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Travel News for the Week of October 29

By October 29, 2023Blog

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