included excursions in Edinburgh and Oxford. See the quintessential sights of London with a local guide. Sleepy villages, grassy slopes, mountainside lakes, and cities built upon layers of history – these are the landscapes of Britain. https://gateway.gocollette.com/link/1184777

September 21-October 2, 2024 Italian Vistas. From the ancient ruins of Pompeii to the charm of the Sorrento Coast embark on a spectacular Italian getaway.  Visit the amazing city of Rome and Vatican City, Pompeii, Sorrento, Florence, Pisa, and Venice, The trip will end in Stresa in the Lakes District.

September 28-October 7, 2024    Best of Greece    Take advantage of group pricing on this amazing cruise.   Visit the ports of Athens, Santorini, Ephesus, Turkey, Mykonos, Volos, Thesaloniki, and Kavala before disembarking in Athens.-Celebrity Infinity.

NewDecember 1-9, 2024   Budapest to Passau Christmas Markets River Cruise!  Join us as we embark our ship in Budapest, where  Christmas  has been celebrated for a 1000 years. Wander through the market on  Vorosmarty Square, admiring the porcelain, and the pastries  baked over an open fire.   In Bratislava, stalls abound with traditional Slovakian Christmas items such as spiced ginger cookies  and figurines made from corn husks.  We will enjoy a special “Taste of Christmas” in Vienna. Glorious baroque architecture, delightful concerts, and amazing scenery will make the Christmas season unforgettable.   I only have 10 rooms on a “soft” hold which means if the cruise line needs the rooms, they will take them back so if you are interested please let me know asap.-Uniworld

Coming soon! September,  Italy 2024.   I will be working on this and it will be in next week’s blog.

 

Spring 2025  Paris and Normandy River Cruise.  Dates will be announced soon.