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Travel News for the Week of October 22

By October 22, 2023Blog

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