Venice Virgins We Are Not
Stephano suggests that we drive to Punta Sabbione, the tiny finger-like peninsula which is across from Venezia, and then take one of the many ferries into the city. Noventa di Piave is already halfway there, and we quickly agree...
PHOTOS: The Incredible Byzantine Mosaics of the Cattedrale di Monreale
Beautiful, beautiful memories of Sicily this time last year. The incredible Byzantine Mosaics in the Cattedrale di Monreale, perhaps one of the greatest extant examples of Norman architecture. And although not so refined as...
Overnight on the Hurtigruten to Bergen
Our overnight is uneventful, our cabin a snug cocoon from the chilly Norwegian Sea air as we chug and amble our way towards Bergen. We have a quiet morning; breakfast is our standard Scandinavian buffet of cereal, porridge,...
Paris Guide: Things to See, Do and Eat
Paris has charmed everyone with its vibrant streets, high art, superb cuisine and astonishing architecture. The only City of Lights exudes authenticity, romance, and style that no one can resist. Whether you’re strolling along...
Vienna: A Return Visit is in Order
Unfortunately, Vienna gets the short end of the stick on this trip, welcoming us at the end of our whirlwind tour of northern Europe. Fairytale castles and cobblestone walkways have all had their toll on us and both John and I...
Our Own Sound of Music Tour
A quiet morning but full of productivity. We reconfirm our B&B in Vienna. After our earlier than anticipated arrival in Salzburg and one other surprise arrival in Amsterdam, we are going to make it a habit of reconfirming our...
A Foggy Drive to Brussels
Ugh, my head! We try not to wake Fred and Michiel this morning as we tiptoe around the apartment and grab a coffee before we head out the door. They are awake anyway and wish us well and we say our final goodbyes and head to...
Provence Beckons!
Traffic on the A9 is light as we head out to Orange, home of the family that includes St. Guilhem, the Dutch royal family, and William of Orange, the King of England. Orange is also home to the only Roman Amphitheater in Europe...
Madrid: Alive and Breathing in Life to its Fullest
Madrid is not one of Europe’s most beautiful cities. Much of its historical and cultural history has been torn down to make way for the new. Indeed, it seems to be a city on the verge of the next century, good and bad. The...
The Prado in One Day
I was merciless yesterday as we did our walking tour of Madrid: although the guidebook told us that the walking tour would take at least two days, we got it done in one (and were our feet complaining loudly last night? You bet...