Five years ago, the famed Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris suffered a tragic fire that collapsed its roof and spire. At the time, French President Emmanuel Macron pledged that Notre Dame would be rebuilt in five years. In February, scaffolding was removed to unveil the cathedral’s new spire, adorned with a golden rooster and a cross. This week, eight bells for the North Belfry arrived in Paris. The reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral is slated for December 8 but the surrounding area will still be under construction until 2028–New York Post from Fox News.
We have been waiting for the implementation of Real ID and it is now scheduled for May 7, but the Transportation Security Administration is considering a phase in for the implementation of this program. Stay tuned.
The Department of Transportation is opening an investigation into Airline frequent flyer programs, accusing airlines of potentially illegal points devaluation and other accounting techniques that it is says are not consumer friendly.
2025-26 Tours and Sailings
May 3-11, 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. Uniworld River Cruise. Deposit now. A few spots remain. Uniworld
May 30-June 7, 2025 Columbia & Snake Rivers Board your river cruise ship in Portland, Oregon and cruise to Clarkston, Idaho on a 9 day, 8night journey. On your journey you will visit Ft. Clapstop, Mt St. Helens, Cross the “Bridge of the Gods and admire Nulnomah Falls. You’ll end your cruise in Clarkston, to fly home from Lewiston Idaho.- American Cruise Lines
September 5-16, 2025 America’s National Parks. This is a repeat of one we’ve done before but it is one of my favorites. We will tour Salt Lake City, the Tetons, Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon, Bryce and Zion Canyons, and Mt. Rushmore among other places. Ready for deposit now. Email me for a brochure. Collette
September26-October 8, 2025.Peaks of Europe: The Alps to The Dolomites featuring France, Switzerland, Liechtenstein. Postcard-perfect vistas and storybook villages. Rolling hills and the crisp scent of fresh mountain air. There is nothing in this world quite like the Alps. You’re on your way to explore Europe’s iconic peaks and valleys on an invigorating journey through France, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Austria and Italy. , 2025. This trip is full. If you would like to get on a wait list, please contact me.
Coming: April , 2026 Tulips and Windmills River Cruise From the canals of Amsterdam to the belfry of Bruges, you’ll discover the best of the Netherlands and Belgium. Stroll through colorful acres of tulips at Keukenhof Gardens to get a sense of the Netherlands’ extraordinary connection to these blooms. Wander through the picture-perfect villages of Veere, Hoorn and Enkhuizen, and the enchanting outdoor Zuiderzee Museum and much more. Will be ready for deposits in a couple weeks. If you are on my interest list I will be contacting you. There are still a few spots on this trip.
Coming September, 2026. Sicily and Southern Italy. Not ready for deposits but call to be put on the interest list.
Considering a 2026 cruise from Croatia to Greece. Email me if that is something you might be interested in. Just measuring interest level.