Discover Croatia, Slovenia and the Adriatic Coast

Join us and explore Croatia and the countries of the Adriatic.  This is a “must see” region filled with ancient cities, medieval architecture, intriguing cultures, rolling hills and stunning coastal scenery.  Croatia is one of the most popular tourist spots now.  You need to see it before it becomes overrun with tourists.

Our journey to Croatia and Slovenia takes us to Opatija on the Istrian Peninsula to Dobrovnik, Plitvice Lakes (shown above)and Split Croatia.  Then on to Ljubljana and Lake Bled, Slovenia and Zagreb, Croatia. I have also included an excursion into Kotor, Montenegro, a most beautiful coastal city on the Adriatic.

Give me a call at 919.708.8217 for more information about this exciting and “different” destination.  I have interest in Croatia, so I decided to research it.  I am so glad I did.  This is a region I would love to visit myself.

 

If you prefer, you can email me at cruiselikeavip@windstream.net or facebook/cruiselikeavip and leave me a message.

#croatia#slovenia@dobrovnik#lakebled#dalmatiancoast#kotor#opatija#plitvicelakes#split

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Normandy Beaches celebrating D-Day

If you would like to be a part of history, then Normandy is the place to be next June, 2014.  There will be numerous celebrations commemorating the 70th anniversary of the invasion of Normandy, France, and we are going to be there to learn first hand what our soldiers endured to liberate the world from the German occupation.

Since I am a river cruise specialist, of course a river cruise is the perfect way to see all the sites in France.  Our exciting cruise starts on the river Seine in Paris.  From there, we visit towns and cities along the way learning about the culture of each, eating regional specialties, and meeting the locals.  Since our ship docks overnight right in the heart of each town, we have an opportunity to learn about the local history and see the culture for ourselves and not be on a strict timetable.

The most impressive visit on this cruise will be to Omaha Beach and the American Cemetery.  Some of my friends and travelers just returned from Normandy and they told me it was a moving and humbling experience to actually see what our soldiers went through, most who are buried there.

Save the date next June 10th for a once in a lifetime historical experience.         

#River cruises, #Travel, #History, #D-Day

919.708.8217

Christmas In The Heart of Germany

Christmas In The Heart of Germany – This holiday season, sail along the picturesque Main River between Frankfurt and Nuremberg.  Explore the Bavarian regions of Germany, tour the dramatic sandstone ruins of Heidelberg Castle, the Romantic Road to Rothenburg, historic Nuremberg, and best of all, experience Germany’s world-famous Christmas markets.  Many of our seasonal traditions began in Germany.  So come along and explore the magnificent Christmas markets of Germany on this amazing cruise.

Day 1- Nuremberg – Arrive in Nuremberg and transfer from the airport to embark your ship.  After boarding, relax, or begin exploring this historic city on your own.  After dinner, relax and enjoy musical entertainment in the lounge.

Day 2- Nuremberg – Morning tour of the city’s most prominent landmarks, enjoy the iconic Christmas market in the Old Town’s Main Market Square.  Browse booths with colorful ornaments, gifts, and fragrant treats; there is no better place to shop for handmade wooden toys and nutcrackers.  Savor the traditional lebkuchen and gluhwein.  Free time this afternoon to further explore Nuremberg before boarding your ship for dinner.

Day 3 – Bamberg – Visit Bamberg with its medieval city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Your walking tour includes a visit to the 11th- century cathedral and picturesque city hall built on an island in the middle of a river.  Free time to walk around Bamberg or visit its traditional Christmas markets.

Day 4 – Wurzburg & Rothenburg – Disembark in Gerlachshausen for a full day in two of Northern Bavaria’s most charming destinations.  Walk through Wurzburg and tour the Bishops’ Residenz, a beautiful baroque palace.  Then take a deluxe ride along the Romantic Road to Rothenberg.  Lunch at a local Bavarian restaurant and shopping in its joyful Christmas Market.  Rothenberg is also home to Germany’s Christmas Museum.  Return to Wurzburg for onboard dinner.

Day 5 – Wertheim – Enjoy scenic cruising this morning; sail into Wertheim, located at the confluence of the Main and Tauber Rivers.  You will experience life in a typical small German town on your walking tour.  Free time to visit Wertheim’s Christmas market.  Onboard enjoy Wertheim’s traditional glassblowing art as you sail toward Frankfurt.

Day 6 – Heidelberg – Arrive at Frankfurt for a full-day excursion to Heidelberg, home to Germany’s oldest university.  Tour the red sandstone ruins of Heidelberg Castle, originally built in the 12th century.  Your tour ends at Old Town and marketplace where you will have time to shop at the Christmas market.  Shop for gifts, sample delightful treats, lunch at a local cafe.  After dinner onboard, you will have free time to explore Frankfurt this evening to discover Frankfurt’s charming elegant city.

Day 7 – Frankfurt – Our Christmas in the Heart of Germany ends and we return home with suitcases full of gifts and our hearts full of memories. #rivercruises

Itinerary can be reversed.  Additional nights in Cologne or Prague                                   

*****SPECIAL SAVINGS DISCOUNT*****

2-FOR-1 CRUISE AND SPECIAL AIRFARE $199 PER PERSON

Limited time offer – Expires July 31, 2013

Call me for details about this amazing cruise with this special airfare.

Christmas In The Heart of Germany

Christmas In The Heart of Germany – This holiday season, sail along the picturesque Main River between Frankfurt and Nuremberg.  Explore the Bavarian regions of Germany, tour the dramatic sandstone ruins of Heidelberg Castle, the Romantic Road to Rothenburg, historic Nuremberg, and best of all, experience Germany’s world-famous Christmas markets.  Many of our seasonal traditions began in Germany.  So come along and explore the magnificent Christmas markets of Germany on this amazing cruise.

Day 1- Nuremberg – Arrive in Nuremberg and transfer from the airport to embark your ship.  After boarding, relax, or begin exploring this historic city on your own.  After dinner, relax and enjoy musical entertainment in the lounge.

Day 2- Nuremberg – Morning tour of the city’s most prominent landmarks, enjoy the iconic Christmas market in the Old Town’s Main Market Square.  Browse booths with colorful ornaments, gifts, and fragrant treats; there is no better place to shop for handmade wooden toys and nutcrackers.  Savor the traditional lebkuchen and gluhwein.  Free time this afternoon to further explore Nuremberg before boarding your ship for dinner.

Day 3 – Bamberg – Visit Bamberg with its medieval city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Your walking tour includes a visit to the 11th- century cathedral and picturesque city hall built on an island in the middle of a river.  Free time to walk around Bamberg or visit its traditional Christmas markets.

Day 4 – Wurzburg & Rothenburg – Disembark in Gerlachshausen for a full day in two of Northern Bavaria’s most charming destinations.  Walk through Wurzburg and tour the Bishops’ Residenz, a beautiful baroque palace.  Then take a deluxe ride along the Romantic Road to Rothenberg.  Lunch at a local Bavarian restaurant and shopping in its joyful Christmas Market.  Rothenberg is also home to Germany’s Christmas Museum.  Return to Wurzburg for onboard dinner.

Day 5 – Wertheim – Enjoy scenic cruising this morning; sail into Wertheim, located at the confluence of the Main and Tauber Rivers.  You will experience life in a typical small German town on your walking tour.  Free time to visit Wertheim’s Christmas market.  Onboard enjoy Wertheim’s traditional glassblowing art as you sail toward Frankfurt.

Day 6 – Heidelberg – Arrive at Frankfurt for a full-day excursion to Heidelberg, home to Germany’s oldest university.  Tour the red sandstone ruins of Heidelberg Castle, originally built in the 12th century.  Your tour ends at Old Town and marketplace where you will have time to shop at the Christmas market.  Shop for gifts, sample delightful treats, lunch at a local cafe.  After dinner onboard, you will have free time to explore Frankfurt this evening to discover Frankfurt’s charming elegant city.

Day 7 – Frankfurt – Our Christmas in the Heart of Germany ends and we return home with suitcases full of gifts and our hearts full of memories. #rivercruises

Additional post nights in Prague available

****EARLY BOOKING DISCOUNT****

2 for 1 Airfare Available with early booking.  Call for details. 919.708.8217

Limited time offer

Christmas In The Heart of Germany

Christmas In The Heart of Germany – This holiday season, sail along the picturesque Main River between Frankfurt and Nuremberg.  Explore the Bavarian regions of Germany, tour the dramatic sandstone ruins of Heidelberg Castle, the Romantic Road to Rothenburg, historic Nuremberg, and best of all, experience Germany’s world-famous Christmas markets.  Many of our seasonal traditions began in Germany.  So come along and explore the magnificent Christmas markets of Germany on this amazing cruise.

Day 1- Nuremberg – Arrive in Nuremberg and transfer from the airport to embark your ship.  After boarding, relax, or begin exploring this historic city on your own.  After dinner, relax and enjoy musical entertainment in the lounge.

Day 2- Nuremberg – Morning tour of the city’s most prominent landmarks, enjoy the iconic Christmas market in the Old Town’s Main Market Square.  Browse booths with colorful ornaments, gifts, and fragrant treats; there is no better place to shop for handmade wooden toys and nutcrackers.  Savor the traditional lebkuchen and gluhwein.  Free time this afternoon to further explore Nuremberg before boarding your ship for dinner.

Day 3 – Bamberg – Visit Bamberg with its medieval city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Your walking tour includes a visit to the 11th- century cathedral and picturesque city hall built on an island in the middle of a river.  Free time to walk around Bamberg or visit its traditional Christmas markets.

Day 4 – Wurzburg & Rothenburg – Disembark in Gerlachshausen for a full day in two of Northern Bavaria’s most charming destinations.  Walk through Wurzburg and tour the Bishops’ Residenz, a beautiful baroque palace.  Then take a deluxe ride along the Romantic Road to Rothenberg.  Lunch at a local Bavarian restaurant and shopping in its joyful Christmas Market.  Rothenberg is also home to Germany’s Christmas Museum.  Return to Wurzburg for onboard dinner.

Day 5 – Wertheim – Enjoy scenic cruising this morning; sail into Wertheim, located at the confluence of the Main and Tauber Rivers.  You will experience life in a typical small German town on your walking tour.  Free time to visit Wertheim’s Christmas market.  Onboard enjoy Wertheim’s traditional glassblowing art as you sail toward Frankfurt.

Day 6 – Heidelberg – Arrive at Frankfurt for a full-day excursion to Heidelberg, home to Germany’s oldest university.  Tour the red sandstone ruins of Heidelberg Castle, originally built in the 12th century.  Your tour ends at Old Town and marketplace where you will have time to shop at the Christmas market.  Shop for gifts, sample delightful treats, lunch at a local cafe.  After dinner onboard, you will have free time to explore Frankfurt this evening to discover Frankfurt’s charming elegant city.

Day 7 – Frankfurt – Our Christmas in the Heart of Germany ends and we return home with suitcases full of gifts and our hearts full of memories. #rivercruises

****EARLY BOOKING DISCOUNT****

2 for 1 Airfare Available with early booking.  Call for details. 919.708.8217

Let’s Go Shopping!

Let’s Go Christmas Shopping!

Yes, let’s go Christmas shopping, but not at the local mall.  I am talking about the world famous German Christmas Markets.  I did some research about the German Christmas markets for my weekly newsletter.  The more I learned, the more excited I became.  Did you know that Germany’s first Christmas market was recorded way back in 1393?  Back in those days, Advent markets only lasted a couple of days, but things are different now, I am happy to say.

 If you’re looking for Christmas inspiration, nothing beats strolling around romantic booths at a Christmas market in a fabulous setting.  There are millions of visitors each year, so I think it is time for me to check them out.  Along with handcrafted Christmas decorations made as they have been for generations, there are wooden nutcrackers (my favorite), Nativity scenes, and beautiful hand-painted, blown glass ornaments.  And yes, they have shopping malls along with the small stalls and shops to keep us shopping till our wallets are empty.

 Not only are the Christmas markets a great place to shop, but they have many wonderful things to eat.  Remember the carol-“chestnuts roasting on a open fire”, well they have them along with gingerbread cookies and spicy mulled wine (Gluhwein).  Makes me hungry just thinking about it. 

 I read the Nuremberg Christmas market was the biggest and best, but since I have never been, I defer to the seasoned Christmas market travelers.  I sure would love to hear your comments!

 So, if my version of a typical German Christmas market makes you want to go–then go.  You may see me there too! 

Christmas In The Heart of Germany

Christmas In The Heart of Germany – This holiday season, sail along the picturesque Main River between Frankfurt and Nuremberg.  Explore the Bavarian regions of Germany, tour the dramatic sandstone ruins of Heidelberg Castle, the Romantic Road to Rothenburg, historic Nuremberg, and best of all, experience Germany’s world-famous Christmas markets.  Many of our seasonal traditions began in Germany.  So come along and explore the magnificent Christmas markets of Germany on this amazing cruise.

Day 1- Nuremberg – Arrive in Nuremberg and transfer from the airport to embark your ship.  After boarding, relax, or begin exploring this historic city on your own.  After dinner, relax and enjoy musical entertainment in the lounge.

Day 2- Nuremberg – Morning tour of the city’s most prominent landmarks, enjoy the iconic Christmas market in the Old Town’s Main Market Square.  Browse booths with colorful ornaments, gifts, and fragrant treats; there is no better place to shop for handmade wooden toys and nutcrackers.  Savor the traditional lebkuchen and gluhwein.  Free time this afternoon to further explore Nuremberg before boarding your ship for dinner.

Day 3 – Bamberg – Visit Bamberg with its medieval city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Your walking tour includes a visit to the 11th- century cathedral and picturesque city hall built on an island in the middle of a river.  Free time to walk around Bamberg or visit its traditional Christmas markets.

Day 4 – Wurzburg & Rothenburg – Disembark in Gerlachshausen for a full day in two of Northern Bavaria’s most charming destinations.  Walk through Wurzburg and tour the Bishops’ Residenz, a beautiful baroque palace.  Then take a deluxe ride along the Romantic Road to Rothenberg.  Lunch at a local Bavarian restaurant and shopping in its joyful Christmas Market.  Rothenberg is also home to Germany’s Christmas Museum.  Return to Wurzburg for onboard dinner.

Day 5 – Wertheim – Enjoy scenic cruising this morning; sail into Wertheim, located at the confluence of the Main and Tauber Rivers.  You will experience life in a typical small German town on your walking tour.  Free time to visit Wertheim’s Christmas market.  Onboard enjoy Wertheim’s traditional glassblowing art as you sail toward Frankfurt.

Day 6 – Heidelberg – Arrive at Frankfurt for a full-day excursion to Heidelberg, home to Germany’s oldest university.  Tour the red sandstone ruins of Heidelberg Castle, originally built in the 12th century.  Your tour ends at Old Town and marketplace where you will have time to shop at the Christmas market.  Shop for gifts, sample delightful treats, lunch at a local cafe.  After dinner onboard, you will have free time to explore Frankfurt this evening to discover Frankfurt’s charming elegant city.

Day 7 – Frankfurt – Our Christmas in the Heart of Germany ends and we return home with suitcases full of gifts and our hearts full of memories. #rivercruises

****EARLY BOOKING DISCOUNT****

2 for 1 Airfare Available with early booking.  Call for details. 919.708.8217

How To Pack A Suitcase!

I always wondered how to pack a suitcase efficiently.  I am packing for a 10 day trip soon and trying to use one suitcase.  This article was very helpful to me.  Hope you get something out of it also.

Check it out:  http://tinyurl.com/cfonkf